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Mick Jenkins’ Clever Lyricism Is Accentuated In A Marco Polo Remix (Audio Premiere)

Marco Polo is one of the Hip-Hop artists who is still bringing creativity and innovation to the remix medium. The veteran producer has provided his own spin on joints by PRhyme, Talib Kweli, and D.I.T.C. For his latest re-imagining, one-half of Double Barrel goes to the Windy City and comes... Read more

Phonte & Torae Go From “The Breaks” To Breaking Down A Beat (Video)

One month after battling (in character) during Vh1's The Breaks, Torae and Phonte release their video single as a team. From Tor's just-released Entitled album, this song takes two veteran MCs who have been able to show versatility in the present, while making music that connects with Hip-Hop's past. Six... Read more

Blu & Rapper Big Pooh Say It’s Do Or Die When The Stakes Are High (Audio)

In 2015, Rapper Big Pooh and Nottz came together to release Home Sweet Home. The Mello Music Group LP had been anticipated for years, and delivered with strength from the two Virginia native creatives. Just under three months removed from release day (November 13), now is as good a time... Read more

Freddie Gibbs Flips A Jay Z Vol 2. Concept With Some Hard Knock Bass (Audio)

Back in 1998, Jay Z and Swizz Beatz tapped into a musical pocket completely different from Jay's work with DJ Premier, Ski Beatz, Irv Gotti, or Timbaland. The Ruff Ryders' sound provider got busy on the keyboards and sliced into Vol. 2 Hard Knock Life with an electrified, DMX-assisted third... Read more

Tyler, The Creator Reminds Listeners Of Odd Future’s Sonic Diversity (Video)

Many Hip-Hop crews have grown to include a spectrum of genres in one place. N.W.A. had Michel'le, TDE has SZA, and Tha Dogg Pound had Nate Dogg. However, upon their early 2011 mainstream introduction (five years ago this month via Late Night With Jimmy Fallon), Odd Future had so many... Read more

A Documentary On Organized Noize Looks At The Genius & Drama In The Dungeon (Video)

Organized Noize is one of the most impactful musical groups of the last 25 years. The Atlanta, Georgia-based trio of Sleepy Brown, Rico Wade, and Ray Murray would be deeply responsible for the mainstream (and critical) success of Outkast, TLC, Goodie Mob, and a litany of other acts, ranging from... Read more

Here Are Your Top 10 Rap Albums of the 80s, 90s & 2000s. Get Ready To Pick 2 Wild Cards

Yesterday (February 7) closes Round 2 of the 2000s bracket of "Finding The GOAT Albums." You—the voter—definitively decided which 10 albums go forth to the final 32 albums across all eras. Tomorrow (February 9) begins the first of two wild card rounds to add the 2 additional albums to the... Read more

DJ Kool Herc’s Onetime Bronx Block To Be Renamed In The Spirit Of Hip-Hop

The man many scholars have considered Hip-Hop's founding father can claim another accolade. DJ Kool Herc (a/k/a Clive Campbell) was born in Jamaica, before relocating to the Bronx, New York in the 1960s. The block of Herc's Bronx residence in the early 1970s (1520 Sedgwick Avenue) will be renamed "Hip-Hop... Read more

Voting For The Top 10 Albums Of The 2000s Is Coming Down To The Wire

In late 2015, Ambrosia For Heads returned to “Finding The GOAT,” our annual voting series that polls readers and fans to determine the Greatest Of All-Time. Following 2014-2015’s quest to use votes to determine the GOAT MC, we are asking readers to determine the greatest of all-time Hip-Hop album. “Finding... Read more

Mac Miller Reflects On Career, Addiction & Rap Identity In Revealing Mini-Doc (Video)

In the last five years, Mac Miller has transcended from a mixtape sensation to a proven commercial juggernaut. Unlike so many rapid industry upstarts, many argue that his art has gotten much more honest, skillful, and innovative. In that journey, the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native became a sought-after producer, relocated to... Read more

Snoop Dogg Surfs Right Into A Harry Fraud & Smoke DZA Wave (Audio)

