AFH Ambrosia for Heads

Common & Ice Cube Demonstrate How “Real People” Move Past Beef (Audio)

Many artists have gone from fierce beefs to collaborating. Artists like Jay Z and Nas, Jadakiss and Beanie Sigel, and Three 6 Mafia and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony have simply just turned the page. The songs these once bitter rivals made after the truce was just music—with the past best unaddressed. For... Read more

Public Enemy’s It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back vs. Common’s Be. Which Is Better?

One year ago, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: who is the greatest MC of all time? “Finding The GOAT MC” lasted between September 2014 and May 2015, engaging millions of readers and ultimately producing its winner, as... Read more

D’Angelo & Common Add Grammy Awards To Their Trophy Cases

After a 15 year break, D'Angelo won two Grammy awards tonight (February 15). The RCA Records artist (and his band, The Vanguard) took home the honors in response to 2014's Black Messiah album. The awards included "Best R&B Album" and "Best R&B Song." The latter trophy belonged to the album's... Read more

Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp A Butterfly vs. Common’s Like Water For Chocolate. Which Is Better?

One year ago, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: who is the greatest MC of all time? “Finding The GOAT MC” lasted between September 2014 and May 2015, engaging millions of readers and ultimately producing its winner, as... Read more

“Hamilton” Creator Says Founding Father & Biggie Have Plenty in Common (Video)

Lin-Manuel Miranda is a self-described "Puerto Rican from the Bronx" whose passion for both musical theater and Hip-Hop have made him one of the most exciting figures in the culture today. By now, Heads are familiar with his work as the creator of the surprise Broadway smash Hamilton, a historically... Read more

Finding The GOAT Album: Kanye West’s Graduation vs. Common’s Be. Which Is Better?

One year ago, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: who is the greatest MC of all time? “Finding The GOAT MC” lasted between September 2014 and May 2015, engaging millions of readers and ultimately producing its winner, as... Read more

MCs Say They’re Freestyling…But They Ain’t Been Rhyming Like Common Sense (Audio)

Over the years, the definition of the term "freestyle" has blurred. The word initially referred to a rhyme, written or spontaneous, that was not about a particular topic but, instead, was "free of style." In the 90s, it came to mean a rhyme that was impromptu, or "off the top... Read more

Common’s Be vs. Drake’s Nothing Was The Same. Which Is Better?

One year ago, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: who is the greatest MC of all time? “Finding The GOAT MC” lasted between September 2014 and May 2015, engaging millions of readers and ultimately producing its winner, as... Read more

Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor vs. Common’s Like Water For Chocolate. Which Is Better?

One year ago, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: who is the greatest MC of all time? “Finding The GOAT MC” lasted between September 2014 and May 2015, engaging millions of readers and ultimately producing its winner, as... Read more

Common Speaks To The Next Generation of Chicago Youth On a New Track With Lil Bibby (Audio)

For more than 2 decades, Common has been Hip-Hop's Chicago ambassador. From Kanye to Lupe, Common has sought to support not only the MCs from the City of Wind, but Chicago's youth, generally. So, while some might not expect him to team with Lil Bibby, whose subject matter varies greatly... Read more

The Roots Perform “Act Too” With Common and Talib Kweli Adds a Freestyle (Video)

Last night, Central Park in New York City hosted the season-ending concert for the Big Apple's SummerStage program, an outdoor performing-arts festival that brings hundreds of free shows to residents each year. Now in its thirtieth season, SummerStage provided Heads with some major Hip-Hop heat including performances from Afrika Bambaataa,... Read more

Here’s A Gorgeous Mash-Up Of J Dilla, Common, Dwele & Bobby Caldwell (Audio)

Common's enduring love song, "The Light," turned 15 years old earlier this year. The track, which was produced by J Dilla, features a prominent sample of Bobby Caldwell's "Open Your Eyes," from his 1980 Cat in the Hat album. The song also was covered by Dwele in 2008 on his... Read more

15 Years Ago, Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Common & More Used Hip-Hop for Justice. The Fight Continues.

