Fresh Archives

DOOM Is Opening His Missing Notebook Of Rhymes & Releasing 15 New Songs (Video)

Hip-Hop news and culture move fast, and it’s easy to miss significant developments. Every week, Ambrosia For Heads takes a look back at the Last 7 days. This video series, hosted by Justin “The Company Man” Hunte examines the current issues with a colorful rundown of the what, where, and why. While the Last... Read more

August 9, 2017 Exclusive, Last 7, Video

Large Professor Helped Take Nas Over The Top. Now He Tries It With Fashawn (Audio)

In the early 1990s, Large Professor was a master mentor to fellow young MCs. While the Main Source front-man was pivoting to his solo career, he mentored Nas, Akinyele, and Organized Konfusion, among others. Starting with "Live At The Barbeque" in 1991, it was clear by Illmatic that Nas had... Read more

August 9, 2017 Audio

Kendrick Lamar Discusses What Makes A Wack MC & Why No GOAT Uses Writers

Kendrick Lamar's DAMN. reached the top of the charts for a second time in the last month. The April release from the TDE/Aftermath Entertainment artist has set a new benchmark for a decorated 2010s Hip-Hop career. Speaking with Rolling Stone in Georgia, K-Dot touched upon the album, his family dynamic,... Read more

August 9, 2017 Fresh

The 1st Rhyme Masta Killa Ever Wrote Was For Wu-Tang Clan’s 36 Chambers (Video)

Masta Killa made a last minute debut on a Rap classic: Wu-Tang Clan's Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). What Heads may not realize is that was the Brooklyn, New York MC's first rhyme and his first time in the studio. Having described himself as the "little brother" within the Clan,... Read more

August 8, 2017 Exclusive, Now You See Me, Video

Royce 5’9 & Conway The Machine Make Other MCs Sick With Ill Rhymes (Video)

In May, producer and DJ Green Lantern's skills were heard on Conway The Machine's Reject On Steroids project, which featured a collaboration with Royce 5'9. On "iLL," Conway and Royce trade bars that should make lesser MCs sick to their stomachs, each rapper delivering a punishing verse that showcases their respective talents. Conway and... Read more

August 8, 2017 Video

King Los Has Made A Record That’s As Strong As His Best Freestyles (Audio)

King Los holds the mic as his scepter. On his new track "Without Me," the Baltimore, Maryland MC and onetime RCA Records artist outlines the importance of his presence in the Hip-Hop world. The veteran suggests that Rap music isn't nearly as colorful, clever, or exciting if his mic isn't... Read more

August 8, 2017 Audio

One Train Operator Gives New Meaning To “South Bronx Subway Rap” (Video)

In the film soundtrack to Wild Style, Cold Crush Brothers MC Grandmaster Caz famously spit the "South Bronx Rap." That classic track was later used for Nas' Illmatic intro and countless other places. While much has changed in New York City since the early 1980s, the relationship between subway trains... Read more

August 8, 2017 Video

The Roots & Bilal Give A Stunningly Powerful Performance With A Full Orchestra (Video)

Late last month, The Roots and Bilal released "It Ain't Fair." The Detroit soundtrack single is jarring, as it applies to racial and social injustice in 1967, as well as in 2017. The song and its message are not going away. This partial Soulquarians reunion is bigger than just one... Read more

August 8, 2017 TV, TV/Film, Video

Sean Price Passed Away 2 Years Ago Today. A New Video Shows His Legacy Lives On.

Two years ago today, the world lost a true one of a kind human being in Sean Price. To many, he was an elite lyricist first, but the Heltah Skeltah co-founder was also a loving husband, father, mentor, and a seemingly effortless comedian. P's career extended back more than 20... Read more

August 8, 2017 Video

Royce 5’9 & Tech N9ne Are Barely Human On A Song That Shows Their Elite Skills (Audio)

Six years ago this week, Royce 5'9 released a critical album in his catalog: Success Is Certain. The Bad Meets Evil MC was suddenly in a great place and needed to write a new chapter to follow the brooding Death Is Certain LP five years earlier. At the time, that... Read more

August 8, 2017 Audio

Kev Brown Drops Some Rugged Rooftop Philosophy With J Scienide (Video)

