Bandini

45 King Reaches In His Pocket Full Of Miracles & Hands Blu A Gem (Audio)

Almost 20 years ago, 45 King (and Kid Capri) gave Jay Z one of the biggest anthems of his career with "Hard Knock Life." Before the vocal sample trend would define the early 2000s, the original Flavor Unit founder returned to form by letting the cast of Annie chronicle life... Read more

February 27, 2016 Audio

Dipset/Slaughterhouse Producer araabmuzik Shot In New York City

Veteran Hip-Hop and Electronic music producer araabmuzik has been shot. The 26 year-old Providence, Rhode Island native known for his work with Cam'ron, Slaughterhouse, Styles P, and Capone-N-Noreaga was reportedly shot in a Manhattan parking garage last night (February 25). The artist born Abraham Orellana was struck in the jaw,... Read more

February 26, 2016 News

Tupac’s All Eyez On Me vs. Raekwon’s Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… Which One Is Better?

One year ago, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: who is the greatest MC of all time? “Finding The GOAT MC” lasted between September 2014 and May 2015, engaging millions of readers and ultimately producing its winner, as... Read more

February 26, 2016 Finding the GOAT

Public Enemy’s It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back vs. Common’s Be. Which Is Better?

One year ago, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: who is the greatest MC of all time? “Finding The GOAT MC” lasted between September 2014 and May 2015, engaging millions of readers and ultimately producing its winner, as... Read more

February 25, 2016 Finding the GOAT

Xzibit Cast As Crooked Record Executive In Upcoming “Empire” Episodes

Veteran MC Xzibit has made a solid career out of acting. In addition to his hosting on series such as MTV's Pimp My Ride, the onetime Loud Records star lyricist has appeared in XXX: State Of The Union, 8 Mile, and TV reboot Hawaii Five-O. According to Deadline, Mr. X-to-the-Z... Read more

February 25, 2016 News, TV/Film

DJ Premier Remixes Kanye West & Makes Him Sound Like The Old Kanye (Audio)

Throughout the last decade, DJ Premier and Kanye West have worked together several times. Whether "Classic," "Everything I Am," or Common's "The Game," Preemo has been a reigning affiliate of the G.O.O.D. Music family, and one of West's influences. Thereby, the Gang Starr member takes it upon himself to remix... Read more

February 25, 2016 Audio

Mannie Fresh & Lil Wayne Reunite. Juvenile Joins In On A Totally New Sound (Audio)

After years of speculation, the hit-making team of Lil Wayne, Mannie Fresh, and Juvenile finally showcases their new music. Mannie mentored both Weezy and Juvy at Cash Money Records in the late 1990s and early 2000s, before the Big Tymers member and label producer would exit to sign with Def... Read more

February 25, 2016 Audio

O.D.B. Put The “Free” In Freestyle In This 1995 Outburst (Audio)

Twenty years ago this week, O.D.B. was waiting to see if he would win the Grammy for "Best Rap Album." The 1995 debut, Return To The 36 Chambers (The Dirty Version) would ultimately lose to Naughty By Nature's Poverty's Paradise, but the unconventional Brooklyn, New York MC was clearly reaching... Read more

February 25, 2016 Throwback

WC Is Sometimes Overlooked In Conversations About West Coast Giants. Not Tonight (Video)

For nearly 30 years, WC has been a West Coast lyrical giant. Whether in the form of Low Profile, The MaaD Circle, Westside Connection, or his impressive solo career, the South Central Los Angeles, California native MC has been able to make it work, and let the flows shine. 1995... Read more

February 25, 2016 Do Remember

Jay Z Wins Legal Battle Against Former Engineer With Unreleased Tapes

Two years ago, Jay Z and Roc Nation were alarmed to learn of a former Roc-A-Fella Records engineer who was accused of trying to sell master recordings. Chauncey Mahan, a Roc recording engineer who worked on 1999's Vol. 3...Life And Times Of S. Carter and other early 2000s material originally... Read more

February 24, 2016 News

Ras Kass & Planet Asia Burn It Down. No Fire Drills (Audio)

It was three years ago this month that Planet Asia and Ras Kass released "Kings." The song was produced by South Florida's Numonics. The producer and two California lyrical monarchs return together on "Fire Drills." This song is not just a bell-ringer, it delivers heat as the MCs from Carson... Read more

February 24, 2016 Audio

The D.O.C.’s No Can Do It Better vs. Ice Cube’s Death Certificate. Which Is Better?

