AFH Ambrosia for Heads

Method Man Hopes To Bring The Pain To Celebrity Battle Rap Game Show

One day after Action Bronson was confirmed to host a dating show, one of his influences is part of a similar announcement. Wu-Tang Clan veteran Method Man has been slated to co-host Drop The Mic, a celebrity Battle Rap game show series co-developed by The Late Show host James Corden.... Read more

There Is No Hip-Hop Without Women. Every Day Is Ladies First (Video)

Throughout Hip-Hop history, there have been countless women who have helped carry a nascent culture into the mainstream. Not all of them do we know by name - the mothers, sisters, grandmothers, aunts, teachers, and others who encouraged a child to write rhymes, pursue her or his passion for music,... Read more

Finding The GOAT Producer: A Tribe Called Quest vs. Timbaland. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer,” the third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no... Read more

For Those Feenin’ For More R&B Biopics… The Story Of Jodeci Is Coming (Video)

In the last month, New Edition's biopic set ratings records during its three-night television mini-series. The New Edition Story aired on BET, and told the story of Bobby Brown, Michael Bivens, Ricky Bell, Ronnie DeVoe, Ralph Tresvant, and later member Johnny Gill with the group functioning as producers. The event... Read more

Finding The GOAT Producer. Which 2 Should Join The Top 30?

“Finding the GOAT Producer," the third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series, features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots have been reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no deserving beat... Read more

Finding The GOAT Producer: Swizz Beatz vs. Timbaland. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer” begins. The third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no deserving... Read more

Pharrell & Ellen Aren’t Runnin’ From Homophobia. They Tackle It Head On. (Video)

This morning (January 5), Pharrell Williams appeared on Ellen. The Neptunes/N*E*R*D co-founder was not joined by "Runnin'" collaborator Kim Burrell, as originally planned. Earlier this week, the Grammy-nominated Gospel/Christian singer was cancelled from appearing on Ellen DeGeneres' show, following her sermon at Love and Liberty Fellowship Church International. After those... Read more

15 Years Ago, Mystikal Told Us To Bounce Back Up When Knocked Down (Video)

Fifteen years ago this Sunday (December 18), New Orleans, Louisiana native Mystikal dropped Tarantula, his fifth and final studio album to date. Its lead single, “Bouncin’ Back (Bumpin’ Me Against The Wall),” is like an early-2000s time capsule, from Mystikal’s erratic flow to the track’s bouncy Neptunes beat. It was... Read more

Shia LaBeouf Transforms Into The “#1 MC In Hollywood,” With A Monster Freestyle (Video)

Many things come to mind when the name Shia LaBeouf is mentioned. "MC" is not one of them. For years, LaBeouf has been a fixture in Hollywood as an actor and director, who has been involved in major film franchises such as Indiana Jones, Wall Street and, of course, Transformers.... Read more

Q-Tip & Phife Release Their Most Political Song Ever & It Ain’t Nothin’ Nice (Video)

It's been a heavy week for America. Donald Trump is President-Elect, a stark reality for the millions who have found themselves in the crosshairs of his vitriolic campaigning. Just three days into his new position, Trump has already inspired protests across the country waged by people who are literally fearing... Read more

J. Cole’s 2014 Forest Hills Drive Is The 1st Rap Album In 25 Years To Reach 2X Platinum With No Guests

At the time of its release, J. Cole's 2014 Forest Hills Drive was an outlier to a trend in Hip-Hop. The late 2014 Roc Nation/Columbia Records release contained 13 tracks and no feature verses of any kind. At the time of release, the North Carolina MC/producer earned his third consecutive... Read more

Dante Ross Wanted To Make O.D.B. & Method Man “The Next Run-D.M.C.”

In the canon of Hip-Hop music, Dante Ross may be what we now know as "the plug." From De La Soul to Missy Elliott, MF DOOM to Digital Underground, Lil Dicky to Brand Nubian, Dante has discovered some of Hip-Hop's most respected artists. Beyond simply the exploration, Ross has thrived... Read more

What’s Your Zodiac Sign? These Mixes Are Astrologically Awesome.

At some of the earliest Hip-Hop parties, it was not uncommon for a party-rocking MC to get some crowd reaction by asking questions. In New York City, there were famously the gauges to see what borough was representing the loudest. There have been tricks like DJ Cash Money & Marvelous... Read more

Tish Hyman Has Co-Signs From The Roots, Kanye & More For Good Reason. She Tells Her Story

Over the last 18 months, Tish Hyman has emerged as one of the most promising voices in years. The talented singer, songwriter and MC has earned the respect of Alicia Keys, The Roots, Kanye West, Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs, Fabolous and more, not to mention countless new fans. She also... Read more

Da Brat & Jermaine Dupri Gave Us A Party-Starter In 1994 That’s Still So So Def (Audio)

At only nine tracks long, Da Brat's 1994 debut album Funkdafied was nevertheless a massive success, selling one-million copies and cementing her rightful place in Hip-Hop history as the first female solo MC with a platinum-selling LP. The Chicago, Illinois rapper made her first major move in 1992 after winning... Read more

Lil’ Kim Explains In Detail What Led Up To Rich Homie Quan Forgetting Biggie’s Lyrics

On Monday night (July 11) Lil' Kim was among those celebrated at the return of Hip-Hop Honors. For more than 20 years, the Brooklyn, New York representative has amassed a platinum solo career, along with acclaimed work with Junior M.A.F.I.A. The onetime protege of The Notorious B.I.G. would win Grammy... Read more

Queen Latifah Honors Hip-Hop’s Women Pioneers In An All-Star Showing Of U.N.I.T.Y. (Video)

Last night (July 11), Hip-Hop Honors returned to television, with a special dedication to the ladies. Queen Latifah was one of the honorees of the evening. The MC-turned-actor-turned-singer returned to her late 1980s and early 1990s catalog of hits from the burgeoning days of the Flavor Unit. One of the... Read more

For The First Time Ever, A Major Awards Show Will Exclusively Celebrate Female MCs

It's been six years since the last Hip-Hop Honors television special aired, but that's not the only reason why the return of the broadcast on July 11 is making headlines. For the first time ever, the Vh1 special will feature a lineup of honorees consisting entirely of women whose contributions... Read more

Vh1’s Hip-Hop Honors Is Returning & Celebrating The Ladies First

It's been six years since Vh1 aired its "Hip-Hop Honors" television special, but that's not the only reason why the return of the broadcast on July 11 is making headlines. For the first time ever, it will feature a lineup of honorees consisting entirely of women whose contributions to music... Read more

20 Years Later, Lil’ Kim & Faith Evans Make Peace After A Notorious Past (Video)

In his life, The Notorious B.I.G. was closely associated with two high-profile women. Faith Evans would marry Christopher Wallace in mid-1994 after just a two-week courtship. Providing vocals to Biggie's 1994 debut, Ready To Die, the Lakeland, Florida native would become one of Bad Boy Records first platinum R&B acts,... Read more

At 50, Janet Jackson Still Has The Goods To Make You Say “Dammn Baby” (Video)

Today (May 5), the world has been gifted with two huge pieces of Janet Jackson-related news. First, reports have shared that the 49-year-old superstar and her husband Wissam Al Mana are expecting, which of true would mean Ms. Jackson would become a first-time mother at the age of 50. While... Read more

From Jay-Z To Ghostface, The Rub Touches Everything That Made 2000 To 2010 So Great (Mix)

Today (April 25), duo The Rub (DJ Eleven & DJ Ayres) release Oodles Of OOs. The Brooklyn, New York-based unit's latest highly-curated mix pays tribute to Hip-Hop and R&B music from 2000-2010. Ranging from Lil Jon to JayLib, this 57 minute master-mix features blending, scratching, and very engaging turntablism. Elsewhere... Read more

Now That Barbie Has A New Body, Will Hip-Hop Stop Glorifying Injections?

The relationship between pop culture and body image is decades old, but with Hip-Hop's unmatched global dominance in every realm of life, there is a need for a conversation about how images portrayed by or celebrated in the music affect the way people - mostly women - feel about their... Read more

Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d city vs. Clipse’s Lord Willin’. 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

Here Are Ambrosia For Heads’ Picks For The Best Music Videos Of 2015

2015 might very well be remembered as the year the video took over the song in Hip-Hop. While audio platforms like SoundCloud, Spotify and Apple Music are growing in strength, high profile mixtapes decreased in number, and an increasing amount of releases were presented as videos even before the audio-only... Read more

Finding The GOAT Album: Clipse’s Lord Willin’ vs. T.I.’s Paper Trail. 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

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

A Redman & Dr. Dre Collaboration? It’s Possible. Redman Speaks (Video)

In his extensive, nearly 25-year career, Redman has worked with a plethora of great producers. A protege of EPMD's Erick Sermon, Red' would eventually help introduce the masses to Rockwilder. Additionally, the Newark,  New Jersey MC made songs with The Ummah (J Dilla, Q-Tip & Ali Shaheed Muhammad), RZA, and... Read more

15 Years Ago, Ludacris Disproved The Sophomore Slump With “Back For The First Time” (Editorial)

It was just under two weeks before Halloween in 2000 when Ludacris, an MC from Atlanta, Georgia whose independently released Incognegro a year earlier barely registered on the charts, dropped his second album. It's possible the spooky story of the dreaded "sophomore slump" circulated around the periphery of his consciousness;... Read more

Timbaland Loves Double Threats. Tink Is Up Next (Audio)

Whether it was Lauryn Hill changing his life or he and Missy Elliott changing the world together, Timbaland has always loved double threats--artists who can sing and rap. It's no surprise then that his newest signee, Tink, is gifted at both. Having already collaborated with Andre 3000 and shared songs... 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

Why Are Women Excluded From the Conversation About Hip-Hop’s Greatest MCs? (Video)

