AFH Ambrosia for Heads

Mathematics Explains How Dr. Dre’s 2001 Influenced His Production On The New Wu Album (Video)

Hip-Hop news and culture move fast, and it’s easy to miss significant developments. Every week, Ambrosia For Heads takes a look back at the Last 7 days. This video series, hosted by Justin “The Company Man” Hunte examines the current issues with a colorful rundown of the what, where, and why. While the Last... Read more

RZA Reveals What Wu-Tang Clan’s Logo Was Before The Iconic W (Video)

Earlier today, Wu-Tang released a single featuring Inspectah Deck and Redman. Produced by Mathematics, "Lesson Learn'd" belongs to next month's Wu-Tang: The Saga Continues... album (October 13). With confirmed involvement from RZA, Raekwon, Method Man, Ghostface Killah, Rebel I.N.S., Masta Killa, and Cappadonna (as well as O.D.B. vocals), the effort marks... Read more

Mista Sinista Reminds Why Hip-Hop Was Built By DJs. He Puts On An Amazing Display (Video)

Mista Sinista was a crucial part of the X-Ecutioners in the '90s and early 2000s. Alongside the late Roc Raida, as well as Rob Swift and Total Eclipse, the X-Men were real-life superheroes behind the turntables and mixers. Moreover, their 2002 Built From Scratch album on Loud Records brought turntablism... Read more

Too Short vs. MC Hammer: 2 Of Oakland’s Finest Were Beefing Subliminally

In the year between September of 1990 and 1991, three Oakland, California Hip-Hop acts would have albums receive platinum certification. Digital Underground would be first, with Sex Packets. In January of the new year, Too Short secured a plaque with Short Dog's In The House. M.C. Hammer would follow two... Read more

Lords Of The Underground’s DoItAll To Run For Newark Councilman Seat

In the early 1990s, Lords Of The Underground released several successful and acclaimed Hip-Hop albums. DoItAll (aka Dupre Kelly) supplied much of the lyrics of the Newark, New Jersey trio that also included Mr. Funke and DJ Lord Jazz. Teaming up with legendary producer Marley Marl and K-Def, the Pendulum... Read more

The Game Drops His Best Verse In Years & Lil Dicky Is At Least As Good (Audio)

Two years ago, Lil Dicky released one of the most creative records in some time with his song "Pillow Talking." Housed on his album, Professional Rapper, the song was a whopping 10 minutes and, not only featured Dicky rapping a conversation between himself and a date, but also sported an... Read more

AZ, Papoose & Mysonne Are Grown Men Who Are Unafraid To Rap Like It (Video)

Rap music about street exploits is a lot of what is made every single day. AZ, Papoose, and Mysonne have all done this, quite effectively, at various points in their respective careers. However, these three New York City MCs also know when it's time to spit about the exit strategy—not... Read more

The LOX Make Some Of That Beautiful Hip-Hop From Back In The Day (Audio)

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So...let AFH fight 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, is better than it's ever been. Not only are we able to go back... Read more

Rapsody Is Releasing A New Album. Her Single With Busta Rhymes Is Downright Scary (Audio)

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So...let AFH fight 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, is better than it's ever been. Not only are we able to go back... Read more

RZA Confirms There Will Be Unreleased ODB Vocals On The New Wu-Tang Clan Album (Video)

Last week, Wu-Tang Clan gave Hip-Hop fans a welcomed surprise when they announced that they would be releasing a new album, Wu-Tang: The Saga Continues, in October. Shortly after the announcement, the group released the project's first single, "People Say," their first ever group record featuring Redman. Wu-Tang Clan Are... Read more

See The Full Historic Conversation & Cypher Between Mos Def, Big Pun, Canibus & DMX (Video)

Twenty years ago, Hip-Hop was in crosswinds. Microphones were grabbed by emerging voices from across the landscape, geographically, stylistically, and regarding content. As the genre collected itself following the sudden and tragic killings of Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls, it wanted new sounds, messages, and conversations. Mos Def & Dave... Read more

Wu-Tang Clan Are Releasing A New Album And It’s Coming Soon (Audio)

Yesterday, the Hip-Hop community was set ablaze when a brand new song from Wu-Tang Clan, titled "People Say," mysteriously appeared. The song which featured Method Man, Raekwon, Masta Killa, Inspectah Deck and honorary Wu member, Redman, came with no indication of whether it was the first release for an upcoming... Read more

