AFH Ambrosia for Heads

Rakim Reveals Nas Called Him For Advice Before He Ethered JAY-Z. Here’s What Ra Said (Video)

Recently, a number of MCs have openly rebelled against those that came before them. Lil Yachty said The Notorious B.I.G. was overrated. Young Dolph openly disrespected Pete Rock. And, too many rappers to count have favorably compared themselves to Tupac. But, it wasn't always that way. There was a time... Read more

Chris Rivers Is Man Enough To Take A Kanye Classic & Make It His Own (Audio)

Still in his early twenties, Chris Rivers often makes vivid and powerful records about growing into manhood and taking on responsibility. The Bronx, New Yorker who was just entering grade school when his famous father Big Pun passed away, had a lot of navigating to do on his own. He... Read more

Rakim Explains Why He Refused To Do A Gangsta Rap Album With Dr. Dre (Video)

When word broke in the early 2000s that Rakim was signed to Aftermath Entertainment, the Hip-Hop world went crazy. The prospect of arguably Hip-Hop's greatest MC working with a GOAT producer, was mind-blowing. At the time, Rakim was seen as an MC who was a celebrated member of a group... Read more

Donald Glover’s Deadpool Script Takes Down Racism, Police Violence, Gossip & More

Donald Glover co-created the most-watched comedy on FX during its 23 years as a network. In addition to Atlanta, which is currently in the midst of broadcasting its second season, the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning Glover (and his TV partner/brother Stephen) were working on an animated Deadpool series for the... Read more

Kanye Once Said He Had 40 Songs With Kendrick. 2 Collabos Now Surface. (Audio)

Kanye West is reportedly recording an album in the mountains of Wyoming. According to various sources, Nas, Pusha T, Travis Scott, Kid Cudi, and producer/musician/engineer Mike Dean are among the artists who have been in his company for the studio sessions dating back to 2017. Some, including Nas and Cudi,... Read more

Maseo Details How Beats Stetsasonic Rejected Helped Form De La Soul’s 1st Album (Video)

De La Soul's 3 Feet High and Rising is a benchmark Hip-Hop album. The introduction of Posdnuos, Trugoy (nka Dave), and Maseo proved to be a crucial link in the evolution of Native Tongues. It also showcased the producer who Maseo today credits as De La's "fourth member." Following the... Read more

Jermaine Dupri Will Be The 2nd Hip-Hop Artist Inducted Into Songwriters Hall Of Fame

Last February, JAY-Z was announced as the first Hip-Hop artist headed to the Songwriters Hall Of Fame. In mid-June, when the New York City ceremony took place, former President Barack Obama was among those who affirmed and celebrated Jay's lyrical contributions to music. The major moment was followed by peer... Read more

Why Eminem Is His Own Toughest Critic (Video)

After great anticipation, Eminem began his Revival yesterday (November 10). "Walk On Water" is a single with a fitting title. Until the song released, no one knew that Beyoncé would be on the track, or that its production would be unlike anything Marshall Mathers ever rocked from Dr. Dre, the... Read more

Lyor Cohen Explains How Redman Led Def Jam’s Comeback (Video)

During the 1980s Def Jam Records reigned supreme. The label, which burgeoned in co-founder Rick Rubin's New York University dorm room, issued several classic albums from legendary artists. These include LL Cool J's Radio, Slick Rick's The Great Adventures of Slick Rick, Rock & Rock Hall of Fame inductees Beastie Boys and... Read more

Kendrick Lamar Is Now A Part Owner Of His Record Company

Kendrick Lamar and Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith have a different relationship than most label founders and artists. That was clear to any listeners of 2017's "DUCKWORTH.," a spellbinding revelation that these two had intertwining paths even ahead of Lamar's 1987 birth. For the last 14 years, these two men from... Read more

Women In Rap Are Back & They Don’t Dance. They Make Money Moves (Video)

2017 may prove to be a watershed year in Hip-Hop. Kendrick Lamar's DAMN. married concept and advanced technical lyricism with commercial dominance in a way that forced the mainstream to conform. As recently as last week, artists from Logic to Bun B to Trae Tha Truth are taking action on... Read more

Kendrick Lamar Set The VMAs On Fire & Then He Humbly Won 6 Awards (Video)

