News Archives

There’s Not Much To Show For K-Solo’s Time On Death Row…Except This Rare Freestyle With Kurupt (Audio)

By mid-1996, Suge Knight's record label started calling themselves "The New & Untouchable Death Row Records." From 12" singles to posters, the branding was widespread—especially on the label's (first, of way too many) Greatest Hits compilations. Inside the double-album compilation's inserts, Heads saw the expanded roster of the reigning Rap... Read more

February 25, 2015 Audio, Throwback

Rapper Big Pooh Flips Through His Rhyme Book While Apollo Brown Digs In The Crates (Video)

A month from yesterday (March 24), Rapper Big Pooh & Apollo Brown will release Words Paint Pictures on Mello Music Group. The Virginia-to-Michigan tandem got together to record the LP, and to film "Augmentation." The soulful cut finds each artist in their first loves, rapping and diggin', showing the culture... Read more

February 25, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): E-40 vs. Dr. Dre…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). We are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

February 25, 2015 Fresh

Watch Marlon Wayans Give a Gut-Wrenching Portrayal of Richard Pryor (Video)

Last week, Mike Epps had one of the realest conversations in recent memory, with Sway, about the ruthlessness of the comedy business. As part of the discussion, he also touched on his portrayal of Richard Pryor in the upcoming biopic about the tortured comedic genius, directed by Lee Daniels (Precious,... Read more

February 25, 2015 News

Rah Digga Quick-Strikes On A Vintage MF DOOM Instrumental (Audio)

In less than two minutes, Rah Digga is one of the MCs in Hip-Hop who can command attention. "Stories From The Ambassador" is a simple tale about dealing with police in the streets of the 2-0-1, and the challenges of life in these times. "It's tough growin' up in this... Read more

February 25, 2015 Audio

Murs’ Strange Music Arrival Feels Like He’s Been Here Before (Audio)

Wherever Murs go, geographically, creatively, or label-wise, he always takes his core sound with him. The Los Angeles, California native has dabbled extensively in the last 15-plus years, from where he's lived, who he's worked with, and where he's gotten his proverbial Rap checks. Now at Strange Music, the Living... Read more

February 25, 2015 Audio

Jungle Brothers’ Afrika Baby Bam Says Because I Got It Like That Was Written For…Prince (Video)

One of the Jungle Brothers' breakthrough records was 1988's "Because I Got It Like That." The 1988 Idlers/Warlock Records single would be a keystone in the Native Tongues movement, predating De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest's formal arrival in the music marketplace. With that said, the Straight Out... Read more

February 24, 2015 Throwback

A Mini-Doc With Nas Behind It Shows Fashawn’s World, From An Addict Mom To Years Of The Grind (Video)

Although it's been available for days for stream, today (February 24) is the true release date for Fashawn's The Ecology. The sophomore studio album finds the MC now backed by Nas (care of Mass Appeal Records), releasing a plethora of visuals, and clearing his samples. As was the case with... Read more

February 24, 2015 Video

Donald Glover Plans To Lay “Childish Gambino” To Rest? (Video)

Comedian, writer and actor Donald Glover may have allegedly taken "Childish Gambino" out of the Wu-Tang Name Generator back in the mid-2000s. However, there was nothing funny or silly about what followed. Between 2008 and 2014, seven mixtapes, two EPs, and an onslaught of guest appearances followed. In two studio... Read more

February 24, 2015 News

Big Sean Has Pioneered Lots Of Flows. Is He Borrowing One In His Latest Visual? (Video)

Back in 2009 and 2010, when Drake was skyrocketing to the top of Hip-Hop's ruling class, Big Sean's name was coming up a lot. Many Heads, especially those who were following mixtapes in the late '00s, claimed that Drizzy's punchline-pause style, and other elements of his flow were coming from... Read more

February 24, 2015 Video

Kenny G & Warren G Regulate A Mash-Up For Latenight TV…And It Grooves (Video)

Warren G's smooth attitude and penchant for humor has made him something of a media darling. The 213 co-founder has traveled a long way from producing for Mista Grimm, and made his way into a frequent source of humor for "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" to VICE, and Funny Or Die. The... Read more

February 24, 2015 Video

Yelawolf Spits Whiskey Literally & Figuratively (Lyric Video)

Spitting whiskey over a bonfire causes big flames if you do it right. Yelawolf is out for his own burn in Love Story single, "Whiskey In A Bottle." The Alabama MC releases a video kicking these lyrics with emphasized sincerity for the camera lens, with some potent elixir in his... Read more

February 24, 2015 Video

25 Years Ago Today, Bell Biv DeVoe Made A Poisonous, Everlasting Hit (Video)

Twenty five years ago today (February 24, 1990), New Jack Swing's wrecking ball made one of its biggest smashes with the release of Bell Biv DeVoe's "Poison." The song served as an introduction to the New Edition spin-off group, and the first look from the would-be quadruple platinum self-titled MCA... Read more