One year ago, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: who is the greatest MC of all time? “Finding The GOAT MC” lasted between September 2014 and May 2015, engaging millions of readers and ultimately producing its winner, as... Read more

February 24, 2016 Finding the GOAT

Freddie Gibbs Has Some Things To Get Off His Chest On “Freddie Gordy” (Video)

Spitting reality Rap is what made Freddie Gibbs pivot from being an Interscope Records castaway to one of the prime independent movers and shakers of Hip-Hop. Gangsta Gibbs epitomizes Gangsta Rap in the 2010s. Shadow Of A Doubt single "Freddie Gordy" is the latest article of evidence in just how... Read more

February 23, 2016 Video

Outkast’s Aquemini vs. Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp A Butterfly. Which Is Better?

One year ago, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: who is the greatest MC of all time? “Finding The GOAT MC” lasted between September 2014 and May 2015, engaging millions of readers and ultimately producing its winner, as... Read more

February 23, 2016 Finding the GOAT

Ja Rule Tells Ice-T That “Coup De Grace” Will Be His Last Album (Audio)

Ja Rule is the latest guest on Ice-T's Final Level Podcast. The Hollis, Queens MC veteran spoke to the O.G. about his ascent from independent MC to a multi-platinum superstar. In the hour-plus formatted interview, the flagship Rap act of Murder Inc. describes meeting Irv Gotti (through Mic Geronimo), hustling... Read more

February 23, 2016 Audio, News

T.I. Joins Roc Nation, Announces Part Ownership In Tidal

Less than six months after announcing his departure from Columbia/Sony Records, T.I. has announced his new home. The Atlanta, Georgia veteran MC has moved his business and his Hustle Gang imprint (a/k/a Grand Hustle Records) under Jay Z's Roc Nation umbrella. There, Tip joins the likes of collaborators such as... Read more

February 23, 2016 News

Joey Bada$$’ New Single Shows He’s Ready To Do It All Again, In 2016 (Audio)

Joey Bada$$ has released his first proper single of 2016. "Ready" keeps one of the Pro Era front man MC's strongest music mates close to the fold in Statik Selektah. In the song, the Brooklyn, New Yorker promises to be around a mighty long time, as he stretches out his... Read more

February 22, 2016 Audio

Kendrick Lamar Confirmed To Induct N.W.A. Into Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame

One week ago today (February 15), Ice Cube and O'Shea Jackson, Jr. presented Kendrick Lamar with the Grammy Award for "Best Rap Album Of The Year." The honors went to To Pimp A Butterfly, Kendrick's latest work. In the speech that followed, the Compton, California MC thanked Ice Cube (along... Read more

February 22, 2016 News

Wu-Tang Clan’s Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) vs. Gang Starr’s Moment Of Truth. Which Is Better?

One year ago, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: who is the greatest MC of all time? “Finding The GOAT MC” lasted between September 2014 and May 2015, engaging millions of readers and ultimately producing its winner, as... Read more

February 22, 2016 Finding the GOAT

Ever Hear Dr. Dre’s Lost Song “My Life” From ’95? It’s One Of His Best (Audio)

Twenty years ago, Dr. Dre was gathering his things as he prepared to exit Death Row Records. As the legend has it, the label co-founder would relinquish his master recordings, and his stake in the multi-platinum dynasty. At the time, the label was overseen by Marion "Suge" Knight—Dre's manager and... Read more

February 21, 2016 Throwback

Anderson .Paak & TOKiMONSTA Make A Jam For All The Day One Supporters (Video)

