AFH Ambrosia for Heads

Run-D.M.C.’s Run-D.M.C. vs. Ultramagnetic MC’s Critical Beatdown. Which Album 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

Eric B. & Rakim’s Follow The Leader vs. EPMD’s Unfinished Business. What’s 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

Big Daddy Kane Defends Macklemore, Praises Inclusion Of Rap Pioneers

In 1994, Big Daddy Kane—a major label, gold-certified artist, appeared on the Treacherous Three's first album in a decade, Old School Flava. "We Wit' It" featured Kane, alongside Chuck D, Grandmaster Caz, Grandmaster Melle Mel, Heavy D, Tito, and the Treacherous Three lineup of Kool Moe Dee, Special K, and... Read more

Read Eminem’s Heartfelt Letter & Illustration Sent To Tupac’s Mother

In 1997, Tupac Shakur's mother Afeni Shakur established the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts, a performing-arts based community program in Stone Mountain, Georgia that focuses on bringing children opportunities to explore dance, drama, creative writing, and more. As part of the organization's role in preserving Tupac's legacy, the... Read more

Method Man Gets 100% Real About His Album, The Media & Why He No Longer Curses on Songs (Interview)

We had the opportunity to speak at length with Method Man to discuss his forthcoming new album, The Meth Lab, and more. The veteran MC had a lot on his mind and did not hesitate to touch on several issues with candor and depth. In addition to talking about his... Read more

Grandmaster Melle Mel Has An Unpleasant Message For Grandmaster Flash

Thirty-three years ago, Grandmaster Flash & The Furious 5 made one of Hip-Hop's seminal singles, "The Message." In 2015, two of the Furious 5's MCs, Grandmaster Melle Mel and Scorpio, have a message for Flash: pay up. “No matter what happens, if you say ‘Grandmaster Flash,’ you think of ‘Grandmaster... Read more

Killer Mike Names His Favorite MCs and Talks Deep Hip-Hop History With Snoop (Video)

Killer Mike is the latest guest on Snoop Dogg's GGN. The Run The Jewels co-founder brings some flammable treats for Tha Doggfather, as the two wax poetic about a range of topics. Snoop, a confirmed R.T.J. fan, asks Mike about linking up with El-P. "You spend your whole life looking... Read more

Wonder What A 1977 New York City Park Jam Sounded Like? Press Play… (Mix)

Bringing the earliest days of Hip-Hop to the digital age is a challenge. While DJ Kool Herc, DJ Red Alert, and Grandmaster Melle Mel (among many others) are highly active in telling the story, and presenting the culture they helped create, other things are harder to find. Pioneering DJs like... Read more

DJ Red Alert Explains How The Bridge Wars Began, Tells His Story (Audio)

Fresh off of DJ Kool Herc's groundbreaking interview with The Combat Jack Show, another Hip-Hop pioneer is profiled extensively. Kool DJ Red Alert is Combat's guest this week. The Harlem, New York native (not Bronx, as often reported) opens up about his career trajectory, the radio wars evolving into "The... 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

Fabolous Updates Nas’ Black Girl Lost With His Best 90s Freestyle Yet (Audio)

It takes a brave heart to follow Nas on a track. For the latest in his top notch series of 90s throwback freestyles, that's exactly what Fabolous does and he responds with his best to date. On Nasir's "Black Girl Lost," from It Was Written, Esco weaves a mournful tale... Read more

Can An MC Be Considered The Greatest of All-Time After 5 Years? This Short Film Says YES (Video)

“Can it be that it was all so simple then?” The nostalgia effect is a strong one in Hip-Hop, and causes us not only to look back with optimistic revision, but also, at times, prevents us from embracing the greatness of late. It is not uncommon to hear someone argue... Read more

De La Soul Explain Their Criteria For What Makes a Great MC. Do You Agree? (Video)

Many have opinions about what criteria makes a great MC, but few have the credentials to back them up like De La Soul. As Hip-Hop survivors and thrivers for more than 20 years, Posdnuous, Dave and Maseo are among Rap's most influential artists, and when they speak, Heads listen. As... Read more

Yasiin Bey Explains His New Creative Process and Worldview in Detail (Video)

Yasiin Bey is a true creative anomaly. The artist formerly known as Mos Def spent the late 1990s and early 2000s churning out material, basking in the collaborative spirit, and touring relentlessly. The world responded, and the onetime Brooklyn, New York underground MC garnered gold plaques, Top 5 debuts, and... Read more

Ever See This Rare Cypher With Tupac and Warren G Over a Classic Dr. Dre Beat? (Video)

Here's a look back at some amazing footage of Tupac, Warren G, Big Syke and Richie Rich holding a spur of the moment cypher in the studio, over the "Gz and Hustlas" track Dr. Dre produced for Snoop's Doggystle LP. Tupac and Warren G are the more commonly known of... Read more

Mister Cee Reveals Slick Rick Once Fully Stepped to Big Daddy Kane…Strapped (Audio)

DJ Mister Cee is the latest guest on Cipha Sounds & Peter Rosenberg's Juan Epstein podcast/show. In Part 2 (Part 1 ran earlier this month), The Finisher speaks to his friends and former HOT 97 colleagues in depth about the two figures most closely associated with the Brooklyn, New York... Read more

Rakim is Releasing His First Solo Album in More Than 5 Years (Video)

Montreality, with their original and spirited questions, spoke to Rakim, again (after his grabbing 2012 look). Sitting down with the God MC, a lot is covered in less than 10 minutes. Notably, Rakim confirmed that he is fast at work on his fourth solo studio album. "This is one of... Read more

Did You Know Erick Sermon Could Have Signed Biggie? The Green Eyed Bandit Speaks (Video)

2015 is shaping up to be a big year for Erick Sermon. The Green Eyed bandit has launched a new collection of Hip-Hop rugs called Def Rugs, and is releasing ESP, his first album since 2004's Chilltown, New York, in June. E Double sat down with Sway and covered a... Read more

Here’s an Amazing New Film About the Evolution of Hip-Hop Radio in the 80s (Video)

Red Bull Music has put together an amazing new documentary about the evolution of Hip-Hop radio in the 80s. Titled Revolutions On Air: The Golden Era of New York Radio 1980 - 1988, the short film serves as an in-depth look at some of the key personalities responsible for bringing... 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

Did Black Thought Confirm He’s Working On A Solo Album?

During an exciting week in Hip-Hop music, something really major may have been announced, that many Heads missed. Yesterday (April 16) The Roots' front man Black Thought confirmed that he is currently in the process of recording a solo album. Replying to a fan's tweet, Thought alluded to the upcoming... Read more

Redman, Talib Kweli & Wrekonize Celebrate a Night In Paradise (Video)

One of the strongest moments from DJ EFN's amazing Another Time album, is "Paradise." The moment links Redman, Talib Kweli, and ¡Mayday!'s Wrekonize. All three MCs are known for big body bars, but the record notably takes aim at the nightlife and club crowd, with a surprising smoothness. In the... Read more

stic.man & Last Poets’ Umar Bin Hassan Bring Rap Back To Its Roots (Audio)

Last Poets legend (and MC pioneer) Umar Bin Hassan shares a canvas with Rap renegade stic.man of dead prez. The two oft-outspoken wordsmiths paint a vivid picture of the moral atrocities happening in America's shadows. In their song “Are We Trapped," the two touch on a number of our society’s... Read more

Astro Shortens His Name But Keeps Pushing Forward Lyrically (Audio)

As he's gone from a boy to a man, The Astronomical Kid has shortened his name to Astro and now Stro. No matter the moniker, since his seventh place finish on the first season of the U.S. version of X Factor, he has remained one of Hip-Hop's most promising voices.... Read more

Here’s Vintage Footage of Lauryn Hill Showing and Proving Her Freestyle Vocab (Video)

Before becoming mega-platinum stars with multiple Grammy Awards, Lauryn Hill and Wyclef used to actively go from school to school searching for worthy MCs to battle. One look at this vintage clip of Lauryn effortlessly flowing off the top over Wyclef plucking the acoustic guitar shows exactly why most MCs... Read more

DJ Jazzy Jeff Calls Will Smith One Of Rap’s Greatest Storytellers. Do You Agree?

Slick Rick, Dana Dane, Rakim, Ghostface Killah, Ice Cube, Andre 3000, Nas, Kendrick Lamar...Hip-Hop has its list of great storytellers. According to DJ Jazzy Jeff, any GOAT Storyteller list is severely suspect if it does not include Will Smith, perhaps forever known to Hip-Hop Heads as The Fresh Prince. In... Read more

Chuck D Gives a True Music History Lesson in His Conversation with Nardwuar (Video)

When it comes to conducting interviews, Nardwuar is a crate-digger, literally and figuratively. When he got his shot to interview Public Enemy's Chuck D, courtesy of Brother Ali and Z-Trip, the Canadian journalist took full advantage. As is often the case with Nardwuar interviews, he drove the discussion by going... Read more

Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) Salutes MF DOOM By Performing 9 DOOM Songs (Video)

Yasiin Bey (f/k/a Mos Def) has been vocal in the past about his love for fellow underground MC, MF DOOM. Bey has spent the past few months releasing videos of himself performing live covers of his favorite DOOM tracks as a project he's called BEYONDOOM. The visual EP sees Yasiin... Read more

Ever See This Footage of Busta Rhymes Battling a Student at His Old High School? (Video)

Imagine you're Busta Rhymes visiting your old high school and a current student/wannabe MC steps to you to battle. Do you a) salute the lil homie for having the courage to spit his bars, b) forcefully check some disrespectful onlookers, or c) teach him why you're the DUNGEON DRAGON? Naturally,... Read more

If There Was Ever a Question About Ludacris’ Lyricism, It Stops With This Intro (Video)

Much of the press around Ludacris' new Ludaversal album has centered around his renewed focus on lyricism on the project. Luda, himself, has spoken about believing he's been underrated as an MC over the years and that this album is about honesty and lyrical ability. No song makes his intent... Read more

Prince Paul Clarifies an MF DOOM Production Rumor, Revisits Prince Among Thieves (Audio)

Prince Paul is one of the more legendary producers of the last 30 years. Throughout that time, the Long Island, New York native has been involved with an extensive range of music, into Comedy and Spoken Word. His approaches have changed and pioneered the modern Rap sound, with the use... Read more

MF DOOM & Flying Lotus Announce Collabo Album, But Is It An April Fool’s Joke?

As fans are holding their breaths, hoping that these two illusive artists aren’t playing an "April Fools" joke. [UPDATE: According to one of DOOM's past labels, Nature Sounds Records, this is all a joke.] MF DOOM and Flying Lotus just announced their collaboration on an album titled Mask Of The... Read more

Charles Hamilton Takes Over a Jay Z Classic With a Complex Off the Top Freestyle (Video)

A couple of weeks ago, Charles Hamilton slayed Sway's Five Fingers of Death Freestyle challenge. He went completely off the top for nearly 7 minutes over not five but EIGHT different beats. At the end, he said he wanted one more...and the video cut off. Now, that last freestyle has... Read more

Ever Hear This Mix of Jay Z Mashups with Songs By Biggie, 50 Cent, Whodini, The D.O.C., Soul II Soul and More? (Mixtape)

Here's a look back at a mixtape of Jay Z mashups put together by DJ Lennox. He takes thirty of Jay's choicest vocals and seamlessly blends them with songs made by Biggie, 50 Cent, Justin Timberlake, Whodini, Afrika Bambaataa, Musiq Soulchild, The Beatles, The D.O.C., Busta Rhymes, Soul II Soul... Read more

Bumpy Knuckles & Big Daddy Kane Scorch Mics Over An Oddisee Beat (Audio)

For Heads paying attention, Bumpy Knuckles' Soundcloud page is the place to be. The Long Island, New York MC/producer regularly shares gems from his 29 years of catalog. From circa the mid-2000s, Freddie Foxxx shares a track ("The Fires Gettin' High") he made with his longtime friend Big Daddy Kane.... Read more

Tech N9ne Takes A Venting Session & Translates It To A Monster MC Moment (Video)

Despite the make-up, the merchandise, and all the trimmings of self-made wealth, Tech N9ne is a minimalist. His new single "Aw Yeah? (interVENTion)" does not have a catchy beat at all. The song does not have a high concept, a catchy chorus, or a broad purpose. Instead, the Strange Music... Read more

Eternal E: Remembering Eazy-E’s Massive Contributions 20 Years Later (Food For Thought)

Eazy-E, who was only 31 when he died 20 years ago today (March 26, 1995), was considered one (if not the) progenitor of West Coast Gangsta Rap. As a record label executive, he established a blueprint for future young, Black entrepreneurs. As a member of N.W.A., he helped lend a... Read more

Kurupt’s In A Foul Mood. He, J. Wells & Roscoe Make A Groove About It (Audio)

Sometimes MCs benefit from having a chip on their shoulder. Nearly 15 years ago, Kurupt took his frustrations with people trying to holler at his girl (then Foxy Brown), feeling neglected as a West Coast artist, and not feelin' the 2Pac imitations, and made "Callin' Out Names." While the song... Read more

Ludacris Says Don’t Get It Confused, He Keeps It Realer Than Most Rappers (Video)

Although Heads are only learning it weeks before the album, Ludaversal (March 31) appears to be Ludacris' stripped down album. Like the 22 year-old "daily driver" Acura on the album cover, Ludacris seems to be all about being himself on his ninth Def Jam Records effort. Yesterday (March 24), Heads... Read more

Big Daddy Kane Names His List of the Greatest MCs of All-Time. Who Made the Cut? (Video)

"Me, KRS and Rakim changed the whole way people rhymed..."--Big Daddy Kane Big Daddy Kane is widely considered to be one of the greatest MCs of all-time and, for many, he is the GOAT. So, when Kane speaks about his list of Hip-Hop's best lyricists, it takes on a different... Read more

There’s a Reason Why Nas Signed Bishop Nehru. Just Listen (Audio)

Imagine you're an 18-year old up and coming MC and you get the opportunity to work with DOOM...and Nas decides to sign you. Those dreams come true represent just a portion of the good tidings that have come to Bishop Nehru over the last few years. The Rockland County, NY... Read more

Ludacris Deploys A Slow Flow To Talk About The Smoke & Mirrors Of The Rap Game (Audio)

Ludacris' ninth solo LP, Ludaversal (March 31) is one week away. Within the album, the Rap mainstay has one song that reflects on his journey, and the stresses that come with a sustainable career in the industry. Listening to a superstar whine might not be appealing or original in theory,... Read more

Action Bronson & Chance Let Their Soul Glow In Spoofing “Coming To America” (Video)

An homage to the Eddie Murphy led film, Coming To America, Action Bronson and Chance The Rapper take their version across the Atlantic to Albania in visuals for Bronsonelli's single, "Baby Blue." After an inexpensive haircut and a jabberjawing session about the upcoming Mayweather/Pacquiao fight, Bronson flips his script in... Read more

Producer J-Zone Speaks on Classic Break Beats and How to Chop Samples (Video Premiere)

For more than 15 years, Queens, New York's J-Zone has had a career in music that is as unconventional as his sound. A lover of records, both old Funk, R&B, and other sources of breaks, as well as rugged Hip-Hop (Ultramagnetic MC's, Mob Style, C-Bo), Zone's entrance into the industry... Read more

RZA Has Some Controversial Views On Sample Lawsuits In 2015. Do You Agree?

Since even before 1993's Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), RZA has been a producer who liked to sample. From Janet Jackson to Al Green, Mary Poppins to The Electric Prunes, The Abbott's crates go deep, and unpredictable. However, after nearly 25 years of writing and composing music sold at retail,... Read more

The Cold Crush Brothers Defined MC’ing As We Know It. Hear Them Rock A 1982 Set (Audio)

The Cold Crush Brothers (a/k/a The Cold Crush IV) are an iconic Hip-Hop group. In the era leading up to first 12" singles, and later, full-length albums, founder DJ Tony Tone, Almighty Kay Gee, Dot-A-Rock, Grandmaster Caz, Supreme Easy A.D., Whipper Whip, DJ Charlie Chase, and other members in and... Read more

Kool G Rap & Mic Geronimo Support Nutso On A Hardcore Queens Cut (Audio)

Kool G Rap may have the Midas touch of cosigns. From Nas to Papoose, Large Professor to MF Grimm, the Kool Genius has an ear for fellow lyricists on the come-up. Fellow Queens, New Yorker Nutso is far from new, having worked with G, along with Trae Tha Truth, Psycho... Read more

Snoop Dogg Developing New HBO Series With Makers Of Menace II Society & Boondocks

In the last 15 years, Snoop Dogg has launched two television series: the 2002-2003 MTV-spawned "Doggy Fizzle Televizzle" and the 2007-2008 two-season go for E!, "Snoop Dogg's Father Hood." Neither show made it past 18 episodes, respectively. However, the Long Beach, California Hip-Hop icon is not done. According to The... Read more

MC Eiht, Blu & Kam Come Together To Throw A Lyrical ‘W’ (Audio)

Growing up in the same backdrop of Los Angeles, California, MC Eiht, Kam, and Blu all illustrated the dichotomy of being a wordsmith and a gangsta rapper at the same time. For Eiht, those examples stem back to the mid-1980s in the rise of Comptons Most Wanted, reporting live about... Read more

Bounce To This Comprehensive Cash Money Records Mix, Featuring Lots Of Early Mannie Fresh Tracks (Mix)

Cash Money Records goes back a lot farther than even well-versed Hip-Hop Heads may realize. Names like Kilo G, U.N.L.V., (the late) Magnolia Shorty, and Ms. Tee span back to the early 1990s on the label started by Bryan "Birdman" Williams, and brother Ronald "Slim." Prior to the storied Universal... Read more