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Ghostface Killah & MF DOOM Are Back In Action, Bustin’ Ray Guns On The Mic (Audio)

With so many chambers to Ghostface Killah's repertoire, few could have expected "DOOMStarks" to intersect with what G.F.K. has cooking with BADBADNOTGOOD. However, in the bitter cold of January, Ghostface, MF DOOM, and the Canadian band trio light it up with their "Ray Gun" shootout. This lyrically whimsical track comes... Read more

January 9, 2015 Audio, Fresh

CyHi The Prynce Says He Was Wrongfully Left Off Year-End Lists & Shows Out (Audio)

Although he is the fourth inclusion on Ambrosia For Heads' Best Mixtapes Of 2014 list, CyHi The Prynce is feeling passed over in the year that was. Does he have a point though? Black Hystori was among the year's strongest and most cerebral projects (albums and mixtapes combined). While it... Read more

January 9, 2015 Audio, Fresh

Domingo Unleashes Some Heltah Skeltah Era Sean Price & Ruste Juxx On A Dope Beat (Audio)

Domingo has been incredibly active in Hip-Hop production for more than 20 years. The East New Yorker combines far-reaching samples with quality arrangements. On February 17, he's releasing Sessions & Lessons, a compilation of rare and unreleased work, featuring some of the gold that the longtime KRS-One affiliate has shared... Read more

January 9, 2015 Audio, Fresh

Snoop Dogg Signs With Pharrell, Again, For An Album Called…Bush

UPDATE: Following October 2014's news that Snoop and Pharrell were back in business together (read below), some details have emerged on the forthcoming album. To be titled Bush, is due in March, 2015. Snoop reportedly confirmed this last night (January 7) at Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Some... Read more

January 8, 2015 Fresh

Do Remember: TRU & C-Bo – That’s How We Break Bread (Audio)

In truth, it's been a pretty quiet decade for Master P. For the most part, the No Limit Records founder seems to have chosen a pathway out of the Rap-Race rat-race, living the good life in that Southern California sun. Although P has developed some new acts at No Limit,... Read more

January 8, 2015 Audio, Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Snoop Dogg vs. MJG…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

January 8, 2015 Fresh, Throwback

Crossing The Oceans To Rock Stages, Rapsody Looks To The Lens As Godzilla (Video)

Rapsody's reputation for crushing mics has grown by leaps and bounds in the last year. Although Heads have been praising the North Carolina MC since the Kooley High days, long before The Idea Of Beautiful, 2014 just somehow served as a penetrating late pass for all the tardy fans to... Read more

January 8, 2015 Fresh, Video

Action Bronson Acts Crazy With A New Vibe On His REAL Mr. Wonderful Single (Audio)

Although Mr. Wonderful will mark Action Bronson's major label full-length debut, the Queens MC has a host of projects to offer. Whether you seek the stripped down raps of Dr. Lecter, the freewheeling sampling of Blue Chips, or the waviness of Saaab Stories, Bam Bam has product. So for the... Read more

January 7, 2015 Audio, Fresh

Big Daddy Kane Doesn’t Make Songs Often, So When He Does…Listen. (Audio)

Big Daddy Kane verses, especially of the solo variety, are true rarities. The Brooklyn, New York MC icon spits only when he's got something to say, and that's been his M-O since the Juice Crew days. In the wake of some spiritually and mentally challenging happenings that affect the heart,... Read more

January 7, 2015 Audio, Fresh

Capone-N-Noreaga Bust Through A Thematic Blend Of Nas & Mary J. Blige (Audio)

Late last year, N.O.R.E. found a cool pocket, when he and Royal Flush flexed on a Queens instrumental, courtesy of borough brethren The Beatnuts. The sound was fresh, but nostalgic, and something that resonated with the voices of the '90s MCs. Now with Capone in tow, Capone-N-Noreaga are back in... Read more

January 7, 2015 Audio, Fresh

Tony Touch Reaches Hip-Hop Tape #101 & Takes Naysayers To School (Mixtape)