Anderson .Paak is getting a lot of attention in the last several months. However, the Oxnard, California MC/singer/drummer/producer has been doing his thing since his days as Breezy Lovejoy. In that lens, a "day one" supporter may mean so much more—at a time when he's not got Dr. Dre, Rapsody,... Read more

February 20, 2016 Video

See The Side Of Compton That Makes Kendrick Lamar’s “Keisha’s Song” A Reality (Video)

Following the captivating first part of Noisey mini-documentary Bompton, viewers got an inside look at the city of Compton. Kendrick Lamar and 20-year best friend Lil L are among the hosts in a voyeuristic ride through the gang-controlled streets that have affected Rap music for the last 30 years. While... Read more

February 20, 2016 TV/Film, Video

Game & Lloyd Banks End Their Beef. 50 Cent Has Questions

This week, two critical members of the early 2000s G-Unit group reunited. Game and Lloyd Banks were photographed together in Dubai—with Game's caption "still." Lloyd, who is still in the group alongside 50 Cent, Tony Yayo, Young Buck, and Kidd Kidd, had reportedly not been photographed with his former band-mate... Read more

February 19, 2016 Fresh

Blackalicious Mix Political Commentary With Fiery Flows (Video)

Although Blackalicious always keeps it musical first and foremost, the Sacramento, California veteran duo regularly injects substance into their art. "On Fire Tonight" is the latest example of this skill. The Imani, Vol. 1 single "On Fire Tonight" could easily mean Gift Of Gab's fast and furious flow. However, the... Read more

February 19, 2016 Video

Boogie Down Productions’ Criminal Minded vs. Ghostface Killah’s Supreme Clientele. Which Is Better?

One year ago, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: who is the greatest MC of all time? “Finding The GOAT MC” lasted between September 2014 and May 2015, engaging millions of readers and ultimately producing its winner, as... Read more

February 19, 2016 Finding the GOAT

The Notorious B.I.G.’s Ready To Die vs. Slick Rick’s The Great Adventures Of…Which Is Better?

One year ago, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: who is the greatest MC of all time? “Finding The GOAT MC” lasted between September 2014 and May 2015, engaging millions of readers and ultimately producing its winner, as... Read more

February 18, 2016 Finding the GOAT

Kanye West Explains Why He Blew Up On Sway & Just How Deep The Question “HOW SWAY??” Was

Throughout the last dozen years, Kanye West lyrics have dealt a lot with wealth and finances. On The Life Of Pablo, "No More Parties In L.A." is a series of verses: "A 38-year-old eight-year-old with rich nigga problems / Tell my wife that I hate the Rolls so I don't... Read more

February 17, 2016 Food for Thought

De La Soul’s 3 Feet High And Rising vs. Madvillain’s Madvillainy. Which Is Better?

One year ago, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: who is the greatest MC of all time? “Finding The GOAT MC” lasted between September 2014 and May 2015, engaging millions of readers and ultimately producing its winner, as... Read more

February 17, 2016 Finding the GOAT

Xzibit Swings Hard, In Support Of Bishop Lamont In This Combative Collabo (Audio)

Just days after a standout feature for Koache, Xzibit does it again. The platinum MC gets down with Bishop Lamont, who is a fellow Dr. Dre affiliate of the mid-2000s. "Back Up Off Me" is a single from Lamont's perceived 2016 debut, The Reformation. As the title suggests, the record—featuring... Read more

February 16, 2016 Audio

Jay Z’s The Black Album vs. Eminem’s The Marshall Mathers LP. Which Is Better?

