News Archives

Stretch Armstrong & Bobbito Brought Their Vibes To HOT 97 In ’96 (Mix)

Throughout the 1990s, DJ Stretch Armstrong & Bobbito The Barber shaped radio weekly. In doing so, from Columbia University's WKCR FM signal, the pair would help introduce those within frequency range to Nas, Big L, Mobb Deep, Cenubites (Kool Keith, Godfather Don and Percee P), and plenty of other legendary... Read more

May 14, 2015 Throwback

Lil Fame Takes ‘Em To Church On A Funeral Freestyle (Audio)

Lil Fame is more than 20 years deep in making music that speaks to angst, aggression, and abrasive street life. The Brooklyn, New Yorker known for his work with M.O.P. is a close affiliate of Statik Selektah. Fame (a/k/a Fizzy Womack) teamed with Statik's other 1982 half, Termanology for an... Read more

May 14, 2015 Audio

Earl Sweatshirt & BadBadNotGood Reunite For a Televised Live Performance (Video)

While on tour to promote his new album, I Don't Like Shit, I Don't Go Outside, Earl Sweatshirt stopped by the Jimmy Kimmel Live show to perform alongside Canadian Jazz band BadBadNotGood. Earl & BBNG have previously collaborated on the song "Hoarse," off 2013's Doris, but this rare performance together... Read more

May 14, 2015 Video

Do Remember: Rawkus Records’ Soundbombing 2 Album (Audio)

May 18, 1999, Rawkus Records would enter their most definitive year with their fifth full-length release in Soundbombing II. Distributed by the same Priority Records that had been so integral to the successes of Ruthless, Rap-A-Lot, and Roc-A-Fella, Brian Brater and Jarret Myer's imprint was truly stepping out. 1998 had... Read more

May 14, 2015 Throwback

Your Old Droog Goes All-City On A Statik Selektah Holdover (Audio)

Your Old Droog crosses paths with Statik Selektah. It's a complementary fit, as these are two Brooklyn, New York-based B-boys strongly pull from past generations and nostalgia, while flipping things with a modern slant. Droog takes a Statik-produced dusty arrangement, and goes all-city with "Unlimited Metrocard." The swipe of the... Read more

May 13, 2015 Audio

DJ Red Alert Explains How The Bridge Wars Began, Tells His Story (Audio)

Fresh off of DJ Kool Herc's groundbreaking interview with The Combat Jack Show, another Hip-Hop pioneer is profiled extensively. Kool DJ Red Alert is Combat's guest this week. The Harlem, New York native (not Bronx, as often reported) opens up about his career trajectory, the radio wars evolving into "The... Read more

May 13, 2015 Throwback

Murs & King Fantastic Make That Gangsta Rap For Your Mental (Audio)

Murs' ninth studio solo album, Have A Nice Life is in stores next week (May 18). The Living Legends alum furthers his relationship with Tech N9ne and Strange Music, following collaborative works with ¡Mayday! in the last several years. Now a father, husband, and a label leader (Label 316), Murs... Read more

May 13, 2015 Audio

Bilal’s Adrian Younge-Produced Satellites Will Send Your Day Into Orbit (Audio)

Bilal is having one incredible six months. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native assisted Kendrick Lamar on To Pimp A Butterfly, on multiple moments. Now returning to his own work, he teams with PRhyme's Adrian Younge for "Satellites." With hard drums, observational lyrics, and a pensive chorus, this is music that just... Read more

May 13, 2015 Audio

Vince Staples’ Long Beach Transforms Into A Metaphoric Apocalypse (Video)

Vince Staples has made several enduring videos already, in his short career. For the Snoh Aalegra-assisted "Senorita," the two No I.D. proteges raise the stakes like never before. The Summertime '06 (June 30) look feels like something out of a '90s Soundgarden visual—only its world is the Long Beach City.... Read more

May 13, 2015 Video

Lupe Fiasco Combines A Strong Syncopated Flow With Signature Storytelling (Audio)

Lupe Fiasco's creative taps seemingly never run dry. This week, the 1st & 15th founder released "Something That I Never Had." The moment finds Lu' really waxing a fast, deeply syncopated flow as he tells a tale of relationships drifting. It's a lot to keep up with, but the moment... Read more