Last night (August 27), the 34th annual MTV Video Music Awards took place at Inglewood, California's The Forum. The 2017 VMAs (and its reformatted list of categories) opened with the focus on Kendrick Lamar. The MC who has enjoyed #1's, platinum certifications, and other televised awards this calendar year kicked... Read more

Scarface Has A New Album Coming & He Shares Exclusive New Music (Video)

It's been a busy month for Scarface. The Houston, Texas legend closed July with footage of himself and longtime producer N.O. Joe in the studio. The MC/beat-maker pair responsible for “The Diary,” “Seen A Man Die,” “Smile,” and “Mary Jane” (co-productions) is at work on what appears to be 'Face's... Read more

LL Cool J Tells The Full Story Of When He Knocked Out Jamie Foxx (Video)

Over the last couple of years, Drink Champs, hosted by N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN, has become one of the most popular podcasts, and with good reason. The show, fueled by the hosts' familiarity and respect for their guests, along with a healthy amount of alcohol, often leads to some of... Read more

LL Cool J Wanted To Do A 2nd Collabo With Canibus To Avoid Their Beef (Video)

LL Cool J and Canibus put their beef to bed back in the closing days of 2014. What started out as a rhyme battle (on the very same song) expanded into 17 years of feuding that involved tattoos, subliminal album titles, and a feature on QDIII's Beef DVD series. In... Read more

Scarface Is In The Studio With A Key Producer. Rappers Are “In Trouble.” (Video)

One never knows what Scarface's status is until he decides to push the button on music. The Houston, Texas legend has claimed retirement multiple times in his decorated career, only to come back and make some incredible music after the hiatus. In what he considers his 30th year in the... Read more

Last Of A Dying Breed: Why Scarface Is The Greatest MC Of All Time (Video)

Scarface is an MC who is a keystone within a legendary group, the Geto Boys. However, he also maintains a solo catalog that is arguably even more impressive. Brad Jordan's career expands nearly 30 years, and the Houston, Texas legend has made a powerful impact with the fans, the critics,... Read more

Producers Rejoice: Legal Sampling Is Now As Easy As Online Shopping (Video)

A potentially game-changing new service is about to hit the digital streets, one that could theoretically help usher in a new golden age for sample-based Hip-Hop. Swedish startup Tracklib has created a one-stop online “crate-digging” marketplace, on which producers can find, buy (at $1.99 a track) and eventually license existing... Read more

How Losing His Father Helped JAY-Z Escape A Hard Knock Life (Video)

"Momma loved me. Pop left me." JAY-Z's life is as interesting as his art. The Brooklyn, New Yorker walked a line between hustling his way out of the 'hood and pursuing a talent that he has called "God-given." By the mid-1990s, those worlds would masterfully intersect on Reasonable Doubt, giving... Read more

An Argument For Why Black Thought Is The Greatest MC Of All Time (Video)

For almost 25 years, Black Thought has been putting his raspy voiced verses to record. The constant MC for The Roots crew has made a dozen albums, seemingly performed as much as any Rap artist, and is now typically on television five nights per week. More than just simply hard... Read more

Scarface Says Jay Z Is The Best Songwriter Of All-Time

Today (June 15) Jay Z is being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Announced in February, the moment marks the first time a Hip-Hop artist will receive the prestigious honor. In celebration of the achievement, Tidal has compiled some remarkable peer praise for the Roc Nation MC. Common (who... Read more

DMX Punching Chris Lighty Drew Blood Money From His Album (Audio)

This spring, the life and death of acclaimed record executive Chris Lighty has been the subject of an investigative podcast series. Combat Jack has created and hosted Mogul, a weekly look at the evolution of the man who managed A Tribe Called Quest, LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes, 50 Cent,... Read more

Joe Budden Says Kendrick Lamar & Royce 5’9 Are The 2 Best MCs In The World (Video)

The release of Kendrick Lamar's latest album has triggered discussion of where he stands in the Hip-Hop pantheon of MCs. Many consider him to be 4 for 4, in terms of outstanding LPs, including Section.80, good kid, m.A.A.d. city, To Pimp A Butterfly and, now, DAMN. As untitled.unmastered. was simply... Read more

Drug Addicts Today Are Getting More Love & Compassion, Especially If They’re White

With the so-called "War On Drugs" so clearly a political and moral failure, Americans suffering from addiction today live in a more compassionate climate. More and more, drug addicts are seen as struggling with a public health issue, rather than one based on notions of crime and moral ineptitude. As... Read more