Since the colored cassette tape shell days, Tony Touch has been servin' up the latest and the greatest Hip-Hop under his turntable style. The "Taino Turntable Terrorist" put early and everlasting emphasis on the freestyle, and made tapes, and later albums, that kept the color, originality, and improvisation of Hip-Hop... Read more

January 7, 2015 Audio, Fresh, Mixes

Ghostface Killah Drops Jewels On All, From Skydiving To Richard Gere Flicks (Video)

Ghostface Killah loves to hold court with his humor, and giving some Stapleton wisdom on all subjects. Pitchfork's "Over/Under" series knows this, and questioned the 36 Seasons maker about everything from foot massages to his thoughts regarding Bill Cosby's ongoing rape scandal. Ghost', in an especially perky mood, waves off... Read more

January 7, 2015 Fresh, Video

The End Of An Era For Hardcore Hip-Hop…DJ Premier’s Studio Closes Its Doors Today

Nas' Illmatic recorded there. The Notorious B.I.G.'s Ready To Die recorded there. Jay-Z's Reasonable Doubt recorded there. And nearly every song by Gang Starr, in addition to every track produced by DJ Premier since 1992 was recorded there. Today, on January 7, 2015, Premo announced that D&D Studios a/k/a HeadQCourterz... Read more

January 7, 2015 Fresh

Ice-T Interviews Chief Rocka Busy Bee, Talks Wild Style, Pioneering Swag & More (Audio)

Many Heads know the importance and impact of Chief Rocka Busy Bee Starski. The Bronx, New Yorker was among the Rap voices who was relevant and top-notch, dating back to the 1970s. Ice-T, who would break through beginning with Breakin', calls the MC born David Parker a "Cornerstone of Hip-Hop,"... Read more

January 7, 2015 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Andre 3000 vs. Buckshot…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

January 7, 2015 Fresh, Throwback

Red Pill Speaks From His Heart On Race & Differences On An Apollo Brown Groove (Audio)

Red Pill has been one of the budding forces at Tucson, Arizona-based Mello Music Group. A member of Ugly Heroes with Verbal Kent and Apollo Brown, the Lansing, Michigan native announced this young week that he has signed a multi-album deal with the label that's been a home/outpost for Oddisee,... Read more

January 6, 2015 Audio, Fresh

2015 Dilla Weekend Hits Miami – Madlib, Joey Bada$$, Slum Village & More To Rock

After years of ongoing festivities, Dilla Day has now become Dilla Weekend. The family-sanctioned event honoring late producer/MC James "J Dilla" Yancey (a/k/a Jay Dee) has expanded and relocated to Miami, Florida. On February 5, 6, 7, and 8, the affair will take place in Dade County, with weekend-long tickets... Read more

January 6, 2015 Fresh

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Big Daddy Kane vs. Kool Keith…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

January 6, 2015 Fresh, Throwback

Ever Go Through Your Mate’s Phone? Joell Ortiz Shows Why It’s a Bad Idea… (Video)

Joell Ortiz' masterful storytelling are one of the lyrical attributes that transcended him from a late '90s, early 2000s street MC into a major label star. Like two of his onetime mentors and label-heads, Eminem and Dr. Dre in 2000's "Guilty Conscience," Joell uses his House Slippers moment "Phone" to... Read more

January 6, 2015 Fresh, Video

Eightball & MJG Are Back Doin’ Thangs. This Cut Is Space Age Fresh (Audio)

It was a largely quiet 2014 for Eightball & MJG. The latter of the duo released a 2.0 version of his late 2013 LP, Too Pimpin', while 'Ball saved his spit for a really cool Bar-Kays feature that bridged the gap from 1970s Memphis and 1990s Memphis music. 2015 is... Read more

January 6, 2015 Audio, Fresh

Beanie Sigel Home From The Hospital, After Near-Fatal Shooting

Veteran Philadelphia, Pennsylvania MC Beanie Sigel was reportedly shot this morning (December 5), and is seriously injured. NBC 10 Philadelphia has reported that the State Property co-founder and onetime Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam Records star was struck in the stomach by gunfire in at a shore-house in Pleasantville, New Jersey. Reports add... Read more

