AFH Ambrosia for Heads

Macklemore Releases a New Song About White Privilege And It’s a Powder Keg (Audio)

Recent events have made it exceptionally clear that we are living in a modern-day Civil Rights Era. Despite all the progress American society has made in many ways - a Black President, LGBTQ rights, allowing women to serve in the military, and so forth - there is still an untenable... Read more

Round 2 Of The Greatest Rap Albums Of The 2000s Is Coming But 1 Race Is Too Close To Call

In late 2015, Ambrosia For Heads returned to “Finding The GOAT,” our annual voting series that polls readers and fans to determine the Greatest Of All-Time. Following 2014-2015’s quest to use votes to determine the GOAT MC, we are asking readers to determine the greatest of all-time Hip-Hop album. “Finding... Read more

Yasiin Bey Declares 2016 Album Will Be His Last & Announces Industry Retirement

This week, Yasiin Bey (f/k/a Mos Def) left a very unique voicemail on Kanye West's phone. West, who signed Bey to his G.O.O.D. Music imprint after years of collaboration, shared the message with the public yesterday (January 19). The Brooklyn, New York MC reacted to West's latest song, "No More... Read more

Snoop Tells The Oscars Where They Can Go & Says Let’s Have Some “Hood Awards” (Video)

It was all good just a week ago...Last week, it seemed there was cause for celebration regarding the recognition of the contributions of African-Americans in the arts by the key organizations doling out the most respected accolades. Run-D.M.C. were announced as the first Rap act to receive a Grammy Lifetime... Read more

Ghostface Killah’s Wu-Goo Will Melt Your Mind. This Video Is A Literal Head Trip

Wu-Tang Clan listeners already know that the nine member collective loves Rap cyphers and smokers cyphers alike. Method Man is not the only Wu member to profit from recreational mind elevation (thanks to the How High franchise). Ghostface Killah is now in on the hustle too. The Staten Island, New... Read more

Isaiah Rashad Returns In A Big Way With “Smile” (Audio)

After a breakout year in 2014, TDE signee, Isaiah Rashad, was relatively quiet in 2015. The label's soldiers have regularly taken turns allowing their label mates to shine, and it was the year for Kendrick Lamar and Jay Rock's returns, after Rashad, ScHoolboy Q, Ab-Soul and SZA were up the... Read more

Fresh Out the Oven: 2 Compton Men are Preparing Gourmet Meals for the Hood.

For non-locals, Compton, California is most commonly associated with music or crime. In just the last year alone, it's become a household name, thanks to the blockbuster success of the N.W.A. biopic Straight Outta Compton and Dr. Dre's Compton album. With artists like Jay Rock, The Game, and Kendrick Lamar... Read more

Run-D.M.C. Will Be The First Rap Artists To Receive A Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

The relationship between Hip-Hop artists and the Grammy Awards has been curious, at best, over the years. Things did not get off to a good start when DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince won the first ever Rap Grammy, in 1989. When the show chose not to televise their... Read more

Ab-Soul Recounts His Travels on the Dark Side on Unreleased Track (Audio)

It's been more than a year and a half since Ab-Soul released his third and most recent solo LP, These Days..., and while his TDE cohorts Kendrick Lamar and Jay Rock both had major releases in 2015, many are missing the self-described "black-lipped bastard"'s presence in the Rap game. Appearances... Read more

TDE’s Resident Engineer Ali Has Compiled 2 Epic Mixes of Their Throwback Music (Audio)

"Let it run, Ali" is a familiar-sounding phrase for Top Dawg Entertainment Heads. The crew featuring Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul (as well as their collective group, Black Hippy), SZA, and Isaiah Rashad was founded back in 2004 before any of their roster members were making it big,... Read more

Hit-Boy Puts His Raps In Front On Yadda Yadda Featuring Wale (Audio)

Hit-Boy has amassed a number of hit records. The Southern California delegate in the G.O.O.D. Music production family has been a mastermind behind Kendrick Lamar's "Backseat Freestyle," the posse cut "Clique," and Jay Z & Kanye West's "N***as In Paris." However, as Hit has shown in that time, he raps... Read more

Rest In Peace David Bowie. Through Rock, Funk & Glam, He Discovered New Musical Planets.

