Bandini

This Pharcyde & Brand New Heavies 1992 Yo! MTV Raps Left The Mic With A Fat Lip (Video)

In November of 1992, The Pharcyde released their debut album, Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde. A would-be gold-certified album, the Delicious Vinyl Records effort brought the West Coast underground scene to the mainstream with accessible rhymes about unrequited love, puffin' indo', questionable race relations, and mom jokes. Without much mic... Read more

October 3, 2015 Throwback

Erykah Badu’s Drake Cover Breaks New Ground & Returns Home At Once (Audio)

Preparing her alleged upcoming mixtape, Erykah Badu appears to be trying some new things. "Hotline Bling" covers Drake's recent scorcher, but on Badu's terms. From the mixtape reportedly called But U Cain't Use My Phone, Erykah offers some "Buduism" in a song co-written with her son, Seven Benjamin (Andre 3000's... Read more

October 2, 2015 Audio

Dave East Is A Standout New Artist. With Nas, Pusha T & LOX, He Has an Army With Him (Mixtape)

Even before he was co-signed by Nas and Mass Appeal Records, Spanish Harlem's Dave East showed tremendous promise. An insightful street MC, Dave combines 2015's appreciation for grit with the present-day demand for intellectual verses. In an era when New York City is fast changing, East is a product of... Read more

October 2, 2015 Audio, Mixes

The LOX & Faith Evans Are Still “Family” Over An S.O.S. Band Homage (Audio)

The LOX and producer Duane DaRock appear to have a formula. The New York City veteran Rap trio and the budding beat-maker travel back to the early '80s flavor for some proven musical framework. In March, the quartet channeled Gap Band in "That Money." In Fall, it's S.O.S. Band's "Just... Read more

October 2, 2015 Audio

N.W.A.’s Straight Outta Compton vs. Geto Boys’ Grip It! On That Other Level. 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

October 2, 2015 Finding the GOAT

Finding The GOAT Album: Whodini’s Escape vs. The Fat Boys’ The Fat Boys. 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

October 1, 2015 Finding the GOAT

The Coup’s Fat Cats, Bigga Fish Made Sense Of The Jungle, Never Goin’ Under (Video)

By the early 1990s, Wild Pitch Records was home to a spectrum of East Coast Hip-Hop luminaries. This included Main Source, Lord Finesse, O.C., The UMC's, Ultramagnetic MC's, Chill Rob G, and others. However, the Manhattan-based label also had The Coup. The Oakland, California then-trio had already struck a chord... Read more

October 1, 2015 Do Remember

DJ Premier Introduces A D.I.T.C. MC…With Scratches of DMX & Grand Puba on the Hook (Audio)

Over the last 25-plus years, DJ Premier may be one of Hip-Hop's most meaningful introducers of new artists. From Nas to Mobb Deep, Jeru The Damaja to Royce Da 5'9", Preemo's music finds the greatness in many MCs. Fisher is the latest D.I.T.C.-backed artist. Showbiz and company have yet another... Read more

September 30, 2015 Audio

Black Star Announce Tour Dates…Half A World Away From Brooklyn.

More than 15 years removed from their self-titled album, Black Star is making moves. Talib Kweli and Yasiin Bey (f/k/a Mos Def) have done spot appearances in the last three years. However, the former Rawkus Records duo has announced a four concert tour...in Australia. That's a long way from Brooklyn,... Read more

September 30, 2015 News

Run-D.M.C.’s Raising Hell vs. DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince’s Rock The House. 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

September 30, 2015 Finding the GOAT

The Internet’s Live Show Sets Them Apart From All…Even From A Tiny Desk (Video)

As much as a crew mentality can help a family tree of talent get on (see: Wu-Tang Clan, N.W.A., or Diggin' In The Crates), sometimes an entity supersedes an affiliation. In the case of The Internet, Syd tha Kyd, Matt Martians and company played a background in OFWGKTA's 2011 breakthrough.... Read more

September 29, 2015 Video

Chance The Rapper & Kyle Re-jog The Memory Of Haters In The Rear-View (Audio)

The old adage "laugh now, cry later" is a driving force in Hip-Hop, just as it was a tattoo on Tupac Shakur's pectoral. Many artists' greatest motivation is those who doubted, rejected, and disrespected them in the past. For Ventura, California native MC Kyle, this is true. Just on the... Read more

September 29, 2015 Audio

Big Daddy Kane’s It’s A Big Daddy Thing vs. Queen Latifah’s All Hail The Queen. 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

