AFH Ambrosia for Heads

Jay Rock Recalls Top Dawg Discovering Him When He Was Just A Boy In The Hood (Video)

Currently on the Big Redemption Tour in promotion of his album, Jay Rock and tour-mate Reason recently crossed the border in to Vancouver, Canada for an interview with Nardwuar. Throughout the video, Nardwuar drops insights on Jay Rock and Reason's upbringing in Southern California, from Reason's college basketball days to... Read more

Homeboy Sandman & Edan Make An Anthem For Going Offline (Video)

Earlier this year, Queens, New York native MC Homeboy Sandman and Big Apple-based producer/DJ/MC triple-threat Edan teamed up to drop a sleeper single just before summer: "#NeverUseTheInternetAgain." The two connected on the banging track to drop facts on the dangers of social media, and their efforts in rejecting internet usage.... Read more

Finding The GOAT Group: OutKast vs. Wu-Tang Clan. 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

Finding The GOAT Group: OutKast vs. Gang Starr. 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

Nas Has Made The Forbes Hip-Hop List For The First Time In His Career

Nas told his fans what he would do if he ruled the world. In the 22 years since his Lauryn Hill-assisted single, Nasir Jones has stacked paper in a way that has put him in a very powerful position. Like peers JAY-Z and Eminem, one of Hip-Hop's most respected MCs... Read more

Pharrell Reveals 2 Of His Biggest Hits Were Made For Prince & CeeLo

Interviews with Pharrell Williams can be rare, but when new ones surface, they usually impart some pretty profound knowledge or perspective. That remained the case with one he did recently with Clash Magazine's Grant Brydon. The 45-year-old producer/singer from Virginia Beach revealed some pretty interesting tidbits about a couple of... Read more

Nicki Minaj & Cardi B’s Beef Turns Physical As They Face Off On The Red Carpet (Video)

UPDATE: Following an altercation with Nicki Minaj just hours ago, Cardi B has released a statement. Written to Nicki, the Instagram post alleges that Minaj attempted to black-ball Cardi in the industry. Cardi also says that she confronted Nicki twice about the reported behind-the-scenes tactics to hold back the Bronx,... Read more

MGK Is The First To Fire Back At Eminem & He Gets Personal (Video)

On Friday (August 31), Eminem ambushed several figures in the Rap industry and media with his Kamikaze album. The sneak-attack release addresses a host of Rap peers, from Shady Records artist (via Slaughterhouse) Joe Budden to apparent jabs at Drake, along with pokes at Brand Nubian's Lord Jamar and Tyler,... Read more

Donald Glover’s New Video Shows Hip-Hop America & How Great It Could Be

Just under four months ago, Donald Glover released one of the most unforgettable music videos of 2018. "This Is America" is artful, symbolic, and it is certainly jarring. The visual was a return to Rap for the versatile, genre-defying also artist also known as Childish Gambino. Since then, Glover released... Read more

Escobar Season Has Returned. Nas Reunites With Karl Kani For A Clothing Line

Since the Karl Kani street clothing brand was relaunched in 2016, it has reintroduced the company’s vibrant but rugged aesthetic which saw the Kani signature logo stitched across the chest of most big-name rappers and R&B singers of the early-1990s era. Icons like Tupac, the Notorious B.I.G., Puff Daddy, Nas,... Read more

Finding The GOAT Group: OutKast vs. Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. 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

Here Are The 16 Hip-Hop Groups Competing To Be Named The Best Of All-Time

“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 were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and one slot was reserved for a wild-card entry, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no... Read more

J. Prince Reveals How He & Mike Dean Got Dr. Dre’s Secret Production Formula (Video)

From the somber swing of Scarface’s The Diary to the flamboyant complement to JAY-Z & Kanye West's Watch The Throne, Grammy Award-winning producer, mixer, engineer, and musician Mike Dean has been a versatile sound provider for 25 years. Few creators can do as much as Mike in the genre, across... Read more

Finding The GOAT Group: Method Man & Redman vs. Gang Starr. 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

Cardi B Is The First Woman Rapper In Hip-Hop History To Have Two #1 Singles

Even as she awaits her first child, Cardi B is steadily making moves that haven’t been made before in Rap. Her latest single, “I Like It” featuring Bad Bunny and J Balvin has climbed to the #1 slot on the Billboard "Hot 100" chart. This second hit comes after, “Bodak... 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

Here Are The 32 Hip-Hop Groups Competing To Be Named Best Of All-Time

“Finding the GOAT Group,” the fourth installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual competition series features Hip-Hop’s greatest collectives vying for the #1 spot. Sixty-two groups were 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 ensure... Read more

Which One Of These Hip-Hop Groups Deserves A Spot To Compete For Greatest Of All-Time?

“Finding the GOAT Group,” the fourth installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual competition series features Hip-Hop’s greatest groups vying for the #1 spot. Sixty-two groups have been pre-selected by a panel of experts, competing to advance to the Top 32, and one slot will be reserved for a wild-card entry,... Read more

XXXTentacion Has Been Killed In Florida Shooting

This afternoon (June 18), rapper XXXTentacion was fatally shot near Miami, Florida. He was reportedly in his vehicle leaving a motorcycle dealer when two men allegedly approached the car, shot him, and then fled the scene. The 20-year-old artist born Jahseh Onfroy has passed away from the gunshot wounds, according... Read more

Finding The GOAT Group: Organized Konfusion vs. Black Star. 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

Do Remember When Biggie & The LOX Flexed A Freestyle Over Wu-Tang’s C.R.E.A.M. (Audio)

Earlier this week, Styles P was on The Breakfast Club to promote his newly-released G-Host album. During the interview discussion, co-host Charlamagne Tha God mentioned The LOX and The Notorious B.I.G.'s important collaborative freestyle appearance on early 1997's The Mixtape Vol. II: 60 Minutes Of Funk by Funkmaster Flex. He... Read more

Donald Glover’s SNL Skit Shows What A Horror Show Kanye West Has Become (Video)

Since Kanye West returned to social media in recent weeks, it has become a 24-7 news cycle for those deeming it worthy of their attention. After a lengthy hiatus from interacting with the public, West returned to Twitter with philosophical quotes by mid-April. Gearing up for a long-awaited album, Heads... Read more

J. Cole Is King Of The Charts With 2018’s Best Opening Week

Ten days after KOD released, J. Cole topped the charts as many fans anticipated. The lead marks Cole's fifth consecutive album to reach #1. For the third straight time, the Dreamville Records founder and Roc Nation MC/produced achieved this feat without any guests on his album. KOD, an acronym for Kids... Read more

Cardi B Finesses The Charts & Breaks 2 New Guinness Records

Cardi B’s music may not be polarizing in the eyes of some Hip-Hop Heads, but the numbers do not lie. The Bronx, New York rapper has an unabashed energy that has attracted a wide fan-base, and her numbers reflect her rapid rise in popularity. She is literally on top of... Read more

Nicki Minaj Releases A Hard HIP-HOP Track To Show She’s Still The Queen Of Rap (Audio)

It seems highly unlikely that Nicki Minaj's choosing to release her first new music of the year at the end of a week dominated by Cardi B was by coincidence. The two have been intertwined for months, as successful women rappers, featured guests on the same song, and potential combatants... Read more

N.O.R.E. & Pharrell Playfully Honor Robert Palmer’s Addicted To Love Video

N.O.R.E. has diversified his brand and repertoire in the 2010s. The Lefrak City, Queens rapper now reaches the masses with his Drink Champs platform alongside DJ EFN and his On The Run Eatin' food series. However, the same MC who impressed the Hip-Hop masses alongside partner Capone for C-N-N's 1997 debut, The... Read more

Chuck D Is Still Fighting The Power With One Of His Best Verses In Years (Audio)

Today (April 10) marks the 28th anniversary of Public Enemy releasing its third album, Fear Of A Black Planet. The platinum-certified Def Jam Records LP that housed "Fight The Power," "Welcome To The Terrordome," and "911 Is A Joke" contains messages and music that are relevant today. As Public Enemy... Read more

TDE’s President Makes A Compelling Argument For Why Cardi B Is Like Tupac

Cardi B released her major label debut album, Invasion Of Privacy, last Friday (April 6). Within hours, the Bronx, New York rapper achieved gold certification for the Atlantic Records LP featuring YG, Chance The Rapper, Migos, and SZA, among others. In the days ahead the music industry will see if... Read more

dvsn Remind That Prince & Aaliyah Are One In A Million, With A Purple Mash-Up (Video)

Toronto, Ontario R&B duo dvsn is one of the more recognized acts on Drake's OVO roster. Daniel Daley and Nineteen85 made an impact on Views (see: "Faithful") right around the time they began releasing albums together. The pair's latest, Morning After recently snuck into the US charts' Top 40. Nineteen85... Read more

Ali Shaheed Muhammad & Consequence Explain Why ATCQ Was Angry About The Grammys (Video)

To most, the 2018 Grammys represented a strong field of what Hip-Hop music had to offer in the previous year, but many believed that a few were snubbed in the nominees for Best Rap Album. The decision not to select A Tribe Called Quest was a particular sore spot for... Read more

Can You Hear Me Now? Lil Yachty Freestyles With Clear Intent (Video)

Lil Yachty has become one of the most recognized rappers under the legal drinking age. He has endorsement deals, a video approaching 120 million plays, a Top 5 charting album, a Grammy nomination, and platinum singles alongside D.R.A.M. and Kyle. The Quality Control/Capitol Records artist is not without his critics.... Read more

Martin Shkreli Must Forfeit The Only Copy Of Wu-Tang Clan’s “Once Upon A Time In Shaolin” LP

After previous speculation and deliberation, Martin Shkreli is finally going to have to turn over the one-of-a-kind Wu-Tang Clan album Once Upon A Time In Shaolin as part of his forthcoming criminal sentence. Judge Kiyo Matsumoto ruled today (March 5) that in order to help pay off a $7.36 million... Read more

Wu-Tang Clan To Perform 36 Chambers At 2018 Soundset Festival

Rhymesayers Entertainment's 11th annual Soundset lineup is announced. For 2018, the Minneapolis, Minnesota Hip-Hop festival will feature some of RSE's founders and quite active artists. Event co-organizers Atmosphere will perform on the heels of reissuing their 1997 debut Overcast!. Slug, Ant, and company will be joined by Evidence, following last... Read more

Kendrick Lamar Wins The Grammy For Best Rap Album

Kendrick Lamar was a big winner at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards this evening (January 28). Before the main event was even televised, the DAMN. rapper was already the winner of three awards, with "HUMBLE." nabbing the gold for Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance and Best Music Video. The... Read more

Rapsody Explains How Erykah Badu’s “Mama’s Gun” Inspired “Laila’s Wisdom” (Video)

On Sunday, January 28, Rapsody will attend the 60th Annual Grammy Awards as a nominee. Having won trophies for past feature contributions (Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp A Butterfly), the Roc Nation/Jamla MC is up for Best Rap Album for Laila's Wisdom, the only woman in a category which also nominates... Read more

Vic Mensa Says His Freestyle Has No Shots At Joe Budden. You Be The Judge. (Audio)

Last week, Drake released a two-song project known as Scary Hours that spawned a very exciting week in music. "God's Plan" set a new record for single-day streams. Meanwhile, "Diplomatic Immunity" reignited year-and-a-half old beef with Joe Budden. It's been an especially busy month for Joe, who some past Shady... Read more

Chicago Rapper Fredo Santana Has Died At The Age Of 27

Fredo Santana has become one of Chicago, Illinois' emerging voices. He was active in his city's 2010s movement and also worked with Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Migos, Juelz Santana, and his cousin Chief Keef throughout his seven-plus-year career. This morning (January 20), sources including Drake have reacted to the reported death... Read more

Joe Budden Says Eminem Did Not Diss Him & There Is No Beef (Video)

This week, a series of events have signaled one of 2018's first Rap conflicts. Eminem's "Chloraseptic (Remix)" verse was very clearly aimed at those who seem to be criticizing his latest direction and Revival album. Hours later, one of Em's former D12 band-mates, and onetime Shady Records artists, Bizarre, said... Read more