Since the April of 2017 release of The Actual Heat album, J Scienide has been pushing hard to make sure the masses are aware of the artistry he projects to the world. The Washington, D.C.-based MC/producer recently released the visual of his single “Ghetto,” which features his fellow Low Budget Crew... Read more

August 8, 2017 Ready Or Not, Video

Chuck D, B-Real & Rage Against The Machine Get Radical For Freedom (Audio)

Approaching their self-titled full-length debut, Prophets Of Rage are armed with new music and plenty going on in the world, for material. "Radical Eyes" is the latest. With a funky nod similar to 1991 Public Enemy classic "By The Time I Get To Arizona," Chuck and company call for action. B-Real... Read more

August 8, 2017 Audio

The Music Of Common & Stevie Wonder Is A Perfect Match In This Mash-Up Album (Audio)

Amerigo Gazaway is the sort of musical innovator whose work is nothing short of remarkable. He has forged a path entirely his own through ingenious mash-up projects dating back several years: 2011's Fela Soul, featuring the works of Fela Kuti and De La Soul; 2014's Yasiin Gaye, the marriage of Yasiin Bey/Mos... Read more

August 8, 2017 Audio, Mixes

Boot Camp Clik & Wu-Tang Clan Join Forces On A Song That Makes You Duck Down (Audio)

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So…let AFH fight through it for you and only supply you with that great stuff. Despite the reports, Hip-Hop is alive and well and, in many ways, is better than it’s ever been. Not only are we able to go back... Read more

August 8, 2017 Audio, Playlists

A New Biggie Documentary Features Unreleased Footage And Nas & JAY-Z Rapping His Lyrics (Video)

In less than one month, the Biggie: The Life of Notorious B.I.G. documentary will air on television. This is the first doc authorized by the rapper's estate, and contains never before released audio of Biggie talking. It will feature Biggie's wife Faith Evans, his mother Voletta Wallace, his right-hand man... Read more

August 7, 2017 TV, TV/Film, Video

A Zulu Nation Veteran Details The Alleged Decades Of Corruption Under Afrika Bambaataa (Audio)

Following the shocking child molestation allegations surrounding Universal Zulu Nation's founder and longtime leader Afrika Bambaataa which surfaced in March of 2016, the Hip-Hop pioneer's fall from grace has left the organization's leadership and infrastructure in question without many viable answers. Recently, former high-ranking Zulu Nation member and DJ Mark... Read more

August 7, 2017 Audio, News

Sean Price & DOOM’s Collabo May Be The Most Rugged Hip-Hop Song Of The Year (Audio)

There is nothing that can make up for the loss of Sean Price. The Brooklyn MC who was a vital part of Heltah Skeltah and Boot Camp Clik, as well as a formidable solo artist, was one of a kind, both in his gritty Rap style and his unorthodox sense... Read more

August 7, 2017 Audio

The Last Original Member Of Slum Village Is Stepping Away With A Solo Album (Audio)

T3 has been carrying the legacy of Detroit Rap group Slum Village on his shoulders for many years. Since the deaths of fellow founding members J Dilla and Baatin (in 2006 and 2009, respectively), Slum Village's roster of members has included Elzhi, Illa J, and Young RJ but T3's presence... Read more

August 6, 2017 Audio

J.U.I.C.E. Once Beat Eminem In A Battle. Now He Bodies Hulk Hogan In A Freestyle (Video)

In February of this year, famed freestyle and battle MC J.U.I.C.E called out Eminem for a rematch. Before Em' would sign with Aftermath Entertainment and quickly go on to super-stardom, he lost to the Chicago, Illinois MC in a controversial 1997 Scribble Jam final round battle. Proud of his title,... Read more

August 6, 2017 Video

O.D.B. Was One Of The First To Co-Sign Kanye As An MC. The Receipt Proves It (Audio)

In 2002, during an era where mainstream Hip-Hop appeared heavily saturated with gangsterism and hustler narratives, a preppy, middle-class, pink Polo shirt-rockin’ producer from the Chicago suburbs shocked the Rap game by signing to Jay-Z’s Roc-A-Fella Records at its pinnacle. While renowned for his distinctive, soulful production, Kanye West had... Read more

