AFH Ambrosia for Heads

Kanye West’s First Kendrick Lamar & Madlib Collabo Is Worth The Wait (Audio)

"I know some fans thought I wouldn't rap like this again / But the writers block is over, MCs cancel your plans." - Kanye West Last Friday (January 8) Kanye West showcased the 2016 return of "G.O.O.D. Fridays" in the Ty Dolla $ign assisted-"Real Friends." After the song finished playing... Read more

Blu & Exile’s Below The Heavens vs. Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp A Butterfly. 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 Meets With President Obama And Vows To Pay It Forward (Video)

What a year Kendrick Lamar has had. In the last 12 months, he released his To Pimp A Butterfly album, spawning critical acclaim strong enough to generate 11 Grammy nominations and, more importantly, a soundtrack for an entire generation dealing with issues of race, inner conflict and police brutality. The... Read more

Kendrick Lamar Brings To Pimp A Butterfly Live To Your Living Room With A Full Band (Video)

Kendrick Lamar has been very protective of how he presents his album, To Pimp A Butterfly, live. The critically-acclaimed LP, which has been nominated for 11 Grammy Awards (the most ever for a Rap album), is deeply personal to the Compton MC who has said he wanted his first album... Read more

Kendrick Lamar Premieres A New Song With An Absolutely Monstrous Performance (Video)

Kendrick Lamar performed on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon just hours ago (January 7). The Top Dawg Entertainment platinum star's first televised appearance of 2016 was nothing small. "Cornrow Kenny" (as he refers to himself by) closed out the NBC appearance with an all-new song, "Untitled 2." Supported by... Read more

Kendrick Lamar Brings Two of “T.P.A.B.”‘s Deepest Cuts to Life on Stage (Videos)

As the one-year anniversary of Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp a Butterfly inches closer and closer, the Compton MC is still dominating conversations about the best in the game. Tonight (January 7), he will be a guest and performer on The Tonight Show, where he will likely provide viewers with a... Read more

Hip-Hop Man Of The Year 2015: How Kendrick Lamar Proved That He Truly Is “Chosen” (Editorial)

In large part, 2015 was a difficult year to make sense of. Around the world, there were major acts of violence, hatred, and reminders that injustice and systematic prejudice lurk in every corner. Approaching an election year, the discourse in the United States often felt polarized, with across-the-aisle messages vitriolic.... Read more

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ The Heist vs. Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d city. 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

Kendrick Lamar Witnessed His First Murder When He Was 5 Years Old (Audio)

Kendrick Lamar recently spoke, at length, with NPR. While fans of Kendrick likely have heard bits and pieces of a number of the subjects Kendrick addressed in the interview, he reflected on a number of deeply personal topics in greater detail than he often does, outside of his most introspective... 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

Terrace Martin’s Latest Kendrick Lamar Remix Is More Than Alright (Audio)

Terrace Martin has been down with Kendrick Lamar and TDE since way back. So the Locke High horn player and producer takes a liberty, and throws his spin on what may very well be 2015's most meaningful song. Martin takes To Pimp A Butterfly single "Alright" and runs it through... Read more

Kendrick Lamar Pens Letter Expressing Why He Feels Chosen To Lead

As 2015 comes to a close, Kendrick Lamar has been one of the leading voices in not only Hip-Hop, but all of music. K-Dot's #1 album, To Pimp A Butterfly was a monumental album long before its 11 Grammy nominations, or year-end lists laud it. In looking back at the... Read more

The Power Circle Opens: Wale & Jay Rock Have Words Over Kendrick Lamar

It was all good three years ago... 2012 was a breakthrough year for the alliance forged between TDE and Maybach Music Group. While several records would follow, Kendrick Lamar notably appeared on MMG video single "Power Circle" from the Self Made, Vol. 2 compilation release. In the months after, K-Dot... Read more

Kendrick Lamar Leads 2016 Grammy Nominees With 11 Nominations. Will They Get It Right Now?

