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Ezri Turns A Simple Trip To The Store Into An Epic Music Video

Cleveland, Ohio native Ezri (formerly known as "Ezzy") has been amassing an entertainment career for some time now. After displaying his acting abilities on hit television show Empire and IFC Films’ The Land, he went back to the basics with music to give his supporters a fearless sound. Be Right... Read more

This 11-Year Old Raps Harder Than Most Grown Men (Video)

For decades, Hip-Hop has often overlooked the relationship between age and subject matters. A genre that often reflects poverty, crime, and innocence lost is a product of those experiences. The same rules used in other art forms may not apply. Nas recorded his verse for Main Source's "Live At The... Read more

A Tribe Called Quest Are Releasing Their Own Line Of Sneakers For Kickin’ It (Video)

A Tribe Called Quest is a legendary Hip-Hop group which has had a major impact on fashion. In their earliest days, the group helped usher in a new era of afrocentrism and, in later years, as they moved, so did their listeners. A year later, Phife Dawg he had legions... Read more

Meek Mill Takes A Major Loss. He Is Sentenced To 2-4 Years In Prison (Video)

Earlier in 2017, Meek Mill released his third album, Wins & Losses. On the Maybach Music Group/Atlantic Records LP, the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native confronted real-life issues, including a pill addiction, a high-profile romantic breakup with Nicki Minaj, and a 2015 feud with Drake that did not appear to go as... Read more

Pusha T Says He Has “The Album Of 2018” & Kanye Did All Of The Beats

Since the official breakup of The Clipse in 2010, Pusha T has enjoyed a formidable solo career. Following two appearances (of seven verses reportedly recorded) on Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Push' began a pivotal working relationship with G.O.O.D. Music. He's since released two albums, two mixtapes, and an... Read more

JAY-Z’s 4:44 Tour Is Raising Lots Of Money & Lots Of Questions

UPDATE: Following reports late last week that JAY-Z's 4:44 Tour appeared off to a slow start based on low prices for some tickets and venues with attendance that was far under capacity, new information emerges. Live Nation, who is responsible for the tour, now tells Billboard that Jay's latest campaign... Read more

Wyclef Jean’s Tiny Desk Concert Shows His In-Your-Face Guitar Skills (Video)

Following The Roots' appearance on NPR's "Tiny Desk" last week, another genre-bending Hip-Hop veteran hits the Washington, D.C. platform. Wyclef Jean, joined by his band and latest protégé vocalist Jazzy Amra, perform. The three-song jam session concert comes on the heels of Carnival III: The Rise and Fall of A... Read more

The Roots Want To Score The Star-Studded New Lion King Remake

UPDATE: Following this month's news of a 2019 Lion King remake by Disney, Questlove says The Roots crew want to be down. With an exciting cast in place (as reported below), Quest believes his band makes perfect sense to score the film. On social media, the Grammy Award-winning drummer, composer, producer, DJ, and... Read more

MC Eiht And DJ Premier Have Got That East-West G-Funk On Lock (Video)

For years, people have associated G-Funk with the West Coast. However, despite the perennial association with artists like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Warren G and DJ Quik, the genre is also deeply rooted on the East Coast. Erick Sermon was perhaps the first producer in Hip-Hop to employ the thunderous... Read more

A Near 500-Song Mix Showcases The Magnificent History Of West Coast Hip-Hop (Audio)

West Coast Hip-Hop is incredible. So many of its pioneers are still making albums, doing shows, and adding to their legacy. As a tribute to the Left Coast immense contributions to Hip-Hop, Take It Personal Radio has compiled a four-part episode dedicated to gangsta and underground Rap classics from the... Read more

Lil’ Kim Confirms Recent Accounts Of Biggie’s Violence With Details Of Her Own (Video)