May 13, 2015 Audio

DMC Attributes Run-DMC’s “Downfall” to Negative Music, Urges Rick Ross To Own His Past (Audio)

As Hip-Hop continues to rapidly evolve, many of the messages being delivered to its fans today may raise a few eyebrows. This week's The Library Podcast hosted by Tim Einenkel, features pioneering Rap star DMC. Speaking about contemporary Rap music as well as his own catalog with Run-DMC, the Queens,... Read more

May 12, 2015 Audio

Adore The Soothing Soul Of Sam And Bobby? Try Leon Bridges (Video)

In nearly every genre of music, it's popular to go back to the future. Whether its the early days of Bluegrass, the Slab music of Houston, or the 1970s L.A. music scene, the past is playing an important role in informing the sensibilities of new music. Somewhere in the delta... Read more

May 12, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 6): Nas vs. Tupac…Who You Got?

UPDATE: THE POLL IS CLOSED. After an unfortunate event where certain people attempted to skew the results the first time, we are conducting a rematch between Nas and Tupac. With now only 5 MCs remaining, Round 6 is well under-way in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT... Read more

May 12, 2015 Throwback

Melanie Fiona Shoots Down An Open Relationship With Bite The Bullet (Audio)

Fresh off of a Caribbean-flared contribution to Raekwon's F.I.L.A album, Melanie Fiona (who proudly celebrates her Guyanese heritage) stays tropical for her own LP. The former SRC Records' songstress third LP, Free Love, is presumed to include this new Reggae-tinged single, "Bite The Bullet." The song about awakening is written... Read more

May 12, 2015 Audio

Slum Village Find That Fan-Tas-Tic J Dilla Knock, Serenading The Ladies (Audio)

Slum Village's new single “Expressive” gives Heads a lot to look forward to with their new album Yes! (June 16). The tune features a previously unreleased J Dilla production, with two more on the album (from the seemingly endless supply). It's a bittersweet reunion for T3 with his his co-founder, as... Read more

May 12, 2015 Audio

Why Are Women Excluded From the Conversation About Hip-Hop’s Greatest MCs? (Video)

Like nearly everything in life, Rap is co-ed. From the beginning, women have been among the world’s most innovative MCs. They have the ability to offer fresh perspectives to a field often dominated by men. However, rarely, in the debates surrounding the greatest MCs in Hip-Hop history do women get... Read more

May 12, 2015 Video

Raekwon & Ghostface Killah Take The Purple Tape Anniversary Celebration On The Road

On August 1, Raekwon's solo debut, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... turns 20 years old. The gold-certified RCA/Loud Records release is acclaimed for its intricate lyricism, groundbreaking lexicon, and gritty RZA production. With its "co-starring" credit going to Ghostface Killah (who followed one year later with his own acclaimed solo... Read more

May 12, 2015 News

Kendrick Lamar Receives the Generational Icon Award From the State of California (Video)

In the last few years, Kendrick Lamar has ascended to the pinnacle of Hip-Hop. He's established himself as one of Rap's finest lyricists through three critically acclaimed albums (Section.80, good kid, m.A.A.d. city and To Pimp a Butterfly), vaunted guest appearances on songs like Big Sean's "Control," and breakout performances... Read more

May 12, 2015 News

Finding The GOAT: It’s Complicated…When Someone Tries to Cheat the Voting.

Since September of 2014, we at Ambrosia For Heads have been hosting a conversation among countless Hip-Hop fans about a question near and dear to our collective hearts: Who is the greatest of all-time MC (GOAT)? More than anything, this was an opportunity to highlight the careers of hundreds of... Read more

May 11, 2015 Fresh

DJ Jazzy Jeff & Dayne Jordan Encourage Dream-Chasers To Go Harder (Audio)

DJ Jazzy Jeff and frequent collaborator Dayne Jordan recently shared a song, "Harder!!" Dayne was first heard on the Jazzy-produced track "All About The Art," where he teamed up with other Philadelphia, Pennsylvania legends Questlove and James Poyer. Heads have seen (and heard) Jeff and Dayne Jordan work together and put a... Read more