August 6, 2017 Throwback

Def Jam Records May Soon Be The Gold Standard For Rap Once Again (Video)

This week, it was announced that Eminem's manager and Shady Records partner Paul Rosenberg will be Def Jam's next CEO. Twenty years ago, the Detroit-based attorney started handling the career of Marshall Mathers when the rapper was self-marketing Infinite. One hundred million units sold later (through Shady Records), and Paul... Read more

August 5, 2017 Video

Busta Rhymes Can Still Break Ya Neck With Raps In Only 41 Seconds… (Audio)

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So...let AFH fight through it for you and only supply you with that great stuff. Despite the reports, Hip-Hop is alive and well and, in many ways, is better than it's ever been. Not only are we able to go back... Read more

August 4, 2017 Audio, Playlists

LL Cool J Tells The Full Story Of When He Knocked Out Jamie Foxx (Video)

Over the last couple of years, Drink Champs, hosted by N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN, has become one of the most popular podcasts, and with good reason. The show, fueled by the hosts' familiarity and respect for their guests, along with a healthy amount of alcohol, often leads to some of... Read more

August 4, 2017 Video

JAY-Z’s Open Letter To His Father Is About Pain & Progress (Video)

JAY-Z's 4:44 is proving to be a preeminent example of "mature" Rap music. At 47 years old, the iconic MC released a piece of music that is deeply personal and resonant with millions of fans, from his comments about infidelity to financial advice, openness about homosexuality in his family and... Read more

August 4, 2017 Video

Sean Price, Prodigy & Styles P Are The 3 Lyrical Ps (Audio)

Sean Price's Imperius Rex album is less than a week away. To build anticipation for the beloved MC's posthumous LP, Duck Down releases "The 3 Lyrical P's." Among the album with features from DOOM, Method Man, and members of Boot Camp Clik, this track speaks for itself. Styles P and... Read more

August 3, 2017 Audio

Jay Rock’s First Verse Of 2017 More Than Makes Up For The Wait (Audio)

As appears to be the TDE way, Jay Rock is about quality over quantity. The Watts, California MC has had a very quiet 2017. If he has been recording, Heads have yet to hear the music. However, that has just changed with a feature verse on Mozzy's "Momma We Made It."... Read more

August 3, 2017 Audio

Diggin’ In The Crates Meets The Artifacts As A.G. & El Da Sensei Join Forces (Audio)

In the mid-1990s, two of the most exciting duos in East Coast Hip-Hop were Showbiz & A.G. and The Artifacts. In June, JAY-Z shouted out his former Payday Records label-mate Andre The Giant in some of the songwriters he most respects. Sadat X & El Da Sensei Form New Group.... Read more

August 3, 2017 Audio

Lord Jamar Is Challenging Hip-Hop To Show Off Stacks Instead Of Racks

One of the unexpected results of JAY-Z's 4:44 was the social-media responses the critically acclaimed album inspired. Of those, perhaps none caught on as quickly as the "money phone challenge" in which users uploaded images of them holding stacks of cash to their ear. Meant to symbolize "money calling," holding up racks... Read more

August 3, 2017 Fresh, Lifestyle

Meek Mill Says He’s Not Rapping For Money Anymore. He Wants To Be The Greatest (Video)

Meek Mill's Wins & Losses album did not get the coveted #1 spot in its first full week available. However, the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania MC appears to be in a place in his career where that may not be the biggest point. The Maybach Music Group/Warner Bros. Records artist used this... Read more

August 3, 2017 Video

The Blueprint: How 1 Kanye West Beat Tape Changed Roc-A-Fella Records Forever (Audio)

In September of 2001, JAY-Z released his sixth album. The Blueprint was wholeheartedly a pivot. To his fans, Shawn Carter had an incredible consistent streak of quality, authenticity, and event-worthy album-making. Five years removed from his debut album, S.Dot sought a new sound, and raised the stakes in every possible... Read more

August 2, 2017 Audio

Rapper Big Pooh Releases A Phonte Collabo He Held For 7 Years & Explains Why (Audio)

