Bandini

Tech N9ne Might Have A Lyrical Radio Hit, Alongside 2 Chainz & B.o.B. (Audio)

Tech N9ne has kicked down the doors of the music industry the last five years. The Strange Music co-founder has elite sales, jaw-dropping revenue streams, and everybody imaginable in his Rolodex. Although his video numbers thrive on YouTube, one thing that has evaded the Kansas City, Missouri O.G. often appears... Read more

February 26, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Big K.R.I.T. vs. ScHoolboy Q…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). We are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

February 26, 2015 Fresh

Cannibal Ox Share Their Long-Awaited Second LP. Is The Blade Still Sharp? (Album Stream)

Nearly one week prior to its release, Cannibal Ox's Blade Of The Ronin (March 3) is available for authorized full audio album stream. The sophomore LP from Vast Aire and Vordul Mega comes nearly 14 years after The Cold Vein, without Def Jux as the backer, or El-P on the... Read more

February 26, 2015 Audio

Redman, Talib Kweli and Wrekonize Bring a Slice of Pardise on a Super Soulful Track (Audio)

In terms of star power and interesting, thought-out collaborators DJ EFN's Another Time (March 3) rivals albums by Funkmaster Flex, DJ Clue, and DJ Khaled—just see the tracklist. Heads delight, as "Paradise" unites Redman with Talib Kweli, joined by ¡Mayday!'s Wrekonize. The three MCs describe idyllic places, from romantic partners,... Read more

February 26, 2015 Audio

Fashawn Adds To A Major Week In His Career With A Dazzling Freestyle (Video)

With The Ecology out, Fashawn may be having the week of his career. The Fresno, California MC hit Statik Selektah's ShowOff Radio show. There, the 100 Proof collaborators linked up to allow Fash' to kick a quite-nice freestyle over beats by Souls Of Mischief and Gang Starr. With wit, impeccable... Read more

February 26, 2015 Video

Friday Is The New Tuesday…Albums Will Now Drop In Time For The Weekend

An age-old tradition for music consumers is about to change. For Heads who waited outside record stores on Tuesday mornings, or stay up way too late waiting to buy from digital retailers on a work/school-night for a particular anticipated release, times, they are a changin'. Billboard has reported that effective... Read more

February 26, 2015 News

Do Remember: Rhymefest’s This Is How We Chill (Audio)

Early this week, Rhymefest joined Eminem and Common (simultaneously) at becoming one of three Hip-Hop artists to have won a Grammy Award and an Oscar Award. The Chicago, Illinois MC and former J Records sensation co-wrote "Glory," joining John Legend and Comm' in the Academy Award receipt. In both cases,... Read more

February 26, 2015 Throwback

A Rakim Quick Mix Is Always Welcome…Especially By The Master DJ Revolution (Mix)

DJ Revolution is not a DJ who constantly feeds Heads with artist-driven mixes. Instead, much like his personality, the Wake Up Show alum/Malcolm and Martin-backer picks his spots. The West Coast DJ took a long look at Rakim's impact on Hip-Hop throughout the ages, and made a mix on the... Read more

February 25, 2015 Throwback

Onetime Eminem Affiliate SKAM2? Teams With M1 To Redefine “Gangsta” (Video)

Record-buying Heads from the late '90s know SKAM2? Even if you weren't hittin' the crates, chances are, you do too. The Miami, Florida native designed the cover art for A Tribe Called Quest's Beats, Rhymes & Life album, along with various artwork for Eminem, Naughty By Nature, and others. But more... Read more

February 25, 2015 Video

There’s Not Much To Show For K-Solo’s Time On Death Row…Except This Rare Freestyle With Kurupt (Audio)

By mid-1996, Suge Knight's record label started calling themselves "The New & Untouchable Death Row Records." From 12" singles to posters, the branding was widespread—especially on the label's (first, of way too many) Greatest Hits compilations. Inside the double-album compilation's inserts, Heads saw the expanded roster of the reigning Rap... Read more

February 25, 2015 Audio, Throwback

Rapper Big Pooh Flips Through His Rhyme Book While Apollo Brown Digs In The Crates (Video)

A month from yesterday (March 24), Rapper Big Pooh & Apollo Brown will release Words Paint Pictures on Mello Music Group. The Virginia-to-Michigan tandem got together to record the LP, and to film "Augmentation." The soulful cut finds each artist in their first loves, rapping and diggin', showing the culture... Read more

February 25, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): E-40 vs. Dr. Dre…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). We are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

February 25, 2015 Fresh

Rah Digga Quick-Strikes On A Vintage MF DOOM Instrumental (Audio)

In less than two minutes, Rah Digga is one of the MCs in Hip-Hop who can command attention. "Stories From The Ambassador" is a simple tale about dealing with police in the streets of the 2-0-1, and the challenges of life in these times. "It's tough growin' up in this... Read more

