News Archives

Stream Bishop Nehru & DOOM’s Nehruvian DOOM One Week Early

After more than a year of anticipation, Bishop Nehru's debut studio release, a collaboration album with DOOM (f/k/a MF DOOM), Nehruvian DOOM, is available for full album stream. Pitchfork has posted the effort, which is releasing in one week on the British-based Lex Records. Heads have heard plenty of previews,... Read more

September 29, 2014 Fresh

Saigon Bursts From Comment Sections To Chillin’ With DJ Premier & Lil Cease (Video)

A product of the Internet-era of Hip-Hop, Saigon has always been an artist for the streets before the servers. In his video for the GSN3: The Troubled Times Of Brian Carenard single, "Nunya," Saigon highlights his haters in the message boards and comments sections, and then laughs about it alongside... Read more

September 29, 2014 Fresh, Video

Andre 3000 Holds an Extended Conversation with Ali Shaheed Muhammad & Frannie Kelley (Audio)

Andre 3000 talks working with Aretha Franklin, being among the first Hip-Hop acts to represent Atlanta, the influence of Souls of Mischief on OutKast and more with A Tribe Called Quest's Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Frannie Kelley. Check it out. Related: A Tribe Called Kast: A Mashup of Rhymes From... Read more

September 28, 2014 Audio

Stalley Slows It Down for One More Shot With Rick Ross & August Alsina (Audio)

Stalley previews another track from his forthcoming album, Ohio. After releasing two West Coast-flavored bangers with "Always Into Something" and "Jackin' Chevys," "One More Shot" represents a new direction for Stalley. He slows down the tempo and gets in a meditative mood with August Alsina on the hook and MMG... Read more

September 28, 2014 Audio

Finding the GOAT: Phonte vs. Malice…Who You Got?

As we continue 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 in a sequence not... Read more

September 28, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Hear The Rap Attack: Mr. Magic & Marley Marl That Inspired Biggie Smalls (Audio)

Quietly, as Marley Marl became one of Hip-Hop's most pivotal producers and Juice Crew creator, he was doubling as a master of transmitting sounds over tri-state radio. Marl and Mr. Magic were at the control switches at WBLS in New York City. Their "Rap Attack" Show (launched by Mr. Magic... Read more

September 28, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

J-Live Delivers The Visual To The Deeply Compelling Single, Not Listening (Video)

Back in March, J-Live released one of the most impactful songs in his storied career with "Not Listening." The record audited the state of Hip-Hop, and the present day relationship between MCs and the listeners—and who is really to blame for the disconnect. Now comes the visual: a simple, but... Read more

September 28, 2014 Fresh, Video

The Lox Take Dej Loaf’s Try Me and Make it Their Own (Audio)

The Lox jump on Dej Loaf's "Try Me" track for the D-Block remix. Check it out. Related: The Lox Go to Work on That Rapper’s Delight Track With a Message…No Selfies (Audio)... Read more

September 27, 2014 Audio

Finding the GOAT: Lauryn Hill vs. AZ…Who You Got?

As we continue 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 in a sequence not... Read more

September 27, 2014 Featured-homepage, Fresh, Throwback

Ab-Soul Rhyming Over a Country Music Track??? Yep…(Audio)

Ab-Soul premieres a new song titled "W.W.S.D." (What Would Soul Do?). In one of the bigger twists musically in some time, Soulo has chosen to rhyme over an old folk/country music song. He still spits, though. Anything can happen These Days...Check it out. Props on the spot: 2DBZ Related: Ab-Soul... Read more

September 26, 2014 Audio

Russell Simmons & Rick Rubin Speak on Why Slick Rick is One of a Kind (Video)

From his flawless storytelling to his impeccable style, Slick Rick is truly one of a kind. In the final part of their Back & Forth conversation for Noisey, Def Jam co-founders Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons speak on the many attributes that make Rick the Ruler so unique. Check out... Read more

