News Archives

N.O.R.E. & Pharrell Reunite For One More And It’s Another Hit (Video)

Since 1998, N.O.R.E and Pharrell have been making great music together. In fact, though Pharrell and his Neptunes partner Chad Hugo had been around the industry for several years, contributing to tracks produced by Teddy Riley and others, N.O.R.E. was one of the first acts to give Chad and Pharrell... Read more

August 31, 2017 Video

Royce 5’9’s Verbal Calisthenics Show That Wrecking MCs Is A Light Workout (Audio)

Over the last few years, Royce 5'9" has enjoyed an epic resurgence. Since gaining his sobriety in 2013, Royce has formed PRhyme, his potent duo with DJ Premier, released one of last year's most well-received albums, in Layers, and delivered punishing line after punishing line on this year's Bar Exam... Read more

August 31, 2017 Audio

RZA Confirms There Will Be Unreleased ODB Vocals On The New Wu-Tang Clan Album (Video)

Last week, Wu-Tang Clan gave Hip-Hop fans a welcomed surprise when they announced that they would be releasing a new album, Wu-Tang: The Saga Continues, in October. Shortly after the announcement, the group released the project's first single, "People Say," their first ever group record featuring Redman. Wu-Tang Clan Are... Read more

August 31, 2017 Video

Bun B Secures A Boat To Rescue Pimp C’s Son From Harvey In Houston (Audio)

For the last several days, the catastrophic effects of Tropical Storm Harvey on Texas and Louisiana have become increasingly dire. Although the rains, which have dumped as much as 50 inches of precipitation on cities like Houston, have subsided the flooding and destruction continues as dams in the area have... Read more

August 31, 2017 Audio

Torae & Nick Grant Take The Torch From Big Daddy Kane And Hold It High (Audio)

“Someone tell Praise to bring the bass and the treble in…” From the opening declaration, “Okay, let’s get the figures and facts” made in his typical take-no-prisoners style, Brooklyn, New York MC, Torae makes connections with the past, present, and future on “YGB.” Want That Raw Rap? Torae Delivers The... Read more

August 31, 2017 Audio, The Bridge

Flavor Flav Brings The Noise To Chuck D In A Lawsuit Over Public Enemy Royalties

Groups from Wu-Tang Clan to the Cash Money Millionaires have experienced internal lawsuits. In a year otherwise dedicated to their 30th anniversary of releasing Yo! Bum The Rush The Show, Public Enemy now experiences legal woes. According to TMZ, Flavor Flav is suing P.E. co-founder Chuck D, longtime producer (and... Read more

August 30, 2017 News

Stevie Wonder Drops Keys To Songs & Life In A Chat With Stretch & Bobbito (Audio)

Starting with the extra-melodic strains of “Golden Lady” taken from his 1973 masterpiece, Innervisions; a drum-roll and then lots and lots of laughter; these sounds set the interview with Stevie Wonder, broadcast on the Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito's What's Good show on NPR today (August 30). Stretch & Bobbito, the legendary... Read more

August 30, 2017 Audio

Yasiin Bey Discusses The Drama That’s Caused Him To Fall Back From The Music Business (Video)

Even since his days as mighty Mos Def, Yasiin Bey does not do many interviews. However, the Black Star MC recently gave Ebro In The Morning more than one hour of his time—reportedly impromptu. The MC/actor/poet and activist jumped in a cab and appeared before Ebro and company to speak... Read more

August 30, 2017 Video

Wu-Tang Is Forever And In Control Of Its Destiny With Its Own Record Label (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

August 30, 2017 Exclusive, Last 7, Video

God May Forgive, But Apparently Rick Ross Does Not. Ask Meek Mill… (Video)

It will soon be nine years since Rick Ross and 50 Cent entered a beef. According to some theories, that conflict reportedly began over 50 Cent complimenting Ross on an album milestone while warning him to not associate with Fat Joe in 2008. Later that year, a reported glance at... Read more

