Bandini

Regardless Of When It’s From, Unreleased Jay Electronica Songs Stay Fresh (Audio)

Since Dr. Dre released an album in 2015, what is taking the place of Detox? Compton can still be referred to by that, as many Heads debated (heatedly) whether the Aftermath Entertainment founder would release an LP by any title. With that out of the way (and on the charts),... Read more

September 16, 2015 Audio

Salt-N-Pepa’s Hot, Cool & Vicious vs. Biz Markie’s Goin’ Off. 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 16, 2015 Finding the GOAT

Oddisee Shows Why He’s One of the Best Out Right Now With This Freestyle (Video)

Praised for his productions, Oddisee is nice with the gift of gab. While this year's The Good Fight standout may appear more about substance than style in places, the Diamond District keystone can easily flip to fast. Appearing in Tim Westwood's Cribs sessions, the Prince George County, Maryland multi-threat shows... Read more

September 16, 2015 Video

Imagine A World With UGK & B.B. King Collaborating. The Thrill Is Trill. (Audio/Video)

In the world of mash-up mixes, Amerigo Gazaway is one of the premier visionaries as of late. The Nashville, Tennessee based-DJ/producer looks beyond the quirky, the niche, or the party staples to draw connections out of time, space, and genre for artists. Amerigo displayed greatness in 2014's Yasiin Gaye merging... Read more

September 16, 2015 Audio, Video

Sean Price & Grand Puba Do Some Bar Bullying on the Newly-Released “We Don’t Play” (Audio)

Next month (October 9), QNC will release their debut album, The Habit Of A Lifetime (And How To Kick It). The Attic Records release is a collaboration between Curt Cazal (of 1980s Hip-Hop group JVC Force) and Q-Ball (D&D Crew) and veteran English producer Aim. Previously, Aim has released a... Read more

September 15, 2015 Audio

Run-D.M.C.’s Run-D.M.C. vs. Ultramagnetic MC’s Critical Beatdown. Which Album 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 15, 2015 Finding the GOAT

Keith Murray & Fredro Starr’s MC Battle Is Back On The Books (Video)

UPDATE: In the summer of 2014, it was announced that veteran 1990s MCs Keith Murray (Def Squad/UnderGods) and Fredro Starr (ONYX) would face off in a competitive battle. After the event was promoted, it postponed. More than one year after it was first reported, the match-up is back on. Next... Read more

September 15, 2015 Video

Eric B. & Rakim’s Follow The Leader vs. EPMD’s Unfinished Business. 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 14, 2015 Finding the GOAT

Sadat X & El Da Sensei Form New Group. Here’s A 9th Wonder-Produced Introduction (Audio Premiere)

For more than 20 years, MCs Sadat X and El Da Sensei have run in the same circles. A product of Brand Nubian and The Artifacts, respectively, these East Coast lyricists have flipped words with flare to stand out amongst their band-mates and peers. Ambrosia For Heads is pleased to... Read more

September 14, 2015 Audio

On Its 10 Year Anniversary, Little Brother Remember The Minstrel Show With New Perspective

According to many Hip-Hop Heads, one of the most complete, cohesive Rap albums of the 2000s is Little Brother's The Minstrel Show. Released by Atlantic Records, the LP is a bittersweet moment for its makers and its legions of fans. Ten years ago yesterday (September 13, 2005), 9th Wonder, Phonte,... Read more

September 14, 2015 Throwback

Guilty Simpson Finds The Beauty In Detroit’s Concrete Struggle (Video)

Guilty Simpson just reunited with his original backer Stones Throw Records for Detroit's Son. Nearly a decade after his debut, Guilty has built a career out of tireless microphone activity, from an onslaught of collaborative works, Random Axe, and plenty of features. Something about Detroit's Son stands tall though, and... Read more

September 14, 2015 Video

Jay Rock Refuses To Compromise. Even His Freestyles Are Hard-Body (Audio)

Throughout the weekend, many Hip-Hop Heads are making visits to the 90059 zip code, listening to Jay Rock's sophomore solo album. The breakthrough Top Dawg Entertainment artist for nearly a decade swings through L.A. Leakers. Not often recognized as much as onetime pupil Kendrick Lamar and Ab-Soul in the freestyle... Read more

