News Archives

Sadat X & Rhymefest Paint A Picture Of A Better World Right On Time (Audio)

Tomorrow (7/15), Sadat X will release his new solo album, Agua, on Tommy Boy Records. The LP features stellar production from Pete Rock, Diamond D, DJ Scratch, Da Beatminerz, Easy Mo Bee and more, and guest appearances by A.F.R.O., RA The Rugged Man, Ed. O.G., Black Sheep Dres, and fellow... Read more

July 14, 2016 Audio

Blu & Nottz Raise The Bar and the Volume With Their Titans In The Flesh EP (Audio)

A decade ago, Blu was one of the most exciting MCs in Hip-Hop. By 2007's Below The Heavens album with Exile, the Los Angeles, California MC perfected Everyman themes, with an original delivery. Fans took notice, and at the frontier of the digital age, took a Sound In Color release... Read more

July 14, 2016 Audio

Mick Jenkins, Jesse Boykins III & Noname Help Illustrate theMIND (Video)

With references to "The Rugrats," Patti Mayonnaise (of "Doug" fame), "Recess," and "Hey Arnold," Mick Jenkins' verse in "Animated Ambition" is a shoutout to '90s kids raised on Nickelodeon and ABC's "One Saturday Morning." The song is the latest from Chicago, Illinois' (by way of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) theMIND, an R&B... Read more

July 14, 2016 Video

Bars For Days…Murs Aims For Guinness World Record For Longest Freestyle

UPDATE: In speaking with Ambrosia For Heads, Murs has clarified that he will not be freestyling. Instead, he will be undertaking a "Rap marathon," where he raps his own songs and other classics. In 2008, Los Angeles, California MC Murs campaigned with his Warner Bros. album, Murs For President. Eight... Read more

July 14, 2016 News

Snow Tha Product Is Tired of Waiting for People to Wake Up (Video)

Mexican-American MC Snow Tha Product is no stranger to discrimination. As both a woman and a Latina in Hip-Hop, she's faced her fair share of dismissive remarks, but those who are actually listening know what's really good. The San Jose, California native has made a name for herself for using... Read more

July 14, 2016 Video

ScHoolboy Q Discusses His Historically Unique Feature Choices (Video)

Less than one week ago, ScHoolboy Q released his fourth album, Blank Face LP. The TDE/Interscope Records effort features appearances by Tha Dogg Pound, E-40, and Jadakiss, among others. Speaking with DJ Whoo Kid this week on The Whoolywood Shuffle Shade 45 radio show, Groovy Q explained his feature choices,... Read more

July 14, 2016 Video

LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul & Carmelo Anthony Stand Together For Change (Video)

Last week, in an incredibly powerful and passionate interview, Killer Mike hypothesized about the power of athletes to effect change in these times of turmoil, due to several killings of Black citizens by police officers. Seemingly hearing his call, tonight (June 13), LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul and Carmelo... Read more

July 13, 2016 Video

The First Big Rap Reunion Of 2016…The Cool Kids Are Back Together.

Five years ago yesterday (July 12, 2011), The Cool Kids released When Fish Ride Bicycles. After a separation spanning nearly the half-decade since, the Chicago, Illinois duo announced it has reunited. Today (July 13), producer/MC Chuck Inglish and rhyme partner Sir Michael Rocks confirmed their reunion on social media. Since... Read more

July 13, 2016 News

Chris Rock, Kevin Hart, Beyonce & More List 23 Ways You Could Be Killed If Black In America

In one of the most powerful clips in recent memory, Kevin Hart, Bono, Beyonce, Chris Rock, Common, Talib Kweli, Jennifer Hudson, Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, Chance The Rapper and several other entertainers have come together to recite 23 ways you could be killed if you are Black in America. With each... Read more

July 13, 2016 Video

Swizz Beatz Reveals DMX Did Not Want To Do “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” (Video)

"Stop. Drop. Shut 'em down, open up shop." As Heads know, those words open "Ruff Ryders' Anthem," one of the biggest Hip-Hop anthems of all-time. However, the song almost didn't happen. As part of the new BET series Inside The Label, Swizz Beatz detailed the making of the song for... Read more