The 2015 Grammy nominees have been announced, and Kendrick Lamar leads the pack with 11 nominations related to his critically acclaimed To Pimp A Butterfly album. His nominations include Album Of The Year, Song Of The Year ("Alright"), Best Rap Album, Best Music Video ("Alright") and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance... Read more

Kendrick Lamar Was Making Great Music Long Before “Section.80.” Remember “Vanity Slaves” (Audio)

By now, Kendrick Lamar is a household name. Considered by many to be one of today's most talented Hip-Hop stars, his appeal has extended beyond the realm of Rap into pop culture and politics, thanks in part to his work with the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C. and his... Read more

Kendrick Lamar Brings the Revolution to Austin With An Unbelievable Performance (Video)

Kendrick Lamar's "Alright" is on many Heads' lists for song of the year, and its influence has been obvious in life outside of music charts. Having performed the song at this year's BET Awards with an uproarious response, thanks to the politically driven set design and matching lyrical content, Lamar... Read more

Kendrick Lamar Sends A Black Friday Message To All Who Doubt He’s Still A Lyrical Monster (Audio)

Earlier this year, Kendrick Lamar released his critically-acclaimed follow up to good kid, m.A.A.d. city. That album, To Pimp A Butterfly, was a departure from the narratives and music of his major label debut, layering in dense funk powered by musicians like Thundercat, Terrace Martin and, the original funkateer, George... Read more

Kendrick Lamar Uses Menace II Society In A Brilliant Video For These Walls

Kendrick Lamar has released several statement videos in his young career. However, today's (October 28) "These Walls" may just be his biggest. The To Pimp A Butterfly single that loves multiple entendres about boundaries, femininity, and sex in its most poetic portrayal, is conveyed in a totally different tone than... Read more

Kendrick Lamar Is Performing Several Dates With Jay Rock and a Full Band (Video)

Over the last few years, Kendrick Lamar has been on the road performing as much as any artist in Hip-Hop. In 2013, alone, the Compton MC did well over 100 tour dates. Generally, K. Dot has toured with a DJ and occasionally a small accompaniment, saving his performances with a... Read more

Kendrick Lamar Says He Would Not Be Here Today If It Was Not For Eazy-E

Over the years, much has been made of Kendrick Lamar's affinity for Tupac Shakur. The Compton MC often has discussed the impact seeing Dr. Dre and Pac filming the video for "California Love" had on him as a young child, and he even constructed an intricate "conversation" between Tupac and... Read more

The Game & Kendrick Lamar Put In Work Over a Flip of an Erykah Badu Classic (Audio)

As the October 9 release of The Game's The Documentary 2 album approaches, the excitement for the project is mounting. The Compton MC has released several songs showcasing the forthcoming double album's diversity, including tracks with Skrillex, Diddy, Drake, DJ Quik and more. One of the most anticipated songs from... Read more

A Violinist & Violist Covered Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Alright,’ & It Is Awe-Inspiring (Video)

Earlier this month, Classical duo Black Violin released Stereotypes, an album featuring their signature Classical music training with elements of more contemporary stylings mixed in. Comprised of Violinist Kevin Sylvester and Violist Wilner Baptiste, Black Violin (who once performed at the legendary Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater) worked with... Read more

Funkadelic & Kendrick Lamar Release the Funk Jam of the Year. Just Try Not to Move (Audio)

Besides his appearance on "Wesley's Theory," it is clear that George Clinton (and Parliament, Funkadelic) are major inspirations in To Pimp A Butterfly. The New Jersey native's ability to balance heavy subject matter with the need to groove is something that the Compton, California MC is out to do. Previously,... Read more

Kendrick Lamar Pretends to Be a Female Admirer on a Prank Call to Jay Rock (Audio)

Kendrick Lamar is a man of many voices. He can go from a high-pitched whisper to a fierce growl in an instant, as showcased on a number of songs. Recently, he put this talent to use in playing a prank on his label-mate and friend, Jay Rock. During one of... Read more

Quincy Jones Passes His Torch of Knowledge & Wisdom About Music & Life to Kendrick Lamar (Video)

"Music can never be more or less than what you are as a human being...You get back what you give." As a student of music, 2015 has been an advanced PhD curriculum for Kendrick Lamar. Earlier in the year, he interviewed all of the remaining members of N.W.A., as he... Read more

Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul & ScHoolboy Q List Their Vices With No Shame (Video)

A lot can change in 4 years. When Jay Rock released his debut album, Follow Me Home, in 2011, Top Dawg Entertainment was a fledgling imprint trying to establish itself. Though its core 4 artists--Rock, Ab-Soul, ScHoolboy Q and Kendrick Lamar--had amassed a healthy following amongst Heads, they were nowhere... Read more