Police officers (and law enforcement officials) murdering unarmed people of color has been a resounding issue, especially since the 2012 death of Trayvon Martin. However, while mainstream media has not always looked at the issue that extends back throughout the United States' history, other media has. One of those sources... Read more

15 Years Later, Common’s “The Light” Remains a Shining Example of Hip-Hop Love

On July 18, 2000, Common released "The Light," and with it came one of Hip-Hop's greatest love songs. Along with Black Star's 1998 track "Brown Skin Lady" and The Roots' breakout 1999 single "You Got Me," "The Light" represented a focus on mutual respect, vulnerability, and a soulful approach to... Read more

Common Performs 4 Of His Essential Hits At The 2015 Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival (Video)

This Saturday (July 11), Common headlined the 2015 Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival. Taking the stage following sets by Mobb Deep, Freeway, Large Professor, Skyzoo, Charles Hamilton, Lion Babe, Consequence, John Robinson and others, Common, a live band, and DJ Dummy brought the show to a crescendo. The Chicago, Illinois Grammy and... Read more

Watch Common, Mobb Deep, Freeway & More At The 2015 Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival (Video Stream)

Today (July 11), the 2015 Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival is ongoing. The 11th annual festival in Dumbo, Brooklyn features headliners including Common, Mobb Deep, Freeway, Skyzoo, Charles Hamilton, John Robinson & PVD, Stro, Lion Babe, Consequence, and more. The event is hosted by Uncle Ralph McDaniels and Torae, with DJ sets... Read more

Diamond D Has More in Common With Wu-Tang Clan Than Hot Tracks (Video)

Diamond D's album The Diam Piece was one of 2014's unsung gems. In many ways, the LP was a return to form for Diamond, both in terms of sharp lyrics and pristine beats. Nine months later, it's the gift that keeps on giving, as Diamond releases his latest video. "I... Read more

Hear the Greatness of Nina Simone as Interpreted by Lauryn Hill, Common, Mary J. Blige & More (Album Stream)

Later this week (7/10), RCA will release Nina Revisited...A Tribute to Nina Simone, celebrating one of the most enigmatic and acclaimed voices of the last century. Ahead of the album, NPR has made a full stream of the album available, via its First Listen series. Ms. Simone's reach extended to... Read more

Common Names His 5 Most Autobiographical Songs…They’re Deep (Audio)

In a career spanning 10 albums, and a plethora of powerful feature, soundtrack, and compilation appearances, Common's catalog is staggering. Speaking with Tim Einenkel's The Library Podcast, the MC formerly known as Common Sense was asked to select his five personal songs that would "make up an autobiography." This year's... Read more

Lost Ones: Common & Eminem Recorded Tracks For DJ Jazzy Jeff’s LP. Why Didn’t Sony Release It? (Video)

In a new interview with Polish Hip-Hop outlet Popkiller, DJ Jazzy Jeff shares details about much of his career, including history into his solo debut (2002's The Magnificent), his early work with Eminem, his role as the face of Starter jackets and hats, his definition of a real DJ, the... Read more

Common, Nicki Minaj and More Will Join Ice Cube in Barbershop 3 (Behind The Scenes Video)

Out of Ice Cube's many film franchises, Barbershop is one of the most beloved. The original film debuted in 2002, starring Anthony Anderson, Cedrick the Entertainer, Eve and more, along with Cube. The movie went on to gross $75 million in theaters and spawned a sequel in 2004, a Beauty... Read more

Common, Mobb Deep, Freeway & More Set to Perform at The Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival

Ambrosia For Heads is proud to announce our media partnership with the 11th annual Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival. Kicking off July 8, and running through July 11, this year's series of events drives emphasis to the very spirit of Hip-Hop culture. 2015's gala includes performances by Academy and Grammy award-winning Common,... Read more

RZA To Direct Film “Coco,” Starring Common & Jill Scott

In the Fall of 1991, RZA (as Prince Rakeem) had a Tommy Boy Records EP, Ooh, I Love You Rakeem, which would prove to be a jumping off point for the Wu-Tang Clan. That same season, a Chicago, Illinois MC named Common Sense appeared in the October, 1991 "Unsigned Hype"... Read more

Common’s Be Turns 10 Years Old Today. Is It The Definitive Comeback Album?

