Exclusive ArchivesAmbrosia For Heads

J-Live Details Making A Pete Rock-Produced Gem From The Best Part

In 2001, J-Live released his debut album, The Best Part. The LP, originally intended for release at Payday/London Records, was among a group of projects halted after the label experienced a merger and distribution. "We ended up having to redo a lot of stuff. They used to call it 'The... Read more

April 28, 2024 Exclusive, Throwback, Trending Stories

Slum Village Discuss Their First Album In Nearly A Decade

During the 2010s, Hip-Hop fans speculated what the future held for Slum Village. At the top of the decade, the Detroit, Michigan crew released a special album in Villa Manifesto—a collection of songs that featured kaleidoscopic contributions from the six artists who had claimed the group since its early 1990s... Read more

February 24, 2024 Exclusive, News, Trending Stories

Slum Village Shares New Details About Making Get Dis Money

A quarter-century ago, Slum Village was in the process of following up their Fan-Tas-Tic (Vol. 1) debut. That underground album became a calling card for a new sound coming out of Detroit, Michigan — and three artists bringing the change. T3, J Dilla, and Baatin were in the process of following up and... Read more

February 15, 2024 Exclusive, Throwback, Trending Stories

Chuck D Details How He’s Kept The BASS In His Voice For 35 Years

Along with penning some of the most impactful Hip-Hop songs, Chuck D has displayed an incredible voice. The Long Island, New Yorker has demonstrated a commanding delivery on Public Enemy songs for over 35 years and more recently worked with Prophets Of Rage. Mistachuck’s vocals are distinct, precise, and treated... Read more

September 20, 2023 Exclusive, Fresh

Ambrosia For Heads Is Partnering With Vevo To Come To TV Screens

Ambrosia For Heads is proud to announce a new partnership with Vevo—the world's leading music video network. For more than 13 years, AFH has been dedicated to providing the best in Hip-Hop music, news, videos, and culture through the site and corresponding socials. We have partnered with Vevo to deliver... Read more

August 21, 2023 Exclusive, Fresh

The 25 Most Important Rap Albums Of Hip-Hop’s First 50 Years

Over the years, countless music lists have laid out the "Greatest" of a particular category–album, artist, song, etc. These lists often cite vague criteria and then lay out what they claim to be objective rankings. But, they are subjective. At Ambrosia For Heads, we have generally provided opportunities for the people... Read more

August 17, 2023 Exclusive, Food for Thought, Hip-Hop's 50th Anniversary

The D.O.C.’s Documentary Shows His Next 10 Years

In 2022, The D.O.C. screened an autobiographical documentary at The Tribeca Film Festival. The self-titled doc features appearances by Dr. Dre, Eminem, Erykah Badu, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Too Short, Tha Dogg Pound, Xzibit, Tone-Loc, and late Death Row songstress Jewell, as well as The D.O.C. and Erykah's daughter, Puma. The artist,... Read more

May 16, 2023 Exclusive, Interview, TV/Film, Video

The D.O.C. Explains Why Biggie Is His #1 MC

In September of 1994, photographs were taken of The D.O.C., The Notorious B.I.G., Craig Mack, and Saafir together. The historic moment combining MCs from Texas, New York, California happened backstage at Chicago, Illinois' Riviera Theatre. That month, Bad Boy Records was amid its "Big Mack" campaign, when Craig Mack released... Read more

May 15, 2023 Exclusive, Interview, Video

The D.O.C. Is Performing Again For The First Time In 33 Years

Earlier this year, one of Hip-Hop's legendary songwriters, The D.O.C., gave fans his most comprehensive display of bars in 20 years. The MC closely associated with Dr. Dre, N.W.A., Snoop Dogg, and others, appeared on video single "Fast Ones" by The Codefendants. The track, later belonging to the This Is... Read more

May 13, 2023 Exclusive, Interview, Video

Royce 5’9 Speaks About Ownership & How It Divided Slaughterhouse

Royce 5'9 has found success as a gold-selling major label artist as well as an independent stalwart. After 25 years in the professional Rap space, the Detroit, Michigan MC has been acquiring his catalog. Over the last seven years, Nickel Nine has also released some of the best music of... Read more

