Fresh Archives

Chance The Rapper’s Magnificent Coloring World Tour Dates Announced

Five weeks since releasing his third mixtape, Coloring Book, Chicago, Illinois MC/singer Chance The Rapper has announced the Top 10-charting project's corresponding tour. Beginning September, the independent star will launch his Magnificent Coloring World Tour. He has revealed the US dates. Additionally, Chance The Rapper is among the headliners at... Read more

June 21, 2016 Fresh

Nipsey Hussle Claims Rappers & Their Raps Aren’t Hard Enough (Audio)

Nipsey Hussle is ramping up in a major way. The Los Angeles, California veteran MC is fresh off of his latest (and arguably his greatest) Snoop Dogg collaboration in "Question #1." Now, Nip' takes burgeoning Sacramento artist Mozzy under his wing once more for "Ain't Hard Enough." With a pulsating... Read more

June 21, 2016 Audio

Chris Rivers & Styles P Hit ‘Em Where It Hurts, In A “Warriors” Themed Video

Over the last few years, Chris Rivers and Styles P have teamed up for a number of strong collaborations. Both Styles and Rivers are students of the School of Hard Rhymes and deft lyricism. "Black Hearts," from Rivers' 2015 Medicated Consumption mixtape, is no exception, as the two MCs trade... Read more

June 20, 2016 Video

DJ Shadow Takes Turntablism From “Sideshow” To Hip-Hop’s Main Stage (Audio)

For more than 20 years, DJ Shadow has been a dependable source of turntable wizardry. More than simply a deft scratch DJ, the Northern California native is a top producer too—able to extract magic out of MCs and groups such as Blackalicious, Paris, David Banner, Phonte, and even Depeche Mode.... Read more

June 20, 2016 Audio

Alicia Keys Brings The Refugee Crisis Into Clear Focus In A Powerful Short Film

Today marks the official first day of summer, but it is also World Refugee Day. First observed as such in 2001, June 20 signals a global effort to raise awareness of the challenges faced by the millions of displaced people around the world, and this year's date comes during a... Read more

June 20, 2016 Video

This Solar-Powered Aircraft Is Making History Above the Clouds (Video)

Climate change, for many, is the single-most important issue of our day and the one fraught with the most dire implications. The notion of a disappearing planet whose atmosphere can no longer support animal or plant life is terrifying, and is the impetus for many bold measures being taken by... Read more

June 20, 2016 Lifestyle

This Notorious B.I.G. & Lord Finesse Cypher Will BLOW YOUR MIND (Video)

The Notorious B.I.G. (a/k/a Biggie Smalls) is revered as one of Hip-Hop's greatest MCs. The Brooklyn, New Yorker beautifully inserted wit, wordplay, and lots of self-confidence into his most memorable rhymes. Somebody who started out just a couple years before Biggie was Bronx, New Yorker Lord Finesse. The MC/DJ/producer who... Read more

June 20, 2016 Throwback

Vic Mensa Has Lethal Words About Flint, Michigan’s Deadly Water (Video)

Vic Mensa is no stranger to the problem of corruption in politics. As a Chicago native, he and millions of others saw first-hand what happens when a politician's career takes precedence over justice - at least that's what opponents of Mayor Rahm Emanuel say. When unarmed Laquan McDonald was shot... Read more

June 20, 2016 Video

D.I.T.C. Goes Diggin’ In The Crates For Rare Photos & Footage (Video)

The Diggin' In The Crates crew has released its second completely crew-inclusive album in 16 years. That LP, D.I.T.C. Studios celebrates the newly-opened Bronx, New York recording studio where Showbiz, Lord Finesse, and Buckwild regularly craft dusty tracks. Also home to O.C., A.G., Diamond D, and Fat Joe, the legendary... Read more

June 20, 2016 Video

Ever See The Time Muhammad Ali Saved A Man’s Life? (Video)

