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Erykah Badu Has a New Mixtape Coming Next Week. What Will Its Future Hold?

Erykah Badu gave legs to Drake's "Hotline Bling," courtesy of her own, extended rendition. This was even before Drizzy's meme mushroom-clouding video released. As her Soundcloud page alluded, many speculated that the interpretative cover would belong to a forthcoming mixtape. In a new interview with Noisey, Ms. Badu confirms that... Read more

Snoop Dogg & Busta Rhymes Return To The Kitchen, Literally. This One Boils Over (Audio)

Snoop Dogg and Busta Rhymes are two Hip-Hop superstars with fascinating back-stories. Before Snoop was a multiple brand ambassador and a household name, he was in the streets of the East side of Long Beach, risking his life hustlin'. Although Heads never heard about until later in his career, Busta... Read more

Chance The Rapper Praises The Angels Around Him in a Spirited Performance (Audio)

Late yesterday (October 26), Chance The Rapper unveiled his latest single, "Angels." Always planned to premiere on "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" (posted below), the song hit digital waves sooner. Like the SURF album, Chance and company opted to release the Donnie Trumpet, Nate Fox, Lido, Peter Cottontale, and guest... Read more

Big K.R.I.T. & Rapsody Slice Up a 9th Wonder Beat With That Guillotine Flow (Audio)

Two of Hip-Hop's top lyricists in Big. K.R.I.T. and Rapsody have linked again to paint a precise picture over a 9th Wonder canvas. This is not Rap and K.R.I.T.'s first rodeo together, as the pair linked on Rapsody's She Got Game gem, "Lonely Thoughts," also featuring Chance The Rapper. As... Read more

A Japanese B-Boy Crew in Germany Won the Battle of the Year. Hip-Hop is Universal Magnetic (Video)

The Battle of the Year (BOTY) describes itself as the "World Cup of Breakdancing," and for good reason. Over the weekend, hundreds of contenders representing countries as far away as Thailand and and Senegal competed for the championship, and this team from Japan bested 14 other squads. With a name... Read more

Relive The Game-Changing Moments & Freestyles Of Stretch & Bobbito’s Show (Audio)

Yesterday (October 25) marked an even 25 years since DJ Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito The Barber first took airwaves together. Beginning on that date in 1990, their Columbia University WKCR radio show would eventually change the sound and faces of Hip-Hop, thanks to major introductions of talent–including Nas, Big L... Read more

If Curren$y Was A Super Hero, He’d Protect Cars From Vandals & Angry Exes (Video)

One of Curren$y's biggest hits to date is 2010's "Michael Knight." The Pilot Talk II single about the MC's late '80s Chevrolet Corvette helped take the skies and the streets at once. Speaking with Complex, Spitta revealed that if he were a super hero, cars would also be a key... Read more

Plug In To J Dilla’s Posthumous Dillatronic Album For A Free, Full Stream

In a seemingly never-ending series of releases, J Dilla's Dillatronic has arrived for full preview. Available for pre-order and releasing Friday (October 30), this collection of beats taps into James Yancey's Electronic sensibilities, from a Detroit, Michigan city largely responsible for impacting the Techno genre. Different than Donuts, these are... Read more

PRhyme’s Joy Ride Continues. DJ Premier & Royce Release “Courtesy” In Full (Video)

Eleven months ago, DJ Premier and Royce Da 5'9" set up their PRhyme album with a visual for "Courtesy." In the midst of a bum-rush of visuals, the pair (as well as third member Adrian Younge) never released the full video single. Instead, it contained just less than 100 seconds... Read more

A New Trend in Dieting is Giving ‘Going with Your Gut’ a Whole New Meaning

Diet fads and fat burner come a dime a dozen, and it seems each year a new craze takes hold, eliciting conversations about the best way to shed weight that can be sometimes contradictory. Carbs are bad, but red meat is fine. Or maybe red meat causes cancer and carbs aren't... Read more

Ja Rule & Irv Gotti Team With Paramount For Series About Murder Inc.

Following the blockbuster success of N.W.A. biopic Straight Outta Compton, an onslaught of Hip-Hop biographies are coming to large and small screens. Last week, it was announced the Warner Bros. had optioned the rights to Sugar Hill Records and its co-founder Sylvia Robinson. Now, it appears that '90s and 2000s... Read more

More Faces of Color Are On Screen But Diverse Writers Are Still Treated Like The Walking Dead

Great strides have been made in the visibility of diverse characters on television in recent months, but many would justifiably argue that it's too little too late, and that much work is left to be done. Viola Davis recently became the first African-American woman to win an Emmy for Best... Read more

There May Be a Path to De La Soul’s Catalog Going Digital. One Exec Explains.