April 12, 2023 Exclusive, Interview, Video

Royce 5’9 Explains How He’s Taking Control Of His Own Music Destiny

Over the last 25 years, Royce 5'9 has had a decorated career that spans solo albums, mixtapes, feature work, and three super-groups. While he has been respected from the entrance, many could argue that Nickel Nine has only improved at his craft during that time. Since 2016, Royce has released... Read more

April 10, 2023 Exclusive, Interview, Video

How Biggie Went From Ashy To Classy: By People Who Styled Him

Biggie Smalls was the illest...Big had a top-notch flow, a booming voice, and lyrics drenched in authenticity and humor. The all-time great MC born Christopher Wallace said it was all a dream, and then he took us on a ride from his time as a stressed-out kid in the streets... Read more

February 28, 2023 Audio, Exclusive

The Best Rap Verses Of 2022

As 2022 winds down to its closing weeks, Ambrosia For Heads begins a celebration of the year with an in-depth conversation about its best Hip-Hop verses. In considering 2022, AFH's What's The Headline podcast spent nearly 90 minutes breaking down some of our favorites. While there is unanimous agreement surrounding six songs, the two hosts... Read more

November 30, 2022 Exclusive, Video

Nas Pays Tribute To Takeoff With Powerful Words About Self-PRESERVATION

Yesterday (November 11), Nas and Hit-Boy released their fourth collaborative album since 2020. King's Disease III finds the legendary MC and the acclaimed producing carry on a tradition that earned both men Grammy Awards in 2021. The new collection of songs, released through Nas' Mass Appeal Records imprint, is about... Read more

November 12, 2022 Exclusive, News, Video

Rapper Big Pooh Explains Why Little Brother Is Only 2 Members Now

Last month, Rapper Big Pooh released one of the standout solo albums within his extensive career. To Dream In Color addresses personal growth, family, sacrifice, and dedication to music. The 10-song album was sequenced by Pooh's Little Brother partner Phonte. Three years removed from May The Lord Watch, the two... Read more

September 29, 2022 Exclusive, Interview, Video

Rapper Big Pooh Talks His New Album, Little Brother’s Status & More

Last month, Rapper Big Pooh released one of the most spirited works of his extensive 20-year career. The North Carolina-based Virginia native MC delivered To Dream In Color. The 10-song album features some powerful commentary on the pursuit of dreams, the value of family support and the will to succeed. Blakk Soul,... Read more

September 26, 2022 Exclusive, Interview, Video

Cormega Explains Why The Realness 2 Is A True Sequel To The Original

Upon its mid-2001 arrival, Cormega's The Realness lived up to its title. After years of waiting his turn, the MC asserted himself to step forth with a body of work that combined a passion for wisdom-drenched lyricism with a survivor's tale of life in New York City streets and the Rap industry. The independently... Read more

September 20, 2022 Exclusive, Interview, Video

Daringer Explains How He & Westside Gunn Created The Griselda Sound

Late last month, Queens, New York veteran MC Meyhem Lauren partnered with producer Daringer for a collaboration album, Black Vladimir (embedded below). The 15-track album involves Action Bronson, Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine, Flee Lord, Elcamino, and Meyhem's brother Hologram and finds brilliant chemistry between two artists that go back... Read more

September 9, 2022 Exclusive, Video

Meyhem Lauren & Daringer Break Down Their New Album

Less than two weeks ago, Queens, New York MC Meyhem Lauren partnered with producer Daringer, architect of the Griselda Records sound, for Black Vladimir (embedded below). The 15-track album involves Action Bronson, Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine, Flee Lord, Elcamino, and Hologram and finds brilliant chemistry between two artists that go... Read more

September 7, 2022 Exclusive, Interview, Video

Kool G Rap & Big Daddy Kane Reunite On A New Song

After a 35-plus-year career, Kool G Rap is gearing up for a statement album. On October 14, 2022, the Queens, New York lyrical legend will release Last Of A Dying Breed. The upcoming album features contributions from Sean Price, AZ, 38 Spesh, NEMS, Royal Flush, and Vado. Domingo, a producer... Read more

August 25, 2022 Audio, Exclusive

Diamond D Names His Top 5 Hip-Hop Producers

Today (August 19), Diamond D released his latest album, THE REAR VIEW. The 15-song collection (embedded below) finds the veteran MC/producer flexing his MC chops while playing double duty behind the boards as producer. It features Westside Gunn, De La Soul's Posdnuos, and Diamond's latest protege, Ashtin Martin. The Bronx, New... Read more