Although Muhammad Ali was extremely gifted in the boxing ring, what made him "The Greatest" was also what he did outside of the sport. Beyond his well-documented civil rights stands, Ali was a humanitarian and someone who cared deeply about others. Perhaps no instance exemplified this better than what Ali... Read more

June 18, 2016 Throwback

Kevin Hart And James Corden Have A Rap Battle And It Gets Harsh (Video)

Kevin Hart and James Corden are not MCs, but that does not stop them from waging a fierce rap battle. Each man is more than capable of staying on beat and, more importantly, both possess the ability to wield words as weapons in a way like few others. While Corden... Read more

June 18, 2016 Video

Rare Photographs Of Rakim Show Why He’s Hip-Hop Royalty

Last summer, in conjunction with the theatrical release of Straight Outta Compton, Ambrosia For Heads spoke to Stephan Armleder (a/k/a The Genevan Heathen). A B-Boy to the core (who also DJs and produces), The Genevan Heathen has been documenting N.W.A. and its members through scanning photographs, advertisements, trading cards, and... Read more

June 18, 2016 Throwback

America’s Gun Problem Gets Broken Down & It Is Scary (Video)

It is undeniably tragic that for most Americans, gun violence is an issue that forces itself into discussion frequently. On the heels of the worst mass shooting by a lone gunman in United States history, once again the topic of access to weapons like assault rifles has reared its controversial... Read more

June 17, 2016 Lifestyle

Del The Funky Homosapien Reveals Ice Cube Wrote One Of His Hits

Last month, veteran Compton, California MC King T revealed some of the once downplayed writing that Del The Funky Homosapien did for cousin Ice Cube's AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted album. Del, then a relative unknown, would pen "Gangsta's Fairytale" from the Priority Records solo debut. On the back of that album,... Read more

June 17, 2016 Throwback

For The First Time Ever, A Major Awards Show Will Exclusively Celebrate Female MCs

It's been six years since the last Hip-Hop Honors television special aired, but that's not the only reason why the return of the broadcast on July 11 is making headlines. For the first time ever, the Vh1 special will feature a lineup of honorees consisting entirely of women whose contributions... Read more

June 17, 2016 Fresh

Statik Selektah Gets 2 Chainz To Breathe That Hot Fire (Video)

This month, Statik Selektah opened up the roll-out to his album, appropriately titled 8. "Smoke Break" features 2 Chainz, and represented a directional shift for the Def Jam Records star, as well as a bit of an an extension for the producer/DJ/radio host who has worked with much of the... Read more

June 16, 2016 Video

The Sky Is The Limit For A-F-R-O As He Freestyles His Way To Fallon (Video)

A-F-R-O (All Flows Reach Out) may appear to be a purebred Underground Hip-Hop MC. The California native has surrounded himself with veterans like R.A. The Rugged Man and GZA—artists who always favored appeasing cult followings over pandering for mainstream attention. However, even before his acclaimed Tales From The Basement mixtape or... Read more

June 16, 2016 TV/Film, Video

Lil Dicky’s Music Is Fearless & So Are His Interviews (Video)

Less than one year ago, Greater Philadelphia, Pennsylvania MC Lil Dicky cemented his status on the national scene with Professional Rapper. The fast-flowing lyricist who first began with aspirations in stand-up comedy made an album unlike any other—and fans responded. Dicky's self-released LP hit the Top 10, while urging people... Read more

June 16, 2016 Video

A Robot Whose Only Aim is to Cause Humans Pain Now Exists (Video)

Apocalypse Ow is upon us. At the root of all dystopian robot fantasies is the notion that some day, the semi-sentient beings created by man will flip the script and unleash fury on the world as we know it. Luckily, the vast majority of robots in existence today only carry... Read more

June 16, 2016 Lifestyle

Sadat X & Pete Rock’s Cold Collab Is Just The Tip Of An Album Iceberg (Lyric Video)

After a career that spans more than 25 years, classic singles, 5 mic reviews, and key collaborations, celebrated MC Sadat X is preparing his latest solo album. The Brand Nubian co-founder's latest release is July 15's Agua, his first venture with Tommy Boy Entertainment. A concept 18-track LP (themed around... Read more