September 26, 2014 Throwback

Joey Bada$$ Is Just Trying To Get Paid (Audio)

Coupled with the beginning of his B4.Da.$$ Tour with Vince Staples and Pro Era affiliates CJ Fly, Kirk Knight, and Nyck Caution, Joey Bada$$ drops some fresh new music for the fans with his latest single, "Get Paid." The cut itself is a loosie that won't appear on his upcoming... Read more

September 26, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Kool G Rap and Nature Unite on a Timeless Track with Gotham Green (Audio)

Relative newcomer, Gotham Green, has a dream come true as his Hip-Hop heroes Kool G. Rap and Nature join him on a track: "I grew up in New York during a time where lyrics and talent ruled hip hop. As a result, I gravitated towards artists who could verbally amaze... Read more

September 26, 2014 Audio

Finding the GOAT: Talib Kweli vs. Lloyd Banks…Who You Got?

As we continue 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 in a sequence not... Read more

September 26, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Thirty Years Later, Miami Vice Remains One of TV’s Most Influential Shows (Food For Thought)

For 111 episodes, "Miami Vice" epitomized the 1980s. Thirty years ago this weekend, September 28, 1984, Sonny Crockett (played by Don Johnson) and Rico Tubbs (played by Philip Michael Thomas) charged through our livingrooms in a Ferrari Daytona Spyder, with guns blazing, and pastels poppin'. After its five-year run on... Read more

September 26, 2014 Featured-homepage, Food for Thought, Fresh, Throwback

Vince Staples Spits an Off the Top Freestyle Better Than Most Writtens (Video)

Vince Staples is making a name for himself. After dropping one of the hotter mixtapes last year with Mac Miller and sharing the stage with Common and Jay Electronica last week, the talented young MC from Long Beach, CA has delivered one of the better freestyles of the year on... Read more

September 25, 2014 Video

Joey Bada$$ Goes to Work on A Tribe Called Quest’s Scenario Remix (Video)

Joey Bada$$ has been on a freestyle tear, as of late. After wrecking a Toca Tuesday freestyle last week, he shows off with Statik Selektah now. Statik cues up A Tribe Called Quest's Scenario Remix track and Joey goes to work. Check out the video. Related: Joey Bada$$ Says He’s... Read more

September 25, 2014 Video

Heard it All Before? Not With a Raekwon Verse…(Audio)

How fresh is Raekwon's Throwback Thursday series of freestyles over R&B and soul gems? The Chef has been cooking these up for several weeks, taking on Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, The Gap Band, Faith Evans and many more. This week's installment features the sultry tones of Sunshine Anderson. Check out... Read more

September 25, 2014 Audio

Finding the GOAT: Ghostface Killah vs. Kurupt…Who You Got?

Ambrosia For Heads is proud to present 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

September 25, 2014 Featured-homepage, Fresh, Throwback

Boaz Has Styles P & Jadakiss Rootin’ 4 the Villain (Audio)

Pittsburgh MC, Boaz, continues to impress. After releasing several bangers from his upcoming Intuition album, he lets loose what might be the coup de grace. Jadakiss and Styles P join him on "Rootin' 4 the Villain," and each brings his A game on a track that sounds like it was... Read more

September 25, 2014 Audio

Loaded Lux Revisits His Past on the Autobiographical Action on Site (Video)

Loaded Lux made his name in battle rap meticulously studying the details of his opponents' lives and mercilessly using that information against them. On his single "Action on Site," Lux turns his glare on himself and releases a self-reflective, autobiographical piece about his own past. Whether or not he would... Read more

September 25, 2014 Video

DJ Quik Releases a New Song with Suga Free & Dom Kennedy. Get Your Life Jacket (Audio)

DJ Quik's latest release from his upcoming new album The Midnight Life pairs two West Coast G's, old and new. Quik's longtime musical partner Suga Free and Dom Kennedy join him on "Life Jacket." It's a soulful joint with some KNOCK to it. Press play and feel the funk. Related:... Read more