August 19, 2022 Exclusive, Interview, Video

Diamond D Speaks About His New Album & Spending A Day With Dr. Dre

This year marks 30 years since Diamond D's debut album, and he is celebrating in style. The Bronx, New York native MC/producer/DJ is releasing THE REAR VIEW on Friday, August 19. Arriving on D's Dymond Mine Records imprint, the 13-song collection demonstrates Diamond D as a true multi-talented artist. The co-founder... Read more

August 16, 2022 Exclusive, Interview, Video

KRS-One, AZ & O.C. Represent Real Hip-Hop With Style

UPDATE: Stylistic Murder has released the music video for "Represent The Real," featuring AZ, KRS-One, and O.C.: ORIGINAL AUGUST 11 STORY: Today (August 11) marks Hip-Hop's birthday. In celebration of the date, three elite MCs who have stood for the culture come together for a special collaboration premiering at Ambrosia For... Read more

August 11, 2022 Exclusive, Video

Drake Dissed Kanye West Throughout Their Concert

“Drake don’t do a diss song where it’s an outright head-shot; he’s gonna set it up like war." - Kanye West Just weeks ago, Kanye West sat on Drink Champs and went into deep detail about his issues with Drake. The two-part interview was arguably the most significant conversation in... Read more

December 13, 2021 Exclusive, News, Video

Joell Ortiz Names His Top 5 Brooklyn MCs

This month, Joell Ortiz delivered a new album, The Autograph. The release, embedded below, marks Ortiz's fourth with indie stalwart Mello Music Group. After a career cultivated by rapping his circumstances directly to the listener, Joell somehow goes even deeper on his new album. As he tells Ambrosia For Heads' What's The Headline podcast (embedded... Read more

November 23, 2021 Exclusive, Interview, Video

AZ Names The 7 MCs Who Influenced Him The Most

From his very first released verse, AZ declared "Others such as myself are trying to carry on tradition." Those illustrious guest bars from Nas' Illmatic apply to AZ's views on Hip-Hop. Weeks ago, the East New York, Brooklyn MC released Doe Or Die 2. While speaking in-depth about the long-anticipated... Read more

October 31, 2021 Exclusive, Video

AZ Says He’s Down To Make Music For The Firm’s 25th Anniversary

Last month, AZ released one of the most anticipated albums of 2021. The East New York, Brooklyn veteran delivered Doe Or Die 2, a sequel to his lauded 1995 debut–and an album that AZ had been hyping since the early 2010s. Proudly independent, AZ self-released the LP on his Quiet... Read more

October 26, 2021 Exclusive, Video

Mickey Factz Details The Strategy He Used In His Battle With Royce 5’9 (Video)

This week (August 20), Mickey Factz partners with Blu for The Narrative, a six-song project produced entirely by Nottz. Ahead of Friday's album, Mickey and Blu released two singles: June's "Stay Down" and July's "Reign." The latter, a video, features Asher Roth and reunites three MCs from the 2009 XXL... Read more

August 18, 2021 Exclusive, Interview, News, Video

Clark Kent Says Hip-Hop Owes Kool Herc & It’s Time To Pay Up

Earlier this week, on August 11, Hip-Hop celebrated its 48th birthday. On August 11, 1973, DJ Kool Herc (aka Clive Campbell) threw a back-to-school party with his sister Cindy Campbell. The event took place at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in New York's Bronx borough. Behind the turntables, Herc prolonged the break... Read more

August 13, 2021 Exclusive, Fresh

Kurupt Details The Classic Death Row Songs That Began As Freestyles

For more than 20 years, core fans kept hope that the HRSMN might release an album. As one of Rap's earliest super-groups, the quartet composed of Kurupt, Ras Kass, Killah Priest, and Canibus hurdled label challenges, leaks, bootlegging, legal woes, and all that comes with four separate lives and careers.... Read more

July 13, 2021 Exclusive, Video

Evidence Discusses Starting Over After Dilated Peoples (Video)

Last Friday (June 25), Evidence released his latest solo album, Unlearning, Vol. 1. The Rhymesayers Entertainment release featuring Conway The Machine, Alchemist, Boldy James, and others has already been met with applause, including Ambrosia For Heads' 10 Best Albums of 2021 (so far) list. Notably, Unlearning breaks from Ev's Weatherman series, dating back to his first solo album,... Read more