February 24, 2015 Throwback

Kanye West Uses His Platform as a BET Visionary Honoree to Discuss Race and Classism (Video)

After a very "humbling" introduction from Dame Dash, Kanye West was given the Visionary Award at the 2015 BET Honors, which aired earlier (2/23). When presented with the award, rather than talk about his accomplishments or the characteristics that make him a visionary, West took the opportunity to discuss Race... Read more

February 24, 2015 Video

Young Buck Brings 50 Cent and Troy Ave Together on His Latest (Audio)

When Troy Ave arrived on the scene in the early 2010s, the Brooklyn, New York MC immediately drew a lot of comparisons to G-Unit. In those days, G-Unit was fading, if not broken up. In 2015, Young Buck and 50 Cent are crewed up again, making some potent street music,... Read more

February 24, 2015 Audio

Elzhi Offers Up His First Single In Ages. Emotional & Dilla-Related, It’s Worth The Wait (Audio)

There is less than a week left to the month of February. Whether it's been the frigid cold (for some), some depressing headlines, or just the new year's lull, it's a complicated month. Elzhi writes from the moment in "February." The Detroit, Michigan veteran leads into his true Preface follow-up,... Read more

February 24, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Grandmaster Melle Mel vs. DMC…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). We are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

February 24, 2015 Throwback

Rhymefest Now Has A Grammy & An Oscar. Is He One Of The Ghostwriter Greats?

Remember that time Rhymefest beat Eminem in a Rap battle at the 1997 Scribble Jam? Unless you were there, likely not. It seems now that the two Midwest MCs have more in common all these years later. During the 87th Academy Awards this past weekend, Rhymefest and Common simultaneously became... Read more

February 24, 2015 News

Bad Lucc, Ab-Soul, Problem & Punch Flip A Rare Dr. Dre Remix (Audio)

Bad Lucc has been paying 10 years of dues. However, as he and his Diamond Lane Music Group label-mate Problem have witnessed, good things happen to those who wait. A onetime member of Snoop Dogg's Dubb Union (with fellow dues-payers Damani N'kosi and Soopafly), Lucc is among the new guard... Read more

February 24, 2015 Audio

IamSU! Has A Lot Of Heavy Hitters In His Corner. Are All Eyes On Him As Next? (Mixtape)

Since his Top 50 Sincerely Yours debut album in 2014, IamSu!'s stock has been on smash. The HBK Gang front man continues to gather cosigns across the industry, with a sound, style, and energy all of his own. Just as he's done for more than five years though, the Northern... Read more

February 24, 2015 Mixes

Was Kevin Garnett the First Hip-Hop Athlete? Da Kid Goes Back Home.

Many see Allen Iverson as the prototypical Hip-Hop athlete. Iverson entered the NBA from the Georgetown Hoyas in 1996, full of swagger with his cornrows, jewelry and baggy jeans. However, it was perhaps Kevin Garnett, who was drafted into the league straight out of high school a year earlier, who... Read more

February 23, 2015 News

Raekwon Goes Wall to Wall with Busta Rhymes & French Montana (Audio)

After releasing twenty-one freestyles over Soul classics last year, as part of his Throwback Thursday series, Raekwon is gearing for a new solo album. The LP is titled F.I.L.A. (Fly International Luxury Art) and the latest single, "Wall to Wall," features guest appearances from French Montana and a typically animated... Read more

February 23, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): J. Dilla vs. Guru…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). We are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

February 23, 2015 Throwback

Just Blaze Releases The Beat Jay-Z & Rick Ross Wanted, Encourages Only Nice MCs To Touch It (Audio)

Just Blaze is one of the more interesting producers on social media. The Patterson, New Jersey producer/DJ enjoys waxing poetic about music, technology, industry, life, and engaging with his legions of fans. With that unpredictability in mind, Just released "Miracle," an instrumental track that he claims was a bidding war... Read more

February 23, 2015 Audio

Common & John Legend Win an Oscar and Deliver Stirring Words of Change (Video)

Last night (2/22), Common & John Legend won the Best Original Song Academy Award for their song "Glory," in the movie Selma. They've been performing the song at seemingly every major award show, including the Golden Globes and the Grammy Awards, but the artists brought renewed passion to the 87th... Read more

February 23, 2015 Video

Ever See This Freestyle with Black Thought, Phife & Consequence From 1997 (Video)

Here's a look back at a cipher between Black Thought, Phife Dawg and Consequence. The three MCs flowed off the top (for the most part) over a vicious beatbox, courtesy of Rahzel, as Questlove, Q-Tip and Ali Shaheed Muhammad looked on. Based on Consequence's verse, the moment took place in... Read more

