News Archives

Ghostface Killah Unleashes a Full Album Stream of 36 Seasons (Audio)

Over the last few weeks, Ghostface Killah has released banger after banger after banger from his forthcoming 36 Seasons album. Few, if any, projects have been more anticipated. Now, the wait is over. Similar to DJ Premier & Royce Da 5'9" with their PRhyme EP, Ghost has released a full... Read more

December 1, 2014 Audio

Hus Kingpin & Median Channel The Warriors & Nas At Once, Still Comin’ Original (Audio)

Now based in Los Angeles, California, Hus Kingpin brings the shivery East Coast sound with him. On "The World Is Yours," the New Yorker travels back to a treacherous 212/718/917 sound, with vivid images, cold slang, and sharp accounts of street maneuvers. After Hus' Treach assist last month, this joint... Read more

December 1, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Hear All of DJ Premier & Royce Da 5’9″‘s PRhyme EP a Week Early (Audio Stream)

Since announcing they would be releasing a joint project as a super group named PRhyme, DJ Premier & Royce Da 5'9" have had the Hip-Hop world at the edge of their collective seats. The duo have since released singles, videos and teasers that have stoked the fire. Now, a week... Read more

December 1, 2014 Audio

It’s Ladies Night with Lil Kim, Missy, Da Brat & Lady of Rage at The Soul Train Awards (Video)

The 2014 Soul Train Awards was a night of reunions. In addition to Jodeci coming together, Missy Elliott, Lil Kim, Da Brat and Lady of Rage reunited to perform "Not Tonight (Ladies Night Remix)," and Total, Yo-Yo and MC Lyte joined the party. RIP Left Eye who was also on... Read more

November 30, 2014 Video

Jodeci Reunites at The Soul Train Awards. Watch the Performance (Video)

Jodeci reunited for an extended medley at the 2014 Soul Train Awards. K-Ci, JoJo, DeVante and Mr. Dalvin took the stage in Las Vegas and ran through several of their classics, hitting seemingly all of the slow jams that made them one of the most revered groups of the New... Read more

November 30, 2014 Video

Here’s a Playlist of the Best Hip-Hop of November 2014 (Audio)

November was dominated by members of Wu-Tang Clan and Shady 2.0. Eminem, the Wu, Royce Da 5'9" & DJ Premier, Ghostface Killah and Slaughterhouse all had big records (or several). Here's a playlist featuring music by them, as well as De La Soul, Chuck D, Juvenile, Big K.R.I.T., M.O.P., AZ,... Read more

November 30, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Playlists

Timbaland Signee Tink Makes a Strong Statement About Chicago & Ferguson (Audio)

Over the last month and a half, Chicago MC Tink has been associated with Jay Z, Rick Ross, Andre 3000 and Timbaland...Not bad for an up and coming MC, right? But, don't let the big names fool you. Tink is a talented MC and singer who stands out in her... Read more

November 30, 2014 Audio

LL Cool J Tells How He Got His Name & Survived a Brutal Diss By a Little Girl (Video)

James Todd Smith. LL Cool J. Ladies Love Cool James. How in the world did he come up with that name? In this semi-animated video from Vevo, LL details the origins of his now household moniker and tells how he moved past a potentially crushing diss...by a little girl. Check... Read more

November 30, 2014 Video

Q-Tip Welcomes Lil Wayne To The Universal Zulu Nation

Throughout his lengthy career, Lil Wayne has claimed allegiance to the Hot Boys, the Cash Money Billionaires, and Rich Gang, but did you know that he is also down with the Universal Zulu Nation? According to Lil Wayne friend and collaborator Q-Tip, Weezy F. is down with the New York... Read more

November 29, 2014 Fresh

Bumpy Knuckles Takes the Cake and Will Eat Yours Too (Audio)

After dropping a fiery verse in DJ Premier's Bars in the Booth, Bumpy Knuckles closes out a strong week by beating up on another track. He and DJ Wayne Ski link up again on "Cake Remix." Bumpy Knucks talks tough and is one of the few MCs who can back... Read more