September 25, 2014 Audio

DJ Premier Posts Vintage Footage of Gang Starr on Video Music Box in 1990 (Video)

On the heels of announcing he is forming his first group since the legendary Gang Starr (PRhyme with Royce Da 5'9") DJ Premier reposts some vintage footage of Gang Starr on Video Music Box in 1990. Found on Primo's blog Premier Wuz Here, here's what he had to say about... Read more

September 25, 2014 Throwback

With Nothing But a Table Beat, Kendrick Lamar WRECKS Another Freestyle (Audio)

There is no doubt Kendrick Lamar is back...with a vengeance. After releasing his new single "i" and engaging in a hilarious but stunning Rap battle with Power 106's Big Boy, Kendrick went back to the basics of Hip-Hop with the LA Leakers. With nothing but a beat being drummed on... Read more

September 25, 2014 Audio, Video

Schoolboy Q Talks Tupac, Nate Dogg, Reality Rap and More with Montreality (Video)

Schoolboy Q is the latest Montreality interviewee. Q discusses what he did with his first big paycheck, his realest song ever, Tupac's murder, his fantasy job, Nate Dogg having "the hardest verse ever" and much more. Check out the video. Related: ScHoolboy Q Joins Disclosure & Sam Smith To Remix... Read more

September 25, 2014 Video

Finding the GOAT: Grand Puba vs. PMD (Parrish Smith)…Who You Got?

Ambrosia For Heads is proud to present 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

September 24, 2014 Featured-homepage, Throwback

Common Releases His Remix to Kingdom with Vince Staples & Jay Electronica (Audio)

After premiering the remix to "Kingdom" at the taping of the BET Hip Hop Awards (airing on 10/14), Common releases the track to the masses. The song, which was already powerful with its meditative choir-sung hook, goes to a different level with the addition of the one and only Jay... Read more

September 24, 2014 Audio

Just When He Seems To Covered Every Corner, Asher Roth Breaks New Ground (Video)

Asher Roth's "Pull It" takes the MC (and now singer) in a new direction. A musical chameleon, Roth dabbles with some Trip-Hop, and those always psychedelic undertones. Although, in between the focal point of the song: the chorus, Roth still drops those nimble and pivoting bars that made him a... Read more

September 24, 2014 Fresh, Video

Royce Da 5’9″ & DJ Premier Announce Group, Joint Album: PRhyme

Today (September 24), DJ Premier has announced his first group since Gang Starr, the legendary duo that spans more than 25 years back to debut album No More Mr. Nice Guy. This unit will be an extension of a decade-plus of working with Royce Da 5'9". Before Slaughterhouse and around... Read more

September 24, 2014 Fresh

Theophilus London Voices a Girl Fantasy Over a Moody Track Arranged By Kanye West (Audio)

Theophilus London showed a piece of it early this year, but the Warner Bros. Records-backed rapper/singer now releases the full version "Do Girls." Arranged by Kanye West, this atmospheric, rock and EDM-fusing song speaks to Theo's fantasy of winning over a woman whose preferences lie elsewhere. Do you think Theophilus... Read more

September 24, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Kendrick Lamar May Deliver His Finest Freestyle, But Does Big Boy Shine Harder? (Video)

One day after his "i" release, Kendrick Lamar isn't out to give the spotlight up. But if anybody's testing him for it, it's not who you'd expect. On Big Boy's Neighborhood, K-Dot goes truly off the dome through 25 years of instrumentals, ranging from Nas/James Brown, to State Property, to... Read more

September 24, 2014 Fresh, Video

Homeboy Sandman, J-Live & Kurious Jorge Run An MC Clinic (Audio)

Elmhurst, Queens' Homeboy Sandman released Hallways, his fifth album, on September 2 via Peanut Butter Wolf's Stones Throw Records. The loquacious MC teamed with two New Yorkers who blazed his trail that he's followed and adapted with. J-Live and Kurious (f/k/a Kurious Jorge) joined H.B.S on "Enough." The sweet, melodic... Read more