August 29, 2017 Video

While Some Throw Shade At Joey Bada$$, He’s Still Shinin’ (Video)

The past week has been a controversial one for Joey Bada$$. Prior to the total eclipse, the Brooklyn MC was outspoken about the furor over special glasses to watch the eclipse, tweeting "Am I crazy for watching the eclipse today w no glasses? I've sungazed before and afterwards saw colors... Read more

August 29, 2017 Video

Trae Tha Truth Rescues Hurricane Harvey Evacuees By Boat (Video)

UPDATE: Trae Tha Truth has now launched a crowd-funding site for Hurricane Harvey victims. ORIGINAL AUGUST 29 STORY: Since the mid-2000s, Trae Tha Truth has become a figurehead of Houston's Hip-Hop scene. At a time of dire need, the Hustle Gang member (and label VP) has stepped up in a... Read more

August 29, 2017 Lifestyle, News, Video

It’s Bigger Than Hip-Hop: Logic Gave The Most Powerful VMAs Performance Of 2017 (Video)

UPDATE: Less than 48 hours ago, Logic made a huge statement at the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards. The Visionary Music Group MC took the stage with "1-800-273-8255." His Everyone single that features Alessia Cara and Khalid is titled after the suicide prevention hotline. In Inglewood, California Sunday night, the... Read more

August 29, 2017 Video

Taliwhoah Is The UK’s Latest Musical Export. She’s Going Worldwide (Video)

Rostrum Records’ Taliwhoah has been releasing music for over two years now. Yet, her latest single and music video “Details” has gained a vast amount of attention for her to possibly become a recognized artist in the industry. The London-born and Los Angles-based singer and songwriter had an authentic introduction... Read more

August 29, 2017 Ready Or Not

DOOM Drops Rhymes Like Old Shoes On His Latest Notebook Release (Audio)

DOOM's The Missing Notebook Rhymes series pushes onward. The fourth installment in the Adult Swim weekly campaign is just that: "Notebook 3." The Supervillain cracks his composition book and pulls out some verses that appear to be in that trademark stream of consciousness. DOOM Revives KMD With A Jay Electronica... Read more

August 29, 2017 Audio

Weldon Irvine Influenced Black Star, KRS-One, JAY-Z, Common & Q-Tip. His Story Is Being Told (Video)

Best-known perhaps as the songwriter of the unofficial Civil Rights anthem, "To Be Young, Gifted and Black" (popularized by Nina Simone), the late Weldon Irvine bridged the generations as a key mentor and collaborator to Hip-Hop icons during the '90s and beyond. Guru, Roy Ayers, & Donald Byrd Brought Jazzmatazz... Read more

August 29, 2017 TV/Film, Video

Kendrick Lamar, Mac Miller & Kevin Gates Re-Heat The Summer With A Cold Collabo (Audio)

In three different pockets of Rap music, Kendrick Lamar, Mac Miller, and Kevin Gates are three stars of the 2010s. Critically and commercially, these three artists are leaders within their classes, not in the same ways, and certainly not with the same styles. Kendrick and Mac have decorated collaborative history,... Read more

August 29, 2017 Audio

Bun B On Hurricane Harvey: We Need Boats & We Need Prayer

Since Friday night, the world has looked on while Hurricane Harvey has wreaked devastation on the city of Houston, TX, other areas of the the state, and parts of Louisiana. The hurricane, which was downgraded to a tropical storm, brought with it unprecedented levels of precipitation--some experts are estimating it... Read more

August 28, 2017 Lifestyle

Action Bronson Samples Food AND Music & He’s Not Stopping (Audio)

Just days ago (August 25), Action Bronson released Blue Chips 7000. The third and now-confirmed final installment of the mixtape series closes out an important chapter in the Queens, New Yorker MC's career. In 2012, when his first Party Supplies-produced tape launched, Action was an emerging Hip-Hop voice. In mid-'17,... Read more

August 28, 2017 Audio, Fresh

Teen Bresha Meadows Stood Up To Her Abusive Father. Talib Kweli Tells Her Story (Audio)