November 29, 2014 Audio

Phat Kat, Elzhi & Guilty Simpson Unite To Show It Really Is Detroit Vs. Everybody (Video)

In the wake of Eminem, Big Sean, Danny Brown, Royce Da 5'9," Trick-Trick and Dej Loaf's "Detroit vs. Everybody," other MCs from the cold D want in. Three artists who worked closely with the bulk of the new class, Phat Kat, Elzhi, and Guilty Simpson team up for "All Madden."... Read more

November 29, 2014 Fresh, Video

Ghostface Killah Is Back On His R&B Ish Thanks To Jagged Edge, But No Holds Barred (Audio)

Ghostface Killah's most polarizing album is undoubtedly 2009's Ghostdini: Wizard Of Poetry In The Emerald City. The LP not only marked Ghost's final dance after nearly a decade with Def Jam Records, it also is largely considered his R&B album. The album featured Dennis Cole's talents in singing form in... Read more

November 29, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Blu Makes A Trippy Track That Seems Inspired By De La Soul (Audio)

Although he represents a coast across the country from Amityville, Long Island, Blu is definitely a De La Soul disciple. Johnson Barnes' vulnerability, his love of far-reaching concepts, interludes and skits are surely inspired by Posdnuos, Maseo, and Dave (as well as Prince Paul). A lover of Jazz, Funk, and... Read more

November 29, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Ever See This Rough and Rugged Big Daddy Kane Freestyle? (Video)

In the discussion of GOATs, one name continually resurfaces: Big Daddy Kane. As one of the first purveyors of multi-syllabic rhyming, Kane is literally the father to a style that has endured for decades. Ain't nothing like the real thing though...Here's a look back at Kane in his purest element,... Read more

November 29, 2014 Throwback

Are Native Tongues Hip-Hop’s Best Collective Ever? Listen to This (Mixtape)

A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Queen Latifah, Monie Love, Black Sheep, The Jungle Brothers...Each of these artists are legendary in their own right. When you combine them? You have one of the finest Hip-Hop collectives ever assembled, in Native Tongues. Here's a mix by DJ Ready that features... Read more

November 29, 2014 Throwback

Mary J. Blige’s My Life Shows That Soul Reigns Supreme, 20 Years Later (Food For Thought)

Twenty years ago today (November 29, 1994), Mary J. Blige released her sophomore album, My Life. More than two years removed from MJB's breakthrough Pop success surrounding What's The 411?, the Yonkers, New Yorker made maintained her undeniable vocal skills, but changed directions in making her sophomore LP. With hits... Read more

November 29, 2014 Food for Thought, Fresh

The LOX Bring Some Horror to the Holiday Season (Video)

The LOX are finishing out a 12-month period that included not one but three new projects on a high note. They release the video to "Horror" from the 2nd Sermon of their Trinity series. Check it out. Related: The Lox Release Their Trinity 3rd Sermon EP for Free (Mixtape)... Read more

November 28, 2014 Video

Cookin’ Soul Adds Some BOOM BAP to Kool G. Rap, Large Professor & Big Noyd’s Naturally Born (Audio)

Nearly two years ago, Kool G. Rap, Large Professor and Big Noyd released "Naturally Born" as part of Coalmine Records' Unearthed compilation. The track, which was produced by Ayatollah, featured a soulful sample and strong verses from each of the veteran wordsmiths. Now, Cookin' Soul, the production duo known for... Read more

November 28, 2014 Throwback

Ghostface Killah Commits a Homicide on Wax (Audio)

Ghostface Killah's 36 Seasons album is sounding more epic every day. Each release has presented like a chapter in what is seemingly Tony Starks' audio graphic novel. "Homicide" is the latest adventure and it features Nems and Shawn Wigs. It gets no grimier. Check it out. Related: Ghostface Killah &... Read more

November 28, 2014 Audio

Finding The GOAT: Pusha T vs. Joell Ortiz…Who You Got?