June 29, 2021 Exclusive, Interview, Video

Skyzoo Explains How Phonte Talked Him Out Of Retiring

Earlier this month, Skyzoo released his latest album, All The Brilliant Things. Already named as one of Ambrosia For Heads' best of 2021 so far, the Mello Music Group LP is reportedly three years in the making. In a run that includes the Pete Rock-produced Retropolitan and 2020's standout The... Read more

June 22, 2021 Exclusive, Interview, News, Video

The 10 Best Rap Albums Of 2021 So Far

As 2021 quickly approaches its midpoint, it is tradition to evaluate the year's best Hip-Hop albums—so far. So on the latest episode of Ambrosia For Heads' What's The Headline podcast, we did just that. As we did in deciding the best albums of 2020, the AFH team uses the platform to publicly discuss the best... Read more

June 15, 2021 Exclusive

Pharoahe Monch Explains The Hidden Meanings In His New Album

Three weeks ago (January 22), Pharoahe Monch released his first album in nearly seven years. The Queens, New York veteran MC/producer partnered with esteemed guitarist Marcus Machado and Grammy-winning drummer Daru Jones as Th1rt3en. The band, involving two overlapping musicians from Pete Rock's The Soul Brothers collective, has been releasing... Read more

February 13, 2021 Audio, Exclusive, Video

Statik Selektah Explains What We Have To Do To Protect Hip-Hop

Less than two weeks ago, Statik Selektah released his ninth compilation-style album, The Balancing Act. The esteemed producer/DJ/Showoff Records founder involves a cast that includes Nas, Black Thought, Killer Mike, Sean Price, Jack Harlow, Method Man, Benny The Butcher, Evidence, Joey Bada$$, and Jadakiss, to name a few. However, the album,... Read more

December 8, 2020 Audio, Exclusive, Video

MC Eiht Details Lessons He Learned From EPMD, Rakim, Menace II Society & More

MC Eiht is the latest guest on Ambrosia For Heads' What's The Headline podcast. In a 90-minute discussion, Eiht revisits highlights from his entire 30-plus-year-career. The Hub City O.G. details the formative years of Compton's Most Wanted and how he assumed the writing responsibilities for both MCs in the collective.... Read more

October 27, 2020 Exclusive, Video

The LOX Break Down How To Make A Classic Album (Video)

Three weeks ago, The LOX released their fourth album, Living Off Xperience. The D-Block/Roc Nation release includes contributions from DMX, Benny The Butcher, Westside Gunn, Large Professor, T-Pain, Oswin Benjamin, Nottz, Statik Selektah, and their artist, Dyce Payne. Less than a month since its release, the LP from one of... Read more

September 22, 2020 Exclusive, Fresh, Video

Royce 5’9 Explains Why He’s A GOAT Rapper (Video)

Just over one week ago, Royce 5'9 released his eighth album, The Allegory. It marks a benchmark LP in a discography decorated with greatness. On one single, "I Don't Age," the Detroit, Michigan MC proclaims, "They say you are what you eat, but I never ate goat." Speaking with Ambrosia... Read more

February 29, 2020 Exclusive, Video

RZA Explains Why Ghostface Was Hip-Hop’s Best MC When He Made Supreme Clientele

Twenty years ago this month, Ghostface Killah released his sophomore album, Supreme Clientele. The Razor Sharp/Epic/Sony Records LP has proven to be one of the greatest solo works in the Wu-Tang Clan catalog. Three and a half years removed from Ironman, the album is a benchmark for G.F.K. and the... Read more

February 29, 2020 Exclusive

Masta Ace & Marco Polo Add Some New Material To 1 Of 2018’s Best Albums (Video)

One year ago this week, Ambrosia For Heads declared Masta Ace & Marco Polo's A Breukelen Story one of the Top Albums Of 2018. Through intertwining Polo’s story of moving from Ontario, Canada to Brooklyn with Masta Ace's reflection of a borough then and now made for a smooth, compelling, and evocative listen.... Read more

December 12, 2019 Exclusive, Video

Method Man Has Not Cursed On A Verse In 5+ Years. Here’s Why (Audio)