Last month, So So Def Records founder Jermaine Dupri told Drink Champs about witnessing Biggie Smalls threaten Lil' Kim at gunpoint during an Usher studio session. Dupri, who produced the resulting song ("Just Like Me") alleged, "So what [Biggie] did was he wrote the rap for Lil’ Kim…This was the... Read more

How Nas & De La Soul Battled For The Future Of Hip-Hop & Splintered It Forever (Video)

Last month, producer 9th Wonder remembered July 2, 1996's impact on the Hip-Hop community. During one of the biggest commercial booms of Rap albums, Nas released It Was Written the same Tuesday that De La Soul dropped Stakes Is High. Those two releases, coming from artists running in the same... Read more

Chris Rivers’ New Video Shows The Type Of Abuse His Family Suffered

Chris Rivers is his own man and has proved it time and again. The Bronx, New York MC is the son of legendary lyricist Big Pun. However, like the documentaries on the late Terror Squad founder have suggested, that's not always a good thing. Videos and family testimony have chronicled... Read more

Wu-Wear Returns After 10 Years (Video)

In June, it was reported that one of the biggest intersections of Hip-Hop music and apparel was coming back to the masses. Wu-Wear Renaissance marked a return for one of Wu-Tang Clan's most successful merchandising divisions. Spearheaded by Wu-Tang executive producer Oliver “Power” Grant, Wu-Wear burst on the scene in... Read more

Skillz Becomes Artist In Residence At University Of Richmond

When he named his 1996 debut From Where???, Mad Skillz knew he was putting his city of Richmond, Virginia on the Hip-Hop map. More than 20 years later, following acclaimed work with J Dilla, The Beatnuts, Large Professor, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and others, Skillz is one of his city and... Read more

Run The Jewels Show Off As They Body Slam A Statik Selektah Beat (Audio)

Run The Jewels is an undeniable force in Hip-Hop. The tag-team duo of Brooklyn producer/MC El-P and the honorable ATLien Killer Mike seem to surge with hype whenever they connect on track. The pair often provides thoughtful, hilarious and electrifying bars for the world to hear, over manic, forward-thinking production by... Read more

DJ Premier Supplies A$AP Ferg With The Ultimate Beat For The Streets (Audio)

While few can say that they saw it coming, DJ Premier collaborating with A$AP Ferg is not really all that surprising. Just look at the history. Preemo has galvanized Hip-Hop culture from coast-to-coast, North and South, old and new, for more than 25 years. Meanwhile, Ferg regularly serves catchy "Rap... Read more

It’s Prodigy’s Birthday & This New Song Is A Present For Fans Of His Hard Verses (Audio)

Prodigy would have been 43 years old today (November 2). Tragically, the MC/author born Albert Johnson died this June, leaving Hip-Hop music forever altered. P's cutthroat worldview, cautionary street tales, and cantankerous delivery made him pilot Hip-Hop's rugged movement of the mid-'90s. While Mobb Deep would find mainstream's embrace and... Read more

Slaine & Termanology Confront Addiction Over Stellar Evidence Production (Video)

Last month, Slaine and Termanology combined forces for a star-studded LP. The artists who rep La Coka Nostra, 1982, and Special Teamz find a unique energy together, coming from a place of realness. With the Evidence-produced beat that keeps everything contained within a cycle of a few notes, Slaine and... Read more

Mick Jenkins Calls Out Blood Suckers In His Circle & Still Spreads Love (Audio)

Mick Jenkins is up to something. The Chicago, Illinois MC released "Vampire In Brooklyn." It is neither a Halloween hangover or an homage to Eddie Murphy's film. Instead, Mick emphatically spits about those not showing love within his circle. The creator of 2014's acclaimed The Water[s] and strong '15 follow-up... Read more

Defari Unleashes His First Album In 11 Years, Produced By Evidence. Stream It All. (Audio)

In 1999, Defari was one of the most exciting emerging voices in Hip-Hop. Mentored by The Alkaholiks' E-Swift, the southern California MC appeared on Dr. Dre's massive 2001 the same year he released Focused Daily on Tommy Boy Records. Like affiliates Xzibit and Dilated Peoples, the Likwit MC appeared capable... Read more

