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Remember When Little Brother & Black Star Picked Up Where Native Tongues Left Off? (Audio)

In the late 80s and early 90s, Native Tongues, the collective led by De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest, and consisting of members like Jungle Brothers, Queen Latifah, Black Sheep, Monie Love and more, began a movement that would last well into the 2000s. Beyond the musical legacy... Read more

Talib Kweli, 9th Wonder & Rapsody Remind Us the Best Is Yet to Come (Video)

Today, a new video from two veterans and a dominating voice in Hip-Hop's current generation is proving the lifespan of a 2015 release is far from over. Having arrived in November, the collaborative LP Indie 500 from Talib Kweli and 9th Wonder features 13 tracks speckled with appearances from some of... Read more

Black Thought’s New Song With Styles P & 9th Wonder Is Absolute Lyrical Destruction (Audio)

For years, Black Thought has been atop countless lists of "the most underrated MCs." This, despite having consistently released some of the best music in Hip-Hop for a near 30-year span, both with his band The Roots and on countless guest features. Thought addressed the issue, himself, on Statik Selektah's... Read more

Phonte & 9th Wonder Reunite On A Robert Glasper Tribute To Miles Davis (Audio)

Robert Glasper's interpretive Miles Davis tribute Everything's Beautiful is just under two months away. The May 27 album already unveiled its first single, the Bilal-featuring "Ghetto Walkin'." Now, "Violets" applies elements of Miles' 1959 Kind Of Blue ("Blue In Green") and delightfully bends it to fit Phonte's narrative in "Violets."... Read more

Talib Kweli, 9th Wonder & Nottz Enlist MK Asante & Uzi for a Banger with a Message (Video)

Bars with depth, a video with a concept, and a beat that knocks. The remix to Talib Kweli and 9th Wonder's Indie 500 cut "Bangers" has all of that in the chamber, and then some. On the album version, the Nottz-produced track features MK Asante and Halo and is a... Read more

9th Wonder Explains How J Dilla Changed The Sound of Hip-Hop and Fathered “Neo Soul” In The Process (Interview)

After the ascendance of greats like DJ Premier, Pete Rock and Q-Tip in the 90s. There was a new wave of producers that would come to prominence in the 2000s who would carry the torch for Hip-Hop and take it in new directions. This new generation of beatmakers included the... Read more

Black Thought, Jay Electronica, & Bun B Added To 2016 J Dilla Weekend Lineup

There have been some major changes surrounding the 2016 J Dilla Weekend. The second annual event in Miami, Florida will take place February 5-7. The event, hosted by J Dilla's mother, Maureen "Ma Dukes" Yancey, features concert performances, art exhibits, panels, record swap meets, and more. The main venue for... Read more

De La Soul Are Performing Together to Honor J Dilla During His Tribute Weekend

In late December, the second annual J Dilla Weekend was announced. The Miami, Florida event will take place the weekend of February 5-7, and will be hosted by Dilla's mother, Maureen "Ma Dukes" Yancey. With Slum Village, Royce Da 5'9", Rapsody & 9th Wonder, Blu & Exile, Chuck Strangers, A-F-R-O,... Read more

Murs & 9th Wonder Cover Pharcyde’s “Otha Fish” with Beachy Sensuality (Video)

Murs and 9th Wonder, longtime collaborators who have forged one of the most enduring musical partnerships in Hip-Hop, surprised Heads with a New Year's Eve release. Brighter Daze arrived at midnight on January 1, 2016, and kicking off the year correctly is an understatement. The free LP stars Rapsody, Mac... Read more

Rapsody’s Tiny Desk Concert With A Full Band Is Must Watch Music (Video)

Rapsody kicks off NPR's "Tiny Desk Concerts" series for 2016. Joined by mentor 9th Wonder (on the drum/sample pads) and a full band, Rapsody pulls three songs from different places in her discography. With Howard University students in attendance, Rap' performs "Godzilla," "The Man," and "Hard To Choose." There is... Read more

Stream Murs & 9th Wonder’s Brighter Daze Album (Audio)

Just hours ago, it was announced that Murs & 9th Wonder's sixth album would release today (December 31). Heads can now dive right into Brighter Daze, the first in the duo's catalog, since 2012. Rapsody, Problem, Mac Miller, Bad Lucc are the guests among the Jamla Records LP's 12 tracks.... Read more

Murs & 9th Wonder Announce 6th Collaborative Album…Coming Today

In late 2012, Murs & 9th Wonder released The Final Adventure. The Jamla Records album was the fifth, and said to be final release from the pair—a Los Angeles, California MC and a North Carolina producer. The tandem's work stemmed back to early 2004, with the acclaimed Definitive Jux release,... Read more

9th Wonder Shows The Pure Joy In Making A Neck-Snapping Beat (Video)