July 13, 2016 Throwback

Lil Cease & Jadakiss Take A Summer Breeze And Make It Hot (Video)

With 4th of July in our collective rear-view mirrors, the summer is in full swing and with it comes the familiar sights and sounds of the season. Backyard barbecues, stoopside games of cards and dominoes, sunkissed skin, and a months-long air of celebration. There have been plenty of Hip-Hop songs... Read more

July 13, 2016 Video

Digable Planets Reflect On Their Travels Through Time & Space And They’re Still Light Years Ahead

In 1994, a trio of young, unparalleled Hip-Hop creators won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for "Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)." Up against megawatt contemporaries like Dr. Dre & Snoop Doggy Dogg, Naughty By Nature, and Cypress Hill, Digable Planets repped for... Read more

July 13, 2016 Food for Thought

ScHoolboy Q Thinks Guns Should Be Taken Away From EVERYBODY (Video)

Anyone who has listened to a ScHoolboy Q album knows that he keeps it all the way real with his vivid depictions of gangsta life. Rather than glorify the lifestyle, like 95% of other rappers, Q's lyrics are grim and mournful, and he is quick to say that, while he... Read more

July 13, 2016 Video

Apathy Does Not Care If People Pay Attention. He’s A D.I.Y. Success (Video)

Last month, hardcore Hip-Hop veteran Apathy released his latest album, Handshakes With Snakes. A member of Army Of The Pharaohs (Vinnie Paz, Esoteric, Celph Titled, etc.) and founder of the Demigodz (Celph Titled, Ryu, etc.), the onetime Atlantic Records act has built a lengthy career on his own terms. Committed... Read more

July 13, 2016 Video

Tish Hyman’s Striking Soul & Flow Are Reminiscent of Lauryn Hill In The Best Ways (Audio)

Bronx, New York native MC/singer Tish Hyman made a lot of noise in 2015 as the first female to conquer Sway In The Morning's "5 Fingers Of Death." More than just accepting the freestyle challenge, Tish bodied five beats and made a fast name for herself, amidst some new circles.... Read more

July 12, 2016 Audio, Video

This Anniversary Mix of De La Soul’s “Stakes Is High” Is the Bizness (Mixtape)

With the August 26 release date of their forthcoming album and the Anonymous Nobody approaching, De La Soul are also a hot topic of retrospective conversations these days. On July 2, the Long Island, New York trio's fourth album, Stakes Is High, turned 20 and Heads have been celebrating the... Read more

July 12, 2016 Audio

This Documentary Shows Why Boyz N The Hood Is Still A Classic 25 Years Later (Video)

Today (July 12), marks the 25th anniversary of the release of Boyz N The Hood in theaters. Written and directed by then first-time director, John Singleton, the film was groundbreaking in its unflinching, yet deeply human portrayal of life in South Central Los Angeles. Premiered at the esteemed Cannes Film... Read more

July 12, 2016 Video

Erykah Badu Is Aiding the Effort to Solve Abandoned Rape Cases in Detroit

Fans of the ubiquitous crime-procedural television dramas like "C.S.I." or "Law & Order" see criminal cases processed and solved rapidly, but in reality the time it takes law enforcement to properly address any given crime is far greater. For crimes like rape, in which D.N.A. testing and lab-based examinations are... Read more

July 12, 2016 Lifestyle

Jarren Benton Has The Courage To Rap About Fears We All Face (Audio)

Jarren Benton has built a career around outlandish raps, circus-like stage-shows, and cringe-worthy comical similes. It is easy to understand why the Decatur, Georgia MC has worked with guys like D12's Bizarre and R.A. The Rugged Man. He is in that lineage. However, the onetime Funk Volume sensation now makes... Read more

July 12, 2016 Audio

Jamila Woods on Messages From “Heavn” & The Creative Spirit of Chicago’s Artists

Some of the greatest artists in modern music started with careful build-ups. From Nas to Kendrick Lamar, these artists were tapped to play feature roles on others' songs. In time, they broke through with art that showed their individual gifts, visionary qualities, and ability to balance them at a full-length... Read more

