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J. Cole’s New Song Is A Teaser For The Fall Off

J. Cole is a master of the sneak attack. As Hip-Hop releases in 2024 are quietly ramping up in March, Cole raised the stakes with a 10-minute video promoting The Fall Off. Cole's long-anticipated album that he first unveiled with the 2018 release of KOD is approaching fast. "Might Delete... Read more

Mick Jenkins, IDK & Saba Host A Leaders Of The Now School Cypher

Three artists who all made their start during the 2010s are manifesting their greatness. Last year, Mick Jenkins' latest album, The Patience and IDK's most recent, F65, were each named among Ambrosia For Heads' best LPs of 2023. Chicago, Illinois' Saba is no stranger to that list, especially after 2018's... Read more

Killer Mike Was Taken Away In Handcuffs At The Grammys

UPDATE #2: Killer Mike has spoken about last night's situation for the first time. The Grammy-winning artist called into The Big Tigger Show. Although he did not elaborate, Mike said, “We hit a speed bump, and then we head back to the party." Based on that, it appears that the... Read more

Yasiin Bey Clarifies His Drake Comments With A Strong Message

Earlier this month, a rare Yasiin Bey interview led to high-profile controversy. The MC/producer formerly known as Mos Def was asked his opinions on Drake during an interview with podcast host OMONDI for her The Cutting Room Floor. While the full episode lives behind a Patreon paywall, Yasiin's response to... Read more

Locksmith Has Already Delivered The Freestyle Of The Year

Richmond, California's Locksmith is a decorated veteran MC who makes music with substance. He has made songs with Xzibit, KXNG Crooked, Ras Kass, Apathy, and others along the way. However, the East Bay lyricist is also known for being the source of incredible freestyles. Over the last decade and a... Read more

Scarface Delivers One Of The Best Tiny Desk Performances Ever

Scarface is at an interesting point in his career. It has been over five years since the Houston Hip-Hop legend released an album (2017's Deeply Rooted: The Lost Files compilation). In that outage, Face has been quick to demonstrate his supreme Rap skills on songs with DJ Muggs, E-40, and... Read more

Will Smith Tells Rakim He Copied Him On Summertime

One of Hip-Hop's longstanding curiosities surrounds DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince's 1991 hit "Summertime." The Homebase single landed the West Philadelphia duo their second Grammy Award, but it also marked a shift in tempo, style, and flow for the Hip-Hop vets. For years, some have speculated that Rakim... Read more

Masta Ace Releases A Song Filled With Positivity

In 2018, Masta Ace and Marco Polo released their first album as a unit. A Breukelen Story was a concept album—something the Brooklyn, New York MC has done for much his 35-year career. That LP was named by Ambrosia For Heads among the best of '18, and it featured Smif-n-Wessun,... Read more

Watch Little Brother’s Documentary Now

Just moments ago, the documentary May The Lord Watch: The Little Brother Story premiered for all to see. The film, produced by Little Brother, is directed by Holland Randolph Gallagher and written by esteemed Hip-Hop journalist "Yoh" Phillips (of documentary studio Rap Portraits). After years in the making, the documentary allows... Read more

Treach Details How He & Tupac Were Ending The East/West Feud

Treach and his group Naughty By Nature were a linchpin of 1990s Hip-Hop. The Grammy Award-winning East Orange, New Jersey trio had ties with a cross-section of the Rap scene, including Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls. These connections especially mattered by the mid-1990s, when Tupac and Biggie had entered a... Read more

Treach Names His Top 5 MCs From New Jersey

On the most recent episode of Drink Champs, Naughty By Nature's Treach appeared as the guest. The Grammy Award-winning veteran MC discussed over three hours worth of topics. Last year, the NBN co-founder vented frustrations about Top 5 lists and their impact on Hip-Hop. “I don’t think a lot of... Read more

Common & DJ Premier Reunite On A New Song

Over the last quarter-century, Common and DJ Premier have made magic together. In 2000, Premier was a guest within The Soulquarians ensemble for Comm's benchmark Like Water For Chocolate album. On Comm's fourth LP, Preemo produced the masterful "The 6th Sense," which featured Bilal. The video single showed new range... Read more

Drake and J. Cole Have Released The Year’s Best Rap Video

While there are a lot of them releasing every week, music videos appear to be a lost art. While some artists deliver original and clever concepts, it appears commonplace for many videos to feature rapping to the camera, street scenes, and the cliché models and entourage. Two artists who defy... Read more