Rock & Roll legend David Bowie has died. The 69 year-old British vocalist, guitarist, and producer had been battling an undisclosed form of cancer for 18 months. He passed away two days after his birthday, and less than one week after releasing his 25th studio album, Blackstar (January 8). In... Read more

Rashida Jones Teleports To ’90s R&B Videos. Catch The TLC, Da Brat & SWV References

Rashida Jones very much grew up around music. She is the daughter of Quincy Jones, sister of QDIII, and almost a sister-in-law to Tupac Shakur (Rashida's sister Kidada was engaged to 'Pac at the time of his murder). However, most Heads know thee Miss Jones from her TV work, thanks... Read more

Nothing But Net: Kanye West Reveals Release Date To “Swish”

On Friday (January 8), Kanye West returned to his late-week excitement. The G.O.O.D. Music founder released "Real Friends" and a snippet of "No More Parties In L.A." through his own website. Thanks to Hype Trak, some additional information has leaked regarding both recordings. The former, apparently features co-production by Boi-1da... Read more

Kanye West Releases His Best Song In Years. This Is Vintage Yeezy

Kanye West is back, reinvigorating the G.O.O.D. Friday weekly release campaign with "Real Friends" and a snippet "No More Parties in L.A." Featuring Ty Dolla $ign, the former is five-plus minutes of unbridled emotion, the rawest since West became a father, which gives Heads a sense of a brand-new Kanye,... Read more

RZA Says Blacks Need To Take Responsibility For The Images They Portray To Police (Video)

RZA recently spoke with Bloomberg Politics about a number of issues, including his recent back and forth with Martin Shkreli, the controversial pharamceutical executive who purchased the lone copy of Wu-Tang Clan's Once Upon A Time In Shaolin album, as well as his thoughts on Hilary Clinton and her candidacy... Read more

BJ The Chicago Kid Celebrates D’Angelo On A Special Anniversary (Audio)

BJ The Chicago Kid has stepped into the role of one of Motown Records' biggest male soloists. While the Illinois native's albums have been lower-key in the case of 2012's Pineapple Now-Laters, he is gearing up for a hefty 2016 care of In My Mind. Meanwhile, as BJ's discography is... Read more

MC Eiht Gives The Raw & Uncut Story Of What Turned Compton Into A “War Zone” (Video)

For nearly 30 years, MC Eiht has been delivering raw and uncut stories from the streets of Compton. Whether as part of Compton's Most Wanted or solo, songs like "Growin' Up In The Hood" and "Hood Took Me Under" gave the world a look into a scene that was far... Read more

J. Cole Explains Keeping Friday Night Lights A Shining Part Of His Career (Video)

In the last year, J. Cole has stacked his career accolades with a gold-certified, #1 charting album with no features in 2014 Forest Hills Drive. The Roc Nation MC continues to complement his benchmarks with a steadfast connection to his fans and causes. When marches and protests have taken place,... Read more

The Best Freestyles of 2015 Left Heads Spinning and Microphones Smoking (Video)

In Hip-Hop, there are few things more exciting than watching an MC get on the mic and spit a freestyle. The definition of the word "freestyle" has been fluid over the years. Originally, the term was used to denote any rhyme, written or off the top, that was not about... Read more

Here Are Ambrosia For Heads’ Picks For The Best Music Videos Of 2015

2015 might very well be remembered as the year the video took over the song in Hip-Hop. While audio platforms like SoundCloud, Spotify and Apple Music are growing in strength, high profile mixtapes decreased in number, and an increasing amount of releases were presented as videos even before the audio-only... Read more

Ambrosia For Heads Present…Our Picks For The 15 Best Hip-Hop Albums Of 2015

2015 watched a lot change in the music industry. Streaming culture kept Heads on the edge of their seats, as Hip-Hop superstars "pushed the button" on a whim. Reclusive legends released new product, while patient veterans made massive breakthroughs. No matter large or small, burgeoning or veteran, all artists seemed... Read more

Hip-Hop’s Shining Moments of 2015: The Big, The Small, & The Revolutionary

Each and every year, there is no shortage of moments in time which crystallize the development of Hip-Hop's growth, and 2015 is no different. Over the course of the previous 12 months, the culture played larger-than-life roles in film, health, politics, television, and of course, music history. Here are just... Read more

MC Eiht Hit The Mic Like A Menace In 1993. This Low-Key Remix Dodged The Jackers (Audio)

In 1993, MC Eiht's career was riding high, and in style. Like KRS-One with Boogie Down Productions, "the Compton Psycho" was stepping beyond Compton's Most Wanted and getting his solo name popping. Signed to Epic Records, Eiht never lost sight of his band-mates after Music To Driveby, but went full... Read more

Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor vs. Common’s Like Water For Chocolate. Which 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

Chance The Rapper Makes SNL History As Its First Independent Musical Guest (Video)

The year 2015 is ending on a high for Hip-Hop. Earlier in the week, Kendrick Lamar was nominated for 11 Grammy Awards, the most ever for a Hip-Hop performer in a single year. And, tonight (12/12), Chance The Rapper became the first independent artist, in any genre, to perform on... Read more

Remy Ma & Papoose Kick A Rugged Freestyle Over Red & Meth’s “How High” (Video)

Remy Ma and Papoose are the latest addition to the cast of Love & Hip-Hop: New York. They stopped by Hot 97 in promotion of the series, and it would not be a Remy and Pap show without those bars. Peter Rosenberg selected the "How High" beat that Erick Sermon... Read more

How The Grammy Nomination of a Diss Song May Be Their Greatest Hip-Hop Misstep, Yet

This week began with the 2016 Grammy Award nominations. For Hip-Hop fans, this year's noms included 11 in the direction of Kendrick Lamar, thanks to his March, 2015 album To Pimp A Butterfly. Two years removed from controversial wins by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis in the 2014 "Best Rap Song,"... Read more

Listen To The Best Hip-Hop Of November 2015 In One Playlist (Audio)

As the year winds to a close, the good music shows no signs of slowing down. November brought great Hip-Hop from start to finish. Here's a playlist that features the best the month had to offer. You'll hear tracks featuring Nas, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, KRS-One, Jadakiss, Sheek Louch, Logic,... Read more

Batman Returns To Do What Politicians Won’t: Fight Police Brutality

As 2015 nears its end, the year's biggest political stories include issues of race, from the ongoing instances of police brutality waged disproportionately on people of color to the racist undercurrents found on campuses like the University of Missouri and others across the country. The deaths of Sandra Bland, Freddie... Read more

A Tribe Called Quest’s The Low End Theory vs. Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth’s Mecca And The Soul Brother. Which 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

MC Lyte Proclaims Fetty Wap as a Hip-Hop Feminist. Here’s Why. (Video)

This past weekend, the White House Council on Women & Girls delivered an all-day event which focused on the lives of American women and girls of color, with a special focus on improving the lives of those suffering from injustice and unequal access to things like quality education and healthcare.... Read more

Tech N9ne Evaluates Role Of Cyphers & Talks Next Solo Album (Interview)

Tech N9ne crams as many words and ideas into his energetic bars as he possibly can. It is this feat that has made him one of the most revered MCs of the last 15 years. He has become an independent deity, simultaneously skyrocketing in status, wealth, and respect, while much... Read more

Dr. Dre’s 2001 vs. Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth’s Mecca And The Soul Brother. Which 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

15 Years After DJ Screw’s Death, Bun B Explains His Influence On “Ridin’ Dirty”

Fifteen years ago today (November 16, 2000), DJ Screw passed away. Before his untimely death, the Houston, Texas turntablist born Robert Earl Davis, Jr. revolutionized a style of music that has influenced much of the 2010s sound. The mixmaster played his records considerably lower than the 33 1/3 RPM standard,... Read more

20 Years Later, The Pharcyde’s “Labcabincalifornia” Is Far Greater Than The Credit It Received (Editorial)

20 years ago today (November 14, 1995), The Pharcyde released its second album, Labcabincalifornia. Coming a full three years after their Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde debut, the LP was highly anticipated, but for many, it didn't live up to the expectations put forth by the group's first release. Home... Read more

Redman Gets Real About Def Squad, Leaving Def Jam & Staying True To Self (Audio)

Approaching this Friday's release of Mudface, Redman's media campaign rages on. The MC extraordinaire appeared on The Combat Jack Show with a one-hour interview that covers Red's career with the questions so many want to know. Reggie Noble goes in, from his support of Fetty Wap, to the break-up days... Read more

Anderson .Paak’s Music Excited Dr. Dre & DJ Premier. His Story Is One Of Paid Dues. (Interview)

Although he was born Brandon Anderson Paak, most people who are close to the Southern California artist know him best as Breezy. A nickname that has stuck throughout most of his life, this association eventually became .Paak's handle as an artist, and thus, giving birth to the first chapter in... Read more

Listen To The Best Hip-Hop Of October 2015 In One Playlist (Audio)

When the year is tallied, October 2015 likely will be remembered as the month where The Game released not one, but two heralded sequels to his The Documentary album. And, while the accolades will be well deserved, there were a number of other strong releases in the first full month... Read more

Are Paid Streaming Services Relevant In A YouTube, SoundCloud, DatPiff-Dominated Hip-Hop World?