July 12, 2016 Exclusive, Food for Thought

Queen Latifah Honors Hip-Hop’s Women Pioneers In An All-Star Showing Of U.N.I.T.Y. (Video)

Last night (July 11), Hip-Hop Honors returned to television, with a special dedication to the ladies. Queen Latifah was one of the honorees of the evening. The MC-turned-actor-turned-singer returned to her late 1980s and early 1990s catalog of hits from the burgeoning days of the Flavor Unit. One of the... Read more

July 12, 2016 TV, TV/Film, Video

Behind The Scenes Footage From The Tupac Biopic Shows The Star’s Resemblance Is Scary

Last month brought the first look at a trailer for the upcoming Tupac biopic All Eyez On Me, and now behind the scenes footage gives a closer look at the cast and characters portrayed in the film. Among those featured in the nearly 15-minute long clip are Demetrius Shipp, Jr.... Read more

July 12, 2016 Video

Snoop & The Game Meet With The LAPD To Build Trust Between Police & The Community

On Friday (July 8), mere hours after five police officers were murdered in Dallas, Texas, and the same week two Black men were killed by police officers in separate incidents, Snoop Dogg and The Game led a march of more than 50 people to the Los Angeles Police Department Headquarters.... Read more

July 11, 2016 Food for Thought, News

De La Soul Spring Into Action With A Jam Designed To Make You Move (Audio)

Just over twenty five years ago, De La Soul's sophomore album included lead single "A Roller Skating Jam Called Saturdays." Produced by Prince Paul, the Tommy Boy/Warner Bros. Records single found the Long Island, New York trio (and guest Q-Tip, of A Tribe Called Quest) making an upbeat ode to... Read more

July 11, 2016 Audio

Roxanne Shanté Discusses The Challenges She Faced As A Pioneering Woman In Hip-Hop

Growing up in the same Queensbridge Houses as Hip-Hop icons like MC Shan, Marley Marl, Nas, and Mobb Deep, Roxanne Shanté has a story that has often gone untold. Known for her role in the notorious "Roxanne Wars" during the mid-1980s, the MC had already developed an admirable Rap pedigree... Read more

July 11, 2016 Fresh

ScHoolboy Q Shows How Crime Is Tearing Apart Families, In His Video For “Black THougHts”

This past Friday (July 8), ScHoolboy Q delivered his fourth album, Blank Face LP. Distributed by Interscope Records, the TDE effort is a colorful journey through the mind, life, and times of a DIY-rapper-turned-star in the 2010s. Featuring a cast of esteemed Gangsta Rap vets (E-40, Tha Dogg Pound, Jadakiss),... Read more

July 11, 2016 Video

Ras Kass’ Rawest Rhymes Come To Life Over Statik Selektah Production (Audio)

2016 marks 20 years since Ras Kass entered the stage with Soul On Ice. Ever since, the Carson-by-way-of-Watts, California MC has become one of the most lethal lyricists in Hip-Hop, a master of style and substance. When Ras is agitated, he can make some of his best music—whether tackling lesser-skilled... Read more

July 11, 2016 Audio

Underground Hip-Hop Is Very Much Alive In 2016. One DJ Mixes It All Together.

Often times, the glory days of Underground Hip-Hop appears coincidental with the booming resurgence of vinyl records in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Out of a movement spearheaded by radio personalities such as Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito, and Sway and King Tech, a crop of hungry artists emerged that... Read more

July 10, 2016 Mixes

Samuel Jackson Joins KRS-One, Talib Kweli & More In The Fight Against Police Violence (Audio)

"All you celebrities out there, here's a chance to do something else. I challenge all of you to sing that we ain't going to stop till people are free." Those are the words of esteemed actor Samuel L. Jackson, as he opens the deeply powerful "I Can't Breathe," featuring Mad... Read more

July 10, 2016 Audio

June Was Full Of Great Hip-Hop. Here’s The Best Of The Month In 1 Playlist (Audio)

