AFH Ambrosia for Heads

Joe Budden & Royce 5’9 Review The Rise & Fall Of Slaughterhouse

Earlier this month, on March 11, Kxng Crooked and Joell Ortiz released their second collaborative album as a duo. While 2020's H.A.R.D. was recognized for two elite MCs representing one-half of Slaughterhouse coming together, 2022's LP was far more provocative. The Rise & Fall Of Slaughterhouse arrived with new information... Read more

Snoop Dogg Has Signed Benny The Butcher To Def Jam

Based on Kanye West's latest interview, the superstar artist has fulfilled his Def Jam Records contract, isolating Ye from Def Jam for the first time in nearly 20 years. However, in recent days, it's been revealed that the iconic label founded by Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin has signed an... Read more

Kendrick Lamar Declares War On Hip-Hop’s Top 5 MCs

One week ago Kendrick Lamar made a rare and bold statement about his upcoming album while providing some significant news. “As I produce my final TDE album, I feel joy to have been a part of such a cultural imprint after 17 years. The Struggles. The Success. And most importantly,... Read more

JAY-Z’s Lawsuit Against Jonathan Mannion Could Change Photography Forever

Several weeks ago, JAY-Z celebrated 25 years since releasing his debut album, Reasonable Doubt. Amid the fanfare is a lawsuit against the photographer for the artwork of the Roc-A-Fella Records LP. Jonathan Mannion was behind the lens for the black-and-white photograph of Shawn Carter in the tailored suit, scarf, and cigar.... Read more

Royce 5’9 Explains How Griselda Has Avoided Some Of Slaughterhouse’s Mistakes

In the last month, Griselda released its first group album, WWCD ((What Would Chine Gunn Do) on Shady Records. The project unites Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine, and Benny The Butcher for their first full-length release as a trio. Since signing with Eminem in 2017, the collective has independently garnered tremendous... Read more

LL Cool J Discusses The Importance Of Owning All Of His Music (Video)

LL Cool J is one of Hip-Hop's first artist-moguls. At the same time he established himself as one of the most dominant MCs of all time, James Todd Smith was adding film, fashion, and more to his resume. Appearing on Sway In The Morning this week, Uncle L also broke... Read more

Gang Starr’s Album Is Here & It’s One Of The Best Yet (Audio)

Less than six weeks ago, Hip-Hop Heads suddenly learned that a Gang Starr album was on its way. DJ Premier had spent more than a year producing songs around previously unreleased vocals from his longtime creative partner, Guru. The MC/producer had passed away in 2010, nearly seven years removed from... Read more

Travis Scott Continues To Take The Art Form Of Music Videos To A Higher Level

Last year, Travis Scott made an exceptionally creative release in the form of Astroworld. Named one of Ambrosia For Heads' best albums of 2018, the collection pulled from Gang Starr and The Screwed Up Click in the same amusement park-inspired universe. At nearly an hour (in a year of short... Read more

Rapsody’s Eve Is 1 Of The Year’s Best Albums In Any Category

In terms of receipts from paying dues, Rapsody possesses suitcases full of them. Her career dates back to an inconspicuous debut on 9th Wonder's Dream Merchant 2 interludes a dozen years ago. That look came after years of studying under the famed producer, long before she ever touched one of his beats... Read more

Missy Elliott To Receive The Video Vanguard Award At 2019 VMAs

More than 20 years after "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)," Missy Elliott will receive one of the highest honors for music videos. The Portsmouth, Virginia MC/producer has been confirmed to receive the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the upcoming 2019 MTV Video Music Awards. The televised ceremony will broadcast... Read more

Earl Sweatshirt’s Production Brings Out The Best In Tha God Fahim (Video)

Professional Rap and Hip-Hop artists once spent months and years preparing their projects. However, in this new epoch, many acts are dropping releases with a shocking frequency. Some respected artists are giving fans new material at a monthly or even weekly clip. Enter Tha God Fahim, a conduit in this... Read more

Here’s The Story Behind The All-Star Cypher That Ended The Arsenio Hall Show

Twenty-five years ago this month, The Arsenio Hall Show dimmed the lights on a massive television platform, especially for Hip-Hop. Since early 1989, the actor/comedian/host planted his flag with a new kind of late-night talk-show with a penchant for the issues, people, and culture that inspired him. From M.C. Hammer... Read more

J. Cole Explains Why Cancel Culture Is The Problem Not The Solution

Having spent more than the past decade polishing his craftsmanship as an MC/producer and staying true to his destined path as an uncompromising individualist, J. Cole has mastered the art of controlling one's narrative. While he admittedly isn't a fan of the "platinum, no features" memes that have become synonymous... Read more

Killer Mike Speaks About The Importance Of Voting In Local Elections (Video)

Outside of his work as a veteran solo artist and one-half of Run The Jewels, Killer Mike is a well-known entrepreneur and social activist. In the latest episode from BET's Finding Justice, Mike uses his platform to discuss yet another important topic as one of Rap's more trusted social voices.... Read more

Peanut Butter Wolf Speaks About Parting Ways With Madlib & Egon

Stones Throw Records founder Peanut Butter Wolf is the latest guest on Questlove Supreme. Taped in Los Angeles, California, the episode finds Questlove, Phonte, Boss Bill, Laiya, Suga Steve asking the San Jose native Chris Manak about his label and its incredible catalog. Highlights include specific discussion on Lootpack's Soundpieces:... Read more

Why Donald Glover Is 2018’s Hip-Hop Person Of The Year

As 2018 comes to a close, Donald Glover may not only be one of the most brilliant people in entertainment, he is among the most influential. In an era where quantity rules and quality rises, Glover is prolific in a way that rivals few. In three songs, two music videos,... Read more

Ad-Rock Opens Up About The Beastie Boys’ Bitter Split From Def Jam

Last month Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz and Michael "Mike D" Diamond published The Beastie Boys Book. The memoir of the band chronicles 35 years of music-making, friendship, and being part of multiple cultural melting pots in Downtown New York City, Los Angeles, and places and spaces in between. A highlight in... Read more

Lauryn Hill Responds To Her Critics In A MAJOR Way. This Is A Re-Education.

Just over two weeks ago, Grammy Award-winning musician/artist Robert Glasper opened up about Lauryn Hill in an interview with Houston, Texas' 97.9 The BOX. The revealing 40-minute conversation found Glasper recalling his time with L-Boogie in 2008 as a touring musician. Those memories were not positive, as the pianist says... Read more

Finding The GOAT Group: The Pharcyde vs. Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Group,” the fourth installment of Ambrosia For Heads’ annual competition series features Hip-Hop’s greatest collectives vying for the #1 spot. Sixty-two groups have been pre-selected by a panel of experts, and one slot will be reserved for a wild-card entry (which has been determined), including the possibility for... Read more

Finding The GOAT Group: OutKast vs. Migos. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Group,” the fourth installment of Ambrosia For Heads’ annual competition series features Hip-Hop’s greatest collectives vying for the #1 spot. Sixty-two groups have been pre-selected by a panel of experts, and one slot will be reserved for a wild-card entry (which has been determined), including the possibility... Read more

Why Kanye West Is A Genius Regardless Of His Views Outside Of Music

Kanye West's cultural influence is undeniable. Few artists, especially in Hip-Hop have had a reign as long or as far-reaching as the artist who locked himself in a room doing five a beats a day for three summers. Remember when everyone wore those terrible shutter shade sunglasses after Graduation dropped?... Read more

The 14 Best Hip-Hop Releases So Far In 2018 (Audio & Video)

Approaching 2018’s midpoint, the year has been absolutely incredible for Hip-Hop and Rap music. For many artists, the album is now shorter than it has ever been. Releases are more concentrated and digestible than they have been been in decades. Moreover, the MC/producer double-threat is winning, as is the chemistry... Read more

Kanye West Explains His Mental Breakdown For The First Time (Video)

UPDATE: In a live video interview this afternoon (May 1) with TMZ, Kanye West admitted to an opioid addiction ahead of his 2016 hospitalization. "Two days before [I met with Donald Trump] I was in the hospital, I was on opioids. I was addicted to opioids. I had plastic surgery... Read more

Kelis Accuses Nas Of Physically & Mentally Abusing Her (Video)

Singer and chef Kelis and ex-husband Nas recently settled a tense and public custody battle. The former Star Trak Records artist conducted one of her first interviews in nearly a decade and made some powerful claims against her former marital partner of five years. Kelis describes her time with Nas... Read more

J. Cole Reveals Who Kill Edward Is And It’s Deeper Than Rap

On J. Cole's newly-released KOD, there is one guest by the name of kiLL edward. The character appears on two songs: "The Cut Off" and "FRIENDS." These are two powerful cuts on an album that carries three titles: Kids On Drugs, Kill Our Demons, and King Overdose. For an artist... Read more

Finding The GOAT Group: Dilated Peoples vs. Jurassic 5. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Group,” the fourth installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest collectives vying for the #1 spot. Sixty-two groups have been pre-selected by a panel of experts, and one slot will be reserved for a wild-card entry, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to... Read more

Black Thought Lists His Top 5 MCs & The Reasons He’s A GOAT (Video)

The latest episode of the Touré Show podcast released this week, and the guest is none other than Black Thought of The Roots. This insightful conversation (named "How To MC") took place in late 2017 at the Brooklyn Museum and was filmed in front of a live audience of a... Read more

Nipsey Hussle Explains Why He’s Joining Forces With A Major Label (Video)

Nipsey Hussle, who has created his success independently, is on the verge of dropping his first album backed by a major label. Victory Lap is poised to release on February 16, 2018, via All Money In No Money Out/Atlantic Records, and many Heads have wondered why someone who has time... Read more

Who Had The Best Rap Album Of 2017 (The Final Battle): Kendrick Lamar vs. Big K.R.I.T.

We have our opinions on the best albums of 2017, but rather than simply list them, we thought it would be more interesting to hear what you, the readers, believe is the Best Rap Album of 2017. With that in mind, we decided to make our Best Rap Albums Of... Read more

Bahamadia Produced An Entire EP On Her Phone & It’s Dialed Up 2 The Max (Audio)

Revered as one of music's most gifted Philly lyricists, Bahamadia is known for her subdued, under-the-radar persona. However, her presence in the culture has never waned. Largely considered one of the dopest women to have ever touched a mic, her 1996 album Kollage continues to ring bells two decades later.... Read more

RESPECT THE DJ: Rob Swift Speaks Out Against Those Who Should Not Be Called “DJ”

Words By DJ Rob Swift I started out as a fan first. I grew up around the art of DJing since I came out my mother’s womb. There hasn’t been a day in my life that I haven’t been exposed to the art form in some way, NOT ONE DAY.... Read more

Kool G Rap Is A 30-Year Lyrical Legend. Listen To A Sneak Preview Of His New Album (Audio)

Kool G Rap is frequently considered one of Hip-Hop's greatest MCs. For 31 years, the Queens, New Yorker has helped bring Rap out of an era of simpler deliveries to compound rhyme structures, fast paced flows, and an unrivaled use of cadence. Additionally, he is one of the pioneers of... Read more

Kool G Rap Strikes With 1st Single In 6 Years. Lil Fame & Freeway Back Up The Bars (Audio)

Lyrical Rap legend Kool G Rap has released his first official solo single in more than six years. Approaching June 2's Return Of The Don album, G Rap prepares his first album with a single producer since his heralded 1989 Marley Marl-produced debut, Road To The Riches. This time around, the onetime mentor to... Read more

Skillz’s 2016 Rap Up Reminds Us Of The Year’s Highs, Lows & Reasons To Stay Woke (Audio)

2016 is coming to a close. Years from now, how will we, the people, remember such an expansive year in Hip-Hop music, news, and culture? This year, some of the biggest MCs in the genre released new albums. Several of these efforts came in short notice, challenging new distribution platforms... Read more

Lil Wayne’s Manager Reveals Cash Money Blocked The Release Of Carter V & A Big Check For Wayne (Video)

For more than 15 years, Lil Wayne and Cash Money Records were family, literally. Out of the Hot Boys, Wayne evolved from a burgeoning raspy-voiced teenage Rap sensation in the late '90s to the label's flagship superstar throughout the 2000s into the early 2010s. In the closing days of 2014,... Read more

De La Soul Describe Their Million Dollar Album With Priceless Jewels

In two days (August 26), De La Soul will release its eighth album, and the Anonymous Nobody. Released through the trio's own AOI (Art Official Intelligence) imprint, the album follows up on 2004's The Grind Date with an assortment of features, and at least one theme. While the Long Island, New... Read more

Large Professor Broke More Than Atoms 25 Years Ago. He Broke New Ground.