September 13, 2015 Audio

J-Live Says Biters & Posers Won’t Feel This But Hip-Hop Junkies Will. Can You Dig It? (Audio)

As a completely independent artist, J-Live stays quite busy. The Brooklyn, New York native follows this month's "You're The One" with a new album on the way. How Much Is Water is coming October 23 on Justice's Mortier Music imprint. "Feel This" is the first delivery, a song that serves... Read more

September 11, 2015 Audio

What’s the Greatest Hip-Hop Album of All-Time? You Decide. Finding the GOAT Album Starts Monday

Beginning Monday (September 14, 2015), Ambrosia For Heads will launch its second tournament-style “Finding the GOAT” series. “Finding the GOAT Album” follows “Finding the GOAT MC,” a nine-month, experience in which millions of fans engaged in debates about Hip-Hop’s Greatest of All-Time MC. “Finding The GOAT Album” turns its focus... Read more

September 11, 2015 Finding the GOAT

For Ice Cube, It Was A Big Step In Small Time From C.I.A. To N.W.A. (Audio)

Straight Outta Compton viewers had a glimpse of what Ice Cube did in his days after school in circa 1987. Before it was Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, MC Ren, and DJ Yella he surrounded himself with, it was Sir Jinx and K-Dee (a/k/a Kid Disaster) that O'Shea Jackson favored. They were... Read more

September 10, 2015 Do Remember, Throwback

Jay Rock Flashes The Black Hippy Sign In The Booth For 90059 (Audio)

On TDE albums, Heads often flip over the digital covers in search of that coveted Black Hippy posse cut. On tomorrow's (September 11) 90059 album by Jay Rock, it does exist. "Vice City" is no video game homage, but rather a verbal sin-bin for Jay, Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, and... Read more

September 10, 2015 Audio

Raury Refuses To Be Boxed In. He Taps Tom Morello & Redefines the Atlanta Sound (Video)

In just over a month (October 16), Raury will his next album, All We Need. The Columbia Records sensation follows up his Indigo Child breakthrough with a continued message of hope, peace, and fellowship. In subject matter, in fashion, and in attitude, the Atlanta, Georgia native MC/singer is quite unlike... Read more

September 10, 2015 Video

Dam-Funk Sells Funk Straight Out The Trunk. Literally (Video)

In an era of software-driven producers, Los Angeles, California's Dam-Funk is about that hardware. Since 1988, the Stones Throw Records artist has made bodacious Funk through a series of synthesizers, cheap and expensive alike. If you see the Snoop Dogg and Blu collaborator on the road, you'll see that he... Read more

September 10, 2015 Video

Big Boi Debuts His New Sound With Phantogram on “Fell in the Sun” (Audio)

Apart from their handful of Vicious Lies And Dangerous Rumors collaborative songs, Big Boi and Phantograms aim to make Big Grams its own thing. Following the reveal of the September 25 EP's tracklist and artwork, the Decatur, Georgia-to-Greenwich, New York trio unveiled their first look: "Fell In The Sun." Like... Read more

September 10, 2015 Audio

Kendrick Lamar Gives the First Ever Performance on Colbert’s Late Show & Tears It Down With FUNK (Video)

As the new talk television season kicks into gear this week, morning, daytime, and evening shows are booking the elite guests in culture. As Stephen Colbert eases into the seat of "The Late Show," one of the higher profile moves in media, he called upon Kendrick Lamar to stop by.... Read more

September 10, 2015 Video

Jay Rock Retraces His Watts Roots In A 90059 Mini-Documentary (Video)

Jay Rock's sophomore album 90059 is arriving Friday (September 11). The Watts, California MC made a mini-documentary video explaining his skill development leading into his first LP in four years. Moreover, the five-minute film gets rare access to Jay's Nickerson Gardens houses in Watts, a grid notorious for its gang... Read more

September 9, 2015 Video

Scarface Says Kanye West & Jay Z Wanted Him On Jesus Walks (Video)