Smoke DZA and Harry Fraud have years of chemistry. The Harlem-to-Brooklyn, New York connect built a strong base of slick talk over in-your-face beats. Almost four years after Rugby Thompson, the pair is still working. "Morals" looks at the G-code through the generations and circumstances. As DZA stands tall by... Read more

Mobb Deep Announce Hell On Earth 20th Anniversary Tour Dates

One day after Bone Thugs-N-Harmony announced a "Crossroads" 20th anniversary tour, another 1996 giant hits the road in style. Beginning next week, Queens, New York duo Mobb Deep will begin more than two months of touring in recognition of Hell On Earth. Prodigy and Havoc's third album was released on... Read more

Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp A Butterfly vs. Common’s Like Water For Chocolate. 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

E-40, Too Short & K-Ci Sprinkled Game In 1996 That Holds True In 2016 (Video)

In 1996, E-40's movement was going strong. 40 Water had successfully launched The Click, established his Sick Wid It Records imprint, and had carved out a respectable solo career. In the year before his third album, the Vallejo, California MC made high-profile appearances on platinum albums by Tupac and Coolio.... Read more

MC Eiht Offers Firsthand Insight Into How Tupac’s Gang Affinities Killed Him (Video)

Although they would never release a song collaboration, MC Eiht and Tupac Shakur worked together in the 1990s. The two Hip-Hop artists would tour, as well as begin production on Menace II Society in the same cast (Shakur would later be fired). Reflecting on their relationship, the Compton's Most Wanted... Read more

Earth Wind & Fire Front Man Maurice White Passes Away

One of Soul, Jazz, and Funk music's most beloved voices and producers has died. Maurice White, co-founder and longtime front man of Earth Wind And Fire passed away last night (February 3), according to his brother (and fellow EWF member) Verdine. The 74 year-old singer died in his sleep. A... Read more

9th Wonder Explains How J Dilla Changed The Sound of Hip-Hop and Fathered “Neo Soul” In The Process (Interview)

After the ascendance of greats like DJ Premier, Pete Rock and Q-Tip in the 90s. There was a new wave of producers that would come to prominence in the 2000s who would carry the torch for Hip-Hop and take it in new directions. This new generation of beatmakers included the... Read more

Anderson .Paak Makes His TV Debut On The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (Video)

The same week Anderson .Paak confirmed signing to Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment, he appeared on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. Joined by his touring band The Free Nationals (with whom Paak will perform at this year's Roots Picnic), the MC/singer/producer/drummer broke out two goodies from last month's Malibu release.... Read more

Asher Roth, Nottz & Travis Barker Made Something Really Different, Together (EP Stream)

For years now, Heads have heard of Asher Roth and Nottz' collaborative work. In 2010, the Pennsylvania MC and Virginia producer/MC made The Rawth, a free download EP. More than five years later, the duo adds Travis Barker (Blink 182) to the fold and does it again. With a live... Read more

Kanye West’s The College Dropout vs. Slum Village’s Fantastic, Vol. 2. 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

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Release Crossroads 20th Anniversary Tour Dates

On April 23, 1996, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony released double-platinum single "Tha Crossroads." The Ruthless Records quartet of Krayzie Bone, Bizzy Bone, Layzie Bone, and Wish Bone paid tribute to fallen comrades including mentor Eazy-E as the third single from E. 1999 Eternal. In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the DJ... Read more

Finding The GOAT Album: Jay Z’s The Black Album vs. Killer Mike’s R.A.P. Music. 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

New York City DJ Icon Big Kap Has Passed Away

In a developing story, multiple sources have confirmed that veteran DJ and producer Big Kap has died.The New York mixmaster born Keith Carter was a DJ for The Notorious B.I.G., Nas, and others. Kap was also a fixture of 1990s NYC venue The Tunnel, a club notable for introducing some... Read more

50 Cent’s Get Rich Or Die Tryin’ 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

Don Cheadle’s Portrayal Of Miles Davis Captures His Fiery Cool (Video)

