AFH Ambrosia for Heads

Ab-Soul Confirms Trying To Take His Life

One of 2022's most impressive songs is Ab-Soul's "Do Better," featuring Zacari. Six years removed from his last album, the Top Dawg Entertainment mainstay made an inspirational video single that leads fans to his fifth LP, HERBERT, which arrives this Friday (December 16). In the song, Soulo admits to battling... Read more

An Argument For Why Roc Marciano Is The Greatest MC Of All-Time

The conversation about who is Rap's best MC is Hip-Hop's great debate. As with sports, movies and other categories that lend themselves to rankings, the answer often evolves over time, as new entrants emerge. In the 1980s, names like Rakim, KRS-One, Big Daddy Kane and LL Cool J were often... Read more

The Best Rap Verses Of 2022

As 2022 winds down to its closing weeks, Ambrosia For Heads begins a celebration of the year with an in-depth conversation about its best Hip-Hop verses. In considering 2022, AFH's What's The Headline podcast spent nearly 90 minutes breaking down some of our favorites. While there is unanimous agreement surrounding six songs, the two hosts... Read more

Ice Cube, E-40, Too Short & Snoop Are Giving Free Game

Over the last several years, one of the biggest super-groups in Hip-Hop history has been brewing. Mount Westmore is Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, E-40, and Too Short. To date, the collective has released a handful of singles and performed together. However, now the California delegation from South Central Los Angeles,... Read more

Ab-Soul Goes Back To His Roots & Shows He’s Still A Top Dawg

Next month makes it six years since Ab-Soul released an album. In the time since Do What Thou Wilt., the Carson, California veteran worked on 2018's chart-topping Black Panther soundtrack, which was nominated for "Album Of The Year" at the following Grammy Awards. He made meaningful collaborations with fellow Carson... Read more

Nas Pays Tribute To Takeoff With Powerful Words About Self-PRESERVATION

Yesterday (November 11), Nas and Hit-Boy released their fourth collaborative album since 2020. King's Disease III finds the legendary MC and the acclaimed producing carry on a tradition that earned both men Grammy Awards in 2021. The new collection of songs, released through Nas' Mass Appeal Records imprint, is about... Read more

Snoop Dogg’s Story Will Be Told In A Definitive Biopic

2022 has become one of the most cinematic years of Snoop Dogg's life. At 51 years old, Calvin Broadus, Jr. delivered an Emmy-winning Super Bowl Halftime Show performance alongside his mentor, Dr. Dre, as well as artists he influenced, including Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, and 50 Cent. In the days around... Read more

Busta Rhymes’ Video Shows What His Life Would Be If He Never Rapped

Over two years ago, Busta Rhymes released a hallmark album in his career. 2020's Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God arrived at a time following a near-death respiratory issue for the MC legend. Additionally, the Conglomerate release drew from various sides and career points from Trevor Smith, Jr.—including... Read more

The History Of Violence In Hip-Hop: 6 Years Changed Everything

In the last year, Hip-Hop has lost an alarming number of its artists to violence. Young Dolph, PnB Rock, Trouble, and Drakeo The Ruler are just some of the noteworthy examples, among several others. In the last week, Migos member Takeoff was killed in Houston, Texas on November 1—adding to... Read more

Eminem’s Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Speech Praises Over 100 Hip-Hop Influences

This weekend, Eminem became the latest Hip-Hop artist to enter the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. At a Saturday (November 5) induction event and concert, Marshall Mathers was celebrated alongside Dolly Parton, Duran Duran, Pat Benatar, Lionel Richie, The Eurythmics, and Carly Simon. Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis joined... Read more

Griselda Makes Its Case As Hip-Hop’s Best Crew With 7 MCs On 1 Song

For the last several years, one of Hip-Hop's greatest debates has been who is Rap's best crew, between TDE and Dreamville. Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) held the advantage in the early 2010s, with a roster which included Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, ScHoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, Isaiah Rashad, SZA and more. The... Read more

Raekwon, Ghostface, Busta Rhymes & More Put On A Clinic In Dropping Science

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So…let Ambrosia For Heads sift 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, it’s better than it’s ever been. Not only can we go back... Read more