The month of June was the epitome of quality over quantity, when it came to Hip-Hop. There were fewer noteworthy releases than in any month of the year, so far, but those that penetrated were high-powered. Drake set the month on fire with one of his hardest rhymes in years,... Read more

July 9, 2016 Audio

Killer Mike Says It’s Time To Take Down The System By Taking Our Money Out Of It (Video)

Killer Mike has become one of Hip-Hop's most inspiring and intelligent spokespeople, and he spoke passionately and powerfully to Atlanta's Hot 107 about the need to make real change. NOW. His words speak for themselves: - On putting our money where our mouths are, literally: “We don’t have to burn... Read more

July 8, 2016 Video

Police Violence Causes The D.O.C., Bishop Lamont & B-Real To Speak Up. Forcefully (Audio)

The murders of unarmed Black and Brown civilians (many of whom are minors) by law enforcement persists in the United States of America. This week is as disturbing of a reminder as any, following the murders of Philando Castile and Alton Sterling. Now, matters have escalated with lethal retaliations, as... Read more

July 8, 2016 Audio

Grand Daddy I.U.’s Impeccable Flow Will Make You Put Your “Handz Up” (Video)

Since Grand Daddy I.U.'s breakout hit "Represent," in 1994 he has had long stretches in between releasing product. It would be 13 years before the Hempstead, NY MC would release his next album, Stick To The Script, and another 8 years before its follow up, 2015's P.I.M.P. (Paper Is My... Read more

July 8, 2016 Video

The World Needs Love. Phonte & Eric Roberson Make Music To Go With It. (Audio)

In a week marred by violence, all may be asking, "Where is the love right now?" Phonte is an artist who has masterfully reflected on the confusion and pains of the world. This time, 'Te simply provides a welcome reminder of what it takes to heal, to rebuild, and to... Read more

July 8, 2016 Audio

Black Hippy Black Out On The Remix To ScHoolboy Q’s “THat Part” (Audio)

In the early part of the 2010s, the TDE all-pro collective known as Black Hippy lined up in formation more than a few times. Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, and ScHoolboy Q came together to show that Top Dawg had incredible talent individually, and collectively. Like Wu-Tang Clan or D.I.T.C.,... Read more

July 8, 2016 Audio

Jay Z Takes A Stand Against Police Killing Citizens (Audio)

509 people have been shot and killed by police in 2016. Words and hashtags are not enough. Write the United States Department of Justice today, and make a stand.... Read more

July 8, 2016 Audio

Scarface Has Seen Too Many Young Men Die. He Speaks Up (Audio)

Scarface takes his lyrics places others won't seem to go. The Geto Boy appears on Swizz Beatz' upcoming Choices & Changes album. After years of working with Ruff Ryders, Facemob connects with the superstar producer for "Sad News." The song traces Brad Jordan reading over another Black male dying at... Read more

July 7, 2016 Audio

Big K.R.I.T., Akon & B.o.B. Have A Message For The System (Audio)

In a week that has witnessed the devastating murders of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, Hip-Hop is speaking out quickly. As Black men and women are dying at the hands of law enforcement without conviction, DJ Greg Street brings B.o.B., Big K.R.I.T., and Akon together for "I Am Somebody." Built... Read more

July 7, 2016 Audio

Mistah F.A.B. Takes Murderous Cops to Task in “6 Shots” (Audio)

On Monday, July 4, millions of Americans observed Independence Day but for some, a celebratory mood was difficult to sustain. What has become known as the Black Lives Matter era is a time in history when past mistakes seem to linger, and when racial injustice becomes recorded on cell-phone video... Read more

July 7, 2016 Audio

Redman Salutes Shaq’s Raps. He Also Knights 50 Cent As The Last Of His Era (Video)

Redman is a true Hip-Hop character. When the Def Squad MC sits in front of a camera, he commands attention. Appearing in First We Feast's "Hot Ones" hot wings challenge, Reggie Noble is no exception. As the hot sauces turn up the spice, Funk Doctor gets teary, he puts his... Read more