The saga of Little Brother appears to be a complicated one. 9th Wonder exited shortly after The Minstrel Show. He appeared on one song from The Getback. Phonte and Rapper Big Pooh carried on with the Justus League in tow. In the 2010s, Phonte and 9th worked together, and soon... Read more

August 2, 2017 Audio

9th Wonder Compares The Impact Of Kendrick’s DAMN To P.E.’s It Takes A Nation (Video)

9th Wonder's introduction to the Hip-Hop industry (by way of Little Brother's The Listening) is not even 15 years old. However, in that time, the producer/DJ/professor has become a powerful voice in the music and culture. Like his discography, 9th has been an advocate for the songs, albums, and musicians he... Read more

August 2, 2017 TV, TV/Film, Video

J. Cole Gives 2 Fans A Shot To Rap With Him. It Does Not Go Well… (Video)

J. Cole's 4 Your Eyez Only Tour hit Brooklyn, New York's Barclays Center last night (August 1). The sold out show was a testament to the MC/producer's draw following his fourth consecutive #1, platinum-certified album. Dreamville's Bas and J.I.D. opened, with an appearance by Cozz. Then, the stage gave way... Read more

August 2, 2017 Exclusive, Fresh, Video

Shaq Flagrantly Fouls Lavar Ball With A Rap, Masta Ace Stands Up For Kap & More (Video)

Hip-Hop news and culture move fast, and it's easy to miss significant developments. Every week, Ambrosia For Heads takes a look back at the Last 7 days. This video series, hosted by Justin "The Company Man" Hunte examines the current issues with a colorful rundown of the what, where, and why. While the Last... Read more

August 2, 2017 Exclusive, Last 7, Video

A Company Has Implanted Microchips Into Employees. Where Do We Go From Here? (Video)

Today (August 1), some employees at a technology company in Wisconsin will be using microchip technology to perform a handful of routine job-related tasks. But what makes this particular technology noteworthy is that their microchips are implanted inside their bodies. At Three Square Market, 50 out of 80 employees now... Read more

August 1, 2017 Lifestyle

The Outlawz Dispute Jimmy Iovine’s Claim That He Bailed Tupac Out Of Jail (Video)

The Outlawz have a complicated history with Death Row Records. Tupac's squad of New Jersey proteges would never release an album on Suge Knight and Dr. Dre's label. Marketed as acts on the imprint following Pac's death, they did sign, however, 1999's Top 10 Still I Rise album famously did... Read more

August 1, 2017 Video

The Breakfast Club Responds To Threats Of Boycott Due To A Guest’s Words (Audio)

On Friday (July 28), comedian/actor Lil Duval was a guest on The Breakfast Club. The interview has since become controversial, with some calling for a boycott of the syndicated Power 105 morning show following remarks made by the Jacksonville, Florida native guest. During the interview, DJ Envy asked Lil Duval, "Say... Read more

August 1, 2017 Lifestyle, News, Video

Tanya Morgan Literally Pushes Their New Album Out The Trunk (Video)

Cincinnati-meets-Brooklyn Hip-Hop group Tanya Morgan just released its fourth album, YGWY$4 (You Get What You Pay For). Von Pea and Donwill add to a celebrated independent catalog that began with critical cosigns from Questlove and Foreign Exchange features more than a dozen years ago. They've since appeared on albums by... Read more

August 1, 2017 Ready Or Not, Video

Dave Chappelle Has A Serious Conversation About Living A Happy Life (Video)

Dave Chappelle recently took over HOT 97's Ebro In The Morning show. For nearly one hour, the comedy superstar fielded questions from the show staff in what turned into an incredibly revealing conversation. During the course of the discussion, Dave announced two additional dates to August's Radio City Music Hall... Read more

July 31, 2017 Video

Page Kennedy, Elzhi, Kxng Crooked, Cassidy, King Los & Mickey Factz vs. EVERYBODY (Audio)

Earlier this month, Page Kennedy dropped jaws when he added an unofficial (but very compelling) new chapter to JAY-Z's "The Story Of O.J." The Detroit, Michigan actor/MC is clearly out to keep his profile buzzing and pushing this year's Torn Pages LP along. This time, he rallies up a crop... Read more

July 31, 2017 Audio

Masta Killa’s New Video Reminds Us To Celebrate Rap’s OGs While They’re Still Here

As a member of one of Hip-Hop's most venerated crews, Wu-Tang Clan's Masta Killa is a true original. With his 48th birthday turning the corner next month, he's been releasing music since the 1990s, including three solo LPs beginning with 2004's No Said Date. This December will mark the 5th... Read more

July 31, 2017 Video

Young Buck & Starlito Get Into A Fight On Video. A Diss Record Follows.