After years in the making, Don Cheadle's Miles Davis biopic has its official trailer. The Miles Ahead film, starring Cheadle in the lead, also features Ewan McGregor (who plays music journalist Dave Brill). Based on the trailer, the film captures Miles' life in 1979, a period when he was in... Read more

Your Old Droog Transforms Into A B-Boy “Elmo” In This Quirky NYC-Inspired Video

Your Old Droog took his recently-released single "42 (Forty Deuce)" and made the best possible video. The Brooklyn, New York MC hit the very 42nd Street Times Square that inspired the Nu Shooz-sampling song, and recreated some vibes from the epicenter of mainstream Manhattan. The video features the old fashioned... Read more

Nas & Usher’s Demand For Social Revolution Gets A Symbolic Video

Usher's single "Chains" is as heartfelt as anything ever released from the R&B/Pop icon. Joined by Nas and Bibi Bourelly, the record is a cry for not just change, but revolution. The 2015 song's intricate lyrics reference "The Pledge Of Allegiance," and some of the martyrs (Eric Garner, Tamir Rice,... Read more

Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp A Butterfly Is Now Platinum As RIAA Adds Streams To Criteria

Two of 2015's most talked about Hip-Hop albums can now claim platinum status. Just weeks before the Grammy Awards, Kendrick Lamar's sophomore major label album To Pimp A Butterfly now has the same celebrated benchmark of its 2012 predecessor, good kid, m.A.A.d city. Additionally, Big Sean achieves his first platinum... Read more

Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy vs. Outkast’s Stankonia. 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

At The Great Wall Of China, Dayne Jordan Raps Without Boundary (Video)

DJ Jazzy Jeff protege Dayne Jordan had a big 2015. The North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania MC made Ambrosia For Heads' top albums of last year, in the honorable mention category because he gave his Memoirs Of Dayne Jordan away for free. In the new year, Jordan releases a new song in... Read more

Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Entertainment Signs Anderson .Paak (Video)

As many Heads anticipated, Anderson .Paak and Dr. Dre's working relationship has only grown closer. The Oxnard, California native MC/singer/producer appeared extensively (six tracks) on Dre's 2015 album Compton. Less than six months later, he is the latest artist to sign to Aftermath Entertainment, Dr. Dre's label, which is celebrating... Read more

Andre 3000 & Kanye West Are Surfing “Waves” In The Studio Together

Kanye West albums are often ensemble affairs. 2010's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and 2004's The College Dropout are two specific albums known for their sprawling personnel. While the album now known as Waves has a February 11, 2016 release date, an alleged corresponding fashion show concert, and one bold... Read more

The Third Member Of JayLib Comes Through With A Fresh J Dilla Mix

Los Angeles, California-based producer/turntablist J Rocc has been one of the biggest purveyors of J Dilla's legacy. The Beat Junkies co-founder and official third member of JayLib (J Dilla & Madlib's group) is among the supporters of next month's J Dilla Weekend (February 5-7) in Miami, Florida. As he has... Read more

This 1997 Underground Hip-Hop Radio Show Includes A Rare Madlib Freestyle (Audio)

In late 1997, Madlib was a fledgling MC/producer. The Oxnard, California artist had laced a handful of joints for Tha Alkaholiks and Boot Camp Clik's O.G.C, while trying to get his Lootpack group off. In those days, as expected, not a lot of people were yet checking for the would-be... Read more

Kxng Crooked & Statik Selektah Are Ruthless With This Music. Let’s Go (Audio)

The MC formerly known as Crooked I has been on a tear in early 2016. The same week he unleashed a beast of a freestyle at Tony Touch's radio show, Kxng Crooked returns with a fully-produced bar massacre. "Let's Go" teams with album partner Statik Selektah on the boards, and... Read more

Rakim’s Meteoric Rise & Lasting Impact Are Examined In A New Documentary (Video)

2016 marks 30 years since Eric B. & Rakim released debut single "Eric B. Is President." With "My Melody" (as it was listed then) as the B-side, the Zakia/4th & B'way 12" single would transform Hip-Hop in lyrics, in production, and in style. Director Kaze has produced and edited a... Read more