One year ago, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: who is the greatest MC of all time? “Finding The GOAT MC” lasted between September 2014 and May 2015, engaging millions of readers and ultimately producing its winner, as... Read more

February 16, 2016 Finding the GOAT

Vh1’s The Breaks Will Expand Into Full Series

Last month (January 4), Vh1 premiered a made-for-TV movie The Breaks. Partially based on Dan Charnas' book, The Big Payback, the series starred Hip-Hop artists ranging from Method Man to Phonte, Torae to Prince Paul, among others. The leading roles belonged to R&B sensation Mack Wilds, as well as Afton... Read more

February 16, 2016 News, TV/Film

Take A Look At Kendrick Lamar & High-Stakes Compton From The Inside (Video)

Last night (February 15), Kendrick Lamar closed his Grammy performance with an image of the Africa continent with the words "Compton" upon it. The parallels between the Motherland and Hub City may be strong to the 28 year-old. Both are complicated places built around Black (and Brown) Pride, cultural diversity,... Read more

February 16, 2016 Video

Scarface Returns To Seduction Storytelling On An All-New Single (Audio)

In his nearly 30 year career, Scarface and the Geto Boys have told a lot of stories. Moreover, the Houston, Texas MC has made quite a few songs about interpersonal relations and bedroom maneuvers. From a certain My Homies hit single to the expanded metaphor of "Mary Jane," 'Face is... Read more

February 16, 2016 Audio

Kanye West Claims The Life Of Pablo Will Never Be Available For Sale

Released Saturday (February 13), Kanye West's seventh solo album may have a quality different than his other six, as well as the Cruel Summer and Watch The Throne collaborative projects. The album, which features Kendrick Lamar, Chance The Rapper, and Young Thug, may not be available for purchase of any... Read more

February 16, 2016 News

Black Thought, Del, Murs & Fashawn Make An All-Star Collabo About The Fight Within (Video)

One of 2016's most exciting collaborations crosses the coastline. The Roots' Black Thought, Hieroglyphics' Del The Funky Homosapien, Felt's Murs, and Fashawn all come together for "Rise Up." The song is for Street Fighter V, the game, but it is by no means a simple marketing ploy. Instead, this visual—which... Read more

February 16, 2016 Video

Jay Rock Seriously Injured In Motorcycle Accident

The same night Kendrick Lamar won big at the 2016 Grammy Awards (February 15), his mentor, and label-mate has suffered a serious injury. According to Top Dawg Entertainment's founder, Top Dawg, Jay Rock was hurt badly in a motorcycle accident. Pray 4 @jayrock he had a bad accident on his... Read more

February 15, 2016 News

D’Angelo & Common Add Grammy Awards To Their Trophy Cases

After a 15 year break, D'Angelo won two Grammy awards tonight (February 15). The RCA Records artist (and his band, The Vanguard) took home the honors in response to 2014's Black Messiah album. The awards included "Best R&B Album" and "Best R&B Song." The latter trophy belonged to the album's... Read more

February 15, 2016 News

Jay Electronica Aims To Crash The Grammy Party With This Controversial Song (Audio)

Jay Electronica is not among the artists up for a Grammy nomination tonight (February 15). However, the Roc Nation MC seemingly aimed to crash the party with his latest song, "Curse Of Mayweather." In a track that references A Tribe Called Quest's "Can I Kick It?" and Jay Z's "Streets... Read more

February 15, 2016 Audio

A.G. Goes 16 & Out Over A Monster Lord Finesse Beat (Audio)

Lord Finesse has produced songs for The Notorious B.I.G., Dr. Dre, and much of Big L's discography. However, the Bronx, New York triple threat (MC/DJ/producer) is known for quality over quantity. "The Underboss" has been laying low behind the boards in 2016, but just opened the door to some Funk... Read more

February 15, 2016 Audio

Vic Mensa Gets Everything Off Of His Chest On A Charged Track (Audio)

Vic Mensa does not ever go quietly. The Roc Nation MC premiered "Danger" during the Madison Square Garden Yeezy Season 3 showcase on Thursday (February 11). The song has a chip on its shoulder that explains why Mensa and Kanye West works so well together. On a jarring creation by... Read more