February 22, 2015 Throwback

Ever See This Cypher Between Tupac, Grand Puba and Treach? (Video)

Back in 1992, before the East Coast/West Coast beef was in full effect, Treach, Tupac and Grand Puba found themselves together backstage and decided to have an impromptu cipher. The moment was caught on tape and has made the rounds over the years, but it's still amazing to see the... Read more

February 21, 2015 Throwback

Could Ricky, Raheem and Cain Have Survived? OG Maco Flips the Remix (Audio)

Manolo Rose's "Run Ricky Run" is a sonic tour de force. The song taps characters and storylines from Boyz N the Hood, Menace II Society and Juice, as cautionary tales for how to survive in the streets. Rose's delivery is simultaneously jarring and intoxicating. OG Maco adds a verse to... Read more

February 21, 2015 The Bridge

DJ Quik’s Safe + Sound Still Has Groundbreaking Funk 20 Years Later (Food For Thought)

Beginning his musical career on the mixtape circuit in Compton, California, DJ Quik has gone on to become the most expansive signee to Profile Records. In the 25 years since, he has spent time as an “R&B pretty boy,” the creator of a Top 10 album, an independent distributor, and... Read more

February 21, 2015 Food for Thought, Throwback

Professor Bun B Talks Rap, Religion and Oscars with Intelligence and Humor (Video)

What isn't Bun B a novice expert on? The UGK co-founder and Trill O.G. loves sneakers, sports, street-wear, cars, music, and even film. In preparation for tomorrow's 87th Academy Awards (February 22), the Bun Beata weighs in for The Fader on who he thinks will get Oscar gold. Claiming that The... Read more

February 21, 2015 Video

It’s Official. Mayweather and Pacquiao Are Finally Fighting on May 2nd.

After many false starts, it looks like the much anticipated fight between Floyd "Money" Mayweather, Jr. and Manny Pacquiao is officially happening. According to ESPN.com, earlier today, Mayweather stated: "I am glad my decision to meet with Manny and discuss making this fight happen helped get the deal done," Mayweather... Read more

February 20, 2015 News

Ghostface Killah & BADBADNOTGOOD Have Sour Soul For All To Taste (Album Stream)

Five days before release, Ghostface Killah & BADBADNOTGOOD's Sour Soul is offered to fans for full, free stream (in mono, no less—playing into the '70s-minded themes). G.F.K.'s first Lex Records go-round, and second LP (following 36 Seasons) in three months pairs him with BadBad and Frank Dukes for an onslaught... Read more

February 20, 2015 Audio

Fashawn’s New Album Features Nas, Busta Rhymes & More. Take a Listen (Album Stream)

Five days before release, Fashawn's sophomore solo LP, The Ecology comes to full stream. The Fresno, California MC celebrates his first go-round with Nas' Mass Appeal Records, and updates fans after a near six-year break from solo studio releases. After a Duck Down Music venture with Murs, co-signs from Wiz Khalifa,... Read more

February 20, 2015 Audio

Kanye West Says His Next Album Returns To Music, Opens Up About Class, Religion & Dame Dash (Video)

A lover of surprises, Kanye West popped in on The Breakfast Club this morning (February 20), and the superstar sat in the hot seat for nearly an hour. In a particularly light mood (especially compared to his November 2013 visit), 'Ye takes any and all questions—including some penetrating inquiries from... Read more

February 20, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Common vs. Method Man…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). We are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

February 20, 2015 Fresh

Mike Epps & Sway Have an Incredibly Candid Conversation About Kevin Hart and the Comedy Game (Video)

Mike Epps dropped by the Sway in the Morning show to promote his new AOL Web Series, "That's Racist." The conversation starts off with a surprisingly serious and philosophical discussion about race relations in America. Shortly thereafter, Sway makes a passing comment about Kevin Hart and Mike opens up for... Read more

February 20, 2015 Video

Ghostface Killah Kicks That Street Knowledge Over Some Dusty Soul (Audio)

Ghostface Killah is on one of his best runs, yet. 2014 brought his stellar 36 Seasons album, along with his reunion with Wu-Tang Clan on A Better Tomorrow. Just two months into 2015, he's gearing up for the release of his collaborative project with BADBADNOTGOOD and, so far, the results... Read more

February 19, 2015 Audio

Raekwon, Styles P, Sheek Louch & Vado Line Up The Lyrics For DJ Kay Slay (Audio)

DJ Kay Slay's Rolodex weighs a ton, and the Hip-Hop mainstay is never afraid to use it. The Drama King "declares war" calling in 2/3 of The LOX, along with Raekwon, Vado, and Rell. "I Declare War" is four MCs, one singer, and an iconic mixmaster/radio personality. Coming from The... Read more