June 16, 2016 Video

All Eyez Can Watch A Trailer To Tupac Shakur’s Biopic (Video)

After years of development, the Tupac Shakur biopic is completed. Today (June 16) would have been the music and film star's 45th birthday. In conjunction, All Eyez On Me unveils its first official film trailer. The Morgan Creek Production is said to reach theater screens on November 11, 2016—more than... Read more

June 16, 2016 TV/Film, Video

Jazzy Jeff Wants Fans to Join Him On His Vinyl Destination (Video)

Grammy-winning producer DJ Jazzy Jeff's illustrious career has taken him around the world, several times over. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania icon is now on his fourth season of "Vinyl Destination," a web series devoted to following him on his global travels as he performs and gets exposed to vastly different cultures,... Read more

June 15, 2016 Video

In a Major Win for Web Users, Net Neutrality Prevails in Court (Video)

Net neutrality has been a focal point in many recent headlines relating to the worlds of public life, the internet, and access to technology. Though not as commonly referred to as issues like global warming or gun control, the implications of net neutrality are nonetheless vast and affect anyone with... Read more

June 15, 2016 Lifestyle

Vic Mensa’s Freestyle Causes Sway To Destroy His Studio (Video)

For MCs looking to demonstrate their extemporaneous flow skills, there are few platforms as significant as Sway's "5 Fingers of Death." Much like the clout earned in the "Unsigned Hype" column in the Source a generation ago, this freestyle challenge is, for many Heads, a way to check for who... Read more

June 15, 2016 Video

A-F-R-O Spits Those Bars That Have Been A Long Time Coming For Lyric Lovers (Audio)

In the last year and change, Bellflower, California MC A-F-R-O (All Flows Reach Out) has released a mixtape, he's stolen the show in more than a few videos, and he even had a significant role in VH1's film-turned-series The Breaks. On July 8, the R.A. The Rugged Man protege will... Read more

June 14, 2016 Audio

The Game’s Rap Dreams Are Still Stranded On Death Row (Audio)

Dr. Dre released his solo debut The Chronic more than a decade before he would help introduce the world to 50 Cent. However, one Dre co-executive produced (with Eminem) 2003's Get Rich Or Die Tryin', it was a chain reaction of G-Unit artists that would quickly collect heat from D-R-E's... Read more

June 14, 2016 Audio

ScHoolboy Q Takes A Popular Meme & Makes Major Album Artwork

June 16 UPDATE: ScHoolboy Q has revealed that the previously reported Michael Jordan-inspired cover to Blank Face LP, as well as a since-revealed Donald Trump "Deluxe Edition" cover were purely promotional. Instead, the Los Angeles, California veteran took to Instagram to reveal his forth album's actual release artwork: OFFICIAL -... Read more

June 14, 2016 Fresh

Stretch & Bobbito Recall Expectations Around Nas’ Illmatic Release (Audio)

Last night (June 13), Stretch Armstrong & Bobbito The Barber returned to radio, in a new way. The legendary New York City duo conducted two hours of live radio via Samsung 837 approximately 26 years after the pair began with a historic eight-year run at Columbia University's WKCR 89.9FM radio... Read more

June 14, 2016 Audio, Throwback

Run The Jewels Want Their Rhymes Over DJ Shadow’s Beat To Leave You Speechless (Video)

Run the Jewels are beloved for many things - not the least of which are the thoughtful, inspirational, and often comedic lyrics contained within their songs. As Heads learned back in April, the same goes for the duo's work with DJ Shadow, the highly celebrated DJ who is releasing his... Read more

June 14, 2016 Video

Forget Eminem. Logic Says HE Is The Rap God (Audio)

At 26-years-old, Logic has had as much success in his career that others are still chasing after years in the game. The Maryland native is currently performing around the globe along with YG and Yo Gotti on G-Eazy's Endless Summer Tour, a culmination of the serious work he's been putting... Read more

