AFH Ambrosia for Heads

Pimp C, Nas & Juicy J Take TLC’s What About Your Friends And Make It TRILL (Audio)

At the end of his life, Pimp C made no secrets about his unhappiness with the industry, and some of the folks in his circle. While Chad Butler and Bernard Freeman (a/k/a Bun B) maintained a brotherly bond in UGK that lasted nearly 20 years, other folks in Pimp C's... Read more

Masta Ace Reflects On A Long Hot Summer & Offers This Re-Release Bonus Track (Premiere)

Tomorrow (November 10), Masta Ace's 2004 LP, A Long Hot Summer is being re-released on CD by Below System Records. Originally released on Ace's M3 imprint, the critically-acclaimed album followed up Disposable Arts with the Brownsville, Brooklyn, New York MC making another conceptual, story-driven LP. 9th Wonder, The Beatnuts, Edo.... Read more

Mobb Deep’s The Infamous vs. Big Pun’s Capital Punishment. 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

Talib Kweli & 9th Wonder’s Indie 500 Drives For A Star-Studded Win (Album Stream)

Last year, Talib Kweli, 9th Wonder, and Pharaohe Monch announced that they were combining forces and resources to launch Indie 500, an independent label, marketing, and distribution conglomerate. Nearly a year to the date after the announcement, Indie 500 (the album) arrives. While it doesn't release until November 6, Heads... Read more

Big K.R.I.T. & Rapsody Slice Up a 9th Wonder Beat With That Guillotine Flow (Audio)

Two of Hip-Hop's top lyricists in Big. K.R.I.T. and Rapsody have linked again to paint a precise picture over a 9th Wonder canvas. This is not Rap and K.R.I.T.'s first rodeo together, as the pair linked on Rapsody's She Got Game gem, "Lonely Thoughts," also featuring Chance The Rapper. As... Read more

Plug In To J Dilla’s Posthumous Dillatronic Album For A Free, Full Stream

In a seemingly never-ending series of releases, J Dilla's Dillatronic has arrived for full preview. Available for pre-order and releasing Friday (October 30), this collection of beats taps into James Yancey's Electronic sensibilities, from a Detroit, Michigan city largely responsible for impacting the Techno genre. Different than Donuts, these are... Read more

More Faces of Color Are On Screen But Diverse Writers Are Still Treated Like The Walking Dead

Great strides have been made in the visibility of diverse characters on television in recent months, but many would justifiably argue that it's too little too late, and that much work is left to be done. Viola Davis recently became the first African-American woman to win an Emmy for Best... Read more

Phonte & Like Join Madlib, Blu & MED For A Head-Nodding Groove (Audio)

Historically, when Phonte links with Madlib, some amazing audio moments result. 2010's "Best Of Times" collabo with Strong Arm Steady on a Madlib track yielded a video single that still endures. Five years later, 'Tigalo links with 'Lib, care of the Oxnard, California MC/producer/DJ's trio with Blu and MED. Pac... Read more

Rome Clientel & DJ Concept Bask In Life’s Pleasures With Chuuwee & Rick Gonzalez (Audio Premiere)

After making considerable noise in recent years, the Dirt Disciples (Rome Clientel and DJ Concept) are poised to release an EP this week. On October 9, the pair of New Yorkers (Elmira and Long Island, respectively) will drop The Ambition EP on Soulspazm Records (Torae, Pumpkinhead, Marco Polo). "Life Is... Read more

Chance The Rapper & Kyle Re-jog The Memory Of Haters In The Rear-View (Audio)

The old adage "laugh now, cry later" is a driving force in Hip-Hop, just as it was a tattoo on Tupac Shakur's pectoral. Many artists' greatest motivation is those who doubted, rejected, and disrespected them in the past. For Ventura, California native MC Kyle, this is true. Just on the... Read more

Blackalicious Is Back In Form! Catch The Duo’s First LP In 10 Years (Album Stream)

For more than 20 years, Sacramento, California's Blackalicious has made captivating Hip-Hop music. Pioneers within the West Coast Underground movement, Gift Of Gab and Chief Xcel joined forces with DJ Shadow, Lateef The Truthspeaker, Jazzbo, Mac B. Dog, 8th Wonder, author Jeff Chang, and Lyrics Born to forge the Soulsides... Read more

Spotlight: Ace Cosgrove Aims to Feed the Uninspired with New Project (Album Stream)

24-year-old Ace Cosgrove is a Maryland MC for whom 2014 was a watershed year. Two of last year's releases, Simple Criticism and UsVsRobots, introduced him to a wide swath of Heads, thanks in part to acclaim from a handful of highly respected outlets. Today (September 15), the young spitter releases... Read more

