AFH Ambrosia for Heads

Kxng Crooked Cuts Loose With Another Razor Sharp Freestyle (Audio)

Kxng Crooked is on a relentless streak of music. The Long Beach, California veteran fires up freestyles like he enjoys his stogies. This Friday (March 3), he revisits an early Slaughterhouse instrumental (the Mr. Porter-produced "Cut You Loose") for some detaching bars. He uses addresses alcoholism, hunger pains and poverty,... Read more

This Classic Raekwon Mix Is Scalding Hot. Even The Chef Says So. (Audio)

Raekwon is just less than a month away from his album, The Wild (March 24). The ICE H20/Empire project has rolled out two singles in "This Is What It Comes To" and the G-Eazy-assisted "Purple Brick Road." Those records feature the backbones of samples that Rae' is known for, since... Read more

J. Cole’s New Artist Combines Cole’s Lyricism With Devin The Dude’s Swag (Video)

Tony Touch is a DJ known for breaking some important artists. For almost 25 years, the Brooklyn, New York DJ/producer/radio personality handed microphones to MCs without albums out, and let them shine through freestyle. Members of Boot Camp Clik, D.I.T.C., Royce 5'9, Bumpy Knuckles, Wu-Tang Clan, Hurricane G, and others... Read more

Jay Z Becomes The First Rapper In The Songwriters Hall Of Fame

While Jay Z is a man of many "firsts" on the business side, his artistry is what allowed him to be in that position. All 15 of Jay's solo and collaborative albums are platinum, in many cases multiple. He has 13 #1 releases, including his 2004 Collision Course EP with... Read more

Finding The GOAT Producer: Alchemist vs. RZA. 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

Statik Selektah Is A Highly Regarded Producer. But He’s Still One Mean DJ Too. (Video)

In the mid-2010s, Statik Selektah is a deeply respected producer. From some of the highlights of Joey Bada$$'s B4.Da.$$ to Eminem and company's "Detroit Vs. Everybody," to his own incredible album catalog, the ShowOff Records founder is highly sought out, and one of Hip-Hop's most prolific creators. As Statik's career... Read more

20 Years Ago This Week, Wu-Tang Clan Bombed Atomically In A Rap Triumph (Video)

1997 was an interesting year for Hip-Hop music. Death Row Records, coming off of an empirical reign, had fallen, and fast. Tupac Shakur was dead. And while Makaveli and Snoop Dogg's Tha Doggfather dominated the charts, Tha Row's two founders were not anywhere close to the label's steering wheel. Dr.... Read more

Royce 5’9 Jacks Big Sean For His Moves. No MC Is Safe (Audio)

We are less than one month into 2017, and Royce 5'9 has already released a bevy of freestyles, each incorporating beats from artists with younger careers than his and in styles very different from his own. Thus far, he has recreated DJ Khaled's "I Got The Keys," Migos' "Bad and... Read more

Finding The GOAT Producer: DJ Quik vs. Warren G. 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

The LOX Will Tour “Filthy America…” & It’s Beautiful For Fans Around The Country

Jadakiss, Sheek Louch and Styles P have announced their first United States tour of 2017. Fresh off of touring with their former Bad Boy Records family (and Ruff Ryders mentor DMX) in '16, The LOX will perform at more than 20 stops, beginning later this month. The LOX’s “What Else... Read more

Royce 5’9″ Destroys Today’s Hot MCs With Another Lethal Freestyle (Audio)

A week ago today (January 23), Royce 5'9" dropped a DJ Khaled-inspired freestyle. "I Got the Keys" takes the smash single featuring Jay Z and Future and creates something else entirely, by way of Royce's unmatched lyrical dexterity. Now, he's back with another unforgiving freestyle, this one atop two wildly... Read more

This Rare 1986 Documentary Is An Amazing Hip-Hop History Lesson (Video)

In 1986, one of the earliest documentaries on Hip-Hop was made by a Dutch TV company. Big Fun In The Big Town, directed by Bram van Splunteren, featured on air Belgian host, Marcel Vanthilt, traveling the streets of New York City to gain a better understanding of the burgeoning culture.... Read more

The LOX’s “What Else You Need To Know” May Be Their Realest Song Yet (Video)

Last month, The LOX released their first album together in 16 years. While the trio of Jadakiss, Styles P and Sheek Louch have been mainstays on the scene since their debut, through EPs, mixtapes and guest appearances, the announcement of the new LP, Filthy America...It's Beautiful, set the Hip-Hop world... Read more