Some of the biggest Hip-Hop albums of 2015 were released without much advanced notice. In August, Dr. Dre released Compton, his first studio album of the millennium, and the third in an illustrious lineage that includes The Chronic and 2001, just a couple weeks after it was announced. However, at... Read more

Hit-Boy & James Fauntleroy Flip Shanice’s Smile Into a Frown (Video)

Back in 1991, Shanice released "I Love Your Smile" one of the happiest songs released until..."Happy." The song was instantly catchy and, inculcated by its title, put a smile on even the maddest of faces. Now, reigning beatmaker Hit-Boy (Kanye West, Jay Z, Kendrick Lamar, Beyonce) has released a song... Read more

From Compton To France, MC Eiht & DJ Cam Make “Music To Drive By” (Audio)

In what is close to a 30-year career, MC Eiht has worked with the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Pete Rock, and Spice 1, among countless others. The Compton Psycho with two gold albums under his belt continues to make moves, in working towards his long-awaited Which Way Is West LP... Read more

It’s October 21, 2015. What Is “Back To The Future” According To KRS-One?

In what has come to be known as "Back To The Future Day" (October 21, 2015), the fictional date portrayed as "the future" in the sequel to Robert Zemeckis' 1985 film has actually arrived. The Michael J. Fox blockbuster franchise is still a cultural touchstone more than 30 years since... Read more

Big Daddy Kane Celebrates Macklemore For Working With Hip-Hop’s Pioneers (Video)

One of the more polarizing occurrences in Hip-Hop this year has been Macklemore's song "Downtown." Since his massive ascension in 2012, the Seattle MC has had both passionate supporters and vitriolic haters, with little in between. The divide was only heightened when Macklemore won the 2014 Grammy Award for Best... Read more

Ras Kass & Jack Splash Set The Table For Greatness With Breakfast At Banksy’s (Album Stream)

One year to the month after Ras Kass & Apollo Brown's Blasphemy blended the profane with the profound, Razzy Kazzy stays in motion with Mello Music Group with another LP. Semi Hendrix is an out-of-the-blue collaborative project between the Soul On Ice creator and Jack Splash—a three-time Grammy Award- winning... Read more

TDE’s Punch Has Insightful Commentary Over A Familiar Soul Sample (Audio)

Heads cannot sleep on Punch. The longtime Top Dawg Entertainment executive does not touch the microphone as often as many of the label's album-making stars, but he drops smart-bombs when he does—on others' songs or his own. The Watts, California industry vet takes audit of his life, survival, and a... Read more

Big K.R.I.T. Restores The Glory With A Tape Featuring Warren G & Ludacris (Mixtape)

If Kendrick Lamar and Drake can rock the Hip-Hop space in an instant, why shouldn't Big K.R.I.T.? In a comparatively quiet 2015 for the Meridian, Mississippi double-threat, he makes up for lost time with a major splash in the water. It's Better This Way is a fitting title for an... Read more

The Game Tells The Story of The Doctor’s Advocate & Why It’s His Best Album (Video)

This month, Compton, California MC Game is in the midst of releasing two discs to The Documentary 2. Featuring involvement from Dr. Dre, Kanye West, Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, and Q-Tip (among others), the LP is an independent homage to Jayceon Taylor's 2005 breakthrough. Speaking with HipHopDX last... Read more

Game Over! Jay Rock, ScHoolboy Q & Game Bang On Wax Like Their Lives Depend On It (Audio)

For the last few years, many have said there has been a resurgence in West Coast Hip-Hop. They have attributed the renaissance to artists like Y.G., Problem, Nipsey Hussle and the 4-man Black Hippy tandem of Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, Ab-Soul and Jay Rock. While those artists have certainly been... Read more

Eminem Says Tupac “Was a Superstar in Every Aspect of the Word,” In a Moving Tribute

Since he was teenager, Eminem has felt a special bond with Tupac. The young Marshall Mathers grew up idolizing the immortalized MC and, years later as a well-established artist and producer, Em would have the opportunity to produce an album full of Tupac material. Thus, it was fitting that Paper... Read more