AFH Ambrosia for Heads

King Los Kicks The Best Verse Of The Night In The Last Standing BET Cypher

Last night (October 8), BET broadcast the 2019 Hip Hop Awards. The event included a tribute to Lil' Kim (featuring a Junior M.A.F.I.A. reunion of sorts), performances by Rapsody, YBN Cordae, Anderson .Paak, Chance The Rapper, Rick Ross, and a salute to Battle Rap. Notably, a TV event recognized for... Read more

DJ Premier Details Why He Chose J. Cole For Gang Starr’s New Song (Audio)

On Friday (September 20), Gang Starr released its first single in more than 16 years. "Family And Loyalty" features two verses from Guru (who passed away in 2010), a DJ Premier-produced track, and a guest appearance from J. Cole. Calling into Sway In The Morning, Premier explained some background on... Read more

DaBaby Makes A Song That Shows He’s A Grown-Up MC With A Real Message

Jonathan Lyndale Kirk, also known by his Rap moniker DaBaby, has been having a stellar campaign in 2019. After being featured in XXL's "Freshman" class this season, the 27-year-old MC released his debut album, Baby On Baby, which reached the top 25 of the Billboard 200 charts. It was accompanied... Read more

Gang Starr Has New Music. J. Cole Joins This Moment Of Truth (Audio)

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So…let Ambrosia For Heads fight through it for you and only supply you with that great stuff. Despite the reports, Hip-Hop is alive and well and, in many ways, is better than it’s ever been. Not only are we able to... Read more

Young M.A. Kicks A Freestyle That’s Germane & So So Def (Video)

With only nine days until Young M.A drops her debut album Herstory In The Making, the Brooklyn, New York MC visited Funkmaster Flex’s HOT 97 studio, self-proclaimed "home away from home." The popular MC builds the hype in the best way she knows possible. M.A busts a two-part freestyle that... Read more

J. Cole, Lute & DaBaby Show Why NC Is 1 Of Hip-Hop’s Hottest States Under The Sun

Dreamville continues to celebrate this year's release of Revenge Of The Dreamers III with more and more visuals. The label's collaborative record dropped this summer and presented vocals from each member of the collective: J. Cole, J.I.D, Bas, Lute, Ari Lennox, Cozz, Omen, and EarthGang. Just a month ago, Heads... Read more

Pharoahe Monch’s Song Brings Wordplay Back On A Whole New Level (Lyric Video)

Pharoahe Monch is one of Hip-Hop's supreme lyricists, and has been so for more than 25 years. The Queens, New Yorker's wordplay includes metaphors, similes, alliteration, assonance, and many of the other parts of speech that many are taught about in English/Reading class. Even living with asthma, the Organized Konfusion... Read more

Joell Ortiz Joins The Greats In Making A Heartfelt Dedication To His Mother (Audio)

Late last year, Joell Ortiz released one of his most revered works in Mona Lisa, a collaborative album with producer Apollo Brown. Since then, the Brooklyn, New York veteran has hardly sat still. He opened the year with a joint project, Gorilla Glue, alongside Fred The Godson that was produced by... Read more

Pusha-T & Lauryn Hill Show What Hip-Hop Sounds Like If They Rule The World

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So…let Ambrosia For Heads fight through it for you and only supply you with that great stuff. Despite the reports, Hip-Hop is alive and well and, in many ways, is better than it’s ever been. Not only are we able to... Read more

Missy Elliott Works It! She Brings Her Classic Videos To Life At The VMAs

Last night (August 26), Missy Elliott accepted the coveted legacy prize at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards. The 48-year-old Portsmouth, Virginia MC, producer, dancer, and philanthropist was on hand to receive the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard trophy, which puts her in the company of some of modern music's greatest... Read more

GZA Opens Up About Writing Some Of ODB’s Classic Verses

Over the last decade, GZA has been one of the most reserved members of Wu-Tang Clan. The legendary Brooklyn, New York lyricist participated in this year's Sacha Jenkins-directed documentary, Wu-Tang: Of Mics And Men. He will also be portrayed in next week's dramatic series, Wu-Tang: An American Saga. However, The... Read more

Inspectah Deck’s New Video Is An Amazing Tour Through Hip-Hop History

In the first music video from his recent Chamber #9 solo album, Inspectah Deck positioned himself as "The Terminator." However, in a video inspired by James Cameron's acclaimed Sci-Fi franchise starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, The Rebel INS was on a personal quest to terminate the wackness plaguing Hip-Hop. Love of culture... Read more

Murs Is A Super Hero. A Short Film Shows Lyricism Is Just 1 Of His Powers.