In July of 2016, Warren, Ohio teenager Bresha Meadows fatally shot her father, reportedly as he slept. The 14-year-old killed Jonathan Meadows after years of physical abuse, which also included her brothers and mother, according to relatives. Despite the evidence of abuse, Meadows was charged with aggravated murder. Bresha and... Read more

August 28, 2017 Audio, Lifestyle

See The Full Historic Conversation & Cypher Between Mos Def, Big Pun, Canibus & DMX (Video)

Twenty years ago, Hip-Hop was in crosswinds. Microphones were grabbed by emerging voices from across the landscape, geographically, stylistically, and regarding content. As the genre collected itself following the sudden and tragic killings of Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls, it wanted new sounds, messages, and conversations. Mos Def & Dave... Read more

August 28, 2017 Throwback, Video

Will Smith & DJ Jazzy Jeff Perform Their First New Song In Nearly 20 Years (Video)

In the late 80s and early 90s, DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince were one of the most dynamic duos in Hip-Hop. From 1987 to 1991, they went on a run that included smash singles like "Girls Ain't Nothing But Trouble," "Parents Just Don't Understand," and "Summertime." During that... Read more

August 28, 2017 Video

Kendrick Lamar Set The VMAs On Fire & Then He Humbly Won 6 Awards (Video)

Last night (August 27), the 34th annual MTV Video Music Awards took place at Inglewood, California's The Forum. The 2017 VMAs (and its reformatted list of categories) opened with the focus on Kendrick Lamar. The MC who has enjoyed #1's, platinum certifications, and other televised awards this calendar year kicked... Read more

August 28, 2017 News, Video

Grandmaster Flash Has A New Message And It’s Aimed At Kool Herc & Afrika Bambaataa (Video)

Earlier this month, Hip-Hop celebrated its 44th birthday. Just like holidays for some families and groups of friends, it was not without some drama. Fans may have missed it, but some legendary shots appeared to be thrown—by one of Hip-Hop's pioneers towards another one of its founding figureheads. The issue... Read more

August 26, 2017 Exclusive, TBD, Video

Floyd Mayweather Has A Humble Conversation With Snoop About How To Build Wealth (Video)

Over the last few months, it has become virtually impossible for anyone who follows the sports world to escape the thunderous hype surrounding the upcoming boxing match between Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Conor McGregor tomorrow night (August 26). The buildup has reached epic proportions, sometimes resembling a pro wrestling match... Read more

August 25, 2017 Video

Wu-Tang Clan Are Releasing A New Album And It’s Coming Soon (Audio)

Yesterday, the Hip-Hop community was set ablaze when a brand new song from Wu-Tang Clan, titled "People Say," mysteriously appeared. The song which featured Method Man, Raekwon, Masta Killa, Inspectah Deck and honorary Wu member, Redman, came with no indication of whether it was the first release for an upcoming... Read more

August 25, 2017 Audio

AZ, Redman, Erick Sermon & DJ Premier Make D’Angelo’s Brown Sugar Even Sweeter (Audio)

When D'Angelo's album Brown Sugar was released in 1995, it did not sound like anything out at the time. Hip-Hop was enjoying what many see as its golden age, with music by Nas, Biggie, Wu-Tang Clan, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre and more lighting up the charts. On the R&B front,... Read more

August 25, 2017 Audio

Kool G Rap, Lil Fame & Freeway Are Wise Guys On And Off The Mic (Video)

Since 1986, Kool G Rap has stuck to his guns as a trailblazer of East Coast Gangsta Rap and a paragon of lyricism. His cinematic portrayals and trenchant analysis of New York City street life made his longtime fans keep tabs on his newest offerings from the lab. Kool G... Read more

August 25, 2017 Exclusive, Ready Or Not, Video

Redman Enters The Wu-Tang Clan And Adds Another Chamber (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

August 25, 2017 Audio

Kendrick Lamar Confirms His New Album WAS Meant To Be Played Backwards & Forward (Video)