Busta Rhymes, Big Daddy Kane & Conway Slap The Competition On A New Song

Busta Rhymes approached the 2020s with something to prove. Two years ago, the veteran co-founder of Leaders Of The New School and Flipmode Squad gave fans a classic-level album—arguably the best in his career. Extinction Level Event 2 showed the many sides of Busta Bus, including collaborations with Rakim, Kendrick... Read more

Ab-Soul Has Released A New Song And It’s His Best In Years

Ab-Soul has been very quiet for the last several years. The Carson, California MC released his last album, Do As Thou Wilt, in 2016, and prior to that he had not released a full-length project since 2014, when he was commissioned by an online casino without verification one of his... Read more

J. Cole Told Us Who Kanye West Was 6 Years Ago But Many Ignored Him

During the intro to Kendrick Lamar's song "Savior" on his Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers album, the Compton MC says "Kendrick made you think about it, but he is not your savior. Cole made you feel empowered, but he is not your savior. Future said, 'Get a money counter,'... Read more

Mac Miller’s Incredible Talent Is On Full Display On A New Robert Glasper Song

It's been more than four years since the Hip-Hop world lost Mac Miller. The MC/producer/musician was an incredible talent whose artistic accomplishments were only growing, at the time of his passing, with his 2018 album Swimming subsequently being nominated for "Best Rap Album." Unlike with other artists, there have not... Read more

Kanye West’s Self-Destruction Should Not Be Televised

A dozen years ago, Kanye West released one of his many anthems in "Power." In the preview single to My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, 'Ye proclaimed, "I embody every characteristic of the egotistic / He knows he so f*ckin' gifted / I just needed time alone, with my own thoughts /... Read more

The Game Says Dr. Dre Has Never Produced A Song For Him

Last week, The Game appeared on Uproxx's Fresh Pair podcast to discuss a range of topics surrounding music and his nearly 20-year career. While the multi-platinum Compton, California promoted his new album, DRILLMATIC Heart Vs. Mind, he also opined on the five greatest Los Angeles Hip-Hop albums—with a list that... Read more

The Game Names His Top 5 L.A. Rap Albums & It’s Hard To Argue Against Him

Since the release of his debut album The Documentary in 2005, The Game has been a mainstay in the Los Angeles, California Hip-Hop scene. When the 50 Cent and Dr. Dre executive-produced project dropped, The Game almost single-handedly put L.A. back on the Rap map in the maintream. While legends... Read more

Wu-Tang Clan, Mobb Deep, M.O.P. & More Celebrate LOUD Records

Tonight (October 4), BET aired its annual Hip Hop Awards. Hosted by Fat Joe, the night was meant to celebrate Hip-Hop's finest, both old and new. The big winner of the night was Kendrick Lamar, who took home awards for artist of the year, album of the year, video director... Read more

Big Tigger & Rapsody Tear Down The Booth In A Rap City Freestyle

The 2022 BET Hip Hop Awards aired tonight (October 4), hosted by Fat Joe. The show has been BET's celebration of the culture since 2006, featuring appearances and performances from Rap's biggest stars, as well as next generation MCs poised to grab the torch. This year's show featured performances by... Read more

Freddie Gibbs Shows Love To Jeezy On A Song About Growth

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So…let Ambrosia For Heads sift 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, it’s better than it’s ever been. Not only can we go back... Read more

Snoop Dogg Confirms Details Of Upcoming Album With Dr. Dre

During the summer, one of Death Row Records' financiers, Michael "Harry-O" Harris revealed that Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre are making an album together. The revelation came on Kevin Garnett's KG Certified talk show. The man who supplied funds for a label intended to be Godfather Entertainment, spoke about reconnecting... Read more

Rapper Big Pooh Explains Why Little Brother Is Only 2 Members Now

Last month, Rapper Big Pooh released one of the standout solo albums within his extensive career. To Dream In Color addresses personal growth, family, sacrifice, and dedication to music. The 10-song album was sequenced by Pooh's Little Brother partner Phonte. Three years removed from May The Lord Watch, the two... Read more

Rapper Big Pooh Talks His New Album, Little Brother’s Status & More

Last month, Rapper Big Pooh released one of the most spirited works of his extensive 20-year career. The North Carolina-based Virginia native MC delivered To Dream In Color. The 10-song album features some powerful commentary on the pursuit of dreams, the value of family support and the will to succeed. Blakk Soul,... Read more