February 25, 2015 Audio

Murs’ Strange Music Arrival Feels Like He’s Been Here Before (Audio)

Wherever Murs go, geographically, creatively, or label-wise, he always takes his core sound with him. The Los Angeles, California native has dabbled extensively in the last 15-plus years, from where he's lived, who he's worked with, and where he's gotten his proverbial Rap checks. Now at Strange Music, the Living... Read more

February 25, 2015 Audio

Jungle Brothers’ Afrika Baby Bam Says Because I Got It Like That Was Written For…Prince (Video)

One of the Jungle Brothers' breakthrough records was 1988's "Because I Got It Like That." The 1988 Idlers/Warlock Records single would be a keystone in the Native Tongues movement, predating De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest's formal arrival in the music marketplace. With that said, the Straight Out... Read more

February 24, 2015 Throwback

A Mini-Doc With Nas Behind It Shows Fashawn’s World, From An Addict Mom To Years Of The Grind (Video)

Although it's been available for days for stream, today (February 24) is the true release date for Fashawn's The Ecology. The sophomore studio album finds the MC now backed by Nas (care of Mass Appeal Records), releasing a plethora of visuals, and clearing his samples. As was the case with... Read more

February 24, 2015 Video

Donald Glover Plans To Lay “Childish Gambino” To Rest? (Video)

Comedian, writer and actor Donald Glover may have allegedly taken "Childish Gambino" out of the Wu-Tang Name Generator back in the mid-2000s. However, there was nothing funny or silly about what followed. Between 2008 and 2014, seven mixtapes, two EPs, and an onslaught of guest appearances followed. In two studio... Read more

February 24, 2015 News

Big Sean Has Pioneered Lots Of Flows. Is He Borrowing One In His Latest Visual? (Video)

Back in 2009 and 2010, when Drake was skyrocketing to the top of Hip-Hop's ruling class, Big Sean's name was coming up a lot. Many Heads, especially those who were following mixtapes in the late '00s, claimed that Drizzy's punchline-pause style, and other elements of his flow were coming from... Read more

February 24, 2015 Video

Kenny G & Warren G Regulate A Mash-Up For Latenight TV…And It Grooves (Video)

Warren G's smooth attitude and penchant for humor has made him something of a media darling. The 213 co-founder has traveled a long way from producing for Mista Grimm, and made his way into a frequent source of humor for "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" to VICE, and Funny Or Die. The... Read more

February 24, 2015 Video

Yelawolf Spits Whiskey Literally & Figuratively (Lyric Video)

Spitting whiskey over a bonfire causes big flames if you do it right. Yelawolf is out for his own burn in Love Story single, "Whiskey In A Bottle." The Alabama MC releases a video kicking these lyrics with emphasized sincerity for the camera lens, with some potent elixir in his... Read more

February 24, 2015 Video

25 Years Ago Today, Bell Biv DeVoe Made A Poisonous, Everlasting Hit (Video)

Twenty five years ago today (February 24, 1990), New Jack Swing's wrecking ball made one of its biggest smashes with the release of Bell Biv DeVoe's "Poison." The song served as an introduction to the New Edition spin-off group, and the first look from the would-be quadruple platinum self-titled MCA... Read more

February 24, 2015 Throwback

Young Buck Brings 50 Cent and Troy Ave Together on His Latest (Audio)

When Troy Ave arrived on the scene in the early 2010s, the Brooklyn, New York MC immediately drew a lot of comparisons to G-Unit. In those days, G-Unit was fading, if not broken up. In 2015, Young Buck and 50 Cent are crewed up again, making some potent street music,... Read more

February 24, 2015 Audio

Elzhi Offers Up His First Single In Ages. Emotional & Dilla-Related, It’s Worth The Wait (Audio)

There is less than a week left to the month of February. Whether it's been the frigid cold (for some), some depressing headlines, or just the new year's lull, it's a complicated month. Elzhi writes from the moment in "February." The Detroit, Michigan veteran leads into his true Preface follow-up,... Read more

February 24, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Grandmaster Melle Mel vs. DMC…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). We are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

February 24, 2015 Throwback

Bad Lucc, Ab-Soul, Problem & Punch Flip A Rare Dr. Dre Remix (Audio)

Bad Lucc has been paying 10 years of dues. However, as he and his Diamond Lane Music Group label-mate Problem have witnessed, good things happen to those who wait. A onetime member of Snoop Dogg's Dubb Union (with fellow dues-payers Damani N'kosi and Soopafly), Lucc is among the new guard... Read more

February 24, 2015 Audio

IamSU! Has A Lot Of Heavy Hitters In His Corner. Are All Eyes On Him As Next? (Mixtape)