André 3000 Explains Why It Feels Inauthentic To Rap

Tomorrow (November 17), André 3000 is releasing his first album in 17 years. New Blue Sun marks Dre's first full-length outside of OutKast. Twenty years ago, André and Big Boi attached two solo projects together for the Speakerboxxx/The Love Below double album that remains Hip-Hop's most recent "Album Of The Year"... Read more

Missy Elliott Is The First Female Hip-Hop Artist Inducted Into The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame

This weekend (November 3), Missy Elliott became the first female Hip-Hop artist to enter the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. The Virginia veteran MC/producer appeared at Brooklyn, New York's Barclays Center, where she was presented the honor by her "Fast Car" collaborator Queen Latifah. The presenter credited Missy Elliott... Read more

J. Cole Explains Why His New Album Is Called The Fall Off

Over five years, ago, J. Cole's acclaimed KOD included a song "1985 ('Intro To The Fall Off')." At the time, the song made headlines as a response song to Lil Pump and others, that defied the convention of traditional Rap disses. In the days that followed, J. Cole revealed that... Read more

DJ Kool Herc Inducted Into Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame By LL Cool J

This weekend, Hip-Hop pioneer and architect DJ Kool Herc officially entered the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. The Jamaican-born, Bronx, New York-raised Clive Campbell was joined by his sister Cynthia at a ceremony at Brooklyn's Barclays Center. There, Herc was inducted into the Hall by an artist with that... Read more

200 MCs Celebrate DJ Kay Slay On The Ultimate Posse Cut

Last year, Hip-Hop lost DJ Kay Slay. The Harlem legend passed away on April 17, 2022. His 40+ year legacy began with graffiti and evolved into him becoming one of the biggest mixtape DJs in the world. The self-proclaimed "Drama King" ultimately used his tastemaking skills as a record executive... Read more

Alchemist Names His Top 5 Producers

Alchemist has had a busy 2023. The acclaimed producer (and MC/DJ) has released albums alongside Larry June, Earl Sweatshirt, and MIKE and Wiki—along with fresh solo material. Amid the prolific year, Al spoke to Genius' Andres Tardio to list his Top 5 Hip-Hop producers—including one of his mentors. Along the... Read more

AZ’s New Album Is Weeks Away. Here’s The First Video

It's been two years since AZ released his Doe Or Die II album. The legendary Brooklyn MC had not released an album for ten years, prior to the long-awaited project. AZ has stayed active in the two years since Doe Or Die II, appearing on Westside Gunn's "99 Avirex," Statik... Read more

Redman Has Released A Series Of Freestyles Over Hip-Hop Classics

Next month will make it eight years since Redman released an album. However, as the Def Squad MC plugs away at Muddy Waters Too and Blackout! 3 with Method Man, he frequently gives his devoted fan-base new music. In 2023, Reggie Noble has teamed with Royce 5'9, Logic, Tony Touch,... Read more

Rakim & LL Cool J Perform A Boomin’ Tribute To Marley Marl

Earlier this month (October 3), the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards taped in Atlanta, Georgia. The awards show now aired tonight (October 10). Among its highlights was producer/DJ Marley Marl winning the coveted I Am Hip Hop Award in the culture's ceremonial 50th year. Marley Marl is the Queens, New... Read more

Lil Yachty Shows He Can Really Rap On A Song With J. Cole

Earlier this year, Lil Yachty released one of 2023's more surprising albums from an artist often categorized in Rap. January's Let's Start Here. deviated from the sound that the Atlanta, Georgia had established over the last decade. On this go-round, the Quality Control/Motown Records artist delved into contemporary Psychedelic Rock... Read more

Drake Returns To His Rap Roots With A Griselda Producer

Tomorrow (October 6), Drake is slated to release his eighth solo album, For All The Dogs. The superstar's first full length since mid-2022's Honestly Nevermind is promoted in signature Drake fashion, with a time-stamp song arriving days before the OVO LP. "8am In Charlotte" follows catalog gems such as "4pm... Read more

Vic Mensa Is 2 Years Sober But His Freestyle Is Still Dope

Last month, Vic Mensa released his latest album, Victor. The Roc Nation Records release features Common, Jay Electronica, Ty Dolla Sign, Chance The Rapper, Thundercat, Rapsody, D Smoke, among others. In the two years since the Chicago, Illinois artist released his last LP, I TAPE, Mensa transitioned his lifestyle. The... Read more

Skillz Raps Up Hip-Hop’s Golden Age With A Tribute To H.E.R.