February 19, 2015 Audio

Talib Kweli Freestyles About Suge Knight. Too Soon? (Video)

Featured in the 2000 film, Freestyle: The Art Of Rhyme, Talib Kweli has built his skills in the cyphers, and with the impromptu improvisation that is freestyling. These days, Kwe' is busy touring, making albums, and co-running a label conglomerate. The days in the parks may be few and far... Read more

February 19, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Busta Rhymes vs. Killer Mike…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). We are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

February 19, 2015 Fresh

Nas & Fashawn Give Us Something To Believe In With Support From Aloe Blacc (Audio)

When he released his first album, Boy Meets World, Fashawn garnered comparisons to the introspective Nas. When Fash' followed with Ode To Illmatic mixtape, the influence was overt. Last year, Nas signed Fashawn to his Mass Appeal imprint, making the proverbial cypher complete. Clearly, Nas something in Fashawn that he... Read more

February 19, 2015 Audio

Here’s the Inside Story of the Making of LL Cool J’s Classic Rock the Bells (Video)

In Ambrosia For Heads' ongoing GOAT ballot series to determine Hip-Hop's Greatest Of All Time MC, LL Cool J is facing off with Run (of Run-DMC) in Round 2. In this search to let fans decide the real winner, it is actually 30 years removed from a rivalry between the... Read more

February 19, 2015 Throwback

Cannibal Ox, Wu-Tang Clan’s U-God & The Artifacts Sharpen Lyrical Blades With Black Milk (Audio)

Since their inception, Cannibal Ox's influences can be traced back to the early 1990s underground Hip-Hop (before it was ever called such). Two acts who seemed to greatly influence Vast Aire and Vordul Mega are Wu-Tang Clan and The Artifacts. The latter (Tame One and El Da Sensei) join U-God... Read more

February 19, 2015 Audio

Do Remember: Pete Rock & CL Smooth’s The Creator (Video)

In the last week, Android released a new campaign, "Handshake." Notably, phones were not (at all) featured in the one-minute television ads, but rather a series of celebrations from athletes, friends, ballet dancers, families, thespians, and so forth. Premiering during Sunday night's (February 15) NBA All-Star game/ "SNL 40," these... Read more

February 19, 2015 Throwback

Asher Roth & Nottz Blow Your Head with a Chopped Public Enemy Loop (Audio)

In the last seven years, some of Asher Roth's strongest lyrical displays, and most complete songs came from his sessions with Virginia veteran Nottz. Five (very short) years ago, the pair made The Rawth EP, and they're back at it. As Asher has veered into other genres with an over-arching... Read more

February 19, 2015 Audio

King Los Breaks a Camera While Freestyling…and Starts Rhyming About It (Video)

Battle Rap veteran Okwerdz has a web series titled Freestyle Vault where he invites MCs into the studio to rhyme, off the top, with him. For episode 15, he hosts one of the best freestylers in the game--King Los. The pair trade impromptu rhymes for the better part of 19... Read more

February 19, 2015 Video

Happy 50th Birthday to Dr. Dre. Celebrate the O.G. with This Mix (Audio)

Happy Birthday to Dr. Dre who turned 50 years young today (2/18). The first 50 years were quite a ride for Andre Young. The Doc has been behind some of the most influential artists in Hip-Hop--all Hip-Hop--from N.W.A., to Snoop Dogg, to 2Pac, to Eminem, to 50 Cent, to Game... Read more

February 18, 2015 Audio

Logic Kicks a Fearless Off the Top Freestyle Better Than Many Writtens (Video)

Those familiar with Logic know that above else, he's about those BARS. Having thrived on the underground circuit for years, the MC also known as Young Sinatra broke through in 2014 with his top 5 debuting album, Under Pressure. The album was filled with expertly crafted and deeply personal lyrics... Read more

February 18, 2015 Video

Bobby V Channels an R. Kelly Classic for an Unbelievable Love Song (Audio)

Bobby V is a master of re-invention. The former Mista member transformed into a solo sensation with hits like "Slow Down" in the mid-00s. In the last few years, Bobby (aka Bobby Valentino) has returned to his soulful roots. His 2013 Peach Moon EP featured Bobby comfortably behind the keys... Read more

February 18, 2015 Audio

Cypress Hill’s B-Real Grows a New Mixtape with His Greenthumb (Mixtape)

B-Real has stayed active for more than twenty years. The charismatic Cypress Hill MC has carried on tradition solo and as part of groups like Serial Killers, where he was joined by Xzibit and Demrick. He's also become a colorful interviewer in his latter years. On his latest release, he... Read more

February 18, 2015 Mixes