Sadat X & El Da Sensei Form New Group. Here’s A 9th Wonder-Produced Introduction (Audio Premiere)

For more than 20 years, MCs Sadat X and El Da Sensei have run in the same circles. A product of Brand Nubian and The Artifacts, respectively, these East Coast lyricists have flipped words with flare to stand out amongst their band-mates and peers. Ambrosia For Heads is pleased to... Read more

Souls Of Mischief’s Opio & Free The Robots Recorded An LP In A Redwoods Forest. Hear Some (Audio Premiere)

Earlier this year, Souls Of Mischief/Hieroglyphics MC Opio and producer Free The Robots teamed for The Subconscious Mind EP, including "Let The Bass Go." Moving forward, the Oakland, California veteran and the accomplished producer (Capital STEEZ, Nocando, Busdriver) merge towards Sempervirens (September 18). The duo recorded this full-length in a California... Read more

Blackalicious Make A Grand Return To Lung Collapsing Lyrics (Audio)

For more than 20 years, Blackalicious have been a beacon of dope in the Hip-Hop landscape. From the capitol city of Sacramento, California, Gift Of Gab and Chief Xcel made distinct releases that exemplified the creative freedoms of the Underground Hip-Hop spirit, also while earning a place in the mainstream... Read more

Golden Rules Have The Golden Ticket To A Proper Group Introduction (Album Stream)

In the new artist category of 2015, Golden Rules shine brightly. The tandem of MC Eric Biddines and producer Paul White draw from the Dungeon Family movement of the 1990s, and broad-minded production sensibilities that challenge genre. The group's Lex Records, Golden Ticket releases today (August 7). The Consequence Of... Read more

Tisha Campbell-Martin Is Back In The Booth, Delivering Soaring Vocals (Audio)

In the early 1990s, "Martin" co-star Tisha Campbell signed a deal with Capitol Records and released a well-received self-titled debut. In the 22 years since her LP, Tisha released a couple singles, sporadically—including 2014 work with Full-Force. Since starring on "My Wife And Kids" and now "Real Husbands Of Hollywood,"... Read more

Lauryn Hill Delivers a Powerful Rendition of Nina Simone’s Feeling Good (Audio)

RCA Records is producing Nina Revisited: A Tribute To Nina Simone. This EP will take the timeless music of the late Jazz/Rhythm & Blues vocalist and revive it through contemporary voices. It is being released in conjunction with the new documentary What Happened, Miss Simone?. Who better to pay tribute than... Read more

Skyzoo & Elzhi Fold Hands & Dissect a Beat Together (Audio)

In the last five years (and truly, going back into the mid-2000s), Skyzoo and Elzhi are two of the most consistent do-it-yourself MCs. Brooklyn, New York—meets—Detroit, Michigan beyond Random Axe, as Sky' and El' freak "Hands Folded Together." The song features that linear, detailed imagery both rappers deliver regularly. The... Read more

Bilal & Big K.R.I.T. Get Loose Over Some Retro Electro Funk (Audio)

Bilal has had an amazing renaissance over the last year. The Neo Soul singer burst onto the scene in 2001 with close ties to The Soulquarians, Dr. Dre and J. Dilla, delivering his critically-acclaimed 1st Born Second debut album. However, it would take nine years for him to release his... Read more

Did Hollywood Forget N.W.A. Had 5 Members? Here’s Some Love for MC Ren & DJ Yella.

This week has been a roller-coaster for fans of "Rap's Most Dangerous Group": N.W.A. On Monday (June 8), it was revealed that Ice Cube will reunite on stage with DJ Yella for the first time since 1989. MC Ren will be there too as part of Los Angeles, California's BET... Read more

DJ EFN Elevates DJ Albums & David Banner Explains One Potent Verse (Interview)

After 20 years of his life devoted to Hip-Hop music and culture, Miami, Florida-based DJ EFN stepped to the front with Another Time. Self-released, the studio album included more than 30 years of MC greats, spanning all regions, styles, and skill-sets. Scarface, Blu, Royce Da 5'9", Killer Mike, MC Eiht,... Read more

Finding The GOAT (Round 6): Nas vs. Tupac…Who You Got?

UPDATE: THE POLL IS CLOSED. After an unfortunate event where certain people attempted to skew the results the first time, we are conducting a rematch between Nas and Tupac. With now only 5 MCs remaining, Round 6 is well under-way in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT... Read more

Kanye West Goes From College Dropout To Graduation, As Honorary Degree Recipient

Less than a dozen years ago, Kanye West self-identified as The College Dropout. Today, the music/pop culture superstar has a higher education diploma in hand. Mr. West  received an honor doctoral degree in Fine Arts today (May 11) from the School Of The Art Institute Of Chicago. 'Ye was on... Read more

Finding The GOAT (Round 6): Nas vs. Tupac…Who You Got?

UPDATE: Due to attempts to tamper with the voting, this post has been updated with a new poll, which can be found here. With now only 5 MCs remaining, Round 6 is well under-way in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). The second of... Read more

Dynas Gets Busy On ‘Em, Putting His Skills Above All Else (Premiere)

Following his stellar, storytelling collaboration with Slick Rick ("Who U?"), South Florida's Dynas returns with his sophomore single from his EMPIRE-distributed Big and Tall, with producer Tony Galvin. "Busy" welcomes DJ Klassik's aggressive scratching, and Tony's Bomb Squad-influenced beat. Over-top, Dynas uses the moment to describe where he fits within... Read more

Finding The GOAT (Round 6): Tupac vs. The Notorious B.I.G.…Who You Got?

With now only 6 MCs remaining, we have entered Round 6 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). Now, only two match-up’s—both running this week—remain until the final 4 are revealed. Since the elimination, bracket-style tournament was launched in September of 2014, including more... Read more

From Philly To Your Hood, STS x RJD2 Feels Like Home (Album Stream)

Ever since the release of their 2013 jam “See You Leave” (From RJD2's More Is Than Isn't), it was clear that RJD2 and STS had musical chemistry. Two years and several collabs later, the West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based “Sugar Tongue” wordsmith (and Roots affiliate) and world-renowned producer have finally released an... Read more

Finding The GOAT (Round 5): KRS-One vs. Nas…Who You Got?

With just 11 MCs remaining we have reached the critical Round 5 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). Now, only five match-up’s—all running this week—separate Round 5 from the final six MCs, including Round 4 bye winner Big Daddy Kane. Since the elimination,... Read more

Finding The GOAT (Round 5): The Notorious B.I.G. vs. Redman…Who You Got?

With just 11 MCs remaining we have reached the critical Round 5 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). Now, only five match-up’s—all running this week—separate Round 5 from the final six MCs, including Round 4 bye winner Big Daddy Kane. Since the elimination,... Read more

Finding The GOAT (Round 4): The Notorious B.I.G. vs. Andre 3000…Who You Got?

We have reached the final match up in Round 4 of the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 21 MCs remaining (with the largest winning margin, Rakim received a bye for the round), things came down to 10 match-ups, leading AFH’s bracket-style series towards... Read more

Slick Rick’s Great Adventures Cross Paths In Miami With Dynas (Premiere)

Slick Rick does not make many guest appearances—it is part of what makes the storyteller laureate so great. However, MC Ricky D must like South Florida veteran MC Dynas, as he starts the party on "Who U?" The rapped story finds Rick in Miami, Florida, at a gym off of... Read more

DJ Premier Remixes Lion Babe’s Pharrell-Produced Single (Audio)

From Limp Bizkit to Craig David, Macy Gray to Christina Aguilera, when DJ Premier steps out of Hip-Hop, it's usually significant, and it usually bridges audiences. Premo took the Pharrell-produced "Wonder Woman" for eclectic non-Rap duo Lion Babe, and slowed things down with those hard drums and carefully programmed accents.... Read more

Finding The GOAT (Round 4): Nas vs. Black Thought…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

Styles P Gets Funkdafied & Fired Up Thanks To Cookin’ Soul On The Boards (Audio)

Whether it's with The Roots, with Rick Ross, or Raekwon, is there a beat—or type of beat that Styles P cannot destroy? The LOX O.G. brings his D-Block protege Blazin on board for "True & Living." Here, thanks to Spanish production duo Cookin' Soul (OJaYzis, Freddie Gibbs), S.P. The Ghost... Read more

Pete Rock Signals More Petestrumentals & Unleashes A 20 Year Old Groove (Audio)

It's hard to believe it's been nearly 14 years since Pete Rock released Petestrumentals. Following Jay Dee's (p/k/a J Dilla) Welcome To Detroit, Soul Brother Pete laced BBE (Barely Breaking Even) Records' Beat Generation series (Marley Marl and will.i.am were among those who would follow). Pete struck the Hip-Hop/R&B charts... Read more

Talib Kweli Lights the Way to the Premiere of Game of Thrones (Audio)

HBO's epic series Game of Thrones returns a little over a month from now on April 12th. As they did before last season's premiere, HBO has commissioned some esteemed MCs for a thematic mixtape leading up to Episode 1 of Season 5. The first release from the second installment of... Read more

Ghostface Killah & BADBADNOTGOOD Have Sour Soul For All To Taste (Album Stream)