After 15 long years together, Murs & 9th Wonder are reportedly taking their final ride. If that's the case, it's a truly great and memorable trip into the sunset. One week ago (August 9) saw the release of what appears to be Murs, 9th Wonder, and The Soul Council's latest... Read more

Watch A Video That Details The Events Leading Up To Little Brother’s 2018 Reunion

Less than a year ago, the three members of Little Brother performed together for the first time in more than a decade. Phonte, Rapper Big Pooh, and 9th reunited at the home of the Durham Bulls in North Carolina for The Art Of Cool Festival. The setting was symbolic, as... Read more

Murs Details Making The Iliad Is Dead And The Odyssey Is Over With 9th Wonder (Video)

Over the past 15 years, Murs and 9th Wonder have made some of the best collaboration albums between an MC and a producer. These works have become standouts in their respected catalogs. In the mix of both men's careers and personal lives, they carved out time to make The Iliad... Read more

Benny & Westside Gunn Confirm That Griselda Has Joined Roc Nation Management

On 2018's critically-acclaimed Tana Talk 3, Benny The Butcher used JAY-Z's blueprint to showcase his outlook on "'97 Hov." Now, Benny and Westside Gunn have announced that their Griselda Records movement is taking that relationship one big step closer. This week, the two Buffalo, New Yorker artists confirmed joining the... Read more

Bahamadia Makes A Statement For Gender Equality & She Will Not Be Ignored (Video)

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Rap veteran Bahamadia has been busy making music since her Gang Starr co-signed 1996 debut album, Kollage. Since then, she has been featured alongside the likes of The Roots, Jedi Mind Tricks, and Erykah Badu. Two years ago, Bahamdaia produced an entire EP, Dialed Up 2, strictly through... Read more

Smif-n-Wessun Take Brooklyn To South Beach In A Perfect Video For Summer

Back in February, Ambrosia For Heads premiered Smif-n-Wessun's "Ocean Drive" as a part of the Boot Camp Clik duo's latest album, The All. As Heads would later learn, the Duck Down Music release was one of SnW's best works to date. Now the Brooklyn, New Yorkers are treating fans to the... Read more

Murs & 9th Wonder Share The First 2 Songs From Their Final Collabo Album (Premiere)

On July 19, Murs and 9th Wonder will release the seventh and final installment of their collaborative union, The Iliad Is Dead And The Odyssey Is Over. The project, which was announced back in January, is entirely produced by The Soul Council, the collective of 9th Wonder, Khrysis, Nottz, Eric G,... Read more

J. Cole & Ty Dolla $ign Cash In With A Modern Spin On A Classic Message (Video)

UPDATE: Ty Dolla $ign and J. Cole have released the music video for "Purple Emoji," nine days following the single. Both artists appear in the music video that also includes a variety of romantic couples:  ORIGINAL MAY 20 STORY: J. Cole's collaborative spirit continues. While the platinum MC/producer's albums... Read more

Alabama MC Chika Makes Her TV Debut With A Fight For Women’s Rights (Video)

Last year, then-21-year-old Montgomery, Alabama MC Chika took to Twitter to drop a mighty freestyle. Using one of Kanye West's breakthrough instrumentals, Chika criticized the superstar's controversial political views of the time: "It don’t matter how much you have or you lack, when that check clears don’t forget your children... Read more

Anderson .Paak Helps Flying Lotus’ Sound Soar On A Soulful Collab (Audio)

On 2016's Malibu Anderson .Paak vowed that he was cooling out on doing features. By that point, the versatile singer, MC, producer, and musician had made key cuts with Dr. Dre, TOKiMONSTA, The Game, MED, and Busdriver, among plenty of others. Between Malibu's early '16 drop and the Grammy nomination... Read more

Big Daddy Kane & 9th Wonder To Be Inducted Into North Carolina Music Hall Of Fame

In the mid-2000s, Little Brother released one of its most significant collaborations to date. "Welcome To Durham" found Big Pooh, Phonte, and 9th Wonder putting on for their city. The Chitlin Circuit inclusion also featured a legendary guest, Big Daddy Kane. Kane, whose work Phonte praised in lyrics on The Listening,... Read more

J. Cole Explains Why Cancel Culture Is The Problem Not The Solution

Having spent more than the past decade polishing his craftsmanship as an MC/producer and staying true to his destined path as an uncompromising individualist, J. Cole has mastered the art of controlling one's narrative. While he admittedly isn't a fan of the "platinum, no features" memes that have become synonymous... Read more

Smif-N-Wessun Detail The Making Of The Album Where They Truly Gave Their All (Video)