Sampling and interpolating has been a part of Hip-Hop since Rap's first mainstream hit. Sugarhill Gang's "Rapper's Delight" relied heavily on replayed elements of Chic's "Good Times" to start a music revolution. However, after late '80s and early '90s lawsuits involving acts like Vanilla Ice, Biz Markie, and De La... Read more

The Beastie Boys Open Up Their Oscilloscope Studio To NYU Students

In the 2000s, the Beastie Boys opened their own New York City recording studio. Oscilloscope Laboratories, as its known, is a full service Canal Street studio, with its office and production company launched by the late Adam "MCA" Yauch. As profiled in The New York Times one year after the... Read more

Public Enemy Performs A Fight The Power Medley In Brooklyn (Video)

Jimmy Kimmel closed out his week-long stay in Brooklyn, New York for "Jimmy Kimmel Live." There, he bid adieu a week (that also included an interesting Jay Z interview) in style. On Friday night's show (into Saturday morning), Kimmel called upon a Hip-Hop group closely associated with BK—even though they... Read more

Run The Jewels Release a Fittingly Trippy Visual For Angel Duster (Video)

Run The Jewels are working their way through the self-titled sophomore album, which released one year ago today (October 24). El-P and Killer Mike are lacing fans with visuals to seemingly all of the Mass Appeal Records album's songs. But that's not all they're lacing... "Angel Duster" plays off of... Read more

Don’t Let The Fresh Face Fool You. 17 Year Old Rapper Token Is No Sucka MC (Video)

For those of who have witnessed the rhymes of 17 year-old wordsmith A-F-R-O, an emerging MC who some, like R.A. The Rugged Man, have dubbed "the future of Hip-Hop," here's another rising young MC to add to the list of potential diamonds in the rough. Born and bred in the... Read more

Ever Hear This 1996 Nas & Cormega Cypher? (Audio)

Nas and Cormega have been linked for more than 20 years, ever since Nasir shouted out Mega on Illmatic's "One Love" in 1994. Although the two would go on to have a rift that was eventually resolved, their microphone alchemy was always undeniable. This was, perhaps, never more apparent than... Read more

Xzibit’s Rapping With A Chip On His Shoulder Again, Alongside B-Real & Demrick (Audio)

Two years to the month removed from the premier, self-titled Serial Killers mixtape project, Xzibit, B-Real, and Demrick (f/k/a Young De) are back at it with the bar brutality. "Hang 'Em High" is the latest audio glimpse from Murder Show, coming October 30 from the Killers. Mr. X-to-the-Z in particular... Read more

Are Paid Streaming Services Relevant In A YouTube, SoundCloud, DatPiff-Dominated Hip-Hop World?

Some of the biggest Hip-Hop albums of 2015 were released without much advanced notice. In August, Dr. Dre released Compton, his first studio album of the millennium, and the third in an illustrious lineage that includes The Chronic and 2001, just a couple weeks after it was announced. However, at... Read more

Ty Dolla $ign is a Great Songwriter. He Joins Forces With Babyface, One of the Best Ever, on Solid (Video)

Ty Dolla $ign has quickly shown himself to be one of the most talented songwriters of his class. In addition to writing smashes for Kanye West, Chris Brown, Trey Songz, YG and Wiz Khalifa. He's also dominated the charts with his own hits like the ubiquitous "Paranoid." But, how does... Read more

Chris Rivers Has That Medicine for Heads That Have Been Hurting From Wack Hip-Hop (Mixtape)

2015 has been the year that Chris Rivers has stepped out of the shadow of being Big Pun's son and shown the world he shines on his own. For the last few months, Rivers has owned Fridays with a series of blistering freestyles and videos. While many of his weekly... Read more

This UGK Quiz Is Too Hard To Swallow. Only Trill Fans Stand a Chance (Quiz)

Earlier this week, Ambrosia For Heads shared an interview with Pimp C biographer Julia Beverly. Having recently published her 700+ page authorized book, Sweet Jones: Pimp C’s Trill Life Story, the OZONE magazine creator and veteran photographer provided AFH with a wealth of insider perspective on Chad Butler's career, personality,... Read more

Hit-Boy & James Fauntleroy Flip Shanice’s Smile Into a Frown (Video)

Back in 1991, Shanice released "I Love Your Smile" one of the happiest songs released until..."Happy." The song was instantly catchy and, inculcated by its title, put a smile on even the maddest of faces. Now, reigning beatmaker Hit-Boy (Kanye West, Jay Z, Kendrick Lamar, Beyonce) has released a song... Read more

Frank Nitt, Illa J & J. Rocc Get Animated For That One True Love (Video)

It's been several months since Detroit MC and Los Angeles transplant Frank Nitt released Frankie Rothstein, and now his latest single has come to life in the form of a creatively delivered video. "Slippin" is a love song, particularly for those who are already in love and realizing how much... Read more

The Hotel That Inspired ‘The Shining’ Is Now A True American Horror Story & Museum

It was to the delight of millions of fans that FX announced its current season of its hit show "American Horror Story" would take place in a hotel, a setting familiar to anyone who has traveled. And yet, despite its familiarity and comforting aspects, there is something about a hotel's... Read more

Big Daddy Kane Reveals KRS-One Is The Battle He Really Wanted & Why It Never Happened (Video)

Big Daddy Kane was a recent guest on Ed Lover's Sirius XM Backspin show. In addition to adding some context to his championing Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' willingness to work with and support Hip-Hop pioneers, B.D.K. looked back at key career moments with the former "Yo! MTV Raps" co-host. Ed... Read more

Adele Makes Her Triumphant Return With a Powerful New Video Co-Starring Mack Wilds

By the end of 2011 and well into 2012, it was nearly impossible to escape Adele. The powerhouse UK singer had permeated pop culture in a way that seemed impossible in the days of infinite distractions and niches. However, her no frills demeanor, painfully honest songs and deeply penetrating voice... Read more

Talib Kweli & 9th Wonder Suggest There Is No Such Thing As An Innocent Bystander (Audio/Video)

Alexander Hamilton once said, "Those who stand for nothing fall for anything." There is a lot to stand up for in the world around us—and there are some who still seemingly feel like it is not their place, their preference, or their politics to have an opinion. Talib Kweli, 9th... Read more

Sean Price, Peedi Crakk, Royal Flush & Illa Ghee Attack A MoSS Track (Audio)

Veteran producer MoSS has spent years crafting tracks for Hip-Hop lyricists including Ghostface Killah, M.O.P., AZ, and Game. Currently readying his own Marching To The Sound Of My Own Drum solo album (November 13), the Works Of Mart (DJ Premier) affiliate releases one of his many carefully-curated collaborations. "B.Q.P." plays... Read more

The Graffti Drone Is Real, & She Is Helping Give Power To The People (Video)

Drones are a hot-button issue in the United States today, particularly when it comes to their use in combat. The Obama administration and others have come under fire for sending the drones (which are also known as unmanned aerial vehicles) into areas of the world like Pakistan, where they are... Read more

From Compton To France, MC Eiht & DJ Cam Make “Music To Drive By” (Audio)

In what is close to a 30-year career, MC Eiht has worked with the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Pete Rock, and Spice 1, among countless others. The Compton Psycho with two gold albums under his belt continues to make moves, in working towards his long-awaited Which Way Is West LP... Read more

Joyner Lucas Stunned The BET Cyphers. He Brings That Excitement To A Busta Rhymes Collabo (Audio)

Since the 1990s, artists from Massachusetts have aimed to put New England Hip-Hop on the big stage. Between Gang Starr's Guru, Made Men (f/k/a Almighty R.S.O.), and Edo. G, a number of MCs have signed deals large and small. Acts like REKS, Akrobatik, Mr. Lif, 7L & Esoteric, and Termanology... Read more

A New Book Lists The Most Important Rap Songs Of Every Year Since 1979. Did They Get It Right?

In "The Rap Year Book," writer Shea Serrano attempts to do what many may say is impossible - pick only one Rap song from every year as the definitive best. Along with illustrations from Arturo Torres and a foreword from Ice-T, the project takes the form of a high-school yearbook,... Read more

Wale Talks About Much More Than MMG Drama & A Gossipy Headline Can Capture (Video)

Yesterday (October 21), Wale visited the Breakfast Club at Power 105.1FM in New York City for an interview. For more than an hour, the D.C. rapper discussed his career, the current state of Maybach Music Group, as well as his thoughts about the now infamous Drake and Meek Mill kerfuffle.... Read more

Big Boi & Phantogram Bring Out The Big Drums In Brooklyn (Video)

"Jimmy Kimmel Live!" had a highly appropriate lineup on what was dubbed "Back To The Future Day," with October 21, 2015 being the day Marty McFly lands in the future in the 1989 sequel to the classic film. Jimmy interviewed Michael J. Fox, the actor who played Marty in the... Read more

Two “Empire” Execs Sign On For Sugar Hill Records / Sylvia Robinson Biopic

As Straight Outta Compton dominated cinema box offices in 2015, another Hip-Hop label biopic is in pre-production. The Sugar Hill Records story is in development with Warner Bros. Pictures, according to The Hollywood Reporter. For the unnamed script, two executives from FOX's hit series "Empire" have signed on. Producer Malcolm... Read more

It’s October 21, 2015. What Is “Back To The Future” According To KRS-One?

