AFH Ambrosia for Heads

Ghostface Killah, Adrian Younge, Raekwon & RZA Offer Twelve More Reasons To Die (Audio)

Ghostface Killah seemingly does not stop. Now in his mid-forties, the Staten Island, New York "wally champ" is looking at his fourth album in less than nine months. To kick off the new week, the Wu-Tang Clan member announced a sequel to 2013's Twelve Reasons To Die. Planned for July,... Read more

D12’s dEnAuN Empties His Backpack & The Contents Slam (FreEP)

Producer/MC dEnAuN (a/k/a Mr. Porter) released a new six-song EP today (May 7), Stuff In My Backpack. The EP offers a refreshing and crisp sound that displays the evolution of the Detroit, Michigan native's lengthy career (despite several name-changes) Compelling lyricism along with gritty beats gives dEnAuN a chance to shine apart... Read more

Kxng Crooked Remakes A 1990s Rock Power-Ballad (Audio)

Slaughterhouse MC Kxng Crooked (a/k/a Crooked I) and Shalé pair up in “I Didn't Mean to Treat You Bad”, a single from the recently dropped collaborative effort When Music Worlds Collide. In this experimental jam, producers DJ King Tech (The Wake Up Show) and company create a fresh interpretation of... Read more

Finding The GOAT (Round 5): Tupac vs. Kendrick Lamar…Who You Got?

With just 11 MCs remaining we have reached the critical Round 5 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). Now, only five match-up’s—all running this week—separate Round 5 from the final six MCs, including Round 4 bye winner Big Daddy Kane. Since the elimination,... Read more

Do Remember: De La Soul & Camp Lo’s So Good (Audio)

Since Afrika Bambaataa & The Soulsonic Force, Tommy Boy Records has been in on the ground floor of helping out Heads "looking for the perfect beat." Tom Silverman's independent label may have started with Dance music roots, but the label proved to be one of the truly trustworthy imprints, supplying... Read more

Finding The GOAT (Round 4): Kendrick Lamar vs. Big K.R.I.T.…Who You Got?

We have now reached the critical Round 4 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 21 MCs remaining (with the largest winning margin, Rakim receives a bye for the round), things are really coming down to 10 match-ups, leading AFH’s bracket-style series towards... Read more

Inspectah Deck & DJ Revolution Release A Ghostly Visual (Video)

Wu-Tang Clan member Inspectah Deck released a video for his single "These Broken Wings." With cuts brought to you by legendary turntablist (and Wake Up Show alum) DJ Revolution, the Rebel INS flows conceptually on this eerie track about the trials and tribulations of a woman in a "broken" relationship... Read more

The Friday Soundtrack Turns 20. Here’s Why It’s Still Influential Two Decades Later (Food For Thought)

Released twenty years ago today (April 11, 1995), the soundtrack to Friday is exemplary of the musical consciousness emanating from many inner cities in America at the time. Equal parts R&B, funk, and Hip-Hop, the soundtrack went double-platinum, besting soundtracks to other popular films featuring Black lead actors, like Bad... Read more

DJ Premier Is a Supreme Producer But Can He Rap? Nah, But Here’s a Dope Interview (Video)

While at SXSW, PRhyme, DJ Premier & Royce Da 5'9", stopped by for a special edition of Sway in the Morning. They spoke on a litany of new topics, including new music Royce and Preemo are listening to (2:30), Royce's newfound hunger as an MC (5:30), Premier's idiosyncrasies (6:50), similarities... Read more

PRhyme & Dwele Get Elemental In A Stripped Down Setting (Video)

From one of 2014's highlight albums comes the video to one of the album's highlight tracks. "You Should Know" featuring Dwele is a standout on PRhyme, with DJ Premier scratching it up between warm notes and hard drums (thank Adrian Younge for that), and Royce Da 5'9" presenting his verbal... Read more

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, 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... Read more

Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp A Butterfly Tracklist Features Rapsody, Snoop Dogg & Bilal