In the last five years, Method Man was a driving force on Wu-Tang Clan's The Saga Continues album. He also released two installments of his Meth Lab series with Hanz On. Looking to 2020, Iron Lung is already slated to be teaming up with longtime affiliate Streetlife for a collaborative... Read more

November 30, 2019 Audio, Exclusive

Talib Kweli Is Recording An Album Produced By Diamond D. Take A Look. (Video)

Earlier this year, Diamond D released his latest album, The Diam Piece 2. On that LP, "The Zone" features Talib Kweli as well as Terror Van Pooh, and Niko Is. The Bronx, New York producer, MC, and DJ and the Brooklyn, New York MC, entrepreneur, and show host have some... Read more

November 25, 2019 Exclusive, Fresh, News, Video

Big K.R.I.T. Explains How Using Other Producers Made Him A Better Writer (Video)

Big K.R.I.T. is finishing the decade strong. In 2010, he delivered a mixtape that elevated the medium in the form of K.R.I.T. Wuz Here. Earlier this year, he offered fans another high-level album in K.R.I.T. IZ HERE. It was an appropriate bookend in a decade where the MC/producer left an... Read more

November 18, 2019 Exclusive, Video

Twista & A-F-R-O Bridge 2 Generations Of Rapid Fire Flows To A Diamond D Beat (Video)

In May of 2019, Diggin’ In The Crates co-founder Diamond D released The Diam Piece 2 album. The 16-track LP features Raekwon, Snoop Dogg, Fat Joe, Elzhi, David Banner, and Xzibit, as well as many more that have worked with the Bronx producer/MC/DJ over a career that dates back 30... Read more

November 18, 2019 Exclusive, Video

Black Moon Describe The Personal Process Of Making Their First Album In 16 Years (Video)

There are not many Hip-Hop crews who could sustain a career that has spanned a quarter of a century, while only releasing four albums, but Black Moon is not just any crew. The highly-influential Brooklyn trio, comprised of Buckshot, 5ft, and DJ Evil Dee, first arrived on the scene back... Read more

October 23, 2019 Exclusive, Video

Benny, Conway & 38 Spesh Rewrite A Page Out Of Scarface’s Diary (Audio Premiere)

Rochester, New York MC/producer 38 Spesh has made a hard push in the last two years to reach the forefront of underground Hip-Hop. Be it releasing a litany of solo and collaborative albums or mentoring promising young talent like Che Noir, T.C.F. Music Group's founder has established himself as a... Read more

September 27, 2019 Audio, Exclusive

Skyzoo & Pete Rock Break Down The Making Of Their Brand New Collabo Album (Video)

Heads were gifted an outstanding collaborative album titled Retropolitan last Friday (September 20) by top-tier lyricist Skyzoo and legendary producer/DJ Pete Rock. The 12-track Mello Music Group LP (embedded below) celebrates Hip-Hop culture and the city that birthed it. As Sky' puts it, the project is a love letter that... Read more

September 24, 2019 Exclusive, Video

Black Moon Is Rising Once More. Here’s Their New Video, Album Tracklist & Guests

More than three months, Black Moon released its first music video in more than 16 years. "Creep Wit Me" reunited Buckshot, DJ Evil Dee, and 5 ft after years of anticipation that the Brooklyn, New York trio would follow-up Total Eclipse. Heads now have more details surrounding Rise Of Da... Read more

September 20, 2019 Audio, Exclusive, News

Skyzoo Gets Pete Rock To Kick A Rare Verse & Both Drop Jewels (Audio Premiere)

Tomorrow (September 20), Skyzoo & Pete Rock are releasing an anticipated collaborative album, Retropolitan. The pair's first outing together features the Brooklyn, New York veteran taking on the lyrics recorded to exclusively P.R. production. Guests on the Mello Music Group LP include Styles P, Raheem DeVaughn, and an already-released posse... Read more

September 19, 2019 Audio, Exclusive

Little Brother Discuss Their New Album, Personal Growth, 9th Wonder & More

With less than 24 hours of notice to fans, Little Brother released its fifth album, May The Lord Watch two weeks ago. Phonte and Rapper Big Pooh reunited after nearly a decade to make a record that honors the group's legacy with skill and wit. Meanwhile, the body of work... Read more

September 3, 2019 Exclusive, Interview, Video