In what has come to be known as "Back To The Future Day" (October 21, 2015), the fictional date portrayed as "the future" in the sequel to Robert Zemeckis' 1985 film has actually arrived. The Michael J. Fox blockbuster franchise is still a cultural touchstone more than 30 years since... Read more

With Compelling Photography, An Artist Hopes To Lessen The Stigma Of Mental Illness

Dior Vargas, a self-described "Latina Feminist Mental Health Activist," is bringing much-needed attention to the prevalence of mental illnesses in communities of color through a photography project that asks everyday people to raise awareness about the issue. In general, mental illness is one of those touchy subjects that makes many... Read more

Q-Tip, Dave Chappelle, Leo DiCaprio & Chris Rock Talk Beats, Rhymes & Life, Literally. (Audio)

That's right. An Oscar-nominated actor, two legendary comedic geniuses, and an integral architect of Hip-Hop in one place, at one time. For many, the combination of Dave Chappelle, Leonardo DiCaprio, Chris Rock, and Q-Tip sounds like the answer to "if you could sit four celebrities into a room to hear... Read more

In What Could Be Straight Outta Compton’s Night, Chris Rock Will Host The Oscars

In a year that may see Straight Outta Compton get Academy Award consideration, the creator and star of CB4 will play a major role in the ceremony. Rock, who spoofed N.W.A. and all of Hip-Hop in his 1993 film, has signed on to host the Oscars (the 88th Academy Awards)... Read more

Spotlight: Despite His Name, Rain910 Is Here To Shed Light On His People’s Pain (Video)

North Carolina has consistently proven itself to be a breeding ground for forward-thinking, soulful, and prolific MCs, a tradition be carried on today by Rain910. Hailing from the land of 9th Wonder, J. Cole, and Little Brother, the 27-year-old Fayetteville rapper and producer is currently surfing the waves he left... Read more

Jay Z Reacts to His First TV Appearance & Recalls Battling Busta Rhymes in High School (Video)

Last night (October 20), Jay Z appeared as a guest on "Jimmy Kimmel Live." The ABC television program has been taping in Brooklyn, New York this week, reportedly just walking distance from Jay's 560 State Street hustling residence in the pre-Roc-A-Fella Records days (as chronicled on "Empire State Of Mind").... Read more

Lupe Fiasco Made A Food & Liquor Sequel. Now He’s Making The Cool 2.

In 2012, Chicago, Illinois MC Lupe Fiasco released Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album. The 1st & 15th/Atlantic Records release was an overt sequel to Lu's 2006 debut, both of which garnered critical praise. Now it seems that the veteran MC is following up another album from... Read more

Kurupt Opens Up About Suge Knight & The Man He Killed (Video)

Of all the Death Row Records artists, Kurupt was the most prominent to be with the label for stints in the 1990s and 2000s. While the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native MC only released one solo album at the imprint (2005's Against Tha Grain), he was hugely responsible for the label's success... Read more

The Weeknd & Eminem Use Virtual Reality to Show Just How Explosive Their Remix Is (Video)

Earlier this month, a remix of The Weeknd's smash "The Hills" surfaced with a verse from Eminem. That version was quickly pulled and all that remained were sped up, slowed down and otherwise altered versions. Now, The Weekend has dropped the official release, and he's upped the ante by making... Read more

Tracy Morgan Announces A Bunch Of 2016 Stand-Up Comedy Tour Dates

Just days after his "SNL" hosting that made major media news, Tracy Morgan has taken the next step in his comeback. The New York City native "30 Rock" actor, writer, host, and stand-up comedian has announced a series of 2016 comedy dates, spanning four months. This notably follows a 2014... Read more

Hear One Group’s Hip-Hop Inspired Fight Against Domestic Violence (Audio)

They go by the Real Clash and they are one of the many groups using the platform of Hip-Hop music to raise awareness about an issue that affects millions of people around the world. Based in St. Petersburg, Florida, the Real Clash have taken charge in the fight against domestic... Read more

Rapper Big Pooh Looks at the True Cost of Being a Drug Boss (Audio)

Rapper Big Pooh's lyrics often deal in relationships, a deep love of music, and sometimes, a passion for sports. On "300Z" from his upcoming Home Sweet Home album (November 13) with fellow Virginia native Nottz, Heads can hear Pooh in the mind-state of a drug-dealer. No, the Little Brother co-founder... Read more

Pimp C’s Diverse Musical Talents & Mental Health Struggles Remembered in His Definitive Biography (Interview)

This December marks eight years since Pimp C passed away. The man born Chad Butler built a career around making a well-seasoned gumbo with his far-reaching love of music. UGK, the Underground Kingz that Pimp C and Bun B established in the late 1980s, sprinkled Hip-Hop with elements of Blues,... Read more