Scarface and Kanye West worked together in the early 2000s. First on Jay Z's "This Can't Be Life," and then on a chunk of 'Face's own The Fix album, the then-Def Jam Records label-mates began a strong bond. In the 15 years since, Kanye West has closely worked with 20-plus-year... Read more

September 9, 2015 Video

Apollo Brown & Planet Asia Make The Song Cry For Ill Street Blues (Audio)

Apollo Brown is the veteran producer MCs see when they aim to make something different in the catalog. O.C., Ras Kass, and Guilty Simpson all have jewels to show. Planet Asia, who did a whole album with Mello Music Group (2013's Abrasions with Gensu Dean), may be next in that... Read more

September 9, 2015 Audio

Big Boi & Phantogram Team With Run The Jewels & L.A. Reid On New EP (Tracklist)

UPDATE: Additional information has released regarding Big Boi & Phantogram's project. An EP, the work is called Big Grams, and will release September 25. Coming on Epic Records, this is the latest reunion between Big Boi and Outkast mentor L.A. Reid. The eight song EP features Dungeon Family affiliates Run... Read more

September 9, 2015 News

Melle Mel & Big Daddy Kane Vouch For Macklemore & Say Other Rappers Should “Hang Their Heads”

Throughout the last 10 days, a lot of attention has fallen upon Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' "Downtown." Already a video single from the Seattle, Washington, Grammy Award-winning, platinum act, the pair performed the song to open the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards two Sundays ago (August 30). Perhaps most pertinently,... Read more

September 9, 2015 News

A Heartfelt Documentary Film On Geto Boys’ Bushwick Bill Is Fundraising. See The Trailer (Video)

Although he was never a front man in his own group, Bushwick Bill may one of Hip-Hop's most interesting stories. Bushwick Bill (born Richard Shaw), the dancer-turned-MC from platinum Gangsta Rap pioneers the Geto Boys, has been a music mainstay for nearly 30 years. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, raised in... Read more

September 8, 2015 Video

Freddie Gray’s Family Potentially Awarded $6.4 Million By Baltimore, But Justice Can’t Be Bought.

Today (September 8), the family of Freddie Gray reached a settlement with the city of Baltimore, Maryland. The family and legal team will receive $6.4 million, according to Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. Tomorrow morning (September 9), the Board Of Estimates, a civic panel including Mayor Rawlings-Blake will be the final step,... Read more

September 8, 2015 Lifestyle, News

Georgia Anne Muldrow Fires Up Raging Basslines In Rhythm Roulette (Video)

Los Angeles, California producer/MC Georgia Anne Muldrow has amassed quite a career. A Mello Music Group artist, the real-life spouse of Dudley Perkins (a/k/a Declaime) has worked on acclaimed albums such as Mos Def's The Ecstatic and Erykah Badu's New Amerykah Part One and Part Two, plus Platinum Pied Pipers' Triple... Read more

September 8, 2015 Video

Rapper Big Pooh Dusts Off Childhood Memories Over Evocative Nottz Chops (Audio)

Rapper Big Pooh is gifted in the ability to present raps that many Heads can relate to. With Nottz composing a reflective arrangement of vocals (by Novej) and drums, the Virginia native returns to his childhood and adolescence from fast food jobs to high school proms, trying to look cool... Read more

September 8, 2015 Audio

Daz Dillinger Is Really Serious About A Death Row Biopic…So Much So, He’s Cast It (Photos)

F. Gary Gray's Straight Outta Compton blockbuster biopic of N.W.A. addresses the rise of not only the group, but 1980s West Coast Gangsta Rap. In the film, in addition to the group members (Eazy-E, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, DJ Yella, MC Ren), pivotal Rap figures are portrayed including The D.O.C.,... Read more

September 8, 2015 News

Your Old Droog & Marco Polo Share A Jazzy One-Two Punch Of Songs (Audio)

Since Your Old Droog's 2013 proper introduction, one of the producers of his inner-circle has been Marco Polo. The Brooklyn, New York MC and the New York City-by-way-of-Ontario, Canada transplant make strong music together, both displaying throwback sensibilities to the days of witty wordplay and chopped down samples. From July's... Read more

September 8, 2015 Audio

15 Years Ago, Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Common & More Used Hip-Hop for Justice. The Fight Continues.