July 7, 2016 Video

Sadat X Passes The Torch To A-F-R-O And He Holds It High (Video)

For more than 25 years, Sadat X has set a high standard in lyricism. In his acclaimed work with Brand Nubian, songs like "Slow Down" and "Punks Jump Up To Get Beat Down" not only packed stylish deliveries, they were rich in thematic substance. With an unmistakable voice, the Bronx,... Read more

July 7, 2016 Video

Chance The Rapper & Jamila Woods Take a Soul-Baring Ride Home (Audio)

Since breaking through to mainstream recognition through her work on Macklemore's powerful social critique, "White Privilege II," Chicago, Illinois' Jamila Woods has been busy working on her debut LP. The multi-talented artist most recently appeared on Chance the Rapper's Coloring Book. A longtime friend and collaborator, Chancelor Bennett appears on... Read more

July 7, 2016 Audio

Jay Z’s 2000 Westwood Freestyle Portrays An MC In Stride For The Throne (Audio)

Right around the year 2000, Jay Z found himself in London, promoting his first #1 album, Vol. 2...Hard Knock Life. As the album was approaching 3 million units sold (it sits at more than 5 mill scanned in 2016), Shawn Carter hit Tim Westwood's radio show. In a new position,... Read more

July 7, 2016 Throwback, Throwback

Medical Marijuana May Be Helping America Kick Its Prescription Pill Habit

The United States is facing a health crisis which entangles the healthcare industry, addiction, and the government in menacing ways. In recent months, much attention has been paid to America's growing dependence on prescription medication, and the root causes for the pandemic are multifaceted. For some, financial access to powerful... Read more

July 7, 2016 Lifestyle

Saigon & Termanology Put Prejudice Policing In Its Place Over Q-Tip Production (Audio)

A decade ago, Termanology and Saigon were two of the rising stars in the New York Hip-Hop scene. While Term' would begin a relentless cycle of independent releases that has lasted well into today, Saigon would ink a major label deal with Atlantic Records and get to work on a... Read more

July 7, 2016 Audio

A Black Female Superhero Will Soon Be Fighting In Iron Man’s Suit

Comic books have often run parallel to social movements, with real-life storylines often finding themselves in illustrated story-boards. In late 2015, DC Comics featured Batman as a caped crusader who interfered with an impending act of police brutality against a person of color, reflecting the heaviness in the air in... Read more

July 6, 2016 Lifestyle

KRS-One Explains Making Hits From The Underground, Without Music Videos

KRS-One is widely revered as one of Hip-Hop's greatest MCs of all time. The front-man for Boogie Down Productions has released more than 20 albums—including solo work, group LPs, and collaborative efforts. However in a career that spans over 30 years, he has never had a Top 40 hit, a... Read more

July 6, 2016 Video

Your Old Droog & the Doppelgangaz Batter Some West Coast Old School (Audio)

Together, Matter Ov Fact and EP comprise the Doppelgangaz, a duo known for their grimy rhymes and even nastier in-house production. The Orange County, New York team released the "Gangaz 4 Life" video in early 2016 in support of their 2015 tape, Beats for Brothers Vol. 3. In the time... Read more

July 6, 2016 Audio

A Founding X-Ecutioner Moves The Crowd With Dance Hits That Can’t Be Faded (Mix)

Mista Sinista (f/k/a Joe Sinista) made a name for himself working as an elite scratch-master alongside Common, the Beatnuts, and dead prez. Since 1989, the DJ/turntablist (and onetime MC) was part of X-Ecutioners, alongside the late Roc Raida, Rob Swift, and DJ Total Eclipse. There, the group would become mix... Read more

July 6, 2016 Mixes, Throwback, Throwback

Activist DeRay McKesson Named Keynote Speaker For 2016 Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival

Known for bringing some of the most historic and livest performances to New York City's Brooklyn borough, the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival is not just a place to catch memorable moments in music. Now in its 12th season, BKHHF (and Brooklyn Bodega) continues to organize and host panels, workshops, exhibitions, and... Read more

July 6, 2016 Fresh