Rhyme Pays. Ice-T Offers Rare Access To His High Roller Lifestyle (Video)

Ice-T's album-making career began 30 years ago with Rhyme Pays. Even ahead of his Rap fame, Tracy Morrow had accumulated symbols of wealth from his days in the streets of Los Angeles, California. Those accounts of jewelry store heists and hustlin' gave Ice-T a spectrum of experiences to pull from... Read more

Why MCs Avoid The Term “Christian Rap” Like It’s A Dirty Word (Video)

Less than three years ago, Lecrae reached the top of the pop charts with Anomaly. The Reach Records release, which subsequently went gold, marked a new pinnacle for what is commonly referred to as "Christian Rap." In this week's episode of TBD, Justin "The Company Man" Hunte examines the weird... Read more

Method Man Shows His Skills Are Still Sky High In A New Video From The Meth Lab

It's been more than two years since Method Man has released a project. However, the Wu-Tang Clan MC has been in generous spirits. He has made high impact features with band-mate Masta Killa and another verse this week for late friend Sean Price. Mr. Mef' also continues to help affiliates... Read more

The 1st Rhyme Masta Killa Ever Wrote Was For Wu-Tang Clan’s 36 Chambers (Video)

Masta Killa made a last minute debut on a Rap classic: Wu-Tang Clan's Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). What Heads may not realize is that was the Brooklyn, New York MC's first rhyme and his first time in the studio. Having described himself as the "little brother" within the Clan,... Read more

A New Biggie Documentary Features Unreleased Footage And Nas & JAY-Z Rapping His Lyrics (Video)

In less than one month, the Biggie: The Life of Notorious B.I.G. documentary will air on television. This is the first doc authorized by the rapper's estate, and contains never before released audio of Biggie talking. It will feature Biggie's wife Faith Evans, his mother Voletta Wallace, his right-hand man... Read more

Def Jam Records May Soon Be The Gold Standard For Rap Once Again (Video)

This week, it was announced that Eminem's manager and Shady Records partner Paul Rosenberg will be Def Jam's next CEO. Twenty years ago, the Detroit-based attorney started handling the career of Marshall Mathers when the rapper was self-marketing Infinite. One hundred million units sold later (through Shady Records), and Paul... Read more

9th Wonder Compares The Impact Of Kendrick’s DAMN To P.E.’s It Takes A Nation (Video)

9th Wonder's introduction to the Hip-Hop industry (by way of Little Brother's The Listening) is not even 15 years old. However, in that time, the producer/DJ/professor has become a powerful voice in the music and culture. Like his discography, 9th has been an advocate for the songs, albums, and musicians he... Read more

Masta Killa’s New Video Reminds Us To Celebrate Rap’s OGs While They’re Still Here

As a member of one of Hip-Hop's most venerated crews, Wu-Tang Clan's Masta Killa is a true original. With his 48th birthday turning the corner next month, he's been releasing music since the 1990s, including three solo LPs beginning with 2004's No Said Date. This December will mark the 5th... Read more

Shaq Comes Out Of Rap Retirement To Ether LaVar Ball. Technical Foul! (Audio)

Over the last couple of months Shaquille O'Neal and LaVar Ball, two of basketball's most colorful personalities, have been exchanging sharp words. Shaq, one of the most dominant big men to ever play the sport, took issue with the Ball family's decision to price the sneakers of LaVar's son, Lonzo... 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

DOOM, Method Man & Prodigy Appear On Sean Price’s Imperius Rex Tracklist

Sean Price's posthumous Imperius Rex album is nearly two weeks away. The August 8 Duck Down Music release is the project that the Heltah Skeltah co-founder and longstanding Boot Camp Clik MC was working on at the time of his death, two Augusts prior. Earlier this month, a video was... Read more

Fat Joe, MC Lyte, DJ Premier & MC Eiht To Headline Final Rocksteady Anniversary Weekend

Next weekend, the Rocksteady Crew will celebrate its 40th anniversary. The yearly New York City event was announced by Crazy Legs to be the organization's final concert event of this kind. While the R.S.C. lives on, Crazy Legs suggested there would be new platforms put in place to show its... Read more

Masta Killa Is Releasing His First Album In 5 Years. His New Single Shares OG Wisdom (Audio)