May 11, 2015 Audio

Kanye West Goes From College Dropout To Graduation, As Honorary Degree Recipient

Less than a dozen years ago, Kanye West self-identified as The College Dropout. Today, the music/pop culture superstar has a higher education diploma in hand. Mr. West received an honor doctoral degree in Fine Arts today (May 11) from the School Of The Art Institute Of Chicago. Are you looking... Read more

May 11, 2015 News

Raekwon & Snoop Dogg Are Still B-Boys, Celebrating Hip-Hop’s Elements (Video)

Raekwon and Snoop Dogg may be in Rap's ruling elite. However, these early 1990s alums still capture the music as they fell in love with it. "1,2 1,2" is a standout moment from The Chef's just-released F.I.L.A. (Fly International Luxurious Art). Produced by Get Busy Committee's Scoop Deville, the Isaac... Read more

May 11, 2015 Video

Pro Era’s Dessy Hinds Gives Thanks On A Statik Selektah Track (Audio)

As the Pro Era crew continues to diversify, Dessy Hinds is one to watch. The MC has a lot of soul to his step, and seems to wave the Brooklyn, New York clique's flag strong. Dessy kicks off the week with a cut produced by crew big brother, Statik Selektah.... Read more

May 11, 2015 Audio

From Battles To Collabos…Canibus Makes Good With Battle Rap Opponent Dizaster (Audio)

Canibus is widely considered one of Hip-Hop's most fearless figures. Fresh into his career, 'Bis challenged LL Cool J in a battle that nearly matched Tim Duncan's NBA career. Canibus has lambasted Eminem, criticized J. Cole, and even left a cult-championed career to enlist in the United States Army in... Read more

May 11, 2015 Audio

Inspectah Deck, Kool Keith & Headkrack Demand Justice For Unarmed Black Men (Premiere)

Three Bronx, New York MCs unite to speak on very pressing and sensitive issues in American society. Kool Keith, Inspectah Deck, and Headkrack decry the excessive force used by some law enforcement. These incidents, particularly over the last five years, have resulted in the increased death-count of Black men and... Read more

May 11, 2015 Audio, Exclusive

Mystikal & Mark Ronson’s New Visual is Kinda Wrong…But It Feels Right (Video)

In the days when networks were still havens for the music video, it took a lot to command rotation. These days, visuals live online—where they also live forever. In that school of thought, artists often tend to favor quantity over quality, knowing that a view is a view. Mark Ronson,... Read more

May 11, 2015 Video

Chance The Rapper Praises Kirk Franklin’s Influence, Reveals Ideal Future Plans

Chance The Rapper gave a lecture to students apart of Harvard University's Hip-Hop Archive & Research Institute recently (April 30). The program's mission is to "facilitate and encourage the pursuit of knowledge, art, culture and responsible leadership through Hip-Hop." With that in mind, the Ivy League college brought in the emerging Chicago rapper... Read more

May 11, 2015 News

Blueprint’s Writing & His Range Are Why He Is A King Without A Crown (Video)

Columbus, Ohio MC/producer Blueprint just released King, No Crown on his own Weightless label. The Soul Position/Greenhouse member is one of the enduring figures of the late '90s, early 2000s Underground Hip-Hop glory days. Still, while some of 'Print's close associates (RJD2, Slug) have garnered mainstream recognition and strong commercial... Read more

May 10, 2015 Video

Here’s a Tribute to Some of the Women MCs Who Raised Hip-Hop (Video Playlist)

Happy Mother's Day. Here's a video playlist celebrating some of the many women who helped to start and grow the culture of Hip-Hop. You'll see clips from pioneers like Sha Rock, Roxanne Shante, Ms. Melodie, Michie Mee, Sweet Tee, MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, Salt-N-Pepa and Monie Love. Take a look... Read more

May 10, 2015 Throwback

Breakbeat Lou Is A Digging Pioneer. He Spins Run-DMC, James Brown & Snoop Dogg (Mix)