January 6, 2015 Fresh

After More Than 25 Years, DJ Premier & MF DOOM Will Work Together

Twenty five years ago, DJ Premier and MF DOOM (then known as Zev Love X) were getting comfortable in the industry. Premier, care of the group Gang Starr, was less than a year removed from releasing debut LP No More Mr. Nice Guy on Wild Pitch Records with partner and... Read more

January 5, 2015 Fresh

M.O.P. & Maino Cinematically Show You The Brooklyn They Love (Video)

As 2014 year-end lists flood the Internet, magazines, and more...one Hip-Hop album that seemingly deserved more recognition is M.O.P.'s Street Certified. Billy Danze and Lil Fame's first foray with Nature Sounds Records brought in DJ Premier as an executive producer, without simply aiming to push the Mash Out Posse back... Read more

January 5, 2015 Fresh, Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 1): Logic vs. Action Bronson…Who You Got?

We have almost 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... Read more

January 5, 2015 Fresh

Lupe Fiasco’s Metaphors Extend With A Yoga-Inspired Message To The People (Audio)

Lupe Fiasco's Tetsuo & Youth is slated to drop on January 20. With the day on its way, the 1st & 15th veteran star graced the new year, and new month, with some music. 'Lu, who is often praised for his ear for production sources, turned to hit-maker DJ Dahi... Read more

January 5, 2015 Audio, Fresh

Aesop Rock Unleashes Two Sinister New Songs Filled With Cynicism & Wordplay (Audio)

Aesop Rock's solo interests have been largely quieted since 2012's Skelethon album (which marked a charting pinnacle for the veteran). Focused on his Hail Mary Mallon crew, and other artistic interests, the Def Jukie-turned-Rhymesayer spent most of 2013 and 2014 in such a mind-frame. 2015 returns to form, directionally as... Read more

January 5, 2015 Audio, Fresh

When Stitched Together, Ludacris’ Ludaverses Is A Sharp Reminder Of Lyrical Prowess (Audio)

For several weeks now, Ludacris has been dropping little tidbits of promotion. "Ludaverses" have been one and two-minute drops of the Atlanta, Georgia mainstay freestyling with tracks. On their own, these nuggets spoke to core DTP fans, especially those wanting to see the Def Jam Records superstar free from concept... Read more

January 2, 2015 Audio, Fresh

Lil Wayne to Release a Song With…Master P. Catch the Snippet (Video)

In the same two-week span that saw LL Cool J and Canibus set aside more than 17 years of differences, another Hip-Hop beef may be coming to an end. Lil Wayne and Master P have never exactly been nemeses, New Orleans, Louisiana has played host to a longstanding rivalry between... Read more

January 2, 2015 Fresh, Video

Do Remember: Killer Mike & M.O.P. – Push Back (Audio)

With Killer Mike on the minds of Ambrosia For Heads staff and readers this week, "Do Remember" looked deep within the Adamsvillain's catalog this week. Back in 2008, Killer Mike was in a major transition. The MC now stealing the show alongside El-P with Run The Jewels was in the... Read more

January 2, 2015 Audio, Throwback

Dipset’s Core 4 Members Are Together, Recording A New Mixtape

2015 marks five years since Cam'ron and Jim Jones laid to rest their differences, and began what has become a slow crawl back to restoring The Diplomats activity. In 2010, the clique was photographed in the studio with Dr. Dre, an artist who had never previously worked with Cam'ron, Jim... Read more

January 2, 2015 Fresh

Atmosphere Release a Visually-Arresting New Video for January on Lake Street (Video)

For a group that did not always have videos at their disposal in the '90s and early 2000s, Atmosphere's made up for lost time. The Rhymesayers Entertainment duo—which now includes a full band—released another Top 10 debut in 2015 in Southsiders. Slug and Ant are still working the LP. "January... Read more

January 2, 2015 Fresh, Video

Snoop Dogg Makes 2015 Funktafied With A Dam-Funk & Daz Dillinger Double-Take (Audio)

It's always a celebration for Snoop Dogg. Tha Doggfather brings in the new year by heating up one of his many, many side projects. 7 Days Of Funk brought Snoop to Stones Throw Records to link with producer/vocalist Dam-Funk for a retro, free-form 2013 Funk project that brought each Southern... Read more