9th Wonder is the latest to step up and take Mass Appeal's Rhythm Roulette challenge, where he is blindfolded, chooses 3 random records and asked to make a beat using them. He joins a long line of impressive producers who have participated in the series, including Large Professor, Organized Noize,... Read more

Little Brother’s The Listening vs. Slum Village’s Fantastic, Vol. 2. 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

DJ Premier, Slum Village, Royce Da 5’9″, Rapsody & 9th Wonder To Perform At 2016 J Dilla Weekend

The second annual J Dilla Weekend has been announced. The Miami, Florida extension of Detroit, Michigan's longstanding J Dilla Day will take place on February 5-7, 2016. Hosted by Maureen "Ma Dukes" Yancey (Dilla's mother), the event continues a rich tradition of celebrating James Yancey's life and music through performances,... Read more

Khrysis’ Rhythm Roulette Beats Are Soul Council Scorchers (Video)

Khrysis has been one of Hip-Hop's most consistent producers of the last decade. The Durham, North Carolina representative, and one-half of The Away Team, has put in critical production work on albums such as Little Brother's The Minstrel Show, KRS-One & Buckshot's Survival Skills, and Rapsody's The Idea Of Beautiful.... Read more

Reflection Eternal’s Hi-Tek Joins 9th Wonder’s Soul Council

Cincinnati, Ohio's Hi-Tek has been a major player in some of the most influential Hip-Hop albums of the last 20 years. A onetime Rawkus Records artist, the producer/DJ worked extensively on Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star, in addition to Common and Sadat X's "1-9-9-9," Big L's "Still... 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

Talib Kweli Says INDIE 500 Would Not Exist Without the Native Tongues

Talib Kweli has expanded his writing portfolio in recent years, taking to the web to publish thoughtful pieces on current events, particularly as they relate to things like culture, racism, and politics. In the past, he has written on topics ranging from fans' treatment of Lauryn Hill to the recent... Read more

Anderson .Paak Blends Soul Power With Rap Reality On A 9th Wonder Groove (Audio)

This weekend, Anderson .Paak released his first official solo single following a booming three months of attention. With both Dr. Dre and DJ Premier in his corner, the part singer, part MC unleashed "The Season / Carry Me," which is incredibly demonstrative of his style and range. Dr. Dre dropped... Read more

Talib Kweli & 9th Wonder’s Indie 500 Drives For A Star-Studded Win (Album Stream)

Last year, Talib Kweli, 9th Wonder, and Pharaohe Monch announced that they were combining forces and resources to launch Indie 500, an independent label, marketing, and distribution conglomerate. Nearly a year to the date after the announcement, Indie 500 (the album) arrives. While it doesn't release until November 6, Heads... Read more

As Law Enforcer Violence Against Black Citizens Escalates, Talib Kweli Asks Which Side Are You On? (Video)

It's been nearly three years since Trayvon Martin was killed by George Zimmerman. Since then attacks on Black citizens by law enforcement officers (or, in Zimmerman's case, those fancying themselves as such) have continued, seemingly without cessation. The latest such incident happened just this week, when footage of a South... Read more

Big K.R.I.T. & Rapsody Slice Up a 9th Wonder Beat With That Guillotine Flow (Audio)

Two of Hip-Hop's top lyricists in Big. K.R.I.T. and Rapsody have linked again to paint a precise picture over a 9th Wonder canvas. This is not Rap and K.R.I.T.'s first rodeo together, as the pair linked on Rapsody's She Got Game gem, "Lonely Thoughts," also featuring Chance The Rapper. As... Read more

Talib Kweli & 9th Wonder Suggest There Is No Such Thing As An Innocent Bystander (Audio/Video)

Alexander Hamilton once said, "Those who stand for nothing fall for anything." There is a lot to stand up for in the world around us—and there are some who still seemingly feel like it is not their place, their preference, or their politics to have an opinion. Talib Kweli, 9th... Read more

Little Brother Has 1990s Roots. Revisit The First Phonte & 9th Wonder Recording (Audio)

Last month, Little Brother's sophomore studio album, The Minstrel Show celebrated its 10th anniversary. While the game-changing Durham, North Carolina Hip-Hop trio is not currently touring or recording as a unit, Phonte, 9th Wonder, Rapper Big Pooh, and other former Justus League affiliates all reflected to Watch Loud on the... Read more

Talib Kweli, Rapsody & 9th Wonder Reconsider The Meaning Of “Ghetto” (Video)

Last week, Talib Kweli, Rapsody, and 9th Wonder released "Every Ghetto." The DJ Hi-Tek-produced collaborative single is a hallmark release for the Indie 500 conglomerate, and its follow-up video proves it. Traveling from Brooklyn, New York to Cincinnati, Ohio, the soulful song examines at neighborhoods that are often called "ghettos"... Read more

Talib Kweli & Rapsody Debut a New Song Live…& The Revