News Archives

Joell Ortiz & !llmind Take Lil Piggies to the Slaughterhouse (Video)

Having just released their collaborative album Human, Joell Ortiz and !llmind have been getting Heads familiar with their sound, one that is different than fans may be used to. The first single, "Lil' Piggies," is a dark track reminiscent of something one might hear in a horror film about a... Read more

August 4, 2015 Video

Get The Backstory To The Presumed First Ever Photo Of N.W.A. (Video)

In the history of N.W.A., the pre-1988 material often lives in the shadows. The "Panic Zone" 12" featured artwork also purposed for 1987's N.W.A. & The Posse compilation album on Macola. Author, DJ, historian, and Soul Sides founder Oliver Wang examined this photograph from '87, leading up to this month's... Read more

August 4, 2015 Throwback, Video

Public Enemy Expect No Sympathy From The Devil In These Trying Times (Video)

Public Enemy's just-released Man Plans, GOD Laughs is a zeitgeist album—politically, socially, and sonically. Chuck D recently told Rolling Stone, "With the situation of unrest in society, and the police brutality issue and what happened in Baltimore, don’t expect no sympathy from the government on the people, especially in the... Read more

August 4, 2015 Video

President Obama Aims to Address Climate Change with Historic Regulations (Video)

President Obama has taken major steps towards fulfilling his responsibilities as Commander-in-Chief in recent months. Repealing the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy and allowing openly gay men and women to serve in the armed forces; supporting the legalization of gay marriage across all 50 states, a decision supported by the... Read more

August 4, 2015 Lifestyle

Foreign Exchange Turn The Work Space Into A Party Place (Video)

Later this month, Foreign Exchange will release their sixth album, Tales From The Land Of Milk And Honey (August 21). For the premier video, "Asking For A Friend," Phonte, Nicolay and company awaken the monotony of corporate life. With a House-tinged beat, the infectious hi-hats seduce an office floor to... Read more

August 4, 2015 Audio, Video

Warren G Releases “Keep On Hustlin'” Featuring Young Jeezy, Bun B & Nate Dogg (Audio)

For fans of West Coast Hip-Hop, this week is about to be EPIC. Not only will Dr. Dre be releasing Compton: The Soundtrack, his first album in nearly 16 years, Warren G, will be releasing Regulate...G Funk Era II, a sequel to his 1994 classic, as well. Warren's release arrives... Read more

August 3, 2015 Audio

Celebrate Jon Stewart’s Final Week on the ‘Daily Show’ with These Hip-Hop Moments (Videos)

On Friday, August 7, late-night television will lose one of its most beloved hosts, as Jon Stewart retires from his 16-year tenure at the helm of Comedy Central's flagship news-satire program, "The Daily Show." Along the way, Stewart has lambasted politicians, society, corporations, and the average citizen in equal parts... Read more

August 3, 2015 TV/Film, Video

What Does Ice Cube Think About Ghostwriting In Hip-Hop? (Video)

Ice Cube is widely regarded as one of Hip-Hop's most influential MCs. Whether with N.W.A., Westside Connection, or a multi-platinum solo career, the Los Angeles, California MC has written songs that have defined years, eras, and Rap music as a whole. Notably, Cube has written for others along the way,... Read more

August 3, 2015 Video

House Shoes Offers A Free-Form Mix Featuring Skillz, Wu-Tang Clan & Ohio Players (Mix)

Detroit, Michigan-to-Los Angeles, California DJ mainstay House Shoes is as versatile as they come. The longtime right-hand man to J Dilla kicks off a new series with Dublab called "Magic." Last month's inaugural edition features House Shoes pullin' out cuts new and old, ranging from Kendrick Lamar and D'Angelo, to... Read more

August 3, 2015 Mixes

Guilty Simpson Fights Back Against Police Treating People Like Animals (Audio)

Guilty Simpson's Stones Throw Records return is shaping up. The Random Axe MC who made a lot of noise upon 2008's Ode To The Ghetto is back in form. "Animal" puts racist cops in the cross-hairs, as the Detroit, Michigan native looks at recent events as an awakening to a... Read more

August 3, 2015 Audio

Large Professor Chats with Ali Shaheed Muhammad & Teaches Hip-Hop History Lesson (Audio)

In 2014, Large Professor - the legendary Queens, New York producer who has worked with Eric B. & Rakim (while he was still in high school, no less), Nas, Busta Rhymes, Joell Ortiz, Public Enemy, and dozens more - visited hosts Frannie Kelly and A Tribe Called Quest's Ali Shaheed... Read more

August 3, 2015 Audio

Will Planned Parenthood Lose Its Federal Funding Today? The Senate is Expected to Decide

Later this evening (August 3), the United States Senate is expected to vote on an issue that has long since been a bastion of heated debate. Planned Parenthood, the non-profit organization focused on reproductive health for both men and women, has recently come under fire after a series of unflattering... Read more

August 3, 2015 Lifestyle

Redman Tells Why He Kept His MTV Cribs Episode 100% Real (Video)

In 2001, Redman starred in the most popular segment in the history of MTV's longstanding series, Cribs. In a time when it was commonplace for guests to showcase their lifestyles of the rich and famous--palatial mansions, fancy cars, swimming pools--Redman did something completely different. He kept it real. Years after the... Read more

August 2, 2015 Video

Kevin Hart is Breaking the Mold For Comedy Superstars. He Reveals How He Does It (Video)

Over the last few years, Kevin Hart has become comedy's hottest superstar. And, like Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock and Eddie Murphy before him, he is blazing a new path for what it means to be a comedy mogul. For Hart, that translates to not only keeping his comedic appeal sharp,... Read more

August 2, 2015 Video

It’s Official. Dr. Dre’s First Album in 16 Years Will Be Released Friday.

As we reported earlier today, Dr. Dre announced the release of his first album since 1999's 2001 today on his The Pharmacy show on Apple Music. The album is titled Compton: The Soundtrack and will hit stores on August 7. He confirmed the album is completely different than the infamous... Read more

August 1, 2015 News

Ever See This Big Pun & Terror Squad Cypher in the Back of a Limo? (Video)

Here's a look back at a behind the scenes moment with Big Pun, Prospect and Cuban Link from Terror Squad, and Charlie Hustle. In an experience that was much like a true to life segment from Wu-Tang Clan's Enter the Wu-Tang Clan: 36 Chambers, the crew was in the back... Read more

August 1, 2015 Throwback

Dr. Dre’s New Album Will Not Be Released Today…But It’s Coming Soon (Audio)

Earlier this week, Ice Cube set the web on fire when he stated during an interview that Dr. Dre had created an album inspired by the forthcoming motion picture Straight Outta Compton (8/14), and that it would be released on August 1. However, new information suggests the album will not... Read more

August 1, 2015 Audio

Uncle Sam Wants Kendrick Lamar, But It’s Going to Cost Him…A Lot (Video)

Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp a Butterfly album continues to reveal itself as one of the most complex musical works in years. Nearly every song on the LP seems to function as several metaphors, at once. Perhaps none are more intricate than the two minute interlude, "For Free?" At first listen,... Read more

July 31, 2015 Video

Here’s a 50-Song Playlist to Get the Weekend Started (Audio)

2015 has been an exciting year in music. Emerging voices have transmitted powerful messages against times of change. Veterans have stepped in to further solidify legendary legacies with Hip-Hop culture. Whether for thought-provoking purposes, or much-needed escape, the music has been loud, proud, and colorful. Ambrosia For Heads is proud... Read more

July 31, 2015 Fresh, Playlists

The Game & Drake Keep It 100 in Compton (Video)

With the Game's much anticipated The Documentary 2 scheduled to drop August 28, the Compton MC has put out two singles thus far, beginning with April's "Ryda" featuring Dej Loaf. The second single, "100," features Drake and the two put in some serious lyrical work on the track. In addition... Read more

July 31, 2015 Video

Snoop Puts Lil Dicky to a Rap Test…and He ACES It Like a Pro (Video)

Today (July 31), Lil Dicky released his debut album, Professional Rapper, and it is one of the most inventive and creative albums of the year. As fans have come to expect, the LP is filled with humor, irony and Dicky's unique take on the world, but, most importantly, it is... Read more

July 31, 2015 Video

New Driverless Cars Will Allow For Ghostridin’ The Whips…Someday (Audio)

The proliferation of technology into all aspects of life is not a new concept by any stretch of the imagination. Companies investing in "smart home" technologies are making it easier for people to turn off their ovens remotely or to turn on their central air while on their commute home.... Read more

July 31, 2015 Lifestyle

Gangrene Markets Their New Single With A Clever Reversal (Audio)

Alchemist is a marketing genius. In the midst of plenty of Rap diversions this week, the Gangrene cofounder launches latest single "Reversals" into the digital super-highway with some sarcasm-marketing. No, the Mass Appeal Records single does not feature Drake, Meek Mill, or Jay Electronica, but it absolutely packs potent punches... Read more

July 31, 2015 Audio

Lauryn Hill Takes on Classic Nina Simone & Gives it a New Life (Video)

On last night's "Tonight Show," Ms. Lauryn Hill performed her interpretation of Nina Simone's classic 1965 tune, "Feeling Good." Hill's rendition is a single from Nina Revisited...A Tribute to Nina Simone. The album also features Simone's daughter Lisa, Jazmine Sullivan, Usher, Common, Mary J. Blige, and Miss Simone herself. However,... Read more

July 31, 2015 Video

A DJ Blends 3 Pete Rock Verses With 7 Petestrumentals (Audio)

Pete Rock is one of Hip-Hop's most lethal triple-threats. The Mount Vernon, New Yorker produces, he DJs, and he raps—doing all of the above at a high level over the last 25-plus-years. In response to his recent Petestrumentals 2 release with Mello Music Group, Brooklyn, New York-based DJ Rashiiid cleverly... Read more

July 31, 2015 Audio

Meek Mill Responds, At Last. Is It Drake’s Nightmare Or Is Meek Dreamin’? (Audio)

Tonight (July 30), Meek Mill was expected to formally reply to Drake by verse. More than one week since the Maybach Music Group MC began a social media attack on his recurring collaborator, he has yet to record a record—that even he has promised the public. In that span, Drake... Read more

July 30, 2015 Audio, News

Can You Hear JAY-Z’s Influence in This Previously Unreleased Early Kendrick Lamar Song? (Audio)

Kendrick Lamar often has cited JAY-Z as one of his biggest influences. In a 2013 piece with Interview magazine, his response to interviewer Erykah Badu's question about whether there was an MC who influenced him or whose level he could never attain, Kendrick stated "That I feel I'll never reach?... Read more

July 30, 2015 Audio

Hannibal Buress Discovers Meek Mill is Not Trending in Beverly Hills (Video)

In the world of Hip-Hop, there is perhaps no more visible story right now than the Drake vs. Meek Mill beef. Ardent users of social media may be feeling like they're seeing the story everywhere, which is probably not an incorrect observation, depending on who one asks. The back and... Read more

July 30, 2015 TV/Film, Video

DJ Shadow & Cut Chemist Toured Playing Afrika Bambaataa’s Actual Records. Here’s One Show (Video)

Throughout the last year, DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist toured the world with Afrika Bambaataa's records. Not just copies of records that the Universal Zulu Nation founder made or carried, but the actual "sacred crates" of Hip-Hop from one of its foremost pioneers. Together, Cut and Shadow called the act... Read more

July 30, 2015 Video

Oddisee’s Drum Programming Beautifully Accentuate Finale’s Encore (Audio)

Heads may not be up on Finale. However, the Detroit, Michigan MC is worth every bit of your time. A former auto-plant worker, Finale's 2009 LP, A Pipe Dream And A Promise boasted beats by J Dilla, Flying Lotus, Black Milk, and Oddisee. Now finding a home at Mello Music... Read more

July 30, 2015 Audio

The Coup’s Boots Riley Prepares Book, “Tell Homeland Security–We Are The Bomb”

Oakland, California MC, poet, activist, and revolutionary Boots Riley can add another title to his growing list: author. Following his recent op-ed on the wage gap in the United States, the longtime front-man for The Coup is preparing to release Tell Homeland Security–We Are The Bomb, a Haymarket Books publication.... Read more

July 30, 2015 News

Do Remember: Run DMC vs. Kool Moe Dee on “Graffiti Rock” (Video)

It was 1984 and New York City was home to a youth culture that was piquing the interest of not only its residents, but also the press. Hip-Hop was steadily becoming an identifiable culture to outsiders, and its unique styles of dance, fashion, music, and language was infectious. Its appeal... Read more

July 30, 2015 Do Remember, Throwback

Locksmith Takes a Few Moments to Reflect on What He’s Learned Thus Far (Video)

Almost a month ago to the day, Norcal MC Locksmith devastated not one, but two mics in back-to-back freestyles that showcased his skills as an off-the-cuff lyricist. He visited Kay Slay and Sway to promote Lofty Goals, his second studio album that dropped in June, a project which proves his... Read more

July 30, 2015 Video

Vic Mensa Ends All Questions About Why Jay Z Signed Him With This Freestyle Over Classic Biggie (Audio)

Over the past few months, Vic Mensa has been adding his own flavor to the work of others, including his re-imagining of Future's "Codeine Crazy," his "Breakfast Bars" segment attacking some vintage Ice Cube beats, and his chance to pay homage to his current boss, Jay-Z, by freestyling over the... Read more

July 30, 2015 Audio, Fresh

Queen Latifah & Mary J. Blige Ease Into “The Wiz” Remake

1970s remakes are all the rage these days. As Questlove partakes in an upcoming Roots remake starring Laurence Fishburne, NBC has revealed plans to remake The Wiz. Originally an adaptation in its own right (of The Wizard of Oz), the 1978 film was co-produced by Berry Gordy's Motown film division, and starred... Read more

July 29, 2015 News, TV, TV/Film

Jill Scott Shares Thoughts on Motherhood, Fame & Why Women Are Powerful (Video)

Jill Scott visited the Breakfast Club earlier this morning to help promote her latest album, Woman, which dropped July 24. Released nearly 15 years to the day as her debut Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1, it is her first album in 4 years and it's been... Read more

July 29, 2015 Video

King Magnetic Hops On DJ Premier Production To Prove Status Is Irrelevant (Audio)

King Magnetic may be a newer name to some, however the Allentown, Pennsylvania native has been active on the charts. The onetime Reef The Lost Cauze protege joined the East Coast Hardcore Rap collective Army Of The Pharaohs for 2010's The Unholy Terror and 2014's In Death Reborn, both of which... Read more

July 29, 2015 Audio

Ice Cube Says Dr. Dre’s ‘Straight Outta Compton Soundtrack’ Arrives This Week (Video)

With just over two weeks until the N.W.A. biopic Straight Outta Compton hits theaters, the excitement and anticipation over the film is palpable, to say the least. Buttressed by the forthcoming reunion tour, public discourse about some of rap music's most prolific young artists has reached a fever pitch, and... Read more

July 29, 2015 Video

Scarface’s Deeply Rooted Tracklist Includes Nas, Cee-Lo Green & More

Scarface's twelfth studio album, Deeply Rooted will arrive on September 4. For the second time in Brad Jordan's 25-plus-year career, the MC will release a studio album apart from Rap-A-Lot Records. While the follow-up to 2008's Emeritus may be released on his own Facemob Music imprint, the trimmings of the... Read more

July 29, 2015 News

Kurupt & Miguel Team Up for an N.W.A. Tribute…Kind Of (Video)

This summer belongs to N.W.A. in many ways. With the Straight Outta Compton movie storming into theaters next month, the news about the legendary group's reunion tour, and the proliferation of press and media attention, the direct references to their legacy are almost inescapable. However, not all of the references... Read more

July 29, 2015 Video

Drake Accuses Meek Mill Of Riding On Nicki Minaj’s Coattails In New Diss Record (Audio)

One week later, Drake and Meek Mill are still at it. Meek may have started things, with a social media rant that called out his collaborator for relying on writers as well as an inferred line regarding Nicki Minaj. However, Drake is still the only half of the sides at... Read more

July 29, 2015 Audio

‘Kids’ Turns 20 Today & Still Has Plenty of Surprises in its History

On this day in 1995, a film entered theaters that, while under-performing at the box office, left an impression on viewers that has yet to subside. Even though it is one of the most discussed films in a generation (if not more), there are still aspects of Kids' history, production,... Read more

July 28, 2015 TV/Film

The Weeknd Goes Up In Flames In Can’t Feel My Face (Video)

For years, The Weeknd has made uncompromising music that's still been commercially viable. The Universal Republic Records artist has found his highest charting single to date in "Can't Feel My Face." The always brooding, highly sexual singing of Abel Tesfaye is more aimed towards the mainstream in this moment. The... Read more

July 28, 2015 Video

Freddie Gibbs, Apollo Brown & Verbal Kent Team With Aggression (Audio)

In an upcoming release through the Mello Music Group imprint, Chicago, Illinois MC Verbal Kent will be showcasing his skills on Anesthesia, a new solo album featuring contributions from Skyzoo, Torae, Red Pill, Marco Polo, and others. As a founding member of the Ugly Heroes with Red Pill and Apollo... Read more

July 28, 2015 Audio

Do or Die Are Releasing a Sequel to Picture This. Love in the Sky is the First Single (Audio)

After a nine year hiatus since the release of their last album, Get That Paper, Chicago's Do or Die returned to the scene earlier this year with Withdrawal, a joint EP with Twista. Prior to that, in September of 2014, we spoke with group member Belo, who revealed Do or... Read more

July 28, 2015 Audio

From the Court to the Mic, NBA Star Damian Lillard Brings the Heat (Audio)

As a Trail Blazer for Portland's NBA team, Damian Lillard is a point guard and Oakland native whose talents extend beyond basketball games. Earlier this year, the 25-year-old former Rookie of the Year and two-time All Star visited Sway Calloway over at SiriusXM's Shade 45 radio show and surprised listeners... Read more

July 28, 2015 Audio

Capone-N-Noreaga & Tragedy Khadafi Salute One Of Their Own (Video)

Reunited, Capone-N-Noreaga and Tragedy Khadafi take time to salute "U.M.A.R." The song is designed as a tangible record dedicated to the 25 II Life affiliate—but really, anybody apart from loved ones. A 2015 type of "One Love," this is a song rooted in solidarity, through death, incarceration, or other challenges... Read more

July 27, 2015 Video

Oddisee Takes an Introspective Look at How We Fit Into the World (Video)

From its release, Oddisee's album The Good Fight has proven to be head and shoulders above many of this year's releases. The Mello Music Group LP's title applies both as a metaphor for Oddisee's more than 15-year career that is reaching new heights and as a representation of the life... Read more

July 27, 2015 Video

‘Mixography: The Collectives’ Kicks Off New Party Series With Volume I – Dungeon Family (Mixtape)

Beginning this Thursday (July 30), a new Hip-Hop party series kicks off at Manhattan's Le Poisson Rouge. The series, called Mixography, is launched by journalist, publicist and artist manager, Cali Green, and MC/DJ, and Blue Note Records affiliate Raydar Ellis. Raydar will live mix the events, while Cali hosts, with... Read more

July 27, 2015 Mixes

King Los, Isaiah Rashad & Kent Jamz Bring Power To The Lyric Video Format

Lyric Videos, in theory are promotional devices. These videos tend to follow audio releases, and blaze a trail for eventual produced videos. They can effectively create an experience that brings attention to artistic intent, and quite clearly own the space and monetize a song for label and artist. But in... Read more

July 27, 2015 Video