One decade ago today (May 24, 2005), Common released his sixth album, Be. Although Common was then already a Grammy Award-winning, gold-certified MC, he was in an odd place. Comm' Sense was 11 years removed from his brilliant grassroots Hip-Hop commentary sophomore, Resurrection. The Chicago, Illinois MC was also five... Read more

Hip-Hop Myths: Here Are 5 Common Misbeliefs That Will Surprise You

During its nascent period, Hip-Hop was dismissed by many as simply a passing fad, much like Disco. As we all can see now, those critics were drastically mistaken, and it has not only grown, but has become the most influential cultural presence in fashion, dance, language, art, and of course... Read more

Common & John Legend Are Friends…But Not in This Lip Sync Battle (Video)

Spike TV has launched a new show called Lip Sync Battle that is hosted by none other than LL Cool J. As the title suggests, the show pits contestants against one another in epic fake verbal jousts. In its premiere episode, oft-collaborators and joint Grammy/Oscar winners Common and John Legend... Read more

Nobody’s Smiling…Common Un-invited From Kean University Graduation Speech

Common is the recipient of some difficult news today (April 1). Union, New Jersey's Kean University has uninvited the Chicago, Illinois veteran MC and actor from giving its commencement speech, after reported pressure from local police, who protested Common's attendance, fresh off of an award-winning season surrounding the movie Selma... Read more

Happy Birthday Common. Celebrate with This Amazing Mixtape of Remixes (Audio)

Today (March 13), Common turns 43 years old. For nearly 25 of those years, the Chicago, Illinois MC, actor, and activist has kept Heads noddin'. 2015 appears to be the biggest professional calendar of Common's life, only in the first quarter. The onetime Relativity Records breakout, and former Source "Unsigned... Read more

Common Speaks on Why He Left Oprah Hanging at The Oscars (Video)

Common has deservedly received a lot of attention this week after winning his first Oscar, along with John Legend and Rhymefest, for Best Original Song for "Glory," from the movie Selma. His performance and acceptance speech were highlights of the Academy Awards. However, something that occurred immediately prior to his... Read more

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

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

J Dilla, Common & James Poyser Caught On Questlove’s Camera, Working In The Studio (Video)

One of the definitive albums of J Dilla's career was not his own, but rather, Common's Like Water For Chocolate. Comm's first LP out of the No I.D. and Dug Infinite pocket welcomed Jay Dee, Questlove, D'Angelo, James Poyser and the Soulquarians to the mix, along with DJ Premier and... Read more

Stacy Barthe & Common Show How Beautiful Music Makes Us Live for Today (Audio)

Stacy Barthe is a supremely talented vocalist and songwriter. While she might not be a household name (yet), she has written songs for some of the biggest artists in the world, including Rihanna, Kelly Rowland, Britney Spears and Katie Perry. She's also worked with the likes of Melanie Fiona, Akon... Read more

Common & John Legend Receive Oscar Nomination For “Glory”

After winning this year's Golden Globe Award for "Best Original Song," Common & John Legend's "Glory", from the film Selma, has been nominated for the Academy Award in the same category.  They could potentially be just the third Hip-Hop/R&B act to win the award, along with Three 6 Mafia's "It's Hard Out... Read more

Common & John Legend Capture The Glory Of “Selma” (Video)

Less than 48 hours after Common and John Legend carried Golden Globe trophies (presented by Prince) off of the stage for their song "Glory," they offer up the video. The "Best Original Song" winner from the film Selma cross-promotes Ava DuVernay's latest work in the visual. Along the way, there... Read more

Common & John Legend Are Presented With Golden Globes…By Prince (Video)

Moments ago this evening (January 11), it was a historic moment for the careers of Common and John Legend. The former G.O.O.D. Music label-mates, as a pair, took home "Best Original Song" Golden Globes for the song "Glory" from the film Selma. Not only does the honor put John and Comm'... Read more

Common & John Legend Honor The Civil Rights Movement Of The ’60s & Today (Audio)

Need some chicken noodle soup for the soul today? This may be it... Old G.O.O.D. Music brothers Common and John Legend come together for "Glory." Holding 2014's Ferguson protestors up alongside Rosa Parks' Birmingham, Alabama bus incident and subsequent boycott (59 years ago this week), this uplifting song is about... Read more

Finding The GOAT: Common vs. stic.man…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

The Tension Is Captured In Common & Snoh’s Bad Things (Video)