February 14, 2016 Audio

Curren$y & Alchemist Re-Up On A New Mixtape Featuring Action Bronson & Styles P

Less than one month after Curren$y released The Owners Manual free EP project with Cool & Dre, the Jetlife pilot touches down again. The Carrollton Heist returns to a celebrated collaborative catalog with Alchemist. Just under five years ago, the former Young Money standout and the Gangrene co-founder released Covert... Read more

February 14, 2016 Mixes

The “Roots” Reboot Trailer Proves Alex Haley’s Story Is Another Must-Watch Event (Video)

Last summer, it was revealed that A&E Studios was remaking Roots. Alex Haley's 1976 novel was famously filmed for television, premiering on PBS in 1977. Almost 40 years later, the gripping slavery narrative returns—with a host of stars (Forest Whitaker, Lawrence Fishburne, Anna Paquin, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Anika Noni Rose,... Read more

February 13, 2016 TV/Film, Video

Ghostface Killah Rips Apart A Slick Rick Break Like It’s A Park Jam (Audio)

Most songs that are less than 100 seconds long just aren't worth the attention. However, when it's Ghostface Killah lyrically going for broke on a 1970s breakbeat it changes things. On "Disco Airlines," Tony Starks makes the style of music that Heads can imagine he was making in Stapleton Houses... Read more

February 13, 2016 Audio

Yelawolf Revs Up His Flow & Angst Over Travis Barker Drums (Audio)

Yelawolf and Travis Barker's working relationship has long been established, thanks to "Psycho White." Both artists blend their love of Hip-Hop with Rock & Roll, and Punk culture. Today (February 12), Sway In The Morning premiered the pair's latest collaboration, "Out Of Control." The song features Travis laying down a... Read more

February 12, 2016 Audio

Dr. Dre Returns To Acting In A Semi-Autobiographical Mini Series

Although he is widely recognized for music production and his electronics line, Dr. Dre is also a veteran Hollywood actor and director. Following Dre's acclaimed run of early 1990s music videos, the Compton, California native would star in films such as his directorial debut short Murder Was The Case, plus... Read more

February 12, 2016 News

Cypress Hill Light Up For 9th Album, With DJ Muggs At The Helm (Video)

It has been nearly six years since mult-platinum Los Angeles, California trio Cypress Hill released a full length album. 2010's Rise Up found B-Real, Sen Dog, and DJ Muggs outsourcing a lot of their product to guest producers and lots of collaborative features. In an interview with HipHopDX, B-Real says... Read more

February 12, 2016 News, Video

QBert, DJ Premier, Jazzy Jeff Speak On Evolution & Pressures Of DJs In Doc Trailer (Video)

Films like 2001's Scratch have covered the role of DJs in Hip-Hop music's genesis. However, the artist who uses turntables and mixers to create, alter, and present music live spans across genre. Soundtrack: The Story of the DJ is a forthcoming film that examines the mix-master. The film, made by... Read more

February 12, 2016 TV/Film, Video

Del The Funky Homosapien Announces US Tour Dates

2016 marks 25 years since Del Tha Funkee Homosapien (as it was spelled then) released I Wish My Brother George Was Here. Since then, the Oakland, California native and cousin of Ice Cube has released 10 studio albums, three Hieroglyphics LPs, two other collaborative efforts, and an assortment of other... Read more

February 11, 2016 Fresh

Kanye West’s The Life Of Pablo & Yeezy Season 3 Event Is An Open Party (Live Stream)

As reported last month, Kanye West brings in his seventh album (T.L.O.P) release with the premiere of Yeezy Season 3 at Madison Square Garden. The New York City affair is taking place live (February 11). The event takes place hours after Kanye West announced his his second album title change,... Read more

February 11, 2016 Video

ScHoolboy Q’s Original “Hoover Street” Was Over A Melodic Alchemist Production (Audio)

When ScHoolboy Q and Alchemist get together, special music typically results. Since 2012's Habits & Contradictions, the TDE MC and the Gangrene co-founder have made sounds together that really stand apart from the respective other work from both artists. When Interscope Records entered the picture in 2013, and started working... Read more

February 11, 2016 Audio