Wu-Tang Clan’s own Masta Killa is preparing to release his upcoming album, Loyalty Is Royalty, on Nature Sounds this fall. The LP will be his first solo effort since Selling My Soul in 2012, and his fourth overall. Although the veteran Brooklyn, New York MC may not put out music... Read more

This 6 Hour DJ Premier Tribute Takes All Other Mixes Out With The Fader (Audio)

DJ Premier has had a busy June. After years upon years in the making, he and Year Round Records released MC Eiht's Which Way Iz West album. Furthermore, Preemo, Brady Watt, and the rest of The Badder Band toured the States for the first time. With PRhyme 2 confirmed to... Read more

Rah Digga Rates Nicki Minaj’s Bars With Brutal Honesty (Video)

For years, Rah Digga has been one of Hip-Hop's most respected lyricists and, perhaps, one of its most underrated, too. As such, she was a fitting guest on BET's "Rate The Bars" digital series where MCs are asked to read lyrics written by other artists and rate them. To make... Read more

MC Eiht Says He Never Changed Programs…And He Never Will (Audio)

By any standard, MC Eiht is a Hip-Hop OG. For 30 years, he has been a constant presence holding down the West Coast, particularly his hometown of Compton. Over that period, Eiht also has been one of the most prolific artists in any genre, releasing 22 albums, both as a... Read more

President Obama Inducts JAY-Z As The First MC In The Songwriters Hall Of Fame (Video)

Last night (June 15), Jay Z was inducted into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame. The first MC or Rap artist to receive the honors was not in attendance for the Manhattan ceremony. He and wife Beyoncé are presently awaiting twins. However, Jay's acceptance speech was replaced with other types of... Read more

Cypress Hill’s 1st Album In 7 Years Puts DJ Muggs Back In Heavy Rotation (Video)

In the 1990s, many celebrated Hip-Hop groups had in-house DJ/producers. Just consider acts like Gang Starr, Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth, Naughty By Nature, N.W.A., Wu-Tang Clan, Main Source, and Digital Underground. Cypress Hill is another prime example, with DJ Muggs cooking up tracks for B-Real and Sen Dog to... Read more

Justin Hunte Joins Ambrosia For Heads To Launch Its Original Video Programming Division

Ambrosia For Heads (AFH) is pleased to announce the appointment of Justin Hunte as its Head of Video Production & Development. In the newly created position, Hunte will launch and run AFH’s original video content division. Hunte’s popular and acclaimed “TBD” show will serve as the flagship program for the... Read more

9th Wonder & Salaam Remi Are Co-Producing The Roots’ Next Album

The Roots have not released an album in three years. ...And Then You Shoot Your Cousin was the group's 11th album. Now confirmed to be called End Game, the twelfth effort is arriving in the near future. While the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania collective has worked extensively with Phonte on 2010's How... Read more

Method Man Is Releasing The Meth Lab 2. He Recruits Dave East To Cook With Him (Video)

After a relatively quiet 2016, Method Man has started off 2017 on a tear. He has appeared on six songs in as many months, and even signed on to co-host a Rap battle show titled Drop The Mic. Now, it appears Meth is gearing up to release a sequel to... Read more

Nas, Ghostface Killah & Just Blaze To Headline 2017 A3C Festival

2017 marks 13 years of A3C. The Hip-Hop festival and conference in Atlanta, Georgia has announced its headliners and confirmed performers for this year (taking place October 4-8). With an album done (and possibly released ahead of his A3C concert), Nas is the headliner. After more than 25 years on... Read more

Joe Budden & Charlamagne Battle Over L.A. Reid’s Sexual Assault Allegations (Video)

The business side of Hip-Hop was shaken up earlier this month with Antonio "L.A." Reid's swift dismissal at Epic Records. Stemming from allegations that he sexually assaulted an assistant at the record label, Reid's departure ignited heated debate from the industry's biggest talking heads, including two of the most outspoken -... Read more

Kool G Rap Reveals Def Jam Passed On Nas Because He Sounded Too Much Like Him (Video)

There are few, if any, record labels that have a more storied tradition than Def Jam Recordings. The company started by Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons would be the musical home of countless Hip-Hop legends over time, including LL Cool J, Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, Redman, Method Man, Jay Z,... Read more

Snoop Dogg & KRS-One Release Their First Ever Collabo & It’s Lights, Camera, Action (Audio)

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So...let us fight 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, is better than it's ever been. Not only are we able to go back... Read more