At the end of April, Ambrosia For Heads proposed a theory that Kendrick Lamar actually released two albums, not one, with DAMN. Our premise was that the album took on different meanings, depending on the order in which it was played. Today, in speaking with MTV, Kendrick has confirmed for... Read more

August 24, 2017 Video

SZA Is More Than The First Lady Of TDE. She’s An R&B Superstar (Video)

SZA recently released the official music video for her single “Supermodel” from her album Ctrl. Co-written by Pharrell Williams, the track speaks on SZA’s struggles during a bad break-up and lack of self-confidence. She even questions the motives of her ex not accepting her flaws and how he could favor... Read more

August 24, 2017 Video

Parrish Smith Discusses LL Cool J Dissing EPMD ON THEIR OWN SONG (Video)

For decades, LL Cool J has been known as one of the most ferocious MCs ever to pick up a microphone...or ink one on his arm. Long before 50 Cent, LL Cool J was the bully from Queens, taking on all comers, old and new. LL's beefs with Kool Moe... Read more

August 24, 2017 Video

Some Of The Best Comedians Of All-Time Will Celebrate 25 Years Of Def Comedy Jam (Video)

Over the years, there have been a number of outlets showcasing the talents of Black comedians. Shows like In Living Color, Comic View, Chappelle's Show and even Saturday Night Live have served as platforms from which comedic greats were born. However, few, if any, have had greater impact than Russell... Read more

August 24, 2017 Video

Saba May Be The Next Great Chicago MC. Just Ask Andre 3000 (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

August 23, 2017 Audio

D’Angelo & DJ Premier Cooked Up This Remix Years Before They Made Devil’s Pie (Audio)

In 1998, D'Angelo cut up a slice of "Devil's Pie" with Gang Starr's DJ Premier. The metaphoric groove appeared in Belly (and its soundtrack), and also on the Virginia singer's sophomore LP, Voodoo. The beat that Canibus reportedly passed on became just the injection the man born Michael Archer hoped... Read more

August 23, 2017 Throwback

Jazzy Jeff Shows He’s Not Just A DJ. He’s A Master Producer Too (Video)

DJ Jazzy Jeff is not just one of Hip-Hop's most celebrated turntablists and party-rocking DJs, he's a highly accomplished producer. The West Philly force was behind the sounds on those acclaimed, Grammy Award-winning moments alongside The Fresh Prince. In the years since, Jeff has unleashed a series of celebrated albums,... Read more

August 23, 2017 Video

Slaine & Termanology Band Up & Break Loose On Statik Selektah Production (Video)

Massachusetts' Termanology and Slaine team up to craft a project infused with diverse lyrics and perspectives that would mesh both of the fan bases into one. Once self-proclaimed rivals, Slaine and Term' began to work with each other over four yeas ago and decided to turn their friendly competition into... Read more

August 23, 2017 Video

Public Enemy Still Got Game & Chuck D Wants The Ball (Video)

Public Enemy already blessed fans with a free new album this summer. Nothing Is Quick In The Desert (Except Death) is still making its rounds. Meanwhile, in addition to Chuck D and DJ Lord's ramping up with Prophets Of Rage towards a full-length album, P.E. stays moving. Public Enemy Release Its... Read more

August 23, 2017 Video

Scarface Shares A Snippet Of His New Music. It’s About To Get Ugly (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

August 23, 2017 Exclusive, Last 7, Video

Redman Rocks An Electronic Beat & His Verses Are Charged Up (Video)

While Heads wait on Muddy Waters 2, Redman charges up his 1000Volts project. The Def Squad MC's group with DJ Jayceeoh gets a towering new visual in "Monster." This is an Electronic group fronted by Funk Doc's raps. In 1995, Redman Reloaded Biggie’s “Who Shot Ya?” With A Machine Gun... Read more

August 22, 2017 Video

Questlove Explains The Roots’ Album Delay & Declares A Deadline (Video)