Less than 10 days away from release, it appears that the tracklist to Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp A Butterfly has been made public. iTunes posted the tracks to the March 23 sophomore major label album from the Compton, California star. While only five featured guests were included on 2012's good... Read more

Do Remember: When Charles Hamilton Passed The Mic To An Unknown Kendrick Lamar (Video)

Miss Lauryn Hill once eloquently rhymed, "Seasons change, mad things re-arrange." In life, love, and Hip-Hop, is this not a rugged truism? As the world shifts, there are some interesting cycles. This week in the culture, Kendrick Lamar took center-stage, giving Heads a name for his sophomore major label album,... Read more

Sky’s The Limit When Kendrick Lamar Crushes A Freestyle Over Notorious B.I.G. Beats (Audio)

Kendrick Lamar verses can perform miracles. It's easy to imagine The Notorious B.I.G. smiling big, 18 years to the day after he physically left the world, as Kendrick Lamar touches some of the same kicks and snares he helped make famous. Appearing on opening day of Big Boy's Neighborhood on... Read more

Kendrick Lamar Announces Album Release Date and Title. Here’s the Story (News)

Few albums have been more anticipated in the last year than Kendrick Lamar's long-awaited follow up to his debut major label release, good kid, m.A.A.d. city. Well, the wait is over, almost...A little over 20 minutes ago, Kendrick tweeted out a link and nothing else. The link takes the user... Read more

Finding The GOAT: Which MCs are Going to Round 3? You Decide.

Ambrosia For Heads' Finding The GOAT series, the search for the Greatest Of All Time MC (as determined by you), began in September, 2014 and is soon down to its final 42 contestants. At 11:59pm EST on Saturday March 7, Round 2 polls will close, kicking off Round 3. But... Read more

Even A Cappella Your Old Droog Has Nutty Bars (Video)

On tour with PRhyme and Boldy James, Your Old Droog is enjoying the opportunities of the road. In Chicago, Illinois, the Brooklynite blessed Windy City showgoers later on with a verse that's as cold as the air from Lake Michigan. This freestyle includes the usual Droog charms of childhood flashbacks,... Read more

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Big K.R.I.T. vs. ScHoolboy Q…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

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

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

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): MF DOOM vs. Elzhi…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

David Banner, N.O.R.E., Jon Connor & Sizzla Are Warriors Within DJ EFN’s All-Star Arsenal (Audio Premiere)

Less than a month away from his Another Time superstar-stacked album, DJ EFN premieres "Warrior" with Ambrosia For Heads. The song links longtime EFN affiliate N.O.R.E. together with another former Penalty Records star in David Banner, as well as Flint, Michigan Aftermath Entertainment MC Jon Connor. Jamaican Reggae star Sizzla... Read more

Eminem Rhymes Faster Than You Can Read. Just Watch…(Lyric Video)

With the true video already making its rounds from late last month, "Detroit Vs. Everybody" comes in lyrical form. If any artist or song is worth the closer, literal look, it's this Eminem, Danny Brown, Royce Da 5’9”, Big Sean & DeJ Loaf moment. Was 2014 Eminem's strongest year in... Read more

Your Old Droog Comes Out Of The Woodwork With A Free 11-Track Project (Mixtape)

As he gears up to hit the road with PRhyme and Boldy James, Your Old Droogs hits Heads off with a whole new project. Kinison, seemingly an ode to the late comedian/actor heard on the intro (Sam Kinison), is 11 tracks of all new music. Marco Polo, El RTNC, and... Read more

Big Sean, Drake & Kanye West Bless the Mic Over a Rugged Beat (Audio)

Big Sean, Drake and Kanye West have come together on one track for the first time in almost four years, on the remix to Big Sean's "Blessings." The song is from Sean's forthcoming album, Dark Sky Paradise. The three artists last worked together Kanye West's "All of the Lights (Remix)"... Read more