Finding The GOAT Album: Eminem’s Marshall Mathers LP vs. Nas’ Stillmatic. 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

ONYX’s Sonny Seeza Goes For His By Slamming A Classic Breakbeat (Audio Premiere)

ONYX's Sonny Seeza has been instrumental to the group's success since the early 1990s. Along with the high-profile personalities of MC/actors Sticky Fingaz and Fredro Starr, Sonny added a ruggedness, anger, and aggression that forever mean-mugged the face of Hip-Hop since. The Brooklyn, New Yorker is a platinum artist (thanks... Read more

J. Cole Lives The “Dream” In The Video For Love Yourz (Video)

J. Cole's "Love Yourz" is one of the songs at the center of the mid-2010s Hip-Hop "love movement." Cole, and collaborator Kendrick Lamar (and another Cole collaborator, Oddisee) have all made made anthems urging one another to love themselves on a deeper, focused level. From 2014 Forest Hills Drive, Cole... Read more

The Ultimate N.W.A./Ruthless Records Posse Cut Belongs To The D.O.C. (Audio)

In the last year, N.W.A. and Ruthless Records have been in strong focus thanks to the film Straight Outta Compton. In the movie, the label launched by Eric "Eazy-E" Wright is seen from its beginnings around N.W.A., to the 1990s, where the Los Angeles, California-based imprint would develop some key... Read more

J. Cole’s 2014 Forest Hills Drive 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

Wiz Khalifa Criticizes Kanye West’s New Album Title. Kanye Goes Nuclear

So much can change in 24 hours. Late last night (January 26), Kanye West announced that his seventh solo album had been re-named. The album known as Swish since mid-2015 suddenly was rechristened to Waves, less than one month away from its February 11 release date. Upon the announcement, made... Read more

R. Kelly Sings His Life Story In A 45 Minute Audiobiography (Video)

R. Kelly is known for going off the dome when crafting his songs. The Chicago, Illinois R&B mainstay has a talk-singing method that pulls from '60s and '70s groups like the Chi-Lites, Billy Paul, and Isaac Hayes. However, Robert Kelly's lyrics have often been a product of his own era,... Read more

Finding The GOAT Album: Kanye West’s Graduation 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

Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d city vs. Clipse’s Lord Willin’. 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

Kanye West Aims To Go Swish In Madison Square Garden On Release Day

If anybody knows how to make an album release an event, it is Kanye West. 2011's Watch The Throne would be the "leak-proof" album during the perceived zenith of online bootlegging. Two years later, Yeezus would be played, in part, with projected video footage on buildings across the globe. For... Read more

DJ Jazzy Jeff & James Poyser Took A Snowstorm & Made Some Hot Beats (EP Stream)

This past weekend, a snow storm by the name of Jonas swept through the Mid-Atlantic states, and left its mark in the form of inches of accumulation. DJ Jazzy Jeff, living in his Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was among those affected. So was James Poyser, a fellow Grammy Award-producer known for his... Read more

Your Old Droog Walks Down 42nd Street With Some Fresh Nu Shooz (Audio)

Coney Island, Brooklyn's Your Old Droog represents a different kind of New York City experience. In his twenties, Y.O.D. is a bit young to remember the 42nd Street of the Mayor Koch-era NYC, filled with grind-house movie theaters, peep shows, greasy food, and an assortment of sidewalk hustles. However, the... Read more

Earl Sweatshirt Sails Around His Mind Over A Flipped Madlib & Flying Lotus Beat (Audio)

Earl Sweatshirt has been fairly quiet since releasing his sophomore major label album in 2015. The Tan Cressida/Columbia Records artist appears back in action now. Reportedly on a secret Soundcloud account he created, the Los Angeles, California MC/producer gets busy on a beat made by Madlib and Flying Lotus. As... Read more

Finding The GOAT Album: Jay Z’s The Blueprint vs. Scarface’s The Fix. 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