September 29, 2015 Finding the GOAT

Kanye Once Told Freddie Gibbs He Was Mediocre. Now He’s Rhyming With Yasiin Gaye (Audio)

Golden Rules continues to have the golden touch. Paul White and Eric Biddines' late summer album is still making its rounds with those in the know, and those hearing the potent production and Southern drawl. One of the Lex Records release standouts is "Never Die," featuring Yasiin Bey (f/k/a Mos... Read more

September 28, 2015 Audio

LL Cool J’s Radio vs. Kurtis Blow’s Ego Trip. 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

September 28, 2015 Finding the GOAT

Redman, Method Man & Erick Sermon Still Love Working Together. It Shows. (Video)

For more than 20 years, Erick Sermon, Redman, and Method Man have displayed their strong chemistry—in various combinations. Through all of that time, no matter the changing trends and attitudes of Hip-Hop, these men were always a beacon of fun-loving music-making. It's all about skills, jokes, and upstaging each other... Read more

September 25, 2015 Video

Apollo Brown Takes Producer Compilations To A Whole New Level In Grandeur (Album Stream)

Apollo Brown stays incredibly busy. The Detroit, Michigan producer does tandem albums with MCs, he releases instrumental LPs, and the Mello Music Group mainstay works in groups like Ugly Heroes, The Left, and others. For the first time since 2010's The Reset, Apollo returns to straight compilation work. Grandeur, released... Read more

September 25, 2015 Audio

Boogie Down Productions’ Criminal Minded vs. Public Enemy’s Yo! Bum Rush The Show. 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

September 25, 2015 Finding the GOAT

36 Years Later, The Warriors Take Their Last Subway Ride Home. Can You Dig It? (Video)

A lot has changed in New York City since Walter Hill filmed The Warriors. While the Wonder Wheel remains, much of Coney Island has changed when standing on Stillwell Avenue. More than 35 years after the cult classic released, Rolling Stone filmed as cult fans organized "Swan" (Michael Beck), "Cochise"... Read more

September 25, 2015 TV/Film, Video

Janet Jackson & Missy Elliott Team Up to Set the Dance Floor on Fire (Audio)

Both Janet Jackson and Missy Elliott are making their way back to the spotlight after some times away. They worked together twice in the 2000s, but the R&B-Pop superstar and the Hip-Hop mainstay have both appeared to have been less than interested in the musical space in the 2010s. "BURNITUP!"... Read more

September 25, 2015 Audio

Funkadelic & Kendrick Lamar Release the Funk Jam of the Year. Just Try Not to Move (Audio)

Besides his appearance on "Wesley's Theory," it is clear that George Clinton (and Parliament, Funkadelic) are major inspirations in To Pimp A Butterfly. The New Jersey native's ability to balance heavy subject matter with the need to groove is something that the Compton, California MC is out to do. Previously,... Read more

September 25, 2015 Audio

Scarface To Receive “I Am Hip-Hop Award,” Celebrating His 25+ Year Legacy

Scarface is Hip-Hop. He was even on a 2012 collaboration with Nas, DJ Premier, and DJ Khaled that said so. The iconic Houston, Texas MC will be honored this year with the "I Am Hip-Hop Award" at the BET Hip-Hop Awards. Taped at the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center in... Read more

September 24, 2015 Fresh

MC Lyte’s Lyte As A Rock vs. Just-Ice’s Back To The Old School. 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

September 24, 2015 Finding the GOAT

J Dilla Blew Speakers Fusing Hip-Hop With Electronic. That’s The Subject Of New Album.

In J Dilla's more than 11 years making music, the Detroit, Michigan producer/MC had a wide range of influences. James Yancey (a/k/a Jay Dee) would make popular records out of sampling artists from The Impressions to Stereolab to Cris Williamson. However, in the Slum Village co-founder's arsenal was a heavy vein of Electronic music.... Read more

September 24, 2015 News

Freddie Gibbs Throws Fast Flow On A Charged Apollo Brown Beat (Audio)

Moving closer to September 25's Grandeur, Apollo Brown and Mello Music Group share another glimpse from the LP. "Who's That" incorporates Detroit, Michigan, Gary, Indiana, and Brownsville Brooklyn, New York—thanks to Apollo, Freddie Gibbs, and Maffew Ragazino, Sr. Brown chops a moving loop that has a dusty, Caribbean feel to... Read more

September 24, 2015 Audio

Some Sean Price Eloquence Over A Soul Sample Is Shared By Statik Selektah (Audio)