Long before Heads could go digging in the crates with two tabs of YouTube, Louis "Breakbeat Lou" Flores was a trusted source of dusty-sonic knowledge. One of the creators of the Ultimate Breaks & Beats compilation series, the New York City native helped take deep cuts by Dennis Coffey, ESG,... Read more

May 10, 2015 Throwback

Fashawn Takes An Above The Law Classic & Hits Freestyle Switches (Video)

Fashawn stopped by Tim Westwood's crib to freestyle. The mainstay British DJ knew just what to hit Fash' with. Beginning with Above The Law's "Black Superman," the Mass Appeal Records artist gets to work. Finding his own G-Funk lyrics, the Fresno, California MC seems to come off the dome in... Read more

May 9, 2015 Video

Prince’s Guitar Cries For Baltimore, With A Retro Sound & Current Issues (Audio)

Gearing up for tomorrow's (May 10) Rally 4 Peace in Baltimore, Maryland, Prince has released the song he made in response to the city's social unrest. The Paisley Park founder joined his band 3rd Eye Girl for a song that gives focus to the value of art and expression amidst... Read more

May 9, 2015 Audio

Fabolous Updates Nas’ Black Girl Lost With His Best 90s Freestyle Yet (Audio)

It takes a brave heart to follow Nas on a track. For the latest in his top notch series of 90s throwback freestyles, that's exactly what Fabolous does and he responds with his best to date. On Nasir's "Black Girl Lost," from It Was Written, Esco weaves a mournful tale... Read more

May 9, 2015 Audio

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Claim They Are Often Misunderstood In New Single (Video)

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Heads know that the Cleveland, Ohio collective began as B.O.N.E. Enterpri$e. One of Rap music's greatest ears for talent, Eazy-E, suggested a name-change somewhere before 1994's Creepin' On Ah Come Up. Somehow, even in the 20 years since Eric Wright's death, "Bone Thugs-N-Harmony" seems to be the perfect... Read more

May 9, 2015 Video

Styles P Paints Complex Pictures of a Hustler’s Life Over Kendrick Lamar & J. Cole Tracks (Audio)

Out of the recent spate of freestyle series, Styles P has consistently made the most interesting choices of beats to re-purpose. While others have settled comfortably in a single lane, often based on songs from a specific era, Ghost seemingly has followed no specific theme, other than to select tracks... Read more

May 9, 2015 Audio

Black Sheep’s Mista Lawnge Remixes Pink Floyd, Pat Benatar & Diana Ross 80s Classics (Audio)

Mista Lawnge (f/k/a Mr. Long) is one of Hip-Hop's figures who does not seem to get his just due. One-half of the founding team in Black Sheep, William McLean was responsible, in part, for supplying Queens, New York duo with a sticking sound unlike no other entity in the space.... Read more

May 9, 2015 Throwback

Eddie Murphy Returns With Protest Reggae, Inspired By Difficult Headlines (Video)

Eddie Murphy may have avoided the spotlight to humor the masses during this spring's "SNL40" special appearance. However, the iconic comedian/actor wastes no time getting back to one of his other loves, music. The former Columbia and Motown Records singer continues his journey into Reggae with "Oh Jah Jah." The... Read more

May 9, 2015 Video

Bob James May Love Hip-Hop, But He Calls Foul On Madlib’s Sampling

Who can deny that sampling has become a fundamental element that has put numerous Hip-Hop classics on the map? Since the very earliest days of Hip-Hop music, sampling has been integral. With it have often come lawsuits, allegations of copyright infringement, and a series of settlements. Recently (April 10, 2015)... Read more

May 8, 2015 News

Moka Only & Illa J Team Up To Deliver A Smooth Jam For The Ladies (Audio)

Today (May 8) Moka Only released a new album called Chicken Wingz on Self Serve Records, the first release on the newly formed, Vancouver-based label. The lead single from the album features label mate Illa J rapping with Moka on a smooth, relaxing, J Dilla-esque production called "Freak Ya Heart... Read more

May 8, 2015 Audio

Questlove Goes On A Quest For Musical Culture In Cuba (Video)