N*E*R*D Return With A New Bounce That’s Got Rihanna Rapping (Video)

In the early 2000s, N*E*R*D put forth one of the ultimate fusions of Hip-Hop, Rock & Roll, and Pop. Pharrell Williams, Chad Hugo and Shay Haley brought their infectious Neptunes rhythms and melodies to the live stage. Two gold albums followed, along with major radio singles that showed just another room... Read more

All Signs Say Eminem’s New Album Is Less Than 3 Weeks Away (Video)

Hip-Hop news and culture move fast, and it’s easy to miss significant developments. Every week, Ambrosia For Heads takes a look back at the LAST 7 days. This video series, hosted by Justin “The Company Man” Hunte examines the current issues with a colorful rundown of the what, where, and why. While the LAST... Read more

Andre 3000 Said Big Boi Was The Best In OutKast. He’s Really 1 Of The Best In The South (Video)

Big Boi’s latest single from his Boomiverse album (Epic Records) is just as the title has it: a southern affair. Bringing together two of Atlanta’s favorite sons, Gucci Mane alongside Big Boi and featuring a prominent sample from the Underground King from the Lone Star state, Pimp C. Big Boi’s... Read more

Reuben Vincent Is Jamla’s Teenage Prodigy. He Hits His Target On “BB Guns” (Video)

After signing with 9th Wonder's Jamla Records, Charlotte North Carolina teenager Reuben Vincent released  “Chains On Me,” produced by one the most innovative producers around, Khrysis – another member of the Jamla Records family, Soul Council, and The Away Team. “Chains On Me” showed off the 15-year-old’s supreme confidence and precocious... Read more

Kanye West Claps Back At His Haters On A New Collabo With CyHi The Prynce (Audio)

While Kanye West has been a mainstay in the news this year, almost none of it has been because of his music. Early in the year, Ye made headlines for his decision not to attend the 2017 Grammy Awards. In the past, he has made his disdain for their process... Read more

Fabolous & Jadakiss Put Their Masks On For A New Collabo With Future (Audio)

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So...let AFH fight through it for you and only supply you with that great stuff. Despite the reports, Hip-Hop is alive and well and, in many ways, is better than it's ever been. Not only are we able to go back... Read more

Hannibal Burress Tells The Story Of Being Scolded By JAY-Z Because Of This Photo (Video)

Over the years, a photo of Vic Mensa, Chance The Rapper, JAY-Z and Beyoncé has taken on a few different lives. The original picture surfaced in on June 6, 2016, as the celebs gathered at Jay's 40/40 club, in celebration of Vic's 23rd birthday. A little more than a year... Read more

Erick Sermon Reveals The Source Of The Def Squad Album Samples To Prince Paul (Video)

Recently, Redman told New Jersey's Grass Routes Podcast that he hopes Def Squad can record a sophomore album. Next year marks 20 years since he, Keith Murray and mutual mentor Erick Sermon came together for El Niño. The album debuted at #2, following the group's covering of 1979 breakthrough Hip-Hop... Read more

Lyor Cohen Explains How Redman Led Def Jam’s Comeback (Video)

During the 1980s Def Jam Records reigned supreme. The label, which burgeoned in co-founder Rick Rubin's New York University dorm room, issued several classic albums from legendary artists. These include LL Cool J's Radio, Slick Rick's The Great Adventures of Slick Rick, Rock & Rock Hall of Fame inductees Beastie Boys and... Read more

Andre 3000 Explains Why Big Boi Is The Best Rapper In OutKast

OutKast's André 3000 is in a season of transformation. The Georgia—born MC, producer, actor, and fashion designer now calls New York City his home. He's leading a line with Tretorn and breaking some of his silence surrounding beats, rhymes, and life. Following his summer conversation with Complex, 3 Stacks spent... Read more