Kendrick Lamar Gives the First Ever Performance on Colbert’s Late Show & Tears It Down With FUNK (Video)

As the new talk television season kicks into gear this week, morning, daytime, and evening shows are booking the elite guests in culture. As Stephen Colbert eases into the seat of "The Late Show," one of the higher profile moves in media, he called upon Kendrick Lamar to stop by.... Read more

Jay Rock & Kendrick Lamar Heat Up Another Collaboration In Easy Bake (Audio)

Jay Rock's sophomore studio album, 90059, is allegedly planned to release in the next 10 days. Top Dawg Entertainment's restless 2015 continues. Unlike so many crews and movements, often times, TDE releases' most exciting collaborations are in-house. While J.R. and Kendrick Lamar have worked together a number of times, the... Read more

A New Kendrick Lamar-Inspired Scholarship Hopes to Send Kids to College with Your Help (Video)

Kendrick Lamar has been in the news frequently as of late, but not just for his successful and popular music. This year, it seems, there has been much attention paid to his impact on social justice issues, and now that impact is spilling over into the world of college scholarships.... Read more

Kendrick Lamar Interviews N.W.A. & Asks All The Right Questions (Video)

It is fitting that N.W.A.'s first full-length interview in conjunction with Straight Outta Compton be conducted by none other than Kendrick Lamar. On behalf of Billboard, Lamar sits down for an intimate conversation with Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, MC Ren, and DJ Yella. Nearly 30 minutes, this interview transcends a... Read more

Glasses Malone Brings Together Killer Mike, Kendrick Lamar & Tupac on A Bone Thugs Track (Lyric Video)

In April, Glasses Malone released "Thuggin'," with Kendrick Lamar. Rather than a celebration of criminality or misguided behavior, the song explored the themes of Tupac's T.H.U.G. L.I.F.E. philosophy, an acronym which stood for "The Hate U Gave Little Infants F**ks Everybody." Each MC took turns articulating the complexities of the... Read more

Uncle Sam Wants Kendrick Lamar, But It’s Going to Cost Him…A Lot (Video)

Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp a Butterfly album continues to reveal itself as one of the most complex musical works in years. Nearly every song on the LP seems to function as several metaphors, at once. Perhaps none are more intricate than the two minute interlude, "For Free?" At first listen,... Read more

Can You Hear JAY-Z’s Influence in This Previously Unreleased Early Kendrick Lamar Song? (Audio)

Kendrick Lamar often has cited JAY-Z as one of his biggest influences. In a 2013 piece with Interview magazine, his response to interviewer Erykah Badu's question about whether there was an MC who influenced him or whose level he could never attain, Kendrick stated "That I feel I'll never reach?... Read more

Kendrick Lamar Joins Jidenna in the Video for the Fiery Remix to Classic Man (Video)

Three weeks ago, Kendrick Lamar set the web on fire with the addition of some scorching verses to Jidenna's infectious song, "Classic Man." Now, the remix gets the visual treatment and K. Dot joins Jidenna on screen. The video features vintage cars, lots of California love and a cameo from... Read more

Eminem & Kendrick Lamar Are Confirmed Artists For ‘Straight Outta Compton’ Soundtrack

Since March, a lot of speculation has surrounded the likelihood of a soundtrack for the Straight Outta Compton N.W.A. biopic. With just a month until the Universal film, produced by Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, and Eazy-E's widow (Tomica Woods-Wright), it appears that a soundtrack is indeed coming. In March, Dre... Read more

Kendrick Lamar Says He Knew He Arrived When He Recorded With Snoop (Video)

For fans who have listened to Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp a Butterfly album more than once since its release, the album has the rare quality of revealing new elements with each touch of the "play" button. Like a fine meal, the complexities of the LP's offerings take time to be... Read more

We’re All In The Same Gang…When Wearing Kendrick Lamar Sneakers

Compton, California star Kendrick Lamar has spoken frequently in lyrics about gang tensions. Whether the MC Eiht-assisted "m.A.A.d city" or the recent single, "i," the TDE/Aftermath MC aims to unify Crips, Bloods, and multiple neighborhoods in the interest of life, love, and survival. Lamar's Reebok collaboration, the Ventilators, are an... Read more

Kendrick Lamar Just Released the Video of the Year. Alright Is Truly EPIC (Video)

Remember when music videos were artistic statements that could immediately shift the cultural zeitgeist? Kendrick Lamar has released just such a tour de force in his epic visual for "Alright." The nearly seven minute black and white short film is stunning both visually and in its symbolism. The video starts... 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

Kendrick Lamar Strikes Heartfelt Chords Performing A Symbolic “Alright” (Video)

Hope can be hard to find in 2015. There are mass-shootings, continuous fatalities attached to incidents of police brutality, and a quest for justice that can seem elusive. Kendrick Lamar used the BET Awards stage wisely this weekend. The Top Dawg Entertainment star did not make his 2015 standout televised... Read more

Kendrick Lamar Gets Deeply Personal in New Interview. Says He Is Trayvon Martin.

President Barack Obama appeared on Marc Maron's podcast "WTF with Marc Maron" and spoke on the enduring racism prevalent in this country and, in a breathtakingly powerful statement, said "It's not just a matter of it not being polite to say n***** in public." Throughout his tenure as president, race... Read more

Kendrick Lamar Proves He’s The Guy To Remix Jidenna’s “Classic Man” (Audio)

With the release of To Pimp a Butterfly, Kendrick Lamar returned to much of the Funk- and Jazz-infused sonic landscape set forth in Section .80, his 2011 studio debut. The two releases are punctuated in between with 2012's good kid, m.A.A.d city, a louder, more widely heard album with the... Read more

Public Enemy’s 13th Album Is Inspired By Kendrick Lamar & Run The Jewels

After 28 years of releasing albums, Public Enemy aims to make a dent in 2015. The Long Island, New York Hip-Hop group's 13th studio album, Man Plans, God Laughs will arrive in less than a month. On June 16 via Facebook, the band announced the news, sharing the artwork. Additionally,... Read more

Good Interview, Mad Questions. This 60-Second Kendrick Lamar Q&A is All Right (Video)

In a new mini-interview with Vevo, Kendrick Lamar managed to answer 14 questions in just 60 seconds. The MC, who just celebrated his 28th birthday, responds to the quotidian ("what was the first thing you did this morning?") to the philosophical ("who are you speaking to on 'Ain't Gotta Lie'?")... Read more

Whether It’s His Beat Or Kendrick Lamar’s, Fabolous Will Be Awwright (Video)

Fabolous has been on a freestyle tear recently, making his lyrical moves and laying them to waste over classic jams from the likes of fellow New Yorkers Nas, Mobb Deep, and the Wu-Tang Clan. Now, just days after jumping on the same stage as Kendrick Lamar and taking down Summer... Read more

Kendrick Lamar Watches Vintage Tupac Shakur Footage & Reacts Powerfully (Video)

Long before To Pimp A Butterfly, comparisons have been made between Kendrick Lamar and Tupac Shakur. Both MCs promote sensitivity, amidst surroundings and times where that is most certainly not the norm. Each poet is fiercely competitive, and not above throwing his weight around in the Rap community, albeit for... Read more

Kendrick Lamar & Fabolous Shut Down Summer Jam 2015 (Video)

Much has been made of the unfortunate events that took place outside Met Life Stadium last night during Hot 97's 2015 Summer Jam, but inside, there was a raucous party led by Kendrick Lamar, Big Sean, Fabolous, 50 Cent, Fat Joe, Remy Ma, Chris Brown, Meek Mill, Nicki Minaj, Mobb... Read more

Styles P’s Friday Freestyles Borrow Beats From Redman and Kendrick Lamar (Audio)

Styles P continues his Friday double feature freestyles. This week's installments find him taking on beats from a recent Kendrick Lamar release and a vintage Redman throwback. On "Ghost Night," he carries on the recent tradition of covering 90s classics, borrowing Redman's "Tonight's Da Night," from 1992's Whut? Thee Album.... Read more

Kendrick Lamar Performs These Walls For the First Time on Television (Video)

Kendrick Lamar's song "These Walls" is one of the most complex in the dense stew that is To Pimp a Butterfly. The track, which features Anna Wise and Bilal, is as much Neo Soul as it is Hip-Hop, laced with lush instrumentation from Thundercat's bass, Terrace Martin's saxophone and keys... Read more