This Throwback Playlist Celebrates The Hip-Hop That Is Never Played-Out. (Audio)

What is classic never goes out of style. In its 44th year, Hip-Hop music has plenty of that. There are records in five different decades that Rap music fans keep in rotation, no matter the medium (vinyl, CD, cassette, or digital). For those who are about the flows, beats, and... 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

Swizz Beatz Says He & DMX Are Seriously Working & He “Can’t Wait” To Release The Music (Video)

2017 marks five years since DMX has released an album. Swizz Beatz has been involved in all seven of Dark Man X's albums, and his eighth will be no exception. Appearing on DJ Whoo Kid's Whoolywood Shuffle show on Shade 45, Swizzy confirmed collaborations coming forth between he and the... Read more

Snoop Shows He’s Still A Top Dogg In A Freestyle Cypher With A$AP Rocky (Video)

Although Snoop Dogg has enjoyed one of the longest careers in Rap music, having logged 25 years in the game, he has often been under-appreciated. His name is seldom mentioned in GOAT or Top 5 discussions, and he has never won a Grammy, despite 17 nominations. Perhaps the area in... Read more

Jay Pharoah Is Funny But This Freestyle Is No Joke (Video)

Jay Pharoah is not the first comedian who can imitate famous rappers and singers as part of his act. However, it is abundantly clear that the Virginia native is out to be the best. This past week, the former SNL cast member (who ranked #55 in Rolling Stone's all-time funniest... Read more

The LOX Were Courted By Suge & Death Row. They Explain Why They Passed (Video)

This month, The LOX shocked Heads with the announcement of a partnership with Jay Z and Roc Nation. That news broke December 1, with an album  coming just over two weeks later. The D-Block/Roc-backed Filthy America...It's Beautiful marked the Yonkers, New York trio's first full-length album in more than 16... Read more

Termanology Rips A Funkmaster Flex Freestyle. Pardon The Interruption (Video)

It's been just over a month since Lawrence, Massachusetts's Termanology dropped More Politics, a self-released LP featuring Bun B, Styles P, Sheek Louch, Kxng Crooked, Joey Bada$$, Your Old Droog, and others. With just three songs featuring a solo Term', the album is an inclusive affair with plenty of variety... Read more

Ab-Soul Pulls Out The Big Guns And Declares War On Jay Electronica & Troy Ave (Video)

Although it endured several fits and starts throughout the year, Ab-Soul's latest album arrived on Friday (December 9), and with it came some of his finest work to date. Do What Thou Wilt, like other Soulo albums, is dense material, requiring several listens, but his varied flows and selection of... Read more

No More Mr. Nice Guy. DJ Premier Tells MCs & NYC DJs To Step Their Games Up (Video)

DJ Premier is known for being one of Hip-Hop's gap-bridgers. The Gang Starr producer/DJ has been a sonic leader in Hip-Hop for nearly 30 years. He has worked with artists who released records before him like Rakim and Just-Ice as well as 2010s breakouts such as Joey Bada$$ and King... Read more

The LOX Have Signed To Roc Nation & Are Releasing A New Album This Month

Roc Nation is looking like it wants to run the table on lyrical MCs. Starting with J. Cole, the label has assembled a roster that includes Jay Electronica, Vic Mensa, Rapsody, and now...The LOX. The trio of Jadakiss, Styles P and Sheek Louch is the latest to join the company... Read more

Smoke DZA & Pete Rock Release The Full Stream For “Don’t Smoke Rock” & It’s Crack (Audio)

Don’t Smoke Rock, the long-awaited album by legendary producer Pete Rock and Harlem’s own Smoke DZA, released on Babygrande Records, is finally here — and not since DJ Premier and Royce Da 5’9” linked for their PRhyme project has such a dope multigenerational collaboration occurred. Incidentally, Royce joins Jadakiss, Styles... Read more

The Cool Kids & Their Rhymes Really Connect On This Slapper (Audio)

With the reunion in place, The Cool Kids are back to being, well, cool. Their latest single "Connect 4" presents Chuck Inglish and Sir Michael Rocks as the forward-sounding, fashion-forward duo with lush dreams and slick lines. Notably, this track blends the two individual styles that the members built on... 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