Since his Top 50 Sincerely Yours debut album in 2014, IamSu!'s stock has been on smash. The HBK Gang front man continues to gather cosigns across the industry, with a sound, style, and energy all of his own. Just as he's done for more than five years though, the Northern... Read more

February 24, 2015 Mixes

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): J. Dilla vs. Guru…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). We are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

February 23, 2015 Throwback

Just Blaze Releases The Beat Jay-Z & Rick Ross Wanted, Encourages Only Nice MCs To Touch It (Audio)

Just Blaze is one of the more interesting producers on social media. The Patterson, New Jersey producer/DJ enjoys waxing poetic about music, technology, industry, life, and engaging with his legions of fans. With that unpredictability in mind, Just released "Miracle," an instrumental track that he claims was a bidding war... Read more

February 23, 2015 Audio

Professor Bun B Talks Rap, Religion and Oscars with Intelligence and Humor (Video)

What isn't Bun B a novice expert on? The UGK co-founder and Trill O.G. loves sneakers, sports, street-wear, cars, music, and even film. In preparation for tomorrow's 87th Academy Awards (February 22), the Bun Beata weighs in for The Fader on who he thinks will get Oscar gold. Claiming that The... Read more

February 21, 2015 Video

Ghostface Killah & BADBADNOTGOOD Have Sour Soul For All To Taste (Album Stream)

Five days before release, Ghostface Killah & BADBADNOTGOOD's Sour Soul is offered to fans for full, free stream (in mono, no less—playing into the '70s-minded themes). G.F.K.'s first Lex Records go-round, and second LP (following 36 Seasons) in three months pairs him with BadBad and Frank Dukes for an onslaught... Read more

February 20, 2015 Audio

Fashawn’s New Album Features Nas, Busta Rhymes & More. Take a Listen (Album Stream)

Five days before release, Fashawn's sophomore solo LP, The Ecology comes to full stream. The Fresno, California MC celebrates his first go-round with Nas' Mass Appeal Records, and updates fans after a near six-year break from solo studio releases. After a Duck Down Music venture with Murs, co-signs from Wiz Khalifa,... Read more

February 20, 2015 Audio

Kanye West Says His Next Album Returns To Music, Opens Up About Class, Religion & Dame Dash (Video)

A lover of surprises, Kanye West popped in on The Breakfast Club this morning (February 20), and the superstar sat in the hot seat for nearly an hour. In a particularly light mood (especially compared to his November 2013 visit), 'Ye takes any and all questions—including some penetrating inquiries from... Read more

February 20, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Common vs. Method Man…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). We are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

February 20, 2015 Fresh

Raekwon, Styles P, Sheek Louch & Vado Line Up The Lyrics For DJ Kay Slay (Audio)

DJ Kay Slay's Rolodex weighs a ton, and the Hip-Hop mainstay is never afraid to use it. The Drama King "declares war" calling in 2/3 of The LOX, along with Raekwon, Vado, and Rell. "I Declare War" is four MCs, one singer, and an iconic mixmaster/radio personality. Coming from The... Read more

February 19, 2015 Audio

Talib Kweli Freestyles About Suge Knight. Too Soon? (Video)

Featured in the 2000 film, Freestyle: The Art Of Rhyme, Talib Kweli has built his skills in the cyphers, and with the impromptu improvisation that is freestyling. These days, Kwe' is busy touring, making albums, and co-running a label conglomerate. The days in the parks may be few and far... Read more

February 19, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Busta Rhymes vs. Killer Mike…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). We are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

February 19, 2015 Fresh

Nas & Fashawn Give Us Something To Believe In With Support From Aloe Blacc (Audio)

When he released his first album, Boy Meets World, Fashawn garnered comparisons to the introspective Nas. When Fash' followed with Ode To Illmatic mixtape, the influence was overt. Last year, Nas signed Fashawn to his Mass Appeal imprint, making the proverbial cypher complete. Clearly, Nas something in Fashawn that he... Read more

February 19, 2015 Audio

Here’s the Inside Story of the Making of LL Cool J’s Classic Rock the Bells (Video)

In Ambrosia For Heads' ongoing GOAT ballot series to determine Hip-Hop's Greatest Of All Time MC, LL Cool J is facing off with Run (of Run-DMC) in Round 2. In this search to let fans decide the real winner, it is actually 30 years removed from a rivalry between the... Read more

February 19, 2015 Throwback

Cannibal Ox, Wu-Tang Clan’s U-God & The Artifacts Sharpen Lyrical Blades With Black Milk (Audio)

Since their inception, Cannibal Ox's influences can be traced back to the early 1990s underground Hip-Hop (before it was ever called such). Two acts who seemed to greatly influence Vast Aire and Vordul Mega are Wu-Tang Clan and The Artifacts. The latter (Tame One and El Da Sensei) join U-God... Read more