Sean Price was an MC with many friends. Industry-wide, the artist formerly known as Ruck maintained bonds with the like of LOX, Sadat X, Ill Bill, and Skyzoo. This of course goes beyond Rockness Monstah (Heltah Skeltah), Boot Camp Clik, Random Axe, or close associates Ruste Juxx and Illa Ghee.... Read more

September 23, 2015 Audio

One Of Raury’s First Televised Performances Proves He’s Ready For Primetime (Video)

Less than one month away from All We Need, Raury got a major look appearing on last night's (September 22) "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert." The revamped late night program is winning with Heads, giving the musical mic to a plethora of top Hip-Hop acts. Taking chances on Columbia... Read more

September 23, 2015 Video

Finding the GOAT Album: Eazy-E’s Eazy-Duz-It vs. 2 Live Crew’s 2 Live Is What We Are

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

September 23, 2015 Finding the GOAT

Talib Kweli & 9th Wonder Recruit Problem & Bad Lucc For A Message Of Perseverance (Audio)

Almost a year ago, Talib Kweli, Pharoahe Monch, and 9th Wonder announced an independent music conglomerate, Indie 500. All parties have been incredibly busy since, with an emphasis on activism—including a free concert in St. Louis, Missouri one year after Michael Brown's murder Ferguson. Today (September 22) Talib and 9th... Read more

September 22, 2015 Audio

Big K.R.I.T. Injects A Visual Double-Dose Of Cadillactica Luxury (Video)

Big K.R.I.T.'s Cadillactica may be approaching a year old, but that's not hurting its Blue Book value in the least. Krizzle releases a combined video for two of the albums standout cuts, songs that show the two distinct sides of the Meridian, Mississippi MC/producer. "My Sub Part 3 (The Big... Read more

September 22, 2015 Video

DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince’s He’s The DJ, I’m The Rapper vs. Beastie Boys’ Paul’s Boutique. 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

September 22, 2015 Finding the GOAT

Blackalicious Mash Up Fantastic Mr. Fox For an Animated Lyrical Explosion (Video)

With their first new album in a decade, Imani, Vol. 1, Blackalicious are pulling out all of the stops. The Sacramento, California mainstays could have just made a typical video. However, given MC Gift Of Gab's propensity for precise lyricism at rapid speeds, isn't it fun to show somebody else... Read more

September 22, 2015 The Bridge, Video

De La Soul’s Maseo Controls The Soul With An Amazing Free-Form Live DJ Set (Mix)

Listening to De La Soul is so much sweeter when you catch all the references—whether it's a sample, a vocal reworking, or a reference. Even when you don't know the specifics, it's usually worth seeking out the sources behind the music that's made by the legendary Long Island, New York... Read more

September 21, 2015 Mixes

Blu Teams With Lords Of The Underground’s Hit-Makers For A Funky Jam (Audio)

From Madlib to 9th Wonder, Mainframe to DJ Exile, Edan to Flying Lotus, Blu has made his travels musically, teaming with a litany of producers. This time, the Los Angeles, California native links with New Jersey's K-Def. Not exactly a household name producer, the onetime DJ Marley Marl protege has... Read more

September 21, 2015 Audio

De La Soul’s 3 Feet High And Rising vs. Stetsasonic’s In Full Gear. What’s 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

September 21, 2015 Finding the GOAT

D.M.C. Says Hip-Hop on the Radio is Waging Genocide on Young People (Audio)

Run-D.M.C. made Rap's first platinum album. Thanks to "My Adidas," the Queens, New York trio became some of the culture's first brand ambassadors. Teaming with Aerosmith for "Walk This Way," the Profile Records act helped mash Hip-Hop with Rock & Roll on a mainstream level. However, when Darryl "D.M.C." McDaniels... Read more

September 20, 2015 Audio

Blackalicious Is Back In Form! Catch The Duo’s First LP In 10 Years (Album Stream)

For more than 20 years, Sacramento, California's Blackalicious has made captivating Hip-Hop music. Pioneers within the West Coast Underground movement, Gift Of Gab and Chief Xcel joined forces with DJ Shadow, Lateef The Truthspeaker, Jazzbo, Mac B. Dog, 8th Wonder, author Jeff Chang, and Lyrics Born to forge the Soulsides... Read more

September 18, 2015 Audio

Black Moon’s ‘Powaful Impak’ Is The Focus Of A Duck Down Feature Documentary (Video)

In looking at Hip-Hop artists and consistency, Heads regularly point to De La Soul, Outkast, and A Tribe Called Quest. There are acts who made extensive catalogs, by-and-large, never disappointing fan-bases. Is Brooklyn, New York trio Black Moon not one of them? Buckshot, DJ Evil Dee, and 5FT have released... Read more