The Roots’ Tiny Desk Concert Is BIG, Brassy And Beautiful (Video)

The Roots are the latest musicians to perform at NPR's Tiny Desk concert series. Questlove, Black Thought, and the rest of the legendary band brought Bilal along for a moving rendition of 2017 single, "It Ain't Fair." The performance of the song from the film Detroit is bold and brilliant.... Read more

JAY-Z Combats 1 NFL Owner’s Divisive Words With A Message Of Unity (Video)

This weekend, ESPN magazine reported on just what transpired behind the National Football League's closed doors. Earlier this month, several owners, players, and league officials met to discuss the ongoing National Anthem protests. Criticism, TV boycotts, and declining attendance continue to plague the NFL's revenue and public image. Thereby, the... Read more

An Argument For Why Ghostwriting Is Good Starting With Exhibit D-R-E (Video)

The biggest MCs in Hip-Hop are talking about ghostwriting more than ever right now. Sixteen years after Puff Daddy proudly proclaimed, "Don't ask me if I write rhymes, I write checks," authorship in Rap verses is not something that anybody takes lightly. Since Meek Mill outed Drake's involvement of emerging... Read more

Big K.R.I.T.’s New Collabo Shows He’s A True Descendant Of The Dungeon Family (Audio)

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So...let AFH fight through it for you and only supply you with that great stuff. Despite the reports, Hip-Hop is alive and well and, in many ways, is better than it's ever been. Not only are we able to go back... Read more

Rapsody Has All The Power In A Stunning New Video

Rapsody's newly-released Laila's Wisdom remains a centerpiece album in the 2017 Hip-Hop space. In a career that's seen notable releases in nearly every format, the Jamla/Roc Nation MC brought out the strongest presentation in an effort that features Kendrick Lamar, Black Thought, and Busta Rhymes just to name a few.... Read more

Talib Kweli Details How He And Mos Def Became Family Before They Were Black Star (Video)

This week, Talib Kweli appeared on Desus & Mero to promote November 17's Radio Silence album. That LP reunites Kweli with Jay Electronica and Anderson .Paak, as well as features a range of guests, from Waka Flocka Flame to Freestyle Fellowship's Myka 9 to Rick Ross. In making his return... Read more

Jermaine Dupri Describes Biggie Threatening Lil’ Kim At Gunpoint (Video)

NOVEMBER 4 UPDATE: Lil' Kim has since confirmed Jermaine Dupri's report, with some additional clarifications. ORIGINAL OCTOBER 27 STORY: The Notorious B.I.G. and Junior M.A.F.I.A. protege, Lil' Kim had a complicated relationship. Biggie Smalls groomed Kim in his group offshoot, and had a documented romantic affair, despite the rapper's marriage... Read more

Drake Has Thrown Darts At Kendrick & JAY-Z, But Chooses Not To Face Them At The Grammys

Drake's More Life marked his seventh consecutive #1 project on the Top 200. The Young Money/Cash Money/Universal Republic Records "playlist" (as it was marketed) has already achieved double-platinum certification following its March release. However, Drake—who possesses three Grammy awards—reportedly has opted not to submit More Life for consideration in next... Read more

IDK’s Freestyle Delivers Knowledge With Some Humor & Ignorance Too (Video)

IDK (formerly Jay IDK) is one of 2017's more exciting voices. This month, the artist whose acronym means "Ignorantly Delivering Knowledge" released IWASVERYBAD, a 12-track-album that features luminaries such as DOOM, Del The Funky Homosapien, and Swizz Beatz. Following in Logic's path, the MC born Jason Mills intends to re-brand... Read more

Daz Tells B-Real Who Supplied The Chronic For Dr. Dre’s Masterpiece (Video)

Dr. Dre named his 1992 solo debut album The Chronic and had millions of consumers aiming to catch a contact. The first LP released on Death Row Records took its name from a notoriously powerful strain of marijuana circulating around Southern California at the time. Combined with old Funk records... Read more