Police officers (and law enforcement officials) murdering unarmed people of color has been a resounding issue, especially since the 2012 death of Trayvon Martin. However, while mainstream media has not always looked at the issue that extends back throughout the United States' history, other media has. One of those sources... Read more

September 7, 2015 Food for Thought

Scarface Explains Turning Down A Jay Z Reference Track 15 Years Ago

Early this month, Scarface released Deeply Rooted. The Let's Talk, LLC release is nearly seven years removed from 'Face's last studio solo, Emeritus. Speaking with VIBE magazine, the Houston, Texas native and Rap legend made some pointed remarks about the state of Hip-Hop music, especially in 2015. “There’s so much... Read more

September 7, 2015 News

DJ Spinna Recreates A 1980s Party Through Blending Breaks, Early Rap & Groove (Mix)

DJ Spinna is one of Hip-Hop's most versatile mixmasters. The Brooklyn, New York native has shined a light on House, Funk-Rock, and the all-encompassing genius of Stevie Wonder, while introducing The Jigmastas, Polyrhythm Addicts, as well as early works by MCs ranging from Eminem to J-Live, Thirstin Howl III to... Read more

September 7, 2015 Mixes

Mack Wilds Orchestrates A Heist With An Ex In Bonnie & Clyde (Audio)

In the vain of Jodeci, R. Kelly, and Adina Howard, Mack Wilds likes his R&B risqué. The Sony Red-backed singer from Staten Island, New York returns from campaigning aggressively in 2013 and 2014 for "Bonnie & Clyde." The mid-tempo track features a detailed arrangement of background vocals as Mack presents... Read more

September 7, 2015 Audio

Wale Closes Out Summer Season Celebrating Blooming Love (Video)

With back-to-back #1 albums and a Grammy nomination, Wale is one of Rap music's certified stars. Arguably, part of what got the MC there is his ability to make songs many can relate to. Major themes like "ambition," pride, and the ("Seinfeld"-inspired) mundane can be ruling subjects on Wale albums.... Read more

September 7, 2015 Video

Damon Wayans Gets Deadly Serious About Diabetes, In Living Color & Past Racism on SNL (Video)

An adage famously says that "tragedy plus time equals comedy." Throughout the last 30 years, Damon Wayans has tested that formula. The comedian and actor dazzled television, film, and stand-up with imitation and observation that barred no holds. The "In Living Color" and "My Wife And Kids" superstar created caricatures... Read more

September 6, 2015 Video

Did You Know An Unsigned Eminem Slid Fat Joe Demo Tapes, More Than 6 Times?

As unsigned Eminem lived in New Jersey in the late 1990s. Running with Pacewon and The Outsidaz, doing 12" singles on small New York City independent labels, the Detroit, Michigan MC made a lot of impact trying to earn a lasting spot in the Hip-Hop/music industry. As fate would have... Read more

September 6, 2015 Fresh

Gang Starr Hit Yo! MTV Raps Amidst Their 1994 Mass Appeal, With A Freestyle (Video)

Throughout the history of Gang Starr, there were a host of important albums and movements. In the late 1990s, Guru and DJ Premier went gold (with a Top 10) in Moment Of Truth, gathering the award tour of a much-deserved greatest hits look follow-up, Full Clip. A decade prior, it... Read more

September 6, 2015 Throwback

Royal Flush Iced Down New York City’s Late ’90s Run Alongside N.O.R.E. (Video)

1997 was one of Rap's most transitional years. In the settling dust of the East Coast vs. West Coast feud, both shorelines produced some standout Hip-Hop albums. Not all of the material necessarily made the charts, but it was in this resettling that movements such as Rawkus, No Limit, Cash... Read more

September 3, 2015 Do Remember, Throwback

Dam-Funk’s Disclosure Remix Has Even Wallflowers Finna Get Loose (Audio)