As we continue 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 in a sequence not... Read more

November 28, 2014 Fresh

De La Soul & Chuck D Make a Powerful Statement for The People (Audio)

De La Soul and Chuck D have come together on one track to make a powerful statement together. Here's what De La had to say about "The People": "The idea for the song came from a couple of samples, and the track’s vibe is earnest and has a pressing tone... Read more

November 28, 2014 Audio

Ras Kass Starts the Christmas Season with a Big MESS (Mixtape)

Ambrosia for Heads is pleased to premiere a free download of notorious waterproof MC Ras Kass' ‘ChristMESS EP’ sponsored by Platformz, an indie music and media app based search engine, to help kick off the holiday grind. ‘ChristMESS’ is a cohesive compilation of tracks featuring Felony Muzik, Doc Hollywood and... Read more

November 28, 2014 Featured-homepage, Mixes

Bishop Nehru Makes His Sway in the Morning Debut with a Strong Verse (Video)

Bishop Nehru is an old soul. Not only does he have 90's sensibilities with his flow, his knowledge of the music and life perspective also go well beyond his years. All of this was on full display as he made his Sway in the Morning debut. He came prepared with... Read more

November 28, 2014 Video

MC Lyte Rocks a Verse Over Junior MAFIA’s Player’s Anthem; Talks Charitable Work (Video)

After more than 25 years in the game, MC Lyte is continuing to build on her legacy. The veteran MC has an organization called the Hip-Hop Sisters Network which both supports women artists in Hip-Hop and also provides financial assistance to young male and female students. She stopped by Sway... Read more

November 27, 2014 Video

What Would Illmatic Sound Like if Biggie Was Rhyming? Like This (Mixtape)

Biggie or Nas? That's been an age old question in GOAT discussions for decades. The debate likely will never be resolved but it does beg the question, what would Illmatic have sounded like if Biggie was rapping? That's a query that has been addressed and the answer is...phenomenal. Here's a... Read more

November 27, 2014 Mixes

Wu-Tang Clan Give Thanks to Fans with a Free Stream of A Better Tomorrow (Audio)

After many fits and starts, squabbles and squashes, Wu-Tang Clan put their differences aside and have come together to release their first album in 7 years. A Better Tomorrow hits stores on Tuesday, but the Wu are giving thanks to fans on Thanksgiving by releasing a full stream of the... Read more

November 27, 2014 Audio

Finding The GOAT: Eve vs. Cam’ron…Who You Got?

As we continue 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 in a sequence not... Read more

November 27, 2014 Fresh

Your Old Droog Manhandles Sway’s 5 Fingers Of Death + Gives Rare Interview (Video)

Your Old Droog is not just nice on records. The MC appeared this week on Sway In The Morning, and dazzled fans with charm, whether in a freestyle or simply telling his story. Sway Calloway, Heather B and team asked Droog about the Nas comparisons, his dues paid in the... Read more

November 26, 2014 Fresh, Video

Marley Marl Remembers Giving Nas Some Key Demo Pointers, Talks Sample Revenue Loophole (Video)

Marley Marl might just be Hip-Hop's greatest producer. The Queens, New York legend is not easily accessible these days, so when he appeared in Tokyo, Japan before a live, engaged audience, it's "kind of like a big deal." Red Bull Music Academy/ego trip!'s "Chairman" Jeff Mao sat down with the... Read more

November 26, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Wu-Tang Clan Is Right On Time With The A Better Tomorrow Title Cut (Audio)

After a weary week, Wu-Tang Clan unloads their title song from A Better Tomorrow (December 2). While the album may have been met with some skepticism thus far, "A Better Tomorrow" certainly feels to be on a deeper level than much of what Heads have heard from the Wu clique... Read more

November 26, 2014 Audio, Fresh

You KNOW Bumpy Knuckles Got Bars In DJ Premier’s Studio Booth (Video)