Like nearly everything in life, Rap is co-ed. From the beginning, women have been among the world’s most innovative MCs. They have the ability to offer fresh perspectives to a field often dominated by men. However, rarely, in the debates surrounding the greatest MCs in Hip-Hop history do women get... Read more

Finding The GOAT (Round 4): Tupac vs. Scarface…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

Finding The GOAT (Round 4): Busta Rhymes vs. Ludacris…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

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Game vs. Ludacris…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

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Bun B vs. Scarface…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

Da Brat Rhymes on Big Sean’s Blessings and ABSOLUTELY SMASHES IT (Audio)

MC Lyte. Queen Latifah. Lauryn Hill. Missy. Those names are often mentioned in the discussion of great MCs who happen to be women, but now-a-days people act like they forgot about Da Brat...The first lady of So So Def Records was actually the first solo female rapper to have an... Read more

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): T.I. vs. Ludacris…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

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Scarface vs. Pimp C…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

When Stitched Together, Ludacris’ Ludaverses Is A Sharp Reminder Of Lyrical Prowess (Audio)

For several weeks now, Ludacris has been dropping little tidbits of promotion. "Ludaverses" have been one and two-minute drops of the Atlanta, Georgia mainstay freestyling with tracks. On their own, these nuggets spoke to core DTP fans, especially those wanting to see the Def Jam Records superstar free from concept... Read more

Ludacris Slows Things Down & Joins John Legend In A Personal Revelation (Audio)

Ludacris is not an artist typically associated with being highly-personal. The Atlanta, Georgia superstar has built a career by making smash hits for the club and radio, and executing thoughtful concept albums that rely more on theme than revelation. After taking a hiatus from making a body of solo work,... 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

Faith Evans, The First Lady of Hip-Hop, is Back for a Good Time (Video)

Faith Evans, the First Lady of Hip-Hop, is making a return and it sounds so good...Her latest single, "Good Time," is a party-starter with big harmonies, a verse from Problem and tons of Soul. The video showcases the celebratory feeling of just living in the moment. Check it out. Related:... Read more

Andre 3000 & Tink Collaboration? Timbaland Gives You 15 Seconds (Video)

A 15-second preview of a yet-untitled, little-known-about song as news. You can count the artists on one hand whose work would justify that as "News." Certainly, 20-year veteran Andre 3000 is one of the few, the proud. Timbaland previews (via Facebook video, no less) a fourth of a minute of... Read more

Raekwon Has Faith In The Way You Used To Love Me (Audio)

Raekwon slides into the early '90s for this week's #TBT (his 13th overall) with Faith Evans' breakthrough 1995 single, "You Used To Love Me." Rae sounds slick on the Puff Daddy & Chucky Thompson-produced gold single, with a cocky verse about livin' good, and spoilin' the apple of his eyes.... Read more

Here is an Unbelievable Mix of 90’s Hip-Hop Remixes. Press Play and Get Ready (Audio)

SoulBounce's DJ Harvey Dent has put together an incredible mix of 90's Hip-Hop, featuring nothing but remixes. You'll hear music from Method Man & Redman, Common, Pete Rock & CL Smooth,The Fugees, Ice Cube, Nas, Jay-Z, Biggie, LL Cool J, House of Pain, Lil Kim, Craig Mack, The Luniz, The... Read more

A VA Bounce Battle Begins With This Timbaland Vs. Neptunes Mix By Five Deez’ Pase Rock (Mixtape)

In the late 1990s, Cincinnati, Ohio was a keystone tributary to the Underground Hip-Hop movement's pinnacle. The River City produced DJ Hi-Tek (Reflection Eternal, Mood, Black Star), as well as Anticon co-founder Dose.One and others. Blueprint would relocate to Cincy from nearby Columbus, Ohio, along with Illogic, forming the Greenhouse... Read more

You Will Not Look at Puppets the Same After Seeing Jazmine Sullivan’s Visuals for Dumb (Video)

After returning with "Dumb," another power anthem for women who have been wronged, Jazmine Sullivan follows up with the video. The visuals employ puppets in all sorts of compromising positions, providing comic relief but also reinforcing the message that there are a lot of dummies out there...literally. Check it out.... Read more

Cormega Breaks Down Themes Of Mega Philosophy, Solidifying Legacy, & Addresses Flow (Food For Thought Interview)

In Phoebe Hoban's biography, Basquiat: A Quick Killing In Art, the New York painter is remembered, at the pinnacle of his fame, hiring stretch limousines, and riding around Manhattan self-medicating and watching cartoons—alone in the back. He yearned for the world around him, but only could experience it on his... Read more

Ep. 3 of The Message Documentary Looks at the Complicated Relationship Between Women & Hip-Hop (Full Video)

Episode 3 of BET's Hip-Hop documentary, The Message, examines the treatment of women in Hip-Hop, as well as the rise of mega Hip-Hop entrepreneurs. Artists like Lauryn Hill, Lil Kim, Foxy Brown and Missy are discussed, as well as Jay Z, Puff Daddy, Wu-Tang Clan and more. Guests include Nas,... Read more