There Is No Hip-Hop Without Women. Every Day Is Ladies First (Video)

Throughout Hip-Hop history, there have been countless women who have helped carry a nascent culture into the mainstream. Not all of them do we know by name - the mothers, sisters, grandmothers, aunts, teachers, and others who encouraged a child to write rhymes, pursue her or his passion for music,... Read more

Allen Iverson Discusses Breaking Michael Jordan’s Ankles 20 Years Later (Video)

As much as any in his career, the last 6 months have been a victory lap for Allen Iverson. In September, the 6 foot warrior was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. His raw and honest acceptance speech was one for the ages, and all the way Hip-Hop, as... Read more

Ice Cube Names Chuck D His Favorite Rapper & Bomb Squad His Favorite Producers (Audio)

February 21 UPDATE: The video interview of Ice Cube from The Combat Jack Show has been added below, along with the existing audio stream. Original Post: Starting in 1990's "Endangered Species (Tales From The Darkside)," Ice Cube made some of his most notable collaborations with Chuck D and the producers... Read more

LL Cool J & Dr. Dre Have Over 10 Songs Completed According To LL’s DJ

In early 2016, Hip-Hop Heads were teased with a vicious LL Cool J freestyle over top of some fresh Dr. Dre production. Two of Hip-Hop's 32-plus-year professional veterans, James Todd Smith and Andre Young have been rumored to be up to something together. L's DJ and collaborator, Z-Trip, just spilled... 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

Naughty By Nature Explain How Signing With Sugar Hill Almost Made Them Go New Jack City

Naughty By Nature celebrated their 25th anniversary in 2016. The New Jersey trio released new music, including a reunion with Queen Latifah, and toured multiple times. In truth, the group has been together, and recording professionally much longer than 25 years. In 1989, as The New Style, Treach, Vin Rock,... Read more

Stillmatic Turns 15. Here’s A Look At Nas’ Return To His NY State Of Mind (Video)

Fifteen years ago today (December 18), Nas released his fifth album, Stillmatic. At a time before popular Rap stars were making albums into series and franchises, Nasir Jones flashed back to his 1994 debut. In the seven years since, the MC had two #1 albums, and gone platinum many times... Read more

The Grammys Finally Realize Straight Outta Compton Was a Great Album

Over the last two years—largely thanks to a 2015 blockbuster biopic, the mainstream media has apparently reconsidered the merits of N.W.A. The Ruthless Records collective of Eazy-E, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, MC Ren, and DJ Yella released two albums, a compilation, and an EP between 1987 and 1991. In that... Read more

President Obama Gives His Current Top 5 MCs As He Prepares To Leave Office (Audio)

When President Barack Obama took office in 2008, Hip-Hop was in a widely different place. That was the year that Lil Wayne's Tha Carter III sold more than a million copies in its first week available. That year, T.I. made one of his loudest statements in Paper Trail, before going... Read more

DJ Premier & Prince Paul Discuss Hip-Hop’s Generation Gap & Why We All Need Perspective (Video)

DJ Premier and Prince Paul are two legendary producers in Hip-Hop (and beyond) with discographies that span back to the 1980s. Back then, Preemo joined Guru to launch the album-making years of Gang Starr. In the very same 1989 that No More Mr. Nice Guy released, Paul celebrated strong accolades... Read more

Common Speaks On Why He’s Not A Conscious Rapper. He’s a Human MC (Video)

In the skit following "The 6th Sense," Common made light of his public image. The Chicago, Illinois MC made a song that fought for Hip-Hop's preservation. Moments after, he made light of the way he appeared to some—as a deeply conscious, lighthearted poet. The same artist who had been involved... Read more

From Geto Boy To Golfing Man: Scarface Takes The Course (Video)

"I can cheat you. I can't cheat that golf course." In a fascinating new look at Scarface, Callaway Golf follows the Houston, Texas rapper as he plays a round of golf. It's a different side of the MC, best known for his incomparable role in not only defining what a... Read more

Rahzel Provides Jewels On The History & Evolution Of Beatboxing (Video)

Rahzel The Godfather of Noyze has become one of the household names for beatboxing. The New Yorker and onetime member of The Roots has worked with a range of artists including Erykah Badu, Ben Harper, Common, Rakim, Everlast, and Sean Paul, among many others. With more than 20 years of... Read more