Still waters run deep. Bumpy Knuckles and DJ Premier crossed paths back in 1997, when they recorded a pair of songs with O.C. for Jewelz. The energy stuck, as Bumpy earned the coveted spot on appearing on Gang Starr's seminal LP, 1998's Moment Of Truth. On "The Militia," the artist also known... Read more

November 26, 2014 Fresh, Video

Raekwon Slices Off A Piece Of The New Dej Loaf Single In A Freestyle (Audio)

Chef Raekwon is far from resigned in giving Heads some mid-week freestyle looks. While it was '70s, '80s, and '90s Pop-R&B earlier in the calendar, Rae' is now about the hot street records from new voices. After he and Ghostface Killah gave Troy Ave the nod, Shallah takes aim at... Read more

November 26, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Finding The GOAT: Killer Mike vs. Cee-Lo Green…Who You Got?

As we continue 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 in a sequence not... Read more

November 26, 2014 Fresh

Jon Stewart Looks Back At Premiering The Roots On TV In 1995 (Video)

In the last 15 years, Jon Stewart's "The Daily Show" has been a destination for some Hip-Hop-savvy performances. Sitting down with another TV host Head, Jimmy Fallon, Jon Stewart looked across the set at The Roots. Casually, Stewart (who is promoting the new film he co-produced, Rose Water) recalled giving... Read more

November 26, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Your Old Droog Makes An Ode To His Guitar Playing & Studio Gear (Audio)

From Wyclef Jean to Lil Wayne to B.o.B., plenty of top rappers play guitar these days. You might not know it, but Your Old Droog is keen on the strings too. "48th Street" honors the days of hittin' Sam Ash, Guitar Center, and all the bygone Manhattan music shops (Manny's... Read more

November 26, 2014 Audio, Fresh

In The Midst Of It All, Wu-Tang Clan Looks Tight Together, Performing Live (Video)

In the last few weeks, a good bit has been going on with the Wu-Tang Clan leading up to A Better Tomorrow (December 2). After an old manager of sorts leaked some information, RZA and Cappadonna confirmed that the group has a tiered salary structure and pay scale, whereby Inspectah... Read more

November 26, 2014 Fresh, Video

Chance The Rapper Surfs In With His First Album Single (Album)

Just over a month ago, details broke surrounding what is perceived to be Chance The Rapper's first album, Surf. Although no release dates have been confirmed, the Chicago, Illinois MC has been actively working with his Social Experiment homies. For the first look from Surf (according to The Fader), "Sunday... Read more

November 25, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Q-Tip Walks the Walk in Protest for Michael Brown in New York (Video)

As protests break out across the nation in light of last night's decision by the grand jury in Ferguson, MO to not indict Officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Michael Brown, prominent members of the Hip-Hop community continue to take a stand. Last night, Killer Mike spoke passionately... Read more

November 25, 2014 Video

Get A Deeper Look At A Joint From M.O.P.’s New EP With Cuts By DJ Premier (Audio)

M.O.P.'s new EP, Street Certified is now available. Within the Nature Sounds-released effort, executive produced by DJ Premier is "Heistmasters (Still At It)." The cut is produced by DJ Skizz (Your Old Droog, O.C., Roc Marciano), with Preem on the cuts. Within, Billy Danze and Lil Fame kick some classic... Read more

November 25, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Killer Mike Speaks from the Heart About the Michael Brown Verdict (Video)

"I have a 20-year old son and I have a 12-year old son, and I'm so afraid for them." --Killer Mike Wow. If you heard Killer Mike, the son of a policeman, speak on the killing of Michael Brown and the events in Ferguson on CNN, Fox and other outlets... Read more

November 25, 2014 Featured-homepage, Video

Royce Da 5’9″ & DJ Premier Bring Adrian Younge’s Role In PRhyme To Focus (Video)

In the studio, the same HeadQCourterz that's said to be closing, DJ Premier and Royce Da 5'9" plug away at the PRhyme album (December 9). In the second installment of "Raiders Of The Lost Art," Bun B narrates, while Preem and Nickel explain the role of third member, Adrian Younge.... Read more

November 25, 2014 Fresh, Video

DJ Premier’s HeadQCourterz / D&D Studios To Become Luxury Apartments?