Joey Bada$$ & Termanology Started Out At The Bottom. Now They’re Top Shottas (Audio)

Joey Bada$$ and Termanology remind listeners why they’re some of the “realest top shottas” when it comes to this generation’s true school spitters on the latest release off Term’s upcoming More Politics LP. Both MCs wax poetic about some of their personal struggles. Over a melancholy horn section, jazzy piano... Read more

Pete Rock & Smoke DZA Release The 1st Single From Their Joint Album & It’s Limitless (Audio)

A year to the day since Ambrosia for Heads reported that Pete Rock would be producing Smoke DZA's new album in its entirety, the two have emerged on this Halloween with the first single from the much-awaited joint LP. Don't Smoke Rock is the aptly hybridized title for the project,... Read more

Super Ugly: The Complete Evolution Of The Jay Z & Nas Beef From 1996 – 2001 (Video)

2016 has been a year of unexpected and multi-layered beefs, many of which have centered around the MC many love to hate: Drake. Over the Summer, Joe Budden and the Toronto MC mixed it up with Budden sending 4 diss records Drake's way in response to two records, "4pm In... Read more

Vic Mensa Is Beaten & Shot By Police In His New Video, But He Won’t Stay Down

Since its earliest days, Hip-Hop has been used as a voice for the people. Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five delivered "The Message." Chuck D called Rap the Black CNN. Common spoke for "The People." Never, in its 40-year history, however, have more artists used their platform to speak out... Read more

Chris Rivers Refuses To Be Passed Over As He Spits His Life From An Overpass (Video)

Chris Rivers never ceases to serve hot bars to the masses. The Bronx, New Yorker lives to spit lyrics, and his output of music grows—as does his profile of late. "Born For This" is a single that traces back Big Pun's son and his earliest dreams of a Rap career... Read more

Joe Budden Discusses Why His Music & Personal Life Are At Their Best In 2016

If you're not constantly challenged, you're probably not doing it right. Joe Budden entered 2016 with a proven career—decorated with a cult music following, reality television history, a podcast, and an Eminem-backed super-group at his side. However, throughout the last 15 years, Joe Budden never seems to get complacent. When... Read more

Big K.R.I.T. Details Being Moved To Tears For His BET Performance (Video)

Last week, Big K.R.I.T. seemingly delivered the musical performance of his career to date. During the 2016 BET Hip Hop Awards, the Mississippi MC/producer performed a remix to Kenneth Whalum's "Might Not Be OK" dressed as an officer of the law. In addition to the highly evocative lyrics, Krizzle's delivery... Read more

Lil Fame Mashes Out Alongside Termanology & Demands Respect On His Name (Video)

Besides his work with M.O.P. partner Billy Danze, one of Lil Fame's closest musical affiliates is Termanology. Several years back, the two MCs released a joint album in Fizzyology, which boasted some DJ Premier production, and appearances by Busta Rhymes, Styles P, and Bun B, among others. That bond is... Read more

Nick Grant Shows Why The Future Of Hip-Hop Is Far From Mumble Rap (Video)

Last year, Nick Grant made an appearance on the Sway In The Morning show and kicked one of the best freestyles of the year, excluding nobody. He earned his spot after participating in a cypher with CyHi The Prynce, one of the most respected lyricists in the game, and shining... Read more

Beanie Sigel Reveals How Texts & Photos Led To Violent Beef With Meek Mill (Audio)

Following a documented altercation this past weekend, Beanie Sigel has broken his silence. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania hit-maker appeared on the latest episode of the Taxstone Podcast. There, the former Roc-A-Fella Records star broke down his changing position in the beef between The Game and Meek Mill, and why he feels... Read more

Token Explains His Journey As An MC & How Music Saved His Life (Video)

Less than one week ago, Salem, Massachusetts MC Token released his debut project, Eraser Shavings. The 17-track effort featuring production by Nottz, Clinton Sparks, and Jon Glass (among others) arrives just as the lyricist turns 18 years old. Although he is a teenager, this MC is hardly new to the craft.... Read more

Pharoahe Monch, J.Period & More Will Help Open Historic New Museum

This weekend, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture located in Washington, D.C., will open its doors to the public, making it the first institution of its kind in the United States. As part of its grand opening celebration, some of Hip-Hop's most beloved artists will join... Read more

The LOX Blaze A Path For D-Block’s Snyp Life With Pete Rock & Beatnuts Jams (Audio)

