AFH Ambrosia for Heads

Questlove & Yasiin Bey Praise Bad Brains’ H.R. In An Upcoming Documentary (Video)

Since the late 1970s, Bad Brains changed the face of Punk Rock music. The Washington, D.C. collective was an all-Black band that blended the hard sounds of early Punk with messages associated with their Rastafarian beliefs. Songs like "Banned In D.C.," "Pay To Cum" and "Sailin' On" (all from their... Read more

Tupac Shakur Has Been Nominated For The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame

The nominees for the 2017 class of the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame have been announced, and Tupac Shakur leads a list of first time nominees that also includes Pearl Jam, Journey, Jane's Addiction, Depeche Mode, and more. If accepted, Shakur would be the sixth Hip-Hop artist admitted to... Read more

Hear J Dilla’s Unreleased Demos & His Story Told By The Man Who Helped Launch His Career (Audio)

J Dilla's sprawling discography can be a challenge to process. The Detroit, Michigan visionary was a producer, an MC, a member of many groups, a musician, and somebody who loved a laissez-faire approach to his music. In his 32 years of life, he made lots of it. In his career,... Read more

The Force M.D.’s Tell Their Story In One Of Trisco’s Last Interviews (Video)

Last week, Force M.D.'s member Trisco Pearson passed away (September 16) after a public battle with cancer. The veteran singer was an integral part of a Staten Island, New York collective that pioneered the Hip-Hop and R&B hybrid in its melodic harmonizing, beat-boxing, and rapping. That group has an interesting... Read more

DJ Premier’s 1st Fully-Produced Album Since PRhyme Is A Radical Departure. Meet Torii Wolf (Video)

Over the course of his 30 years in music, DJ Premier has been one of the most respected names in Hip-Hop. The iconic DJ and producer has worked with countless revered artists, including Nas, The Notorious B.I.G., Jay Z, Kanye West, Common, Mos Def, Dr. Dre and more, always adding... Read more

Prince’s Vault Of Unreleased Recordings Is Detailed By Jimmy Jam & Close Associates (Video)

It has been less than one week since Prince Rogers Nelson died (April 21). As information releases about Prince's cause of death and last days, fans and historians are trying to understand the life—often private—of the 57-year old pop icon. One of the biggest questions lingering is what will happen... Read more

Prince Paul Recalls MF DOOM’s “Impostor” Idea & Wu-Tang’s Earliest Days (Audio)

The "devastating" Prince Paul is a living Hip-Hop legend. Although he is a self-professed "shy guy," the Long Island, New Yorker would eventually find himself winning Grammy Awards for cracking jokes around Chris Rock and elite comedians. Listening to Paul is a joy in and of itself; an experience filled... Read more

MC Eiht Offers Firsthand Insight Into How Tupac’s Gang Affinities Killed Him (Video)

Although they would never release a song collaboration, MC Eiht and Tupac Shakur worked together in the 1990s. The two Hip-Hop artists would tour, as well as begin production on Menace II Society in the same cast (Shakur would later be fired). Reflecting on their relationship, the Compton's Most Wanted... Read more

9th Wonder Explains How J Dilla Changed The Sound of Hip-Hop and Fathered “Neo Soul” In The Process (Interview)

After the ascendance of greats like DJ Premier, Pete Rock and Q-Tip in the 90s. There was a new wave of producers that would come to prominence in the 2000s who would carry the torch for Hip-Hop and take it in new directions. This new generation of beatmakers included the... Read more

SWV Releases A New Song That Shows They Can Still Make Us Weak At The Knees (Audio)

SWV (a/k/a Sisters With Voices) are leading up to their first album in nearly four years. February 5, 2016's Still...SWV is a statement LP surrounding Cheryl "Coko" Clemons, Tamara "Taj" Johnson-George, and Leanne "Lelee" Lyons' bond. Smooth single "M.C.E. (Man Crush Everyday)" hits all the right notes. Although it may... Read more

Bobby Ross Avila’s “Humanity” Featuring RZA Is A Timely Message On A Day Of Sorrow (Album Stream)

Bobby Ross Avila is a distinguished and celebrated musician whose work has been heard by Heads before, albeit they may not realize it. Having worked in multiple capacities for artists like Missy Elliott, Mary J. Blige, Janet Jackson, Usher, and many others, Avila is a performing artist and acclaimed producer... Read more

Organized Noize Show Just How They Made That Outkast & Goodie Mob Magic on Rhythm Roulette (Video)

From Outkast to Goodie Mob to Future, Organized Noize have been essential creators to the last 25 years of Hip-Hop. The Atlanta, Georgia-based trio of Sleepy Brown, Ray Murray, and Rico Wade are stellar samplers, as well as amazing musicians. So the latest guests to play Mass Appeal's Rhythm Roulette... Read more

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Nominates N.W.A. Again. Will They Get It Right Now?