Joey Bada$$ Turns His Amerikkkan Idol Into A 2017 Version Of JAY-Z’s Dead Presidents (Video)

Joey Bada$$ is fast at work promoting his 2017 sophomore album. All AmeriKKKan Bada$$ is the Brooklyn, New Yorker's second consecutive #5 debut. While stopping by the BBC, the Pro Era front man performed LP closer "AMERIKKKAN IDOL." The DJ Khalil (of Self Scientific) cut features such strong lyrics as "Now you tryna... Read more

Lauryn Hill Celebrates Queen Latifah With A Blazing Performance Of Ladies First (Video)

Just over a week ago at the Revolt Music Conference, Queen Latifah was the recipient of the annual Jimmy Iovine Icon Award. Named after the record mogul, recently showcased in The Defiant Ones documentary, who helped shape the careers of Dr. Dre, Tupac, U2, Tom Petty, Will.I.Am and many more,... Read more

Eminem May Have Just Revealed The Title Of His Next Album In The Craziest Way

For the last several weeks, anticipation has mounted that Eminem was on the verge of releasing a new album. On October 10, credible reports surfaced that a Shady/Aftermath release slated for November 17 was reserved for the Slim Shady boss, himself. Later that same evening, Eminem unleashed a BET Cypher... Read more

Kxng Crooked & Royce 5’9 Are More Than Enough To Slaughter Most MCs (Audio)

As fans eagerly await a third Slaughterhouse album, Kxng Crooked (fka Crooked I) and Royce 5'9 get ready for Halloween with a bloodbath of bars. "Truth (Why You Mad)" is the first glimpse of Crooked's Good vs. Evil 2: The Red Empire (December 8) the follow-up to 2016's RBC Records... Read more

9th Wonder Explains Why Soundbombing & Rawkus Kept His Hip-Hop Dreams Alive (Video)

Hip-Hop news and culture move fast, and it’s easy to miss significant developments. Every week, Ambrosia For Heads takes a look back at the LAST 7 days. This video series, hosted by Justin “The Company Man” Hunte examines the current issues with a colorful rundown of the what, where, and why. While the LAST... Read more

The D.O.C. Speaks About Idolizing Rakim & Making Plans To Work On New Music Together (Video)

On August 1, 1989, The D.O.C. released his debut album, No One Can Do It Better. The Ruthless/Atco/Atlantic Records album was the solo debut from the Dallas, Texas MC, formerly of the Fila Fresh Crew. Produced by N.W.A.'s Dr. Dre, it was not only an important mainstream representation of Southern... Read more

Redman Says Phife Dawg’s Final Album Is “RIDICULOUS” & He’s On One Of The Songs (Audio)

In 1998, Redman was among the guests on A Tribe Called Quest's The Love Movement album. He appeared alongside Busta Rhymes on The Ummah-produced "Steppin' It Up." For nearly 20 years, Heads perceived the gold-certified, Grammy-nomimated Jive Records LP would be the last from Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, and Ali Shaheed... Read more

Big K.R.I.T. Is Releasing A New Double Album. Here’s The Artwork, Tracklist & Guests

UPDATE: Big K.R.I.T.'s team has revealed the features to this Friday's (October 27) 4eva Is A Mighty Long Time. The self-released double album features UGK, T.I., and a number of Dungeon Family members, ranging between Cee Lo Green and Sleep Brown to Joi. Jill Scott, Bilal, Robert Glasper, Jr., and... Read more

Justin Timberlake Will Perform At The Super Bowl In The Worst Year He Could Have Chosen

On February 1, 2004, Justin Timberlake was part of arguably the most memorable, and certainly the most controversial Super Bowl halftime concert. In the middle of the halves of battle between the New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers, the fledgling solo star (two years removed from NSYNC) shared the stage... Read more