Throughout their careers, The LOX—collectively and individually—have had an ear for great beats. Songs like Jadakiss' Alchemist-produced "We Gonna Make It," Styles P's Ayatollah-laced "The Life," and the trio's DJ Premier-conducted "Recognize" have defined their aesthetic. Sheek Louch, Jada', and Holiday Styles have never lost sight of that purest Hip-Hop... Read more

Fabolous Wants To Release His Joint Album With Jadakiss Before The End Of The Year (Video)

Throughout the years, Fabolous and Jadakiss have had a close working relationship. Two veteran acts at Def Jam Records, these New York City MCs have appeared together on songs like DJ Khaled's "Don't Ever Play Yourself," Jeezy's "OJ," and Uncle Murda's "Right Now (Remix)." Both close associates of Allen Iverson,... Read more

This Ghostface, Cappadonna & Jeru Freestyle From 1996 Still Does Damage (Audio)

In the mid-90s, there were few more dominant crews in Hip-Hop than Wu-Tang Clan and Gang Starr Foundation. Unlike today, however, where it's more common than not to have guest artists on tracks, in that era crews stayed more self-contained and collaborations outside of the collectives were more rare. As... Read more

Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth Approved This Best-Of Mix & You Will Too (Audio)

Not many groups (in any genre) can warrant a "Best Of" off of just two albums and an EP. Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth are a clear exception. Between 1991 and 1994, the New York City Hip-Hop duo released just a few handfuls of songs. That material left a lasting... Read more

De La Soul Describe Their Million Dollar Album With Priceless Jewels

In two days (August 26), De La Soul will release its eighth album, and the Anonymous Nobody. Released through the trio's own AOI (Art Official Intelligence) imprint, the album follows up on 2004's The Grind Date with an assortment of features, and at least one theme. While the Long Island, New... Read more

CyHi The Prynce & Locksmith Combine Their Superpower Skills In One Cypher (Video)

In the freestyle Hip-Hop community, CyHi The Prynce and Locksmith are two of the most exciting MCs out. From across the country (Georgia and North California, respectively), both of these fervent lyricists are able to jam substance into their fiery flows. These artists touch upon social issues in a way... Read more

DMX Says He Won Every Battle With Jay Z. Who Won The War? (Video)

In 1999, Jay Z and DMX embarked (and majorly cashed in) on the Hard Knock Life Tour. Although Jay Z's album gave the tour its name, the lineup was a joint headliner of the Roc-A-Fella Records co-founder and DMX. Both artists had become the flagship acts at Def Jam Records... Read more

The LOX Recruit Rick Ross On Their Rags To Riches Song “Feel My Pain” (Audio)

From "Money, Power, Respect" to "Rich Forever," both The LOX and Rick Ross have catalogs filled with street dreams. Over the years, the artists have had a number of collaborations, particularly Ross and Jadakiss, on tracks like "Oil Money," "Maybach Music III" and "500 Benz." And, of course, Styles P... Read more

A3C Honors 1996 With Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Redman, Too Short & Bun B

This year’s upcoming A3C Festival in Atlanta, Georgia will look back on the year 1996. The five-day event, beginning October 5 on over 75 stages in the city’s Old 4th Ward and surrounding areas, will feature headlining performances by some of the top acts from 20 years ago — all... Read more

The LOX Turn The Table On Police Brutality With An Important Question (Audio)

The LOX are known for straight to the jugular hardcore Hip-Hop for the last 20-plus years. However, Jadakiss, Styles P, and Sheek Louch have always seemingly known when to set aside the bully-raps for important, insightful messages. Songs like "Why?" and "The Life" showed depth to these MCs, who could... Read more

Taylor Bennett Smashes The First EVER 10 Fingers Of Death (Video)

There's more than one talented rapper in the Bennett family. While the world has been wowed by the gifts of Chance The Rapper for the last several years, his brother, Taylor, is making quite a name for himself. Fast. Many first caught wind of Taylor in 2014, when he went... Read more

Large Professor Broke More Than Atoms 25 Years Ago. He Broke New Ground.

By the early 1990s, Wild Pitch Records proved to be one of the most exciting labels in Hip-Hop. It was their logo at the center of the record that made key introductions for Gang Starr, Lord Finesse, and Flavor Unit lyricist Chill Rob G. Stu Fine’s label appeared to be... Read more