June 14, 2016 Audio

R.A. Shows That Even Rugged Men Change With Fatherhood (Video)

R.A. The Rugged Man is one of Hip-Hop's true wild hearts. The Long Island, New York veteran was famously banned from numerous label offices (including his own) during the 1990s for his storied antics. R.A.'s live shows play host to bloody and sweaty mosh pits, make-out sessions with fans, and... Read more

June 14, 2016 Video

Havoc Details How He & Prodigy Overcame 2012 Mobb Deep Breakup (Video)

Just over four years ago, a group that had been together for 20-plus-years, Mobb Deep, called it quits. To make matters more complicated, Prodigy and Havoc engaged in a feud that started on social media, and led to diss records aimed at each other. By 2014, however, the M-O-B-B was... Read more

June 14, 2016 Video

Kanye West Announces The Saint Pablo North American Tour Dates

Kanye West will tour the material he included on February's The Life Of Pablo. This week, the Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam Records superstar announced the North American dates for his corresponding The Saint Pablo Tour. The concert dates come after West has begun promoting his upcoming G.O.O.D. Music compilation, Cruel Winter. Earlier... Read more

June 14, 2016 Fresh

Curren$y Takes A Dr. Dre Line & Lets It Ride (Audio)

Curren$y contends to be the most prolific MC of 2016. The New Orleans, Louisiana veteran has released a free EP or a mixtape every month up 'til June. In doing so, he's linked with a host of producers (Cool & Dre and Alchemist). However, even those projects have not tapped... Read more

June 14, 2016 Audio

Nipsey Hussle & Snoop Dogg Give Some Real Game About The Costs Of Gang Life (Audio)

Nipsey Hussle continues his Marathon Mondays series with his strongest release yet. "Question #1" features Snoop Dogg who is in tip top form, and finds both MCs giving real game about the costs of gang life. While both have affiliations with the Crips, neither seeks to glorify bangin'. Instead, they... Read more

June 14, 2016 Audio

Talib Kweli, 9th Wonder & Rapsody Remind Us the Best Is Yet to Come (Video)

Today, a new video from two veterans and a dominating voice in Hip-Hop's current generation is proving the lifespan of a 2015 release is far from over. Having arrived in November, the collaborative LP Indie 500 from Talib Kweli and 9th Wonder features 13 tracks speckled with appearances from some of... Read more

June 13, 2016 Video

Masta Ace’s Latest Video Resonates Through Time & Shows Why He’s A Top MC

Masta Ace's latest studio album, The Falling Season, is making noise for the 30-year Brooklyn, New York rhyme veteran. From the era of 12" singles and un-skippable albums, Ace has deliberately kept his latest artistic baby away from the popular streaming platforms. The latest in a series of a concept... Read more

June 13, 2016 Video

Yo! Former MTV Host Doctor Dré Wants to Take Diabetes to Task

2016 is already a watershed year for diabetes awareness in the Hip-Hop community, and it's less than halfway through. Phife Dawg's untimely passing in March from complications related to the illness coupled with Freeway's very public campaign for education about kidney disease has brought discussions about diabetes and its related... Read more

June 13, 2016 Lifestyle

DJ Premier Gives The Inside Story On The Making Of Jay Z’s Reasonable Doubt 20 Years Later

Twenty years ago, Jay Z had a hustler's ambition of releasing an album and then walking away. His lifestyle already afforded the finer things in life, so he was not making the music for the money. Rather, in his 26 years of life, he had accumulated some formidable stories that he... Read more

June 13, 2016 Food for Thought

Prince Paul Reveals Gravediggaz Recordings Predate Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)

The meteoric rise of the Wu-Tang Clan was by no means an overnight achievement. While Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, U-God, Inspectah Deck and others were introduced to the world care of late 1993's Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) debut by the Wu-Tang Clan, RZA and GZA had careers stemming back into... Read more