Young Guru Explains The Hidden Meanings In JAY-Z’s New Verse

Yesterday (August 26), JAY-Z's astounding verse arrived on DJ Khaled's "GOD DID." The song, a collaboration also featuring Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, John Legend, and Fridayy, arrived on Khaled's album of the same name. The song is produced by Khaled, Tarik Azzouz, Streetrunner, and Fridayy. Within, Jay spits lyrics including:... Read more

JAY-Z Has Released The Best Verse Of The Year

On January 28 of this year, J. Cole released a verse that had the Rap world buzzing. On "Johnny P's Caddy," Cole rapped about destroying your favorite rappers, killing MCs on their own songs and even saying he would do so to Jesus, if he ever asked for a feature... Read more

The Controversial Virtual Rapper Has Been Dropped From Its Label

Days ago, Capitol Records signed the first virtual rapper, FN Meka. That artist, made of artificial intelligence, had emerged from a TikTok sensation with over 10 million followers to join the same storied label behind MC Hammer and Chingy and The Beach Boys and Beastie Boys. However, just days after... Read more

Celebrate Hip-Hop’s Birthday In A BIG Way With These 40 Mixes

Earlier this week, on August 11, Hip-Hop celebrated its 49th birthday. Now deemed a holiday, August 11 honors the 1973 date that DJ Kool Herc and his sister Cynthia Campbell hosted a Back To School Jam at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue's rec center in New York's Bronx borough. Approaching 50 years... Read more

The Game Uses Eminem’s Style To Diss Him For 10 Minutes

Nearly 18 years ago, Eminem was among the all-star cast that helped welcome The Game to the top of mainstream Rap. Marshall Mathers co-produced and appeared on The Documentary, courtesy of the song "We Ain't." Much of the G-Unit/Aftermath Entertainment family supported The Game in an album that topped the... Read more

The Game’s Freestyle Shows He’s 1 Of Hip-Hop’s Most Underrated MCs

Tupac and Ice Cube are often cited as 2 of the greatest MCs of their generation, as is Kendrick Lamar. However, the man who bridged those generations, and put West Coast Hip-Hop back on the map, is often omitted from those conversations. When The Game released his debut album, The... Read more

Lil Wayne & Slick Rick Show Lyricism Is The Root Of Hip-Hop

Yesterday (July 15), DJ Premier released his five-song Hip Hop 50: Volume 1. The five songs feature Preemo beats with an array of MCs from different generations, regions, and styles. The last song on the Mass Appeal Records release unites Slick Rick and Lil Wayne. “The Root Of It All” bonds... Read more

Eminem Has A Chance To Add An Emmy To His Grammy & Oscar

Eminem is having a banner 2022. The Detroit, Michigan MC/producer will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this November. Marshall Mathers is also currently preparing a second collection of Curtain Call, a forthcoming volume of greatest hits that was announced with the arrival of his latest Snoop Dogg collaboration. He... Read more

Many Of Hip-Hop’s Greatest Rappers Name Their Top 5 MCs

Note: Jadakiss recently appeared on ESPN’s Jalen & Jacoby podcast and was asked who his top 5 Hip-Hop groups of all-time were. This article has been updated below with his response, as well as The Game’s top 5 LA Rap albums. A few days ago, during a podcast appearance, Ice... Read more

Joey Bada$$ Celebrates Capital STEEZ With Some Of His Best Work

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So…let Ambrosia For Heads sift 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, it’s better than it’s ever been. Not only can we go back... Read more

The D.O.C. Explains The Real Elements Of The Rap Formula

On his 1989 solo debut, No One Can Do It Better, The D.O.C. had a highlight single with "The Formula." The Dr. Dre-produced Ruthless/Atlantic Records track begins with the lyrics, "High energy flowin' with the wisdom / Sense of a rich man, knowledge and the rhythm / This is what... Read more

DJ Jazzy Jeff Says Will Smith Would Have Slapped Mike Tyson

In 1989, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince released the song "I Think I Can Beat Mike Tyson," the Rocky-inspired lead video single from their aptly-titled And In This Corner... album. Iron Mike appeared in the Jive/Zomba music video, and according to Jeff some years back, was not above... Read more