D4L’s Shawty Lo Killed In Atlanta Car Crash

UPDATE: Police in Fulton County have determined that Shawty Lo's fatal car accident was not a hit-and-run collision as first reported. Instead, authorities have stated their investigation led them to believe the man born Carlos Walker lost control of his vehicle at an exit ramp, leaving the road. The report... Read more

Drake Brings Eminem Out At His Detroit Show Calling Him The Greatest Rapper Ever (Video)

Nearly 2 weeks ago (8/3), the Internet went wild after a statement by Hot 97 personality Ebro Darden that he had been speaking with Drake about his ongoing feud with Joe Budden, and suggested that Eminem might enter the war of words, on Budden's behalf. “I told Drake that I... 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

An Argument For Why Redman Is The Greatest Rapper Of All-Time (Video)

It's been less than a year since Redman released his last solo album, Mudface, but the short time span has not quelled the fervent interest in what he's reportedly got on the horizon: Muddy Waters 2. This year marks the 20th anniversary of arguably one of his most celebrated albums... Read more

Killer Mike Explains Why The Trap Does Not Make Dollars Or Sense (Video)

One of the pivotal records of Killer Mike's career was his appearance on Outkast's "Snappin' & Trappin'." Right as the mainstream erupted around 2000's Stankonia release, Mike came in with a song that celebrated the street-life of Atlanta, Georgia and its surrounding hoods. Sixteen years later, Killer Mike's personality has... Read more

Russell Simmons Reveals His Secret For Balancing Commercial Success With Maintaining Crediblity (Video)

Throughout Russell Simmons' founding tenure at Def Jam Records, the Hollis Queens, New York native developed a number of hugely successful artists and albums. The Beastie Boys' Licensed To Ill, DMX's It's Dark And Hell Is Hot and Flesh Of My Flesh, Blood Of My Blood, Method Man's Tical 2000:... Read more

Russell Simmons Crowns Def Jam’s Greatest Album & His Favorite Artist (Video)

Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin began releasing Def Jam Records singles in 1984. Started in a New York University dorm room (occupied by Rubin), the company would expand to become a reported $115 million property by the late 1990s. From original flagship artist LL Cool J, Def Jam would play... Read more

Native Tongues Father, Brothers & Affiliates Come Together For Phife (Audio)

Following the March 22 death of Phife Dawg, Black Sheep Dres has been deeply instrumental in raising awareness of the life of Malik Taylor. Both members of the Native Tongues movement, these MCs rolled together in the '90s and 2000s. After being a key organizer in last week's memorial event... Read more

Kareem “Biggs” Burke Reveals Roc-A-Fella Secrets Regarding Big L, Scarface & Ma$e

Roc-A-Fella Records' 1990s and early 2000s' reign is credited to three businessmen. While Jay Z has become one of, if not the biggest artists in Hip-Hop history, Dame Dash is one of the highest profile Rap executives. Third owner of the original Roc, Kareem "Biggs" Burke was (and remains) less in... Read more

Killer Mike Says “Jim Crow Is Still Very Much Alive” (Video)

By now, even casual fans of Killer Mike's music have likely become familiar with his robust proclamations in his daily life, whether on social media, political speeches, or media appearances. Along with his extensive work on the campaign trail for Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, Killer Mike has been fighting... Read more

Meet The Secret Weapon To Hits By Nas, Eric B. & Rakim & Main Source (Audio)

Anton Pukshansky is a name that likely appears in your music library—even if you don't know it. Born in Russia, raised in New York City, the producer, engineer, bassist, and keyboardist would work on heralded albums including Nas' Illmatic, Eric B. & Rakim's Let The Rhythm Hit 'Em, Kool G Rap &... Read more

Eric B. & Rakim’s Paid In Full vs. Wu-Tang Clan’s Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). Which Is Better?

Last September, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: what is the greatest Rap Album Of All-Time? “Finding The GOAT Album” has considered more than 120 albums from the 80s, 90s and 2000s (40 in each), with options for... Read more

This Mix Of The 16 Greatest Hip-Hop Albums Of All Time Is 21 Minutes of Heaven (Audio)

Last September, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: what is the greatest Rap Album Of All-Time? “Finding The GOAT Album” has considered more than 120 albums from the '80s, '90s and 2000s (40 in each), with options for... Read more