For over 20 years, MC/DJ/academic Skillz helped Hip-Hop process its yearly legacy through his Rap Up verses, which typically arrive in late December or early January. In a milestone year, Hip-Hop's 50th anniversary, the Richmond, Virginia veteran takes it a step further, with a song produced by The Roots. Skillz... Read more

Big Daddy Kane Names His Top 3 Posse Cuts

Thirty-five years ago, Marley Marl released "The Symphony." In 1988, the Cold Chillin' Records single became a juggernaut for the Juice Crew's expansion. It included Marley on production, with ear-grabbing verses from Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Craig G, and Masta Ace. At a time when Roxanne Shanté, Biz... Read more

Big Daddy Kane Turned Down A $1 Million Death Row Deal

In the mid-1990s, Big Daddy Kane was a free agent. After nearly a decade releasing music through Cold Chillin' Records and its Warner Bros. distributor, the Brooklyn, New York lyricist was a talent for hire. In 1994, he had released a sole MCA Records LP, Daddy's Home, featuring involvement with... Read more

ScHoolboy Q Discusses How Kendrick Lamar Saved His Life

ScHoolboy Q is preparing his fourth album in over four years. However, despite his lengthy breaks between projects, the Los Angeles, California MC's career remains as a leader in the Rap game. Groovy Q appeared on Top Dawg Entertainment-affiliated podcast Back On Figg this week to speak with T-Rell, Smac,... Read more

Warren G Details His Many Contributions To The Chronic

In late 1992, Dr. Dre released his solo debut The Chronic. The album launched Death Row Records, and the careers of Snoop Dogg, Daz Dillinger, Kurupt, Nate Dogg, RBX, and others. It also marked the first full-length release from Dre and Suge Knight's Death Row Records imprint. In videos such... Read more

Warren G Reveals Who Introduced Him To G-Funk

For decades, Hip-Hop artists have spoken about the G-Funk musical style and its origins. While not often credited in the mainstream press, Pomona, California's Above The Law implemented the sound in their catalog, especially on 1993's Black Mafia Life and 1994's Uncle Sam's Curse. The first album reportedly began recording... Read more

Ghostface Killah Is A 60 Second Assassin In His New Verse

Yesterday (August 25), Ghostface Killah teamed with Westside Gunn and DJ Muggs for "Sicilian Gold." The collaboration between members of Wu-Tang Clan, Cypress Hill, and Griselda appears on the new Soul Assassins 3: Death Valley album and is embedded below. GFK, who released a Remy Ma collaborative single "YUPP!" this month,... Read more

Coast Contra Returns With Another Breathtaking Freestyle

After years of paying dues, the Coast Contra group made major inroads during 2022. The quartet of Ras Austin, Taj Austin, Eric Jamal, and Rioloz released their debut album, Apt. 505. That They promoted the self-released LP with a memorable performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and a... Read more

Lauryn Hill Shows She’s Somebody To Nas & The World

Last night (August 11), Hip-Hop culture took over Yankee Stadium. There, a host of legends performed songs in the same Bronx borough that is credited with birthing Hip-Hop as Heads know it, 50 years ago this weekend. Kool Herc and his sister Cynthia Campbell were part of the festivities. It... Read more

Snoop Performs La Di Da Di With Doug E Fresh & Slick Rick

Last night (August 11), Hip-Hop took over Yankee Stadium. There, a host of legends performed songs in the same Bronx borough that is credited with birthing Hip-Hop as Heads know it, 50 years ago this weekend. Kool Herc and his sister Cynthia Campbell were part of the festivities. It was... Read more

Questlove Names His Top 4 Rap Albums Of All-Time

This morning, ahead of their The F.O.R.C.E. Live Tour, LL Cool J, Questlove, and Black Thought appeared on The Breakfast Club for an 80-plus-minute conversation. After discussing Hip-Hop's 50th anniversary, their collaboration Rock The Bells performance with The Roots and DJ Z-Trip, and the earliest days of LL's career, the... Read more

LL Cool J & Black Thought Go On A Rampage

This past weekend (August 5), the 2023 Rock The Bells Festival took place in Queens, New York. Performers at the all-day event included Run-D.M.C., Slick Rick, Redman & Method Man, Queen Latifah, Naughty By Nature, Rapsody, Brand Nubian, Boot Camp Clik, and many more. LL Cool J, who produced the... Read more

LL Cool J’s Freestyle Shows He Is Still A GOAT MC

This weekend (August 5), LL Cool J is headlining the annual Rock The Bells Festival in his home borough of Queens, New York. L will be joined by The Roots and DJ Z-Trip as he shares the main event with the MC's longtime friends and peers Run-D.M.C. Other performers include... Read more