The Top 20 Rap Albums Of All-Time As Determined By Millions Of Fans

Earlier this month, the Hip-Hop community reacted to the latest high-profile lists ranking the greatest Rap albums of all time. Rolling Stone magazine and a team of journalists and writers ranked 200 Hip-Hop LPs, prompting plenty of reaction. It was not the first list of this kind, and it certainly will not... Read more

Pharrell Has Made The Most Creative Video & Beat Of The Year

While it has been five years since he or his groups have released an album, Pharrell Williams' 2022 is ramping up. In spring, he competed (and collaborated) with Kanye West in producing Pusha-T's chart-topping album, It's Almost Dry. Now, Skateboard P delivers a video single that shines within his incredible 25-plus-year music... Read more

Benny The Butcher Releases His Most Conscious Song Ever

Less than one month ago, Benny The Butcher's hometown of Buffalo, New York was struck by tragedy. Now, one of the city's biggest music stars of all time is helping those who continue to suffer from what transpired on May 14 at Tops Friendly Market on the East Side. He... Read more

Symba Makes The Best Case Ever For Who’s The GOAT

Bay Area Rap veteran Symba is still making an introduction after over a decade in the game. Having worked with Ty Dolla $ign and 2 Chainz, the Antioch, California native landed at Atlantic Records (after time spent at Sony) with a fervor for the mic. His latest single "GOAT" is... Read more

Brandy Outraps Jack Harlow On His Own Beat

Earlier this month (May 10), Jack Harlow promoted his recently-released Come Home The Kids Miss You with a HOT 97 appearance. While appearing on Ebro In The Morning, the multi-platinum Louisville, Kentucky MC was asked to guess artists while hearing songs. As Ebro, Peter Rosenberg, and Laura Stylez played Brandy's... Read more

Black Star Has Released The Best Rap Album Of 2022 So Far

Earlier this week (May 3), one of the most anticipated albums has released. Black Star's No Fear Of Time arrived after nearly a quarter-century since the duo's first and only other album, Mos Def and Talib Kweli Are Black Star. The two MCs have hinted towards a sophomore album sporadically over the last four years, eventually... Read more

Pusha-T Used His New Album As A Verzuz Between Kanye & Pharrell

In the last week, one of the year's biggest albums released. Pusha-T competes for his first #1 on the charts with the arrival of It's Almost Dry. The G.O.O.D. Music/Def Jam Records collection follows up the veteran MC's 2018 Grammy-nominated campaign for DAYTONA. That LP, the first of a Kanye West-produced five-album summer series,... Read more

Ab-Soul Releases His First Song Of 2022

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So…let Ambrosia For Heads sift 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, it’s better than it’s ever been. Not only can we go back... Read more

ScHoolBoy Q’s 1st Song In Years Celebrates His Growth

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So…let Ambrosia For Heads sift 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, it’s better than it’s ever been. Not only can we go back... Read more

Nas Won The Grammys Without Getting An Award

Last night (April 3), the 64th annual Grammy Awards broadcast from Las Vegas, Nevada. Hosted by Trevor Noah, the affair may have gone differently than many Hip-Hop Heads expected. After history of being snubbed by the Grammys, many anticipated that 2022 would celebrate J. Cole, whose The Off-Season content was seeded... Read more

J. Cole Starts Dreamville’s Mixtape With Another Monster Verse

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So…let Ambrosia For Heads sift 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, it’s better than it’s ever been. Not only can we go back... Read more

Jazzy Jeff Explains The Death Of DJs In Hip-Hop Groups

DJ Jazzy Jeff has served as a global ambassador of Hip-Hop culture for well over 35 years. Even before the Southwest Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native won a Grammy Award, he was a DMC champion mixmaster. The creator of Vinyl Destination and The Playlist Retreat has taken his skills (and a few... Read more

Snoop Is Making Death Row The 1st Label In The Metaverse

From its first release in 1992, Death Row Records built its reputation on reflecting the streets. Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Tha Dogg Pound, Tupac, and others maintained that rep through making Rap music without compromise over the next five years. Founded by two Compton, California natives, Dre and Suge Knight,... Read more