Detroit Vs. Everybody: How One City Staged a Hip-Hop Takeover (Editorial)

Detroit, Michigan is historically, a fighter’s city. The sharp elbows of the Bad Boy-era Pistons, the unbreakable spirit of the autoworkers through the decline of the industry’s bountifulness, and the cold, harsh conditions of everyday life make for the Great Lakes State to be rugged, never smooth. In the context... Read more

Phat Kat & Elzhi Keep The Chemistry Strong, Over A Flip Beat (Lyric Video)

Less than two months removed from their own "Detroit vs. Everybody" rendition, "All Madden" Phat Kat and Elzhi are back in action. Australian producer Flip brought the D-boys together for "Without Warning." A lyric video does the moment and the energy proud, with color, images, and style. Flip's LP, Reflections... Read more

Blu, Skyzoo & Kool G Rap Get Remixed By Large Professor, Diamond D & More (Album Stream)

Coalmine Records loves a remix. The Brooklyn, New York-based independent label mined their catalog, including joints from Blu, Heltah Skeltah, El Da Sensei, Guilty Simpson, Kool G Rap, Royce Da 5'9", Skillz, and more, and issued up some new remixes. The handiwork on the flips comes from the heralded likes... Read more

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Drake vs. Big Sean…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

Joey Bada$$ Drops Wisdom While DJ Premier Drops A Scorching Beat (Audio)

"B4.Da.$$" is the title of Joey Bada$$' studio debut, releasing this coming Tuesday (January 20) on Pro Era/Cinematic/Sony Red. The Brooklyn, New York MC reflects this title, not just as a conveniently clever time-capsule of his rise to stardom, or an ah-ha to the doubters and skeptics. Rather, the Pro... Read more

DJ Premier Announces His First Solo Album, Last Session @ 320

Less than one week into his new studio home in Astoria, Queens, big news is coming from DJ Premier. The longtime Gang Starr producer/DJ has announced his first solo album, Last Session @ 320. Planned for 2015, the title is presumably an homage to the 37th Street address of his... Read more

Eminem Grants One Teenage Fan’s Final Wish

Many Eminem Heads know how much the superstar admires the life and music of Tupac Shakur. Eminem even worked extensively, as a producer, on some of 'Pac's posthumous albums, including 2006's Pac's Life. Although a lot can be said about the final years of 2Pac's life, one moment always speaks... Read more

After More Than 25 Years, DJ Premier & MF DOOM Will Work Together

Twenty five years ago, DJ Premier and MF DOOM (then known as Zev Love X) were getting comfortable in the industry. Premier, care of the group Gang Starr, was less than a year removed from releasing debut LP No More Mr. Nice Guy on Wild Pitch Records with partner and... Read more

AFH:14 Best Hip-Hop Albums Of 2014 (Food For Thought)

2014 was a special year in Hip-Hop music. Rather than a usual suspect front-running in spotlight, this was a democratic crop of albums—where new artists made cohesive introductory works, veterans advanced their skillsets and redefined their reputations, and underground MCs challenged the mainstream. There were artists who released multiple works,... Read more

Stream and Download More Than 35 of the Best Mixtapes of 2014 (Mixtapes)

2014 was a year of incredibly diverse mixtape offerings. There were amazing blend projects like Yasiin Gaye which combined Mos and Marvin, beat-jacking tapes like Jon Connor's amazing takeover of Kanye West tracks, albums in disguise like Travi$ Scott's Days Before Rodeo, remix wonders like Soul Cookin's complete re-imagination of... Read more

Finding the GOAT: Pick Yet Another ’90s Great Wild Card For Round 2?