Souls Of Mischief Freestyle New Verses To 93 Til Infinity

The Souls Of Mischief have been celebrating 30 years of Hip-Hop respect with the fans that provided it. Tajai, A-Plus, Phesto Dee, and Opio are in the midst of a tour with 93 stops (dates below) celebrating the 30th anniversary of 93 Til' Infinity, the quartet's acclaimed debut album—and its... Read more

Atmosphere Producer Ant Made Music For A Decade Before Making A Dollar

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Brother Ali's incredible album, Shadows On The Sun. The 2003 Rhymesayers Entertainment release was produced by Ant of Atmosphere—a producer and DJ known to deliberately avoid the spotlight. In a two-part conversation with Brother Ali's The Travelers Podcast, Ant opens up about his... Read more

New Unreleased Footage Shows Tupac Hours Before He Was Shot

The night of September 7, 1996 changed history. Tupac Shakur, one of the biggest stars of Rap, was fatally struck that night in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada. The attack happened the same night Tupac and his label co-founder, Suge Knight, were in an altercation outside the MGM... Read more

Flavor Flav Shows Off His Piano & Drum Skills

In his role in Public Enemy, Flavor Flav is often considered one of Hip-Hop's greatest hype-men. On several songs throughout the P.E. catalog, the Bronx-born, Long Island, New York-bred artist flexed his MC chops. He also was an accomplished DJ and radio personality 30 years ago. However, some may not... Read more

Biz Markie’s Life Story Is Being Told In A New Documentary

Two years ago this month, Hip-Hop lost a legend in Biz Markie, who succumbed to a longtime bout with type 2 diabetes. The New York artist born Marcel Hall was a famed MC, DJ, producer, actor, and avid collector of artifacts from the culture. A member of the Juice Crew... Read more

Dr. Dre Names The 8 Artists He Would Most Like To Work With

Throughout his career, Dr. Dre has worked with some of the music greats that came before him. Dre made important music with George Clinton, The Dramatics, and Rick James, to name a few. However, the producer/artist known for his reclusive nature and hard-to-reach status, has also been selective about some... Read more

Ice Cube Details How The NBA Is Blocking The BIG3

Ice Cube's three-on-three basketball league, the BIG3 has been around for over six seasons. It has offered additional life to the professional basketball careers of former NBA stars Allen Iverson, Chauncey Billups, Kenyon Martin, and others. The league has scored television contracts, and continues to thrive—even through the pandemic. However,... Read more

Ice Cube Details The Connection Between The Music Industry & Prisons

For over 35 years, Ice Cube has been an independent artist—from Ruthless Records to a lengthy tenure at Priority Records—to running his own Lench Mob imprint. In a new conversation with Bill Maher, Cube explains why he has avoided major labels despite his success. At 17:00 in The Club Random Podcast, Cube... Read more

Busta Rhymes Is Moved To Tears By His Lifetime Achievement Award

Moments ago tonight (June 25), Busta Rhymes received the BET Awards' Lifetime Achievement Award before delivering an emotional speech. B.R. was presented the prestigious award by Marlon Wayans and Swizz Beatz, who spoke before and after a video vignette featuring testimony from Diddy, Pharrell Williams, Mariah Carey (who praised M.O.P.'s... Read more

Redman, Erick Sermon & Keith Murray Show How Def Their Squad Is

The Def Squad has been going strong for over 30 years. As Hip-Hop celebrates its 50th anniversary, the three-MC core of Erick Sermon, Redman, and Keith Murray showed up in style at the 2023 BET Awards. Erick Sermon kicked off the medley performing his 2001 solo song "Music" from his album of the same... Read more

Jim Jones Claps Back At Pusha-T & Disses The Clipse

Last week, snippets from a new Clipse song release. The track debuted in Paris, France during Pharrell Williams' first Louis Vuitton show. With Pharrell, JAY-Z, Beyoncé, J Balvin, and others in attendance, the Skateboard P-produced song featured Pusha-T lyrics that many have speculated are a jab to rapper Jim Jones.... Read more

Method Man Explains Why He Did Not Want To Do All I Need

Method Man won a Grammy Award for his Mary J. Blige collaboration "I'll Be There For You/You're All I Need To Get By." The song, which originated as a track on Meth's 1994 solo debut Tical, went on to receive a Puff Daddy remix, and become a classic in both... Read more