Young Buck and Starlito are two of the most recognized Rap artists from Nashville, Tennessee. The two men have collaborated extensively and as recently as Buck & DJ Whoo Kid's 2016 10 Pints mixtape ("Push Da Line"). However, tempers apparently flared yesterday (July 30) at a hometown basketball game, and... Read more

July 31, 2017 Audio, News, Video

Def Comedy Jam Is Coming Back & Soon

Twenty-five years ago Russell Simmons' Def Comedy Jam became a leading platform for standup comedy. Bernie Mac, Mike Epps, Chris Tucker and Dave Chappelle used the HBO series to build audiences, and take crucial steps to Hollywood careers. Martin Lawrence and D.L. Hughley were among show hosts during its original... Read more

July 30, 2017 Lifestyle, News, TV, TV/Film

Black Thought & Questlove’s “Rap Yearbook” Documentary Will Discuss Key Rap Songs (Video)

Earlier this week, The Roots and fellow Soulquarians member Bilal reunited for "It Ain't Fair." The song is a focal point of the upcoming film Detroit, and while Black Thought raps, the sound and message applies to the real life events of 1967 as well as 2017. The Roots Release... Read more

July 30, 2017 News, TV, TV/Film, Video

The Comeback Kid: Meek Mill Has Lost Many Battles, But He Just Might Win The War (Video)

Hip-Hop Heads will soon see whether or not Kendrick Lamar's DAMN. will hold the #1 spot on the 200, or if that distinction goes to Tyler, The Creator's Flower Boy, or Meek Mill's Wins & Losses. Projections favor the latter two, which would be a first for the Odd Future front-man... Read more

July 29, 2017 Exclusive, TBD, Video

Blu & Exile Share The 1st Of 14 Unheard Songs From Below The Heavens Sessions (Audio)

UPDATE: More than a month since announcing that expanded Below The Heavens sessions would be released, fans have their first taste. "Constellations" is one of 14 songs included on October 20's In The Beginning - Before The Heavens LP. Within, Heads get to travel back to the mid-2000s to hear... Read more

July 29, 2017 Audio, News

Vic Mensa Once Again Shows He’s 1 Of Today’s Best MCs With A Punishing Freestyle (Video)

Yesterday (July 28), Vic Mensa released his debut album, The Autobiography, but Mensa is far from new on the scene. The Chicago MC first made waves in 2009, as part of the group Kids These Days. In 2013, Vic began his solo career and once again turned heads with his... Read more

July 29, 2017 Video

Shaq Comes Out Of Rap Retirement To Ether LaVar Ball. Technical Foul! (Audio)

Over the last couple of months Shaquille O'Neal and LaVar Ball, two of basketball's most colorful personalities, have been exchanging sharp words. Shaq, one of the most dominant big men to ever play the sport, took issue with the Ball family's decision to price the sneakers of LaVar's son, Lonzo... Read more

July 28, 2017 Audio

Kendrick Lamar Dangles Rihanna From A Skyscraper In The Video For “Loyalty”

Every aspect of the rollout for Kendrick Lamar's album, DAMN. has been extraordinary. The campaign kicked off with a single Instagram post bearing the Roman numeral "IV," the title for a surprise song at the end of which Kendrick announced the forthcoming LP. When the album, itself, was released on... Read more

July 28, 2017 Video

N.O.R.E. Says He Knows Who Ruined Prodigy’s Mural & Why (Video)

One of July's most disturbing stories in the Hip-Hop space was when a Queens, New York mural honoring the late rapper Prodigy was defaced on July 6. The attack came just two weeks after the Mobb Deep co-founder's death. Artists Jeff Henriquez and Eli “Eos” Lazare had created the work... Read more

July 28, 2017 Video