For 30 years, D&D Studios has been a destination recording studio in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Encased above 320 37th Street, the lab has been a longtime home to Gang Starr's DJ Premier, who co-owns the studio today, re-named HeadQCourterz in honor of Gang Starr's slain friend. A report... Read more

November 25, 2014 Fresh

Finding The GOAT: GZA vs. Cormega…Who You Got?

As we continue 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 in a sequence not... Read more

November 25, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Chris Rock Says Pootie Tang Is His Junior M.A.F.I.A. LP, Debates PM Dawn’s & J Dilla’s Impact (Audio)

If you enjoyed Chris Rock and Tracy Morgan naming their Top 5 MCs in honor of the film, Top 5, you'll love this. Chris Rock, joined by Questlove, swung through Cipha Sounds and Peter Rosenberg's Juan Epstein podcast. There, the four Heads engage in a casual, very free-flowing discussion about... Read more

November 25, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Beyonce Sets The Fifty Shades Of Grey Soundtrack Off Without Restraint (Video)

Beyonce's "Haunted" is said to be a center-piece in the upcoming Fifty Shades Of Grey film. The blockbuster-best-seller Romance novel-turned-film is based around letting the inner-animal out. So for the "Haunted" video, Beyonce takes that visceral idea and goes to town. The "many rooms" of one's psyche are explored as... Read more

November 25, 2014 Fresh, Video

MED & J. Rocc’s AXEL F. Project Gets An Instant Rewind-Worthy Visual (Video)

MED & J. Rocc's AXEL F. project, Theme Music, released today (November 25). The collaborative project from the two Southern California vets, both Stones Throw Records affiliates, features Blu, Guilty Simpson, and Oh No, among others. For the "Sofa Coins" single, J and Medafor stepped into an animated world that... Read more

November 25, 2014 Fresh, Video

Leave It To Ras Kass, Apollo Brown & Sean Price To Punch ‘Em With A Bonus Cut (Audio)

Two stellar lyrical alumni of 1996, Ras Kass and Sean Price come together yet again. Over another string-heavy Apollo Brown track, Ras and Ruck link up for "Impossible Dream." Hardcore as you might expect, the breakaway from the Blasphemy sessions was unearthed, and finds cross-coastal MCs demolishing a beat from... Read more

November 25, 2014 Audio, Fresh

After Incognito Beginnings, Your Old Droog Is All Up in Your Face (Video)

Your Old Droog is leaving 2014 in a lot better shape than he started it. The elusive underground Hip-Hop MC out of the five boroughs began almost as a myth. Although he's been running, seemingly unnoticed, in circles for years, the insightful, raspy-voiced spitter was heard more than seen in... Read more

November 25, 2014 Fresh, Video

Tragedy Khadafi Is Still Running Strong (Audio Exclusive)

In less than one month, Queens, New York MC veteran Tragedy Khadafi is releasing his latest album, Pre-Magnum Opus (December 16). In his 25-plus-year career, Tragedy (p/k/a The Intelligent Hoodlum) has garnered strong acclaim, both as a major label artist in the early 1990s, as well as during his extensive independent... Read more

November 25, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Fresh

Big REC & R.A. The Rugged Man Dumb Out The Dope Way (Video)

Although he's not a new artist per se, Atlanta, Georgia-based Big REC got a huge, well-deserved boost this year, care of a Diamond D-produced album, Doomsday. One of the standouts on that indie LP is "The Dumb Out," featuring one of the epitomes of industry fortitude: R.A. The Rugged Man.... Read more

November 25, 2014 Fresh, Video