By the early 1990s, Wild Pitch Records proved to be one of the most exciting labels in Hip-Hop. It was their logo at the center of the record that made key introductions for Gang Starr, Lord Finesse, and Flavor Unit lyricist Chill Rob G. Stu Fine’s label appeared to be... Read more

ScHoolboy Q Discusses His Historically Unique Feature Choices (Video)

Less than one week ago, ScHoolboy Q released his fourth album, Blank Face LP. The TDE/Interscope Records effort features appearances by Tha Dogg Pound, E-40, and Jadakiss, among others. Speaking with DJ Whoo Kid this week on The Whoolywood Shuffle Shade 45 radio show, Groovy Q explained his feature choices,... Read more

Prince’s Vast & Innovative Websites Are Now an Online Museum

Prince was an artist ahead of his time in more ways than one. As a musician, he pushed the boundaries of creativity in ways few others have done. As an advocate for artistry, he fought harder for the rights of artists to maintain control of their creations, before and into... Read more

Kareem “Biggs” Burke Reveals Roc-A-Fella Secrets Regarding Big L, Scarface & Ma$e

Roc-A-Fella Records' 1990s and early 2000s' reign is credited to three businessmen. While Jay Z has become one of, if not the biggest artists in Hip-Hop history, Dame Dash is one of the highest profile Rap executives. Third owner of the original Roc, Kareem "Biggs" Burke was (and remains) less in... Read more

New Jack City’s Creator Reveals The Story’s Original Ending & It’s Wildly Different

In the mid-1980s, Thomas Lee Wright, a creative executive at Paramount Studios left the company to pursue a career as a screenwriter. One of his first endeavors was to write a treatment for The Godfather: Part III, because he knew Paramount had a high interest in making a third installment... Read more

J. Cole’s 2014 Forest Hills Drive vs. Madvillain’s Madvillainy. 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

Kendrick Lamar Ends 2015 With 1 Of The Most Emotionally Raw & Visually Stunning Videos

When we look back at 2015 years from now, the annum for Kendrick Lamar will be viewed as one of the most complete for any artist in any genre or medium. Lamar achieved levels of success by any metric--commercial, critical, social importance--with the release of his album To Pimp A... Read more

J. Cole’s 2014 Forest Hills Drive vs. Kendrick Lamar’s Section.80. 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

Sheek Louch Discusses Silverback Gorilla 2 & Talks Working With Biggie and DMX (Interview)

Whereas speaking to Jadakiss or Styles P is often a lower key experience, their LOX band-mate Sheek Louch is high-energy. The Yonkers, New York veteran MC did not equate himself to one of the most ferocious members of the animal kingdom by being docile. In the Tommy Boy Entertainment conference... Read more

Ice Cube’s AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted vs. Mos Def’s Black On Both Sides. 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

Pimp C’s Diverse Musical Talents & Mental Health Struggles Remembered in His Definitive Biography (Interview)

This December marks eight years since Pimp C passed away. The man born Chad Butler built a career around making a well-seasoned gumbo with his far-reaching love of music. UGK, the Underground Kingz that Pimp C and Bun B established in the late 1980s, sprinkled Hip-Hop with elements of Blues,... Read more

Big Daddy Kane’s Long Live The Kane vs. Eric B. & Rakim’s Follow The Leader. 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

5 Decades Later, Muhammad Ali Remains The People’s Champ. He is Celebrated in a New Documentary (Video)

Muhammad Ali was not only considered to be the greatest boxer of all-time. To many, he is the greatest athlete in history. While there are arguably those who have been gifted with more technical expertise and more raw ferocity, it is what Ali did outside of the ring that cemented... Read more

D’Angelo & Tavis Smiley Maintain the Groove in Pt. 2 of Their Fascinating Conversation (Video)

Much like the first half of their conversation, part 2 of the discussion between D'Angelo and Tavis Smiley showcases two masters at work. Smiley shows why he has ascended to become one of the best interviewers in the business by asking informed questions and actively listening. In turn, D'Angelo rewards... Read more