Questlove performed in Cuba this past month a couple days after President Obama's meeting with Raul Castro at the Summit of The Americas in Panama. A video, "Quest For Cuba" shows The Roots drummer/producer/DJ exploring the many horizons of Cuban music in the capital city of Havana. The music veteran was there DJ'ing... Read more

May 8, 2015 Video

Tish Is the First Woman MC to Do the 5 Fingers of Death Freestyle. She CRUSHES It (Video)

Tish Hyman is a rare talent who is on the verge of exploding. The Bronx, NY artist is one of the select few who is equally and supremely gifted at both rapping and singing. Her single, "Subway Art," showcases the latter more heavily, but do not be fooled. As an... Read more

May 8, 2015 Video

Prince is Hosting a “Rally 4 Peace” in Baltimore This Weekend

Affected by the murder of Freddie Gray, and moved by the protests of the people in Baltimore, Maryland, Prince has announced "Rally 4 Peace." The Minnesota musical icon will host a performance for Sunday May 10 at Royal Farms Arena. Joined by his band 3rd Eye Girl, Prince publicized the... Read more

May 8, 2015 News

The eMC Take It To Brazilian Streets With Diamond D Funk (Video)

If you listened to the theme of 2008's The Show, you know that The eMC is worldwide. Masta Ace, Wordsworth, and Stricklin are well-received overseas, given their energetic live shows and slick routines. For "The Monologue," the trio strolls up the narrow streets of Favela do Sussego, Grajau, São Paulo,... Read more

May 8, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 6): Nas vs. Tupac…Who You Got?

UPDATE: Due to attempts to tamper with the voting, this post has been updated with a new poll, which can be found here. With now only 5 MCs remaining, Round 6 is well under-way in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). The second of... Read more

May 8, 2015 Fresh

A$AP Rocky, Miguel, Mark Ronson & Rod Stewart on a Song Together? You Don’t Hear That Everyday (Audio)

A$AP Rocky's sophomore studio album, At.Long.Last.A$AP is less than a month away (June 2). Aiming to follow-up his platinum RCA/Polo Grounds debut from several years back, it's only the big guns for the Harlem, New Yorker. That's exactly what "Everyday" aims to be. Produced by the limitless Mark Ronson, the... Read more

May 8, 2015 Audio

Can An MC Be Considered The Greatest of All-Time After 5 Years? This Short Film Says YES (Video)

“Can it be that it was all so simple then?” The nostalgia effect is a strong one in Hip-Hop, and causes us not only to look back with optimistic revision, but also, at times, prevents us from embracing the greatness of late. It is not uncommon to hear someone argue... Read more

May 8, 2015 Video

Jadakiss Is Out To Top Everybody On The Throwback Freestyle Circuit (Audio)

Jadakiss continues to light up Fridays, handing Heads more than a paycheck with his freestyles. As L.O.X./D-Block partner Styles P is in the thick of it, Jada' clearly is out to shine in a classic of throw-back minded players including Fabolous (who recently tackled a LOX joint), Tony Yayo, and... Read more

May 8, 2015 Audio

Ras Kass Salutes The O.G.’s Of Hip-Hop (Video)

Southern California veteran Ras Kass celebrates his 20-plus-year run in "So OG." As the West Coast Rap mainstay reminisces over a laid-back lavish beat, several critical figures of the 1990s Hip-Hop scene appear in the form of VHS footage. This gives the viewer the impression they are watching a Rap... Read more

May 8, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT: Who Is the Greatest MC Of All-Time & Why Do We Care? (Video)

Chances are, if you are a Hip-Hop fan, at some point in your life, you've been embroiled in a conversation about who is Hip-Hop's Greatest Of All-Time (GOAT) MC. Whether it was in a lunch room, on a school bus, in a barber shop or in a board room, there... Read more

May 7, 2015 Video

Rah Digga Uncages The Beast On Animal. Tread Lightly…(Audio)

Rah Digga unleashes the fury of every wild beast in the animal kingdom in her latest drop "Animal", proving that, in her 20 years in the music industry, her ambush-style lyrical abilities continue to evolve. The MC shows and proves as she preys on microphones and weak MCs in her... Read more

May 7, 2015 Audio