January 2, 2015 Audio, Fresh

Action Bronson & Alchemist Hot Box With B-Real, Talk Wrestling & Cookbooks (Video)

B-Real's Smokebox TV is a cool series for unrestricted, totally different interviews. The Cypress Hill front-man gets stoned with his friends and peers in what appears to be an old 1980s Cadillac Fleetwood sedan, somewhere in a garage (other episodes are in other cars and locales). While plenty of Rap... Read more

January 2, 2015 Fresh, Video

Kool Keith Officially Supports This Limited Edition Dr. Octagon Action Figure

While some Kool Keith fans—including Ice-T—tend to celebrate the Bronx, New Yorker's Ultramagnetic MC's days, a large contingency asserts that Keith's finest work was in fact in the mid-1990s. After all, it was then, in the early days of a solo career, that the lyricist made Sex Style, as well... Read more

January 2, 2015 Fresh, Throwback

Men Of The Year: How Killer Mike & J. Cole Represented Hip-Hop Honorably In 2014 (Food For Thought)

Happy 2015 from Ambrosia For Heads! As we, as Heads, reflect on the year that was, it's important to look for the specific individuals that made it great. In Hip-Hop, this year was something of a rarity, where a spectrum of nominees could be argued for "Album Of The Year."... Read more

January 1, 2015 Food for Thought, Fresh

You Maybe Missed Ali Shaheed’s “Black Lives Matter” Commentary, But It Stands Tall (Video)

Earlier this month, Ali Shaheed Muhammad (A Tribe Called Quest, Lucy Pearl, NPR Hip-Hop) made a song in support of the Black Lives Matter protests. The highly-respected Queens, New Yorker works as he was portrayed in Beats, Rhymes & Life: quietly. However, in making "CPR" with Merna, JaPoet and David... Read more

December 31, 2014 Fresh, Video

David Banner Shuts Decembers Down. Burning Thumbs Is An Uncomprising Look Back At ’14 (Audio)

One of the greatest albums released after the year-end album lists in recent years was 2010's Death Of A Pop Star by David Banner & 9th Wonder. Not out for media accolades, the jarring commentary resonated with many, in an odd year for music. Now, for 2014, the Crooked Lettaz... Read more

December 31, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Macklemore Gets Deep About Race, White Appropriation, Grammy Awards & His Biggest Mistake (Video)

In addition to all of the great things that happened in music, especially Hip-Hop, for 2014, there have been some uncomfortable moments. As art parallels life, and life parallels art, America witnessed murders, arrests, protests, actions (and non-actions) and other public issues raise the question of racial equality. In Hip-Hop... Read more

December 31, 2014 Fresh, Video

Easy Mo Bee Partners With Chuck D’s SLAMJamz For January Album

Easy Mo Bee produced hit records for both 2Pac and The Notorious B.I.G. He kicked in the door with Big Daddy Kane, and helped Miles Davis close shop in style. The iconic Brooklyn, New York producer/DJ for Hip-Hop, Jazz, and R&B continues to stay dedicated to his love of music.... Read more

December 30, 2014 Fresh

A Year Isn’t A Year Until Skillz’ Wraps It Up With His Rap. 2014, Salute! (Audio)

In less than 48 hours, 2014 is in the bag. Even though he reportedly swore he wouldn't do it anymore a few years back, Skillz pleased the people with a signature "Rap Up." For 2-0-1-4, the Virginia MC chronicles everything, from the lighter hearted (Rick Ross' weight loss, Pharrell's takeover,... Read more

December 30, 2014 Audio, Fresh

MC Ren Calls Out Lazy Radio DJs & Wack Playlists In A New Song (Audio)

Since the N.W.A. days, MC Ren has never run from the issues. The iconic Compton, California lyricist has asserted equality for race, religion, and understanding for nearly 30 years. Taking a look at the present day commercial radio format, Ren decries "Burn Radio Burn" on a fresh and charged E-A-Ski... Read more