The nominations for inductees into the 2016 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame have been announced, and among the names offered up as possible choices is N.W.A. The group who is globally famous for bringing "Reality Rap" to mainstream consciousness may not seem like an obvious choice, but as many... Read more

Andre Harrell Recounts the “Ghetto Fabulous” History of Uptown Records (Video)

The name Andre Harrell might not be as well-known as Russell Simmons, Master P, Birdman or Puff Daddy, but he is responsible for one of the most important record labels in Hip-Hop and Soul history. Uptown Records was the home to Mary J. Blige, Jodeci, Heavy D, Al B. Sure,... Read more

J. Cole Reflects on Art & Life in Jamaica for New Short Film (Video)

Currently on his Forest Hills Drive Tour, J. Cole is a busy man; in addition to promoting his latest album, the MC and producer is turning heads for his collaboration with the one and only Janet Jackson on her much-anticipated return to airwaves, "No Sleeep." Also featured on Houston rapper... Read more

Kendrick Lamar & Nicki Minaj Continue to Dominate the BET Awards

Last night's (June 28) BET Awards were equal parts nostalgic and forward-leaning. A Bad Boy Records reunion featuring Lil' Kim, Diddy, Ma$e, and The LOX as well as appearances from Janet Jackson and Smokey Robinson sparked reflection around the web, with viewers expressing delight at seeing some of their favorite... Read more

Twitter Is Making Moves. And Even Snoop Is Down For The Next Episode

Last week, Snoop Dogg jokingly tweeted "First Order of Business! Get that Moolah! #SnoopforCEO." He was referring to the recent news of a change in leadership at Twitter, where former CEO Dick Costolo stepped down amid a slump in the social media network's expansion as of late. Yes, the online... Read more

Here’s a Feel Good 90s Hip-Hop and R&B Mix to Kick Off the Summer (Audio)

As the warm rays of the Summer sun start to shine through, soak up the good vibes of this 90s Hip-Hop and R&B mix put together by DJ Rumor. You'll hear music from Groove Theory, SWV, Aaliyah, Missy, Hi-Five, TLC, The LOX, LL Cool J, Jay-Z, Faith Evans, Michael Jackson,... Read more

Prince Paul Clarifies an MF DOOM Production Rumor, Revisits Prince Among Thieves (Audio)

Prince Paul is one of the more legendary producers of the last 30 years. Throughout that time, the Long Island, New York native has been involved with an extensive range of music, into Comedy and Spoken Word. His approaches have changed and pioneered the modern Rap sound, with the use... Read more

RZA Has Some Controversial Views On Sample Lawsuits In 2015. Do You Agree?

Since even before 1993's Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), RZA has been a producer who liked to sample. From Janet Jackson to Al Green, Mary Poppins to The Electric Prunes, The Abbott's crates go deep, and unpredictable. However, after nearly 25 years of writing and composing music sold at retail,... Read more

Big Sean’s Dark Sky Paradise Is #1 On The Charts. The Samples Played A Role (Mix)

More than five years in the making, Big Sean grabbed #1 album honors this past week with his third studio LP, Dark Sky Paradise. The G.O.O.D. Music/Def Jam Records star is bidding for a permanent place at Rap's upper echelon, and this album—boasting production from Kanye West, DJ Mustard, Mike... Read more

Happy 40th Birthday to J. Dilla. To Celebrate Here’s J Rocc’s Mind-Blowing 120+ Song Set of Mixes (Audio)

In the last year of his life, J Dilla was getting the mainstream recognition he so deeply deserved. Donuts dropped. He was making thumpers for Common, who was his roommate in L.A. at the time. Dilla deftly balanced major label acceptance with underground royalty, and things seemed to be on... Read more

Remembering Wu-Tang Clan’s Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) 20 Years Later (Food For Thought)

There are certain albums in Hip-Hop that were complete game-changers. Run-DMC’s 1983 self-titled album ripped the Disco out of Rap and, with a new look of Kangol hats, leather jackets and shell-toed Adidas along with crossed arms and boasts of college pursuits, took ownership of the culture.  Five years later,... Read more

Kendrick Lamar – Poetic Justice ft Drake (Video)

Kendrick Lamar's Poetic Justice is named after John Singleton's film starring Janet Jackson and Tupac, but the video for the song plays more like a scene from Singleton's classic debut, Boyz N the Hood. Check out Kendrick's new video below. Related: Kendrick Lamar performs Swimming Pools (Drank) and Poetic Justice... Read more

Busta Rhymes & Q-Tip – Poetic Justice Freestyle

Here's a super soul sexy surprise. Busta Rhymes and Q-Tip link up over Kendrick Lamar's Poetic Justice track to spread love about Janet Jackson. Check it out. Blazing hot! Related: A Tribe Called Quest & Leaders of the New School perform Scenario live at the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival (Video)... Read more

Here’s a recap of the first ever public listening session for Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d city (Food for Thought)

Related: Kendrick Lamar freestyles on the Funkmaster Flex Show (Video) “Martin have a dream. Malcolm have a dream. Kendrick have a dream.” Those might not be the first words you hear on Kendrick Lamar’s album, but they were the first words we heard last night on the first of 9... Read more

Q-Tip is a great MC…quietly, he’s a really dope producer too. The latest installment of the Producer Series playlists features music produced by Q-Tip.