February 19, 2015 Audio

Do Remember: Pete Rock & CL Smooth’s The Creator (Video)

In the last week, Android released a new campaign, "Handshake." Notably, phones were not (at all) featured in the one-minute television ads, but rather a series of celebrations from athletes, friends, ballet dancers, families, thespians, and so forth. Premiering during Sunday night's (February 15) NBA All-Star game/ "SNL 40," these... Read more

February 19, 2015 Throwback

Asher Roth & Nottz Blow Your Head with a Chopped Public Enemy Loop (Audio)

In the last seven years, some of Asher Roth's strongest lyrical displays, and most complete songs came from his sessions with Virginia veteran Nottz. Five (very short) years ago, the pair made The Rawth EP, and they're back at it. As Asher has veered into other genres with an over-arching... Read more

February 19, 2015 Audio

J-Live Salutes All The O.G. Mixtape DJs On Impacting His Direction (Audio)

J-Live is a lover of concept. A DJ (and producer, and MC), the triple-threat honors the DJ, which predates the MC, on "Red & The Kid." The song title is a tribute to DJ Red Alert and Kid Capri (as forever attached thanks to Greg Nice's booming voice). Justice recalls... Read more

February 18, 2015 Audio

The Very First Time Jay Z Performed On TV, They Didn’t Even Say His Name (Video)

Before 1990, Jay Z was not on too many radars. The guest on The Jaz' "Hawaiian Sophie" was in the place that a lot of hopeful artists can relate to. He had a moment in the sun (of a whimsical EMI Records single of his then-rhyme mentor), and was trying... Read more

February 18, 2015 Throwback

Lil Fame Remixes M.O.P.’s Welcome 2 Brooklyn & Works In A Handful Of Classics (Audio)

M.O.P. bridged the gap with "Welcome 2 Brooklyn." The Street Certified EP video single merged Mash Out with Maino, and showed the made shades of BK. Still hard at work on the Nature Sounds release (executive produced by longtime M.O.P. affiliate DJ Premier), Lil Fame (a/k/a Fizzy Womack) reworked the... Read more

February 18, 2015 Audio

Rare Juggaknots Demo Recordings To Release, Showing The Crew’s Magic (Audio)

If you're not up on The Juggaknots, you need to be. Back in Bobbito's Fondle 'Em Records days, the crew morphed into Underground Hip-Hop luminaries, alongside MF DOOM, The MHz (RJ2, Camu Tao, Copywrite, Tage Proto, Jakki Da Mottamouth), Kool Keith, and Cage. Originally signed to Elektra/EastWest Records, New York... Read more

February 17, 2015 Throwback

Rick Rubin Goes From Boom-Bap To Dance-Hop, Turning His Attentions To GoldLink

T La Rock. Run-DMC. LL Cool J. Beastie Boys. Public Enemy. Geto Boys... For more than 30 years, Rick Rubin has stood on the cutting edge, in Hip-Hop alone. The Def Jam Records co-founder can spot a humongous talent wave out in the ocean, from Rock & Roll to Metal... Read more

February 17, 2015 News

Some Unreleased Vic Mensa Surfaces on the Heels of His SNL Debut (Audio)

Vic Mensa's having quite a week. With the world television stage on "SNL40" (well, those not watching the NBA All-Star Game), Mensa joined Sia and Kanye West for a highly-stylized, deeply choreographed performance of "Wolves." With folks running to their social media to ask more about the versatile MC/singer with... Read more

February 17, 2015 Audio

Raz Simone Catches Inspiration From Tupac’s Words In Lighting Up The Industry (Video)

Fresh off of "Macklemore & Chief Keef," Raz Simone devotes his attentions to "Drake & Macklemore's Platform." Here, the Seattle, Washington MC uses some poignant and prophetic interview footage from Tupac Shakur to explain just how lofty his goals are with the microphone, and just how hungry he is to... Read more

February 17, 2015 Video

Watch De La Soul Play A Dutch Game Show In Their Earliest Days (Video)

Twenty six years ago, De La Soul was bringin' brand new funk. The Long Island, New York collective had just released 3 Feet High And Rising on Tommy Boy Records, which was a Top 25 debut on its March 3 release. Posdnuos (or Posdnous), Trugoy, and Maseo were still getting... Read more

February 17, 2015 Throwback

Black Thought Says The Roots Are Free Agents. Will They Go Independent?

In a recording career that's nearly 25 years long, The Roots have really dealt with only two labels: Geffen Records and Def Jam Records. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Hip-Hop band has released 11 studio albums, along with handfuls of EPs, collaborative works, and side projects dating back to 1993's Organix. After... Read more

February 17, 2015 News