MC Hammer Shows He Can Still Hurt ‘Em With His Dance Moves At Age 55 (Video)

At the height of his popularity in the early 90s, MC Hammer was one of the most polarizing figures in Hip-Hop. His immense success was both the source of ridicule and respect. His third album, 1990's Please Hammer, Don't Hurt 'Em, spent an astounding 21 weeks at the top of... Read more

Impeach The President Got Top Billin’ From Audio Two (Video)

Turn on a lot of American newscasts right now, read the blogs, or encounter a "water-cooler" discussion, and one may likely hear the word "impeachment." Over the last 20 years, this word has re-entered the lexicon in a major way, through several US presidencies, quite obviously including the current. In... Read more

LL Cool J Recites The 1st Rhyme He Wrote. He Was Already A GOAT At 11 (Video)

2017 makes 33 years since LL Cool J released debut single "I Need A Beat." James Todd Smith was not old enough to drive a car when he signed his contract with Def Jam Records, where he would remain a superstar into the 2000s. The Queens, New York MC elevated... Read more

A New Study Says Rap Music Has The Fewest Drug References Of Any Genre

In recent years, much attention has been paid to the prevalence of lyrics glorifying the use of drugs in Rap music. In addition to decades of references to alcohol and cannabis, over the last few years, a number of artists have rapped about MDMA (aka Molly) and other substances, including... Read more

25 Years Ago Das EFX Checked The Mic With Dead Serious Rhymes (Video)

1992 was a deeply transitional year for Hip-Hop. By the end of the calendar, The Chronic and Stunts, Blunts, and Hip Hop were heavy in the air. However, one of the first sparks of the hardcore flame came in the form of another debut. That album, Das EFX's Dead Serious,... Read more

Das EFX Celebrate 25 Years Of Dead Serious Rhymes With Reunion Concert

Twenty five years ago next week (April 7), Das EFX released their debut album, Dead Serious. The duo of Dray and Skoob took a giant leap from under EPMD's Hit Squad umbrella when they released their first LP on EastWest Records. Produced almost entirely by Solid Scheme, this was a... Read more

Method Man Hopes To Bring The Pain To Celebrity Battle Rap Game Show

One day after Action Bronson was confirmed to host a dating show, one of his influences is part of a similar announcement. Wu-Tang Clan veteran Method Man has been slated to co-host Drop The Mic, a celebrity Battle Rap game show series co-developed by The Late Show host James Corden.... Read more

Roc Marciano Speaks To B-Real About His Upcoming Album With DJ Muggs (Video)

In the last month, Long Island, New York MC/producer, Roc Marciano, released his fourth album, Rosebudd's Revenge. Coming from the former Flipmode Squad member's own Marci Enterprises label, the effort makes a new level of independence to a nearly 20-year veteran of the music industry. That album features Brownsville Ka... Read more

Method Man Shows The Sky’s The Limit With Another High-Powered Verse (Audio)

While Heads keep waiting for a new solo album, Method Man continues to provide us with exciting content in the form of guest appearances. From his recent work on Masta Killa's "Therapy" to January's feature on Dave East's "Eviction," the Wu-Tang MC continues to remind fans that he's never not... Read more

R.A. The Rugged Man Remembers Watching Biggie Write Rhymes In The Studio (Video)

Early on in his career, R.A. The Rugged Man worked alongside The Notorious B.I.G., but the musical partnership was cut short when Biggie was killed in 1997. However, the Long Island, New York MC was around early enough to witness Christopher Wallace before, during, and after he became Big Poppa,... Read more

Finding The GOAT Producer: Erick Sermon vs. DJ Quik. 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

Keith Murray Drops His Best Song in 10 Years With Help From Erick Sermon (Audio)

2/3 of the Def Squad have teamed up on a phenomenal new song, "No Exceptions." Produced by Erick Sermon, it's Keith Murray's first single in six years, and it shows the Long Island, New York MC is back in a major way. Following memorable appearances at A3C and the BET... Read more

Jim Jones Gets Teary Detailing His Sacrifices For Cam’ron & Dipset (Video)

Yesterday (February 8), it was announced that Jim Jones signed to Jay Z's Roc Nation. The same night, the Bronx, New York native and onetime The Diplomats mainstay appeared on Funkmaster Flex's show. There, Jim sat for more than an hour, and cleared the table on his frustrations with Cam'ron—a... Read more