September 18, 2015 TV/Film, Video

A King Bows to No One. T.I. Leaves Columbia to Go Independent (Video)

T.I. has released five platinum and two gold albums in his 15-year career. The Atlanta, Georgia native MC and Grand Hustle Records founder is one of Rap's best sellers, with 2008's Paper Trail being one of the few triple-platinum works of recent years. After a brief, one-album stint at Columbia/Sony... Read more

September 18, 2015 News

Big Daddy Kane’s Long Live The Kane vs. Kool G Rap & DJ Polo’s Road To The Riches. What 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

September 18, 2015 Finding the GOAT

Mac Miller Unplugs From the Matrix of Mundane & Fakery in a Truman Show-Type Video

Mac Miller's third studio album, GO:OD AM releases today (September 18). While free, full streams are still available via NPR Music, the Most Dope MC/producer releases a new visual to draw attention to his first LP since leaving the Rostrum Records independent and joining the Warner Records fold. "Brand Name"... Read more

September 18, 2015 Video

The Game’s Documentary 2 Tracklist Packs The Same Star-Power As The First

In January, 2005, The Game—then a G-Unit member, made his major label debut with The Documentary. Executive produced by Dr. Dre and 50 Cent, the album was among the most profiled debut Hip-Hop albums of the 2000s. The Grammy-nominated, double-platinum LP produced major singles "How We Do" and "Hate It... Read more

September 18, 2015 Fresh

Pastors & Politicians Won’t Want You to Hear Ras Kass’ Latest (Audio)

October 16 signals Breakfast At Banky’s, Ras Kass and Jack Splash's Semi Hendrix collaborative debut. The Mello Music Group LP seems to pick up where 2014's Blasphemy (Ras' pairing with Apollo Brown) left off. "Jesus Pressed Mute" is Razzy's latest indictment on government and organized religion. The Carson, California veteran... Read more

September 17, 2015 Audio

Ice-T’s Rhyme Pays vs. Too Short’s Born To Mack. What’s 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

September 17, 2015 Finding the GOAT

Abuse, Witnessing Murder & Being Broke: Terrence Howard Lays It All On The Table

Actor Terrence Howard plays complex characters. Whether portraying a hero, a villain, or everything in between, the Academy Award-nominated 46 year-old brings a depth to his roles, behind the green eyes and trademark voice. Currently, Howard is enjoying success on "Empire," one of the nation's biggest television shows. The show... Read more

September 17, 2015 Lifestyle

Sheek Louch & Pusha T Keep It Hardcore… In Rap & In Life. (Audio)

Sheek Louch and Pusha T have weathered the industry storms. Two products of the 1990s, these MCs with East Coast and Down South audiences have stayed consistent to the craft of MC'ing, while always speaking to the streets that made them. This duality may be the key to longevity, while... Read more

September 17, 2015 Audio

Mary J. Blige & Grand Puba Shut Down YO! MTV Raps. That’s The 411. (Video)

Mary J. Blige's Hip-Hop collaborations may as well be a genre of their own. The Queen Of Hip-Hop Soul has worked on heralded albums such as Ghostface Killah's Ironman, Jay Z's Reasonable Doubt, Lauryn Hill's The Miseducation..., and Nas' Life Is Good, among many, many others. However, when it comes... Read more

September 17, 2015 Do Remember

Grab Your Charles Dickens. Ice Cube Is The Next Mr. Scrooge.

In music, in film, and in life, Ice Cube is many things. Some of his greatest successes in each have come with the Los Angeles, California native as cranky, irritable, and just downright mad. Whether that's film roles in Higher Learning, 21 Jump Street, or Ride Along, or songs through... Read more

September 17, 2015 News, TV/Film

Joe Budden Raps an Open Letter to Eminem That’s As Raw and Real As It Gets (Audio & Video)

Renowned for its bar-power, Shady Records has also become a label that has changed career paths. After its booming beginnings (D12, 50 Cent), Eminem's label appeared confused in part of the late 2000s, unsure if it was trying to breed skills-based Rap, or commercial juggernauts. For much of the decade,... Read more

September 17, 2015 Audio

LL Cool J Returns With a Strong Verse on the Smooth Tip (Audio)

The last five years of LL Cool J's music career have been, in large part, a search. The MC icon and self-proclaimed "GOAT" has tried Country collaborations, he's tried mash-up boom-bap, and he's further delved with a R&B sound. With 2013's Authentic coming as the lowest charting album since LL's... Read more

September 16, 2015 Audio