In the mid-1990s, Smif-N-Wessun burst onto the scene brandishing two barrels locked-and-loaded with raw Rap talent. Following a breakthrough appearance on Black Moon's seminal Enta Da Stage, the skills of Tek and Steele shimmered on their 1995 debut, Dah Shinin'. Da Beatminerz-produced album balanced vigor, street-smarts, and just the right... Read more

Here Are All The Hidden Messages In J. Cole’s Middle Child Video

Nearly one month ago, North Carolina MC/producer J. Cole released the highest charting single of his career. "Middle Child," produced by T-Minus, opened the Dreamville founder's 2019 release calendar. Now a music video, the single has reached #4 on the Pop charts at the same time that Cole is also... Read more

Daylyt’s Blistering New Freestyle Becomes A History Lesson

Daylyt may be known best for his work as one of Hip-Hop's premiere battle rappers since he began on YouTube back in 2010. In recent days, the Watts, California MC has spent his time prepping the release of his latest album, Awake The Kids, which dropped late this past January.... Read more

A New Book Will Explain How J Dilla Re-Invented Rhythm & Changed Music

Today (February 7) marks J Dilla's birthday. The iconic producer, MC, and DJ would have turned 45 years old. Tragically, the incredible artist born James Yancey passed away on February 10, 2006, days after his birthday and the release of acclaimed instrumental Hip-Hop album, Donuts. However, his music, impact, and... Read more

Murs & 9th Wonder Have Recorded Their 7th Collabo Album. It’s Coming Soon

This March makes it 15 years since Murs and 9th Wonder partnered for Murs 3:16: The 9th Edition. Released on El-P's Definitive Jux label, the album united the Los Angeles, California lyricist from the Living Legends crew with the North Carolina producer/DJ known for Little Brother's exceptional introduction. For both... Read more

Jamla Is The Squad & This Freestyle Shows Why Reuben Vincent Made The Team

Jamla Records is a brand that Hip-Hop Heads can trust. Since its earliest days, 9th Wonder's label has put its stamp on a host of talented artists that care about music. In 2018, Jamla Is The Squad II showed a plethora of talent on the imprint the includes Rapsody, Elzhi... Read more

Smif-n-Wessun’s 1st Album In 8 Years Is Coming. Playtime Is Over For Weak MCs

Following two 9th Wonder-produced records in 2018, Smif-n-Wessun is releasing their first album in nearly eight years. The All will arrive in just over one month, on February 22, 2019. The Duck Down Music release is produced entirely by 9th Wonder and The Soul Council. Last month, General Steele and... Read more

Evidence Explains How Life Completely Changed While Making Weather Or Not (Video)

Almost a year ago to date, Rhymesayers MC Evidence released his third studio album, Weather Or Not, featuring DJ Premier, Alchemist, Styles P, Rapsody, and his Dilated Peoples cohorts. Shortly after the drop, Ambrosia For Heads' Editor-In-Chief, Jake Paine, joined Ev on a Manhattan hotel balcony to discuss the album... Read more

Evidence’s Weather Or Not Is Your Best Rap Album Of 2018

Last night (December 30), the tournament to decide 2018's Best Rap Album came to a close. Evidence's Weather Or Not bested Royce 5'9's Book Of Ryan, 63% to 37%. Thus, the veteran Los Angeles, California MC/producer takes home the top honors in the second annual month-long voter-decided competition. Notably, Ev's third... Read more

There Were Some Incredible Freestyles In 2018. Here Are The Year’s Best (Video)

For all the chatter about Mumble Rap taking over, there have been a number of MCs who put on incredible lyrical displays in 2018. Artists like Royce 5'9, Styles P, Pusha-T, Evidence, Benny The Butcher, Jay Rock, Logic and J. Cole released projects packed with punchlines and substantive verses, and... Read more

Who Had The Best Rap Album Of 2018 (The Championship Battle): Royce 5’9 vs. Evidence

We have our opinions on the best releases of 2018, but rather than simply tell you our pick for #1, we thought it would be more interesting to hear what you, the readers, believe is the Best Rap Album of 2018. With that in mind, we decided to make our... Read more

Who Had The Best Rap Album Of 2018 (Battle 14): J. Cole vs. Evidence

We have our opinions on the best releases of 2018, but rather than simply tell you our pick for #1, we thought it would be more interesting to hear what you, the readers, believe is the Best Rap Album of 2018. With that in mind, we decided to make our... Read more

Joe Budden Challenges J. Cole To Step Up His Game & Be Truly Great (Audio)

For anyone truly paying attention to Hip-Hop, J. Cole has had a career year in 2018. His album, KOD, released in April, became his fifth consecutive LP to debut at number one, selling nearly 400,000 album-equivalent units in its first week and breaking the record for first day streams, at... Read more