Mary J. Blige To Be Presented Hollywood Walk Of Fame Star By Puff Daddy

Thirty years ago, Mary J. Blige recorded an Anita Baker cover at a kiosk in a Westchester, New York mall. From that teenager's rendition of "Caught Up In The Rapture" (which would get her signed by Uptown Records), the Bronx native has taken her talents to the Walk Of Fame... Read more

Skillz Releases His 2017 Rap Up & It’s An Epic End To A Crazy Year (Audio)

As years come to a close, no Hip-Hop tradition has become more anticipated that Skillz's annual Rap Up. After much cajoling, the VA MC has released his 2017 installment, and it does not disappoint. More than just a summary of the year's events, Skillz's song often provides much needed reminders... Read more

Who Had The Best Rap Album Of 2017 (Battle 8): Kendrick Lamar vs. Big Sean

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

Joe Budden Provides A Timeline Of Events For Why He Left Everyday Struggle (Audio)

In 2017, Joe Budden added a new column to his extensive resumé: talk show host. The veteran Jersey City, New Jersey MC and Slaughterhouse member had expanded his music career to reality television and podcasts in the last decade. Teaming with Complex journalist Nadeska Alexis and prominent social media influencer... Read more

DJ Premier Says He & Pete Rock May Be Exclusively Producing De La Soul’s Next Album (Video)

DJ Premier has had one of his busiest years in recent memory. The Gang Starr member released and produced albums by MC Eiht and Torii Wolf. He just followed those efforts with a video collaboration with A$AP Ferg, helping relaunch '90s Hip-Hop source Payday Records. Preemo is the latest guest... Read more

JAY-Z & Kendrick Lamar Dominate 2018 Grammy Nominations

The nominations for the 60th Grammy Awards are in. The event returns to New York City for the first time in 15 years and will broadcast on January 28, 2018. As many Hip-Hop Heads predicted, JAY-Z and Kendrick Lamar receive a plethora of consideration, for 4:44 and DAMN., respectively. Jay,... Read more

Stalley Has Left MMG & His Sway Freestyle Shows He’s Self-Made (Video)

Ohio MC Stalley has spent much of his career attached to movements. Most notably, in his days with Rick Ross' MMG squad, he was part of three Top 5 Maybach Music Group Self-Made compilations in the early 2010s. The MC followed with his own Top 40 debut Ohio in 2014.... Read more

See The Evolution Of Hip-Hop From 1979 To The Present In 30 Minutes (Video)

Over the years, there have been a number of vehicles that show the transformation of Hip-Hop from its inception to the present. The vast majority of these tend to be either hyper-kinetic mashups that showcase 2-3 second snippets of songs, or exhaustive documentaries that unfold over hours, showcasing years of... Read more

The Roots Want To Score The Star-Studded New Lion King Remake

UPDATE: Following this month's news of a 2019 Lion King remake by Disney, Questlove says The Roots crew want to be down. With an exciting cast in place (as reported below), Quest believes his band makes perfect sense to score the film. On social media, the Grammy Award-winning drummer, composer, producer, DJ, and... Read more

Busta Rhymes Explains Why He Titled Most Of His Albums About World-Changing Events

Busta Rhymes has a discography that stretches 26 years, nine solo albums, and countless hit singles. Out of the nine, one argues to be his most important of his illustrious career. This past weekend, Bussa Buss celebrated the 20th anniversary of his sophomore solo album When Disaster Strikes. Released on... Read more

Wyclef Jean Explains Why Country Music Is The Original Gangsta Rap (Video)

Last week, Wyclef Jean released Carnival III: The Rise and Fall of a Fugee. The orator uses a storyteller's title on his eighth album. There have been ups and downs to the man who represents Haiti, Brooklyn, and north New Jersey. However, things are great for him right now. In addition... Read more

21 Years After Tupac’s Death, The Game Questions How He’d Fit In Today (Audio)

Twenty-one years ago today, the physical world said goodbye to Tupac Shakur. Even with a week spent fighting for his life in a Las Vegas hospital, the 1996 news was sudden and scary, surrounding a Rap star that seemed, at times, immortal—and other times, doomed. Kanye West Killed 50 Cent... Read more