December 30, 2014 Audio, Fresh

5 Things That Made Hip-Hop Proud in 2014 (Food For Thought)

Looking at the culture, 2014 had plenty to offer. In addition to the albums, the mixtapes, the songs, and the videos, there was real action. The year, from the Hip-Hop vantage point, brought everlasting history in some areas, and demanded change in others. The culture, the players, and the people... Read more

December 30, 2014 Featured-homepage, Food for Thought, Fresh

Phonte, DJ Premier & Royce Da 5’9″ Geek Out About Rap, Memories & Battles (Video)

Structure isn't everything in Hip-Hop interviews. Sometimes organic, natural, nonrestrictive discussions go a heck of a lot farther. In their ongoing PRhyme media campaign, DJ Premier and Royce Da 5'9" get an unlikely guest in Phonte. The Stashed orchestrates a casual discussion about a number of things with these three... Read more

December 29, 2014 Fresh, Video

Pimp C Remembered On His 41st Birthday By Bun B, Too Short, Paul Wall & More (Video)

Today (December 29), Chad "Pimp C" Butler would have turned 41 years old. Sadly, the UGK icon passed away seven years ago this month from a heart attack. However, even without him in the flesh, the Port Arthur, Texas MC/producer's impact upon music continues to permeate, from Drake and Big... Read more

December 29, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Late Producer of Run-D.M.C., Whodini & The Fat Boys Honored by DJ Eclipse Mix (Audio)

Over the Christmas holiday, Non-Phixion member and Halftime Radio Show DJ/host DJ Eclipse paid homage to Larry Smith, the iconic bassist and Hip-Hop producer who died earlier this month (December 18). Smith is remembered for helping cultivate the sound of the mid-1980s, through work with Whodini, Run-DMC, The Fat Boys,... Read more

December 29, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

With Sounds By The Roots & J Dilla, Preview Snippets Of Joey Bada$$’s B4.Da.$$ (Audio)

Over the weekend, the full artwork, tracklisting and production credits for Joey Bada$$' studio debut, B4.Da.$$ (January 20) were released: 1. Save The Children (prod by Statik Selektah) 2. Greenbax (prod by Lee Bannon) 3. Paper Trails (prod. by DJ Premier) 4. Piece of Mine (prod by Freddie Joachim) 5.... Read more

December 29, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Shabaam Sahdeeq’s New Collabo Project Includes Ras Kass, Rah Digga, Masta Ace & Harry Fraud (Mixtape)

Brooklyn, New York veteran MC Shabaam Sahdeeq has maintained an illustrious underground Hip-Hop career for more than 17 years. S-Dub, as he's also known, has combined Lyricist Lounge-tested MC wordplay with '80s and '90s BK imagery that made everybody from Sean Price to Ill Bill, Skyzoo to Kool G Rap... Read more

December 29, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Fresh, Mixes

Waka Flocka Jacks Beats From Nas, Tribe, D.O.C., Mobb Deep and SPITS?? That’s Right…(Audio)

Almost two weeks ago, Waka Flocka Flame rattled even his biggest skeptics with "3:30," a lyrical clinic over-top of J. Cole's "Fire Squad" instrumental. The response was overwhelming for the Brick Squad Monopoly rapper who isn't given his credit as "an MC" just every day. So what does he do... Read more

December 28, 2014 Audio, Fresh

G-Unit Hosts A Ferrari Caravan In Times Square, En Route To The Club (Video)

G-Unit has reason to celebrate. At the start of 2014, 50 Cent's collective was seemingly non-existent, with even the core members Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo, and Fif estranged. By late December, with Kidd Kidd added and Young Buck back in the mix, it feels like a decade ago. No longer... Read more

December 28, 2014 Fresh, Video

Revisit The Mind-Melting Beastie Boys VHS Classic, Skills To Pay The Bills (Video)

Often living in the shadow of other Beastie Boys releases, Check Your Head is an excellent progression for the New York City trio. The April, 1992 Capitol Records release maintained a chunk of the sampling and technical advancements made on 1989's Paul's Boutique, but also welcomed some of the group's... Read more

December 28, 2014 Throwback