September 24, 2014 Audio, Fresh

50 Cent & Snoop Dogg GET REAL About Rap Crews & Money, With G-Unit Sitting There (Video)

For all the reality TV shows, the Snoop Lion campaign, and the family-friendlier Snoop, there's still reminders of what Heads heard on "Deep Cover" 23 years ago. One of the platforms for this side of Snoop is the GGN. Interviewing all five members of G-Unit, Snoop begins in true G-fashion,... Read more

September 23, 2014 Fresh, Video

Buddy & Snoop’s Crime of the Century Sounds Like a West Coast Coming of Age (Audio)

Buddy's "Crime of the Century" sounds like a West Coast version of Jay Z and Memphis Bleek's "Coming of Age" from Jay's Reasonable Doubt album, mixed with a dash of "Deep Cover." Similarly to how Jay and Bleek did on "Coming of Age," Buddy and Snoop go back and forth,... Read more

September 23, 2014 Audio

Kendrick Lamar Discusses His Control Verse 1-Year Later (Video)

Kendrick Lamar dropped by Power 106 and while there was reminded the 1-year anniversary of the verse that shook up the Hip-Hop world had recently passed (8/13). 13 months removed from the furor, Kendrick put the song in perspective and spoke on his relationships with many of the artists he... Read more

September 23, 2014 Video

Dr. Dre Estimated To Have Made More Than Next 24 Wealthiest Hip-Hop Stars, Combined

It's Dre Day, and everybody's celebratin'. Following 2013's announcement that Jay Z and Puff Daddy were the Forbes Cash Kings (top earners) of the year, they can watch the throne now. As anticipated, Dr. Dre assumes the pole position—following a year where Apple bought his Beats By Dre Electronics line... Read more

September 23, 2014 Fresh

Nitty Scott, Chris Webby, Smoke DZA & CJ Fly Cypher With Conviction (Video)

One day after the 2014 BET Hip-Hop Awards' Digital All-Stars Cypher (Emilio Rojas, Andy Mineo, Dreezy, Dillon Cooper, Retro Jace, Conceited) premiered, RAW rolling papers' shows another healthy, talented crop of MCs. Nitty Scott, MC, Pro Era's CJ Fly, Chris Webby, and veteran Smoke DZA represent the NY tri-state lovely,... Read more

September 23, 2014 Fresh, Video

Diamond District Really Has Something In Their March On Washington (Audio)

After sharing their "First Step" towards sophomore album, March On Washington (October 14) a month ago, Oddisee, yU, and X.O are back for more. "Lost Cause" is a very experimental beat from Oddy, with some powerful lyrics on the hopelessness and recklessness in society, this song really leaves marks. With... Read more

September 23, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Yelawolf Reworks Jimi Hendrix As A Modern Man’s Voodoo Chile (Audio)

Yelawolf's freestyle diggin' in the Classic Rock continues. This time, the pride of Gadsden, Alabama salutes the pride of Seattle, Washington. Catfish Billy goes down to some old Electric Blues, sketching out lyrics about some evil tendencies on the mic, covering the Jimi Hendrix Experience's 1968 Electric Ladyland album single,... Read more

September 23, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Pro Era Gets Industrial In Their Incredibly Polished Hail Razor Visual (Video)

CJ Fly, Dessy Hinds, and A La $ole show some Pro Era depth in the complex visual to "Hail Razor." The video features additional bandmates, as they go to an abandoned mill/assembly line to show just how rooted in the grit they are. This from the Scion A/V-backed The Shift... Read more

September 23, 2014 Fresh, Video

Rapsody Brings The Drama (Audio)

On her upcoming Beauty & The Beast EP (October 7), Rapsody is trying new things. After more than five years patiently waiting in the Hip-Hop independent crosswinds, Rap' is downright taking hers by force. The Khrysis-produced "Drama" (which Heads got a glimpse of last week) lives up to its name.... Read more