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

Lupe Fiasco & Nikki Jean Make A Dedication To The Modern Madonnas (Audio)

Ten days from the Christmas holiday, Lupe Fiasco and Nikki Jean release a track that seems to examine the concept of Holy Mothers. Titled, "Madonna [And Other Mothers In The Hood]," this song uses lots of religious and spiritual imagery and lexicon, while chronicling a modern experience of how today's... Read more

J. Cole’s 2014 Forest Hills Drive Is A Homecoming For More Than Himself (Album Review)

There is beauty in the struggle. There is ugliness in the success. Whether you’re currently satisfied within the achievements you envisioned for yourself, on the cusp of that individual gratification, or miles away from your desired prosperity, Jermaine Lamar Cole has arrived with his third full-length album, 2014 Forest Hills... Read more

Shady Records Gathers a Gang of MCs for the Detroit vs. Everybody Remix (Audio)

Shady Records continues the Detroit takeover with a remix to their "Detroit vs. Everybody" anthem. This version features Trick Trick,Dej Loaf, Guilty Simpson, Black Milk, Sino, Marv Won, Payroll, Hydro, Boldy James, Big Gov, Kid Vishis, Big Herk, Icewear Vezzo, Detroit Che, Calicoe, and Diezel The Hitman. It also weighs... Read more

Ras Kass Joins Some Detroit Bad Boys Around A Barrel Fire For A Cypher (Video)

This year, West Coast MC vet Ras Kass linked with Detroit, Michigan's Apollo Brown to make a celebrated, highly-cohesive LP in Blasphemy. Keeping things focused on Motor City, Ras circles up around a barrel-fire, Doo Wop-style, to unleash a monstrous cypher. Apollo's beat seems to pay careful homage to Diamond... Read more

Ghostface Killah Compares Himself To Martin Scorsese. Here’s Why (Food For Thought Interview)

Speaking about his upcoming eleventh solo album, Ghostface Killah is in his glory. The Staten Island MC is spirited, especially on the subjects of 1980s Rap and 1990s cinema. The day his 36 Seasons was publicly premiered in a full-length NPR Music stream, Ghost speaks to Ambrosia For Heads, and... Read more

PRhyme Had Vinyl Beginnings, But Is Going All Out Digitally (Video)

In the third part of PRhyme's "Raiders Of The Lost Art" documentary webisode series, Royce Da 5'9" explains his goal of making a lasting, classic album, with his joint project with DJ Premier and Adrian Younge. Although PRhyme (December 9) began as a five-song, vinyl-only idea, the project took on... Read more

Yes-Men & Soft Rap Lovers Are Poked Fun At Featuring PRhyme, Miguel & Lady Of Rage (Video)

Funny Or Die linking with PRhyme doesn't seem too expected. Still, the online video channel knows their Hip-Hop, and in celebration of the new self-titled album by DJ Premier, Royce Da 5'9", and Adrian Younge, they rolled to the studio. Specifically, Funny Or Die appears to be tongue-in-cheek making fun... Read more

DJ Premier Mixes Up A Special Set For Def Jam’s 30th Anniversary (Audio)

In his career, neither DJ Premier nor his group Gang Starr were ever signed to Def Jam Records. However, the HeadQCourterz Studios producer has worked with an arsenal of Def Jam's talent over the years, ranging from Jay Z and Method Man, Ludacris to Kanye West, to Teflon and WC.... Read more

Gemstones Is No Longer In Lupe Fiasco’s Shadow In Tells A Gripping Story (Video)

Between 2006's Food & Liquor and 2007's The Cool, Lupe Fiasco appeared to have one of the most exciting rosters for fledgling talent at 1st & 15th. Between Gemstones (originally as "Gemini") and Matthew Santos on vocals, and Soundtrakk plus Chris & Drop teased ears with unique, grabbing beats. Sadly,... Read more

Skillz Is A Supafriendz Alum & Freestyle Legend, So Sway Had To Put Him On The Spot (Video)

Back in those days when he was From Where???, (Mad) Skillz belonged to the Supafriendz, a Virginia massive including Danja Mowf, Lonnie B, and Kalonji The Immortal. This posse got some of its biggest exposure thanks to the aforementioned 1996 album, and a few compilations and singles. However, freestyle enthusiasts... Read more

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

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

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

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