Everyone knows what Q-Tip brought to the mic for A Tribe Called Quest, but his production contributions are rarely mentioned. He and Ali Shaheed Muhammad often shared those duties, with Tip producing under the name The Abstract. Q-Tip also did a fair amount of production as part of The Ummah,... Read more

Magoo Has Passed Away At Age 50

Magoo, one-half of Timbaland & Magoo, has reportedly passed away. The Chesapeake, Virginia artist born Melvin Barcliff died yesterday (August 13) at 50 years, according to friends and collaborators, including Ginuine and Playa producer Digital Black. No cause of death has been revealed at this time. “I don’t even know... Read more

Drake Dissed Kanye West Throughout Their Concert

“Drake don’t do a diss song where it’s an outright head-shot; he’s gonna set it up like war." - Kanye West Just weeks ago, Kanye West sat on Drink Champs and went into deep detail about his issues with Drake. The two-part interview was arguably the most significant conversation in... Read more

A Reluctant Argument For Why Drake Is The Greatest Rapper Of All-Time (Video)

Aubrey Drake Graham is one of the most polarizing Rap stars of all-time. A top reason behind these strong opinions is because Drake transcends the title of "rapper." A whole generation learned about the artist through his acting role on Degrassi. In the late 2000s, when Drake burst onto the... Read more

Drake Speaks In Detail About How Kanye West Betrayed Him (Video)

The summer of 2018 recently came to a close. Although there were a few, the biggest back-and-forth Rap beef of the season was also its first. It took place when Pusha-T dissed Drake on his Kanye West-produced "Infrared." Mere hours later, Drake responded with "Duppy Freestyle." The a la carte... Read more

Drake’s New Video Shows No One Is Better At Being In Their Feelings Than He Is

Drake has released a music video to his #1 single, "In My Feelings." The Scorpion track produced by Noah "40" Shebib, TrapMoneyBenny, and Blaqnmild has created a viral moment with its "Kiki, do you love me? Are you riding? / Say you'll never ever leave from beside me / 'Cause... Read more

Drake Shows He’s Not Too Big To Step In The Booth & Rip A Freestyle (Video)

Over the last few weeks, Drake has firmly established that not only is he the biggest MC in Hip-Hop, he is the biggest artist in the world. With the release of his Scorpion album, the Toronto rapper, singer and actor has yielded some staggering results. His first week sales number... Read more

The Breakfast Club Responds To Threats Of Boycott Due To A Guest’s Words (Audio)

On Friday (July 28), comedian/actor Lil Duval was a guest on The Breakfast Club. The interview has since become controversial, with some calling for a boycott of the syndicated Power 105 morning show following remarks made by the Jacksonville, Florida native guest. During the interview, DJ Envy asked Lil Duval, "Say... Read more

Michel’le’s Relationships With Dr. Dre & Suge Knight The Subject Of Lifetime Biopic

In 2015 film Straight Outta Compton, the lives and careers of N.W.A. members were profiled to a box office record-breaking response. Eazy-E, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, MC Ren, and DJ Yella's recording, touring, and the establishment of Ruthless Records made for much of the film's story. Michel'le was present for... Read more

How Organized Noize Created The Atlanta Hip-Hop Sound With Outkast & Goodie Mob

In looking at Rap superstars, their producers are never far behind in recognition. Rick Rubin was the musical architect that would have a hand in the success of Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J, and Beastie Boys. Dr. Dre's "Midas Touch" with N.W.A., Snoop Dogg (and to a lesser extent) Tupac cleared... Read more

A Documentary On Organized Noize Looks At The Genius & Drama In The Dungeon (Video)

Organized Noize is one of the most impactful musical groups of the last 25 years. The Atlanta, Georgia-based trio of Sleepy Brown, Rico Wade, and Ray Murray would be deeply responsible for the mainstream (and critical) success of Outkast, TLC, Goodie Mob, and a litany of other acts, ranging from... Read more

9th Wonder Shows The Pure Joy In Making A Neck-Snapping Beat (Video)

9th Wonder is the latest to step up and take Mass Appeal's Rhythm Roulette challenge, where he is blindfolded, chooses 3 random records and asked to make a beat using them. He joins a long line of impressive producers who have participated in the series, including Large Professor, Organized Noize,... Read more

Khrysis’ Rhythm Roulette Beats Are Soul Council Scorchers (Video)

Khrysis has been one of Hip-Hop's most consistent producers of the last decade. The Durham, North Carolina representative, and one-half of The Away Team, has put in critical production work on albums such as Little Brother's The Minstrel Show, KRS-One & Buckshot's Survival Skills, and Rapsody's The Idea Of Beautiful.... Read more

Goodie Mob’s “Soul Food” Introduced the Dirty South. 20 Years Later, It’s Still Got the Recipe.

On November 7, 1995, Atlanta Hip-Hop group Goodie Mob released its debut album, Soul Food. Cee Lo Green, Big Gipp, Khujo, and T-Mo blended conscientious lyrics with Southern sensibilities, and many Heads claim the LP featured the first use of the term "Dirty South" in a Rap lyric. The album... Read more