June 13, 2016 Throwback

Apathy Cares About Hip-Hop’s Preservation On His Star-Studded LP (Album Stream)

Late last year, veteran MC/producer Apathy turned quite a few Heads with his take no prisoners message of "Rap Is Not Pop." That talking-point single belongs to the just-released (June 10) LP, Handshakes With Snakes. The member of Army Of The Pharaohs and Demigodz's latest album includes appearances by B-Real,... Read more

June 12, 2016 Audio

Kevin Hart Details How Dave Chappelle Humbled Him & Chris Rock With His Brilliance (Video)

When Kevin Hart and Sway get together, the conversation is always special. Their most recent conversation is no exception. There to promote his latest film, Central Intelligence, starring Duane "The Rock" Johnson, Hart was in rare form. As has often been the case, rather than use the platform to further... Read more

June 11, 2016 Video

DJ Quik Reveals He Will Release Collaboration With MC Eiht (Video)

Yesterday (June 10), Ambrosia For Heads shared our Must-Listen-To Albums, EPs, And Mixtapes Of 2016 list. Included in the 11 entries was Rosecrans, the independent EP made by Compton's DJ Quik and Problem. This week, Q-U-I-K announced that there is more to come from the veteran MC/producer/DJ and one of... Read more

June 11, 2016 News, Video

A Bold New California Law Is Limiting Access to Tobacco Products

California, a longtime bastion for health-conscious initiatives, has added another mold-breaking law to its accomplishments. Yesterday (June 9), the most populous state in the country officially raised the tobacco smoking and purchasing age to 21, whereas the rest of the country maintains the age limit of 18. But that's not... Read more

June 10, 2016 Lifestyle

Craig G Details The Making Of “The Symphony,” Including Who Wrote What (Video)

This month, Queens, New York MC Craig G released his seventh studio album, I Rap And Go Home. The Soulspazm Records effort features Buckshot, Ras Kass, and Jarobi of A Tribe Called Quest, among others. The battle-tested lyricist has enjoyed a professional recording career that has endured more than 30... Read more

June 10, 2016 Throwback, Video

11 Must-Listen To Albums, EPs & Mixtapes So Far In 2016

Approaching this year's midpoint, there has been some incredible music that will be appreciated long beyond 2016. Like the art itself, the year that is has represented some tectonic shifts in how works are released, consumed, and ranked on the charts. Grammy Award-winning artists are dropping albums without warning—with videos ready to... Read more

June 10, 2016 Food for Thought, Fresh

A Proposed Tax on Soda Is Proving There’s No More Room for Sugar-Coating

Sugar has developed a bad rap in recent months. While it's always had its fair share of critics, its negative effects on health seem to populate more headlines today than they have in previous years, particularly to those who don't closely follow health-related topics in the media. But even for... Read more

June 9, 2016 Lifestyle

Lil Dicky Exposes the Brutal Pain of Losing the Love of His Life (Video)

During his performance at the Roots Picnic in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania last weekend (June 4), Lil Dicky shared a personal detail regarding his love life. Telling the crowd that a woman he loves named Molly recently got engaged to someone else, the area native revealed the sort of relatable truth that... Read more

June 9, 2016 Video

Oddisee Blends Grace & Grit In a Stunning Example of Duality (Video)

With his stellar 2015 album The Good Fight still in heavy rotation by many, Washington, D.C. rapper and producer Oddisee is frequently named as one of the most gifted of his generation. He recently dropped his Alwasta E.P. in March, and with it came a fresh batch of inventive, multi-faceted... Read more

June 9, 2016 Video

Method Man & Redman Transform Into Beavis & Butthead And Rock Wilder (Video)

The mysterious Mylo The Cat, the creator of several mashups of Hip-Hop bangers with Muppet videos, has struck again. While not much is known about "Mylo," over the years, the cool cat has seamlessly fused together visuals of Dr. Teeth performing as Wu-Tang Clan's ODB, Gonzo performing as Digital Underground's... Read more

June 9, 2016 Video