Five days before release, Ghostface Killah & BADBADNOTGOOD's Sour Soul is offered to fans for full, free stream (in mono, no less—playing into the '70s-minded themes). G.F.K.'s first Lex Records go-round, and second LP (following 36 Seasons) in three months pairs him with BadBad and Frank Dukes for an onslaught... Read more

Asher Roth & Nottz Blow Your Head with a Chopped Public Enemy Loop (Audio)

In the last seven years, some of Asher Roth's strongest lyrical displays, and most complete songs came from his sessions with Virginia veteran Nottz. Five (very short) years ago, the pair made The Rawth EP, and they're back at it. As Asher has veered into other genres with an over-arching... Read more

Raise It Up: Grasping The Entire Greatness Of J Dilla In Retrospect (Food For Thought)

On the heels of the first expanded Dilla Weekend, it is difficult to ignore the growth in posthumous fame that James Yancey (a/k/a Jay Dee or J Dilla) has accrued since passing away on this date, nine years ago. Like Amadeus Mozart's and Vincent Van Gogh's before him, Dilla's legacy... Read more

Royce Da 5’9″, O.C., REKS & Your Old Droog On A Track Together? On A Buckwild Beat No Less! (Audio)

One week after bringing Killer Mike and Crooked I (Kxng Crooked) together on a stick of audio dynamite, the powder kegs are far from depleted. "Revolutionary Ride Music" is orchestrated by EFN, who bridged generations of MCs by combining Royce Da 5'9", O.C., REKS, and Your Old Droog. If that... Read more

Kenn Starr’s Comeback LP Features Some Scorching Black Milk & Kev Brown Sounds (Album Stream)

Tomorrow (January 27), DMV music scene veteran Kenn Starr will release his sophomore album, Square One. As the title suggests, the LP is a return to form for one of Oddisee's earliest collaborators, and a member of the Low Budget crew that includes Oddy, Kev Brown, Peter Rosenberg, and Sean... Read more

Common & John Legend Are Presented With Golden Globes…By Prince (Video)

Moments ago this evening (January 11), it was a historic moment for the careers of Common and John Legend. The former G.O.O.D. Music label-mates, as a pair, took home "Best Original Song" Golden Globes for the song "Glory" from the film Selma. Not only does the honor put John and Comm'... Read more

Wale & A-Trak Release Their Festivus Mixtape (Audio)

Tis the season for lots of mixtapes. The latest is courtesy of Wale & A-Trak. Check out the stream and download below. Related: Wale’s Lyrics Come To The Forefront In The Followers (Video)... Read more

Wu-Tang Clan Is Right On Time With The A Better Tomorrow Title Cut (Audio)

After a weary week,  Wu-Tang Clan unloads their title song from A Better Tomorrow (December 2). While the album may have been met with some skepticism thus far, "A Better Tomorrow" certainly feels to be on a deeper level than much of what Heads have heard from the Wu clique... Read more

Chance The Rapper Surfs In With His First Album Single (Album)

Just over a month ago, details broke surrounding what is perceived to be Chance The Rapper's first album, Surf. Although no release dates have been confirmed, the Chicago, Illinois MC has been actively working with his Social Experiment homies. For the first look from Surf (according to The Fader), "Sunday... Read more

Imagine Justin Timberlake Parties with Portishead and Brings Freddie Gibbs…Check this New JMSN (Audio)

JMSN landed on many Heads' radars for the first time nearly two years ago, after dropping a series of songs with Ab-Soul. It was reported at the time that the two would be releasing a joint project but it never came to fruition. JMSN's tone and delivery quite often bring... Read more

Common Leads a Troop of Artists Raising Awareness About Climate Change (Audio)

This is refreshing. In a throwback to times when Hip-Hop stood for something and spoke up for change, Common has teamed with Malik Yusef, Kumasi, Aaron Fresh, Choklate, and Laci Kay on the song "Trouble in the Water." The song is part of a forthcoming project called HOME which seeks... Read more

Bundle Up For The Album Sampler To Ghostface Killah’s 36 Seasons (Audio)

In three weeks, Ghostface Killah's 36 Seasons will be released by Tommy Boy Records. With AZ, Kool G Rap and Pharoahe Monch in the supporting cast, this is a lyrically-driven LP on paper. Similarly, with Lil Fame, 45 King, and The Revelations on the boards, beats appear to have a... Read more

Think Everything Sounds Conventional? Try Theophilus London’s VIBES (Album Stream)

Theophilus London is one of the most original new voices in Hip-Hop. The Reprise/Warner Bros. Records artist debuted in the Top 30 back in 2011 with Timez Are Weird These Days. After working with Kanye West, Blood Orange, and Jesse Boykins III, Theo' is back with VIBES. The Brooklyn, New... Read more