In addition to the acclaimed work on Nobody Smiling, and his upcoming (amazing) appearance on Royce Da 5'9" & DJ Premier's PRhyme, one of Common's more interesting 2014 moments is "Bad Things" alongside Snoh Aalegra. Produced by No I.D., the track is a heavily stylized narrative. So for the video,... Read more

Common Leads a Troop of Artists Raising Awareness About Climate Change (Audio)

This is refreshing. In a throwback to times when Hip-Hop stood for something and spoke up for change, Common has teamed with Malik Yusef, Kumasi, Aaron Fresh, Choklate, and Laci Kay on the song "Trouble in the Water." The song is part of a forthcoming project called HOME which seeks... Read more

Common Honors Veterans Day & Those Who Served In A Spoken Word Piece (Video)

Recently, Common performed "This War We Fight" at The White House, in honor of Veteran's Day and those who served in the United States Armed Forces. On the day of remembrance (November 11), Comm' releases the video of him delivering the rhyming, Spoken Word poem. Looking out the window in... Read more

MC Lyte Makes The Perfect Visual For Her Latest Common Collabo (Video)

Following last month's "Dear John," MC Lyte & Common's latest collaboration gets a narrative video. The song about men taking on a greater role in their families amidst the stressful and demanding circumstances gets a video that highlights fatherhood, especially Black fatherhood, including some celebrity cameos. This concept is executed... Read more

Snoh & Common Say Bad Things Over A No ID Instrumental (Audio)

The history between Common and No ID has been well documented for some years, but their relationship with Swedish R&B songstress Snoh may be a little lesser known to the average Head. Looking up to iconic artists including her all-time hero, Michael Jackson, Snoh Aalegra began honing in on her... Read more

Lil Herb, Common & Chance the Rapper Say No Matter How Hard Things Get, Never Quit (Video)

Lil Herb's "Fight or Flight Remix" featuring Common and Chance the Rapper is at times bleak, but the overriding message is, no matter how bad things have been or might get, never quit and never give in. The video captures these themes with both images of destruction and those of... Read more

The Family of Mike Brown Joins Common Onstage at the BET Hip Hop Awards (Video)

In a moment that was truly bigger than Hip-Hop (or any other form of music), the parents of Mike Brown, who was gunned down by police in Ferguson, MO, took the stage during the BET Hip Hop Awards at the conclusion of Common's performance of his "Kingdom Remix" with Vince... Read more

Common Releases His Remix to Kingdom with Vince Staples & Jay Electronica (Audio)

After premiering the remix to "Kingdom" at the taping of the BET Hip Hop Awards (airing on 10/14), Common releases the track to the masses. The song, which was already powerful with its meditative choir-sung hook, goes to a different level with the addition of the one and only Jay... Read more

Jay Electronica Joins Common & Vince Staples On Stage for the Kingdom Remix (Video)

As reported, Jay Electronica joined Common and Vince Staples on stage at the BET Hip Hop Awards in Atlanta for a powerful remix to Common's Kingdom. Last night, the trio did another performance of the remix at the AAHH! Fest in Chicago and footage of Jay Elec's verse was captured.... Read more

The Week in Hip-Hop Video: Royce Da 5’9″ & DJ Premier, Common, Styles P, Cormega, Joey Bada$$, Jeezy, Big KRIT & More (Video Playlist)

The week in video brought an incredible teaser from Royce Da 5'9", DJ Premier & Adrian Younge, dope freestyles from Joey Bada$$ and Murda Mook, videos from Styles P & Chris Rivers, Cormega, Mursday, Jeezy and Apollo Brown & Ras Kass, conversations with Big K.R.I.T. and Ab-Soul, and an amazing... Read more

Common & J Dilla’s The Light Was Part Of The Love Movement. Get The Backstory (Video)

Common's career took a tremendous turn on 2000's Like Water For Chocolate. At the perceived pinnacle of the Okay Player artist movement, Common and MCA Records made what is rarely considered the MC's best album, but may very well be his most important. Transitioning from the critical acclaim of 1997's... Read more

Rest In Peace To Common’s Father, Lonnie “Pops” Lynn

Common's father, Lonnie Lynn, Sr., has passed away. Details are still emerging surrounding the cause of death, however it is believed to have happened yesterday (September 15), per the Associated Press. Dating back to 1994's Resurrection, Pops appeared on various Common albums, typically on interludes near the LPs' end. These... Read more