Between 2004 and 2014, The Roots released nine titles, not including two compilations. Following 2014's ...and then you shoot your cousin, the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania representatives have not dropped a project. Most nights, Questlove, Black Thought and the rest of the band appear on television. The act and its individual members... Read more

August 22, 2017 Video

DJ Premier Says It’s Still Possible He Will Release The Final Gang Starr Album (Video)

In one of the busiest seasons in his career, DJ Premier appeared before a studio audience to discuss more than 30 years of music. Earlier this month, the member of Gang Starr, PRhyme, and The Badder Band sat with Genius' Rob Markman (and Letty Martinez) to discuss his truly marvelous... Read more

August 22, 2017 Video

DOOM & Alchemist Together Is Two Thumbs Up For Hip-Hop (Audio)

Out of the same underground Hip-Hop scene that MF DOOM helped lead in the late 1990s, Alchemist exploded. Like DOOM, ALC is an MC/producer double threat with a penchant for library record samples, 1970s vibes, and intoxicating grooves. DOOM Revives KMD With A Jay Electronica Collabo (Audio) Following the circulation... Read more

August 22, 2017 Audio

Keak Da Sneak Recovering From Shooting, Upgraded To Stable Condition

UPDATE: After being shot yesterday (August 21), rapper Keak Da Sneak has been upgraded to stable condition. Still hospitalized, the Oakland, California veteran MC underwent surgery following a Monday morning shooting in Richmond, California. The East Bay Times reports that the 39-year-old member of 3X Krazy was found on the... Read more

August 22, 2017 News

Wyclef Says Only Dave Chappelle Can Get The Fugees Back Together

Last month, Funkmaster Flex played a Fugees song on his HOT 97 radio show. While never before heard by most Hip-Hop Heads, details got a bit murky as to how "new" the track really was. Ms. Lauryn Hill confirmed it was "an old track played around with back in the... Read more

August 22, 2017 Fresh

Don Flamingo Has Co-Signs From JAY-Z & The LOX Because He’s That Good (Video)

JAY-Z's Roc Nation roster has a deep bench. The days when it was Jay, plus J. Cole and Jay Electronica have long passed. From The LOX to Vic Mensa, Jim Jones and so forth, there's a lot going on. Louisiana's Don Flamingo may not be a name Heads hear as... Read more

August 22, 2017 Ready Or Not, Video

Black Thought Slows His Flow On A New Verse With Sum (Audio)

In 2017, Black Thought has been a busy man. While The Roots are reportedly working on their twelfth album with 9th Wonder, Salaam Remi, and DJ J. Period, Tariq Trotter has doled out dope verses all calendar long. From DangerDOOM to David Banner, Logic to Posdnuos and Pharoahe Monch, there... Read more

August 21, 2017 Audio

DJ Premier & His Band Rock Funky Beats From Nas To Gang Starr To KRS (Video)

As Hip-Hop celebrates its 44th birthday this month, NPR "Tiny Desk" concert honors the DJ in a way that Heads can appreciate. DJ Premier is the first mix-master on the popular video series, but he did arrive alone. This summer, DJ Premier & The Badder Band toured the United States... Read more

August 21, 2017 Video

Action Bronson & Rick Ross Are 2 Rap Heavyweights With Blue Chip Skills (Audio)

At the top of the decade, imagining Action Bronson and Rick Ross together on a song may have been a reach. Bronson was a symbol of New York City DIY Hip-Hop, upholding the '90s sound that influences him. Meanwhile, Ross was ushering in the sound of the clubs, making pounding... Read more

August 21, 2017 Audio

Snoop Dogg Goes Inside The Matrix, Scarface & Menace II Society In His New Video

Earlier this year, Snoop Dogg released his 15th solo album. Fittingly, it was titled Neva Left, as the 25-year veteran indeed has been one of the most consistent and enduring artists in Hip-Hop history. On the title song, Snoop has a major chip on his shoulder for anyone who doubts... Read more

August 21, 2017 Video