September 23, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Big K.R.I.T’s Cadillactica Gets Its Release Date, And It’s Coming Soon

As anticipated from last week's video series premiere and See Me On Top, Vol. 4 mixtape release, Big K.R.I.T took to video today (September 23) to announce the release date for his sophomore major label album, Cadillactica. The Cinematic/Def Jam Records release, due on November 11, is the follow-up to... Read more

September 23, 2014 Fresh

AZ, Freeway, Havoc & Kids These Days’ Macie Stewart Bolster A-Villa’s Message (Audio)

Chicago's A-Villa is a Closed Sessions producer coming up on the scene. Like anybody behind the boards, he's likely dreamed of big concepts, executed by lyrical giants. That dream is a reality on "Day In The Life." AZ Tha Visualiza, Havoc, Freeway, and Macie Stewart (Kids These Days) punctuate the... Read more

September 23, 2014 Audio, Fresh

A 30 Year Salute To The Cosby Show From A 30-Something (Food For Thought)

Thirty years ago this past weekend (September 20, 1984 to be exact), "The Cosby Show" premiered in NBC's Thursday night lineup. Followed by "Family Ties," "Cheers," "Night Court" and "Hill Street Blues," the show would join what would prove to be one of the most championed, and most enduring programs... Read more

September 23, 2014 Food for Thought, Fresh

Kendrick Lamar’s New Single is One Of The Realest Records For The Streets (Audio)

After hinting at it last week, Kendrick Lamar has released what is perceived as the first single of his sophomore major label album. Although it was forecast by some to feature Black Hippy band-mate Jay Rock, "i" is a solo set, produced by Rahki ("Black Boy Fly"). Based around a... Read more

September 23, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Fresh

No Matter How Much You Know About Biggie, You Will Learn Something From This Discussion (Video)

As a part of last week's 20th anniversary coverage of The Notorious B.I.G's Ready To Die album, NPR "Microphone Check" assembled a panel in Brooklyn. Hosts Ali Shaheed Muhammad (A Tribe Called Quest) and Frannie Kelley were joined by dream hampton (author, The Source), Matty C. (The Source, A&R), Biggie... Read more

September 23, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

DJ Clark Kent Says There Are No Lies On Jay Z’s Reasonable Doubt (Video)

After a titillating first chapter, Hip-Hop Wired returns with a second segment of "Off The Record" with DJ Clark Kent. HHW's Aqua Boogie asks Clark about a more obscure cut, in Mad Skillz' (n/k/a Skillz) 1995 single, "Move Ya Body." Interestingly enough, while LL Cool J had hoped to swack... Read more

September 22, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Jay Electronica Joins Common & Vince Staples On Stage for the Kingdom Remix (Video)

As reported, Jay Electronica joined Common and Vince Staples on stage at the BET Hip Hop Awards in Atlanta for a powerful remix to Common's Kingdom. Last night, the trio did another performance of the remix at the AAHH! Fest in Chicago and footage of Jay Elec's verse was captured.... Read more

September 22, 2014 Video

Childish Gambino Rips Another Verse on Free at Last (Video)

Childish Gambino is quickly becoming a feature favorite. Mr. Glover consistently delivered high-quality verses that are energetic and highly original. When you combine that with producer S-X's cinematic production...you have a winner. Check out "Free at Last." Related: Childish Gambino Sings a Sober Love Song (Audio)... Read more

September 22, 2014 Audio

Foreign Exchange Goes Above The Clouds In Dreams Are Made For Two (Video)

From Love In Flying Colors (released one year ago this week), Foreign Exchange showcases their Carlita Durand assisted single, "Dreams Are Made For Two." As the song has been to the album, the moment is warm, euphonic, and tender. So what better setting than the mountaintops for Phonte and Carlita... Read more

September 22, 2014 Fresh, Video