Stones Throw Records is a sonic hot-bed. Whether Madlib, J Dilla, Oh No, or Mayer Hawthorne, Peanut Butter Wolf's imprint hones in some of music's most exciting producers, and gives them free reign. In the current label lineup, Dam-Funk is a standout. For almost a decade, the Southern California mainstay... Read more

September 2, 2015 Audio

Scarface & Nas Make Another Amazing Cross-Country Collab (Audio)

Scarface's Deeply Rooted is less than 48 hours away from release. However, the Houston, Texas lyrical legend offers the album's most anticipated song. "Do What I Do" extends a rich tradition in 'Face's collaborative history with Nas. From 1999's "Favor For A Favor," 2002's "In Between Us," 2012's "Hip Hop,"... Read more

September 2, 2015 Audio

Turntables Might Wobble, But They Don’t Fall Down… Technics Returns

The Technics turntable is one of Hip-Hop music's most iconic symbols. As old as the culture and genre itself, these direct-drive tables are famously sturdy, regardless of low-end bass vibrations, an explosive moving crowd, or heavy-handed DJs cutting back and forth the records. Durable, dependable, and incredibly sleek, it is... Read more

September 2, 2015 News

Cee Lo’s Soaring Single About The Here & Now Gets Animated (Video)

Even if through animation, people make the world go 'round. Cee Lo Green's latest single "Sign Of The Times" captures the careful balance that is the world in 2015. Over-top a beat bases on Bob James' "Taxi" theme (also known as "Angela" to Jazz Heads), this song strikes its own... Read more

September 2, 2015 Video

JR & PH7 Are Beatmakers for Some of Hip-Hop’s Most Respected MCs. Hear Why (EP Stream / Video) (EP Stream / Video)

Cologne, Germany production duo JR & PH7 has amassed a career that includes an extensive list of collaborators, from Sean Price to King Mez, Phonte to Freeway. From Europe, this combined force of beat-makers has been a driving ambassador of the talent abroad. Already in 2015, JR & PH7 teamed... Read more

September 2, 2015 Fresh, Video

Scarface Clarifies Remarks About J. Prince & Rap-A-Lot Records (Video)

Last week, Scarface addressed his lengthy past relationship with Houston, Texas-based independent label Rap-A-Lot Records. As a member of the Geto Boys, Scarface (as Akshen) was brought aboard in the late 1980s. In the years since, he became Rap-A-Lot's flagship artist, releasing an acclaimed and extensive solo catalog, in addition... Read more

September 2, 2015 Video

J-Live Freestyles Heat While Scratching A Loop On The Turntables (Audio)

Throughout his 20-year career, J-Live has been a triple threat. The MC, DJ, and producer named his label (for a while in the 2000s, at least) after his vast gifts. In the live show, and at select times on albums, the Brooklyn, New Yorker stood behind the turntables and kicked... Read more

September 1, 2015 Audio

Big Daddy Kane Defends Macklemore, Praises Inclusion Of Rap Pioneers

In 1994, Big Daddy Kane—a major label, gold-certified artist, appeared on the Treacherous Three's first album in a decade, Old School Flava. "We Wit' It" featured Kane, alongside Chuck D, Grandmaster Caz, Grandmaster Melle Mel, Heavy D, Tito, and the Treacherous Three lineup of Kool Moe Dee, Special K, and... Read more

September 1, 2015 News

What’s Beef? Shaq & Kobe Open Up About Tensions, Putting Rumors To Rest (Audio)

From 1996 through 2004, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant were heralded Los Angeles Lakers teammates. As such, they won three NBA championships in the purple and gold. However, both dominant personalities, both masters of their craft, a team tug-of-war began, from the locker-room to the media, and the (potential Hall... Read more

September 1, 2015 Audio, Lifestyle

Straight Outta Compton Becomes The Top-Earning Musical Biopic, Ever.

James Brown. Johnny Cash. Ray Charles. Ritchie Valens. The Doors. Buddy Holly. These are just some of the subjects surrounding Hollywood's musical biopics of the last 25 years. That said, N.W.A. and their biographical depiction in Straight Outta Compton boasts the distinction of being the highest-earning, ever. In theaters for... Read more

August 31, 2015 News