J. Cole Calls Out Rappers For Faking Their Streaming Numbers On A Savage Verse

In a year that J. Cole dominated, he's not quite done. If KOD, its incredible videos, and a plethora of high-powered guest verses were not enough to set the table, Cole refuses to let 2018 end without at least one more stunner. It comes courtesy of the opening song from... Read more

Who Had The Best Rap Album Of 2018 (Battle 10): Pusha-T vs. Evidence

We have our opinions on the best releases of 2018, but rather than simply tell you our pick for #1, we thought it would be more interesting to hear what you, the readers, believe is the Best Rap Album of 2018. With that in mind, we decided to make our... Read more

Who Had The Best Rap Album Of 2018 (Battle 6): Black Milk vs. Evidence

We have our opinions on the best releases of 2018, but rather than simply tell you our pick for #1, we thought it would be more interesting to hear what you, the readers, believe is the Best Rap Album of 2018. With that in mind, we decided to make our... Read more

Real Hip-Hop Finally Has Its Own Home On TV

“It's like that uh and it sounds so nice. Hip-hop, you the love of my life.” I’ve been on the same mission for 20 years. Having grown up in the 80s, the soundtrack to my coming of age was fueled by the sounds of Grandmaster Melle Mel, Run-D.M.C., LL Cool... Read more

Smif-n-Wessun Show Bucktown Is Standing Strong In 2018 (Video)

Tek and General Steele make quintessential New York City Hip-Hop. The Smif-n-Wessun pair has been doing it for 25 years, since they made powerful impact on Black Moon's debut. Together, Tek and Steele are the genuine article, and they helped define an era that many MCs and groups wish to... Read more

Evidence’s New Video Is An Introspective Look Into One Of The Year’s Best Albums

Evidence's Weather Or Not was an early standout album this year, and it set a great standard. The Rhymesayers Entertainment release, Ev's third solo affair, made Ambrosia For Heads' "Best 15 Albums Of 2018." Nearly a year old, the Dilated Peoples and Stepbrothers co-founder continues to deliver visuals to his... Read more

Ambrosia For Heads’ Top 15 Hip-Hop Albums Of 2018 List

It is that season where “best of” lists abound and, in a year that featured stellar music from artists young and old, 2018 kept Hip-Hop fans on the edge of our seats. Now is an excellent time to reflect on the best ones. Throughout December, Ambrosia For Heads will pit... Read more

Del The Funky Homosapien, Domino & Dante Ross Detail The Making Of No Need For Alarm

The cornerstone of Del The Funky Homosapien’s career and artistic identity belongs to his second album, No Need For Alarm. Released 25 years ago last month, the Elektra Records LP may not be remembered as a commercial triumph. However, the record increased the profiles of Del’s Hieroglyphics cohorts, establishing a... Read more

Black Thought Wastes No Time Releasing His Second Solo Album Of 2018

At the top of June, Black Thought released his first ever solo project. Streams Of Thought, Vol. 1 was years in the making for The Roots' Grammy Award-winning MC. More than two years after Tariq Trotter dropped the 9th Wonder-producer "Making A Murderer" with Styles P, he offered up that... Read more

Method Man’s New Verse Is A Quick Reminder That He’s Still A Microphone Killah

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So…let AFH fight through it for you and only supply you with that great stuff. Despite the reports, Hip-Hop is alive and well and, in many ways, is better than it’s ever been. Not only are we able to go back... Read more

Anderson .Paak’s Song With Q-Tip & Dr. Dre Is A Reason To Celebrate (Audio)

Anderson .Paak fans across the globe can go ahead and let out a collective “Yes Lawd!” Just minutes ago, and nearly two years removed from the release of his celebrated sophomore effort, the multi-faceted musician has officially delivered his third solo album (and Aftermath Entertainment debut) titled Oxnard. This much anticipated follow... Read more

Black Thought Is Releasing His Next Solo Project In Less Than 2 Weeks

In June, Black Thought partnered with 9th Wonder and The Soul Council to release Streams Of Thought, Vol. 1. The moment marked the first solo vocal project from The Roots MC. One of Hip-Hop's most respected lyricists has just confirmed reports that he has another installment on the way—and he's... Read more

Elzhi & Conway Team Up On A Soul Classic & It’s Nothing Sweet (Audio)

9th Wonder's Jamla Records continues to reach new levels with its talent and exciting releases. Yesterday (November 8) the collective released Jamla Is The Squad II, a sequel to the first project of the same name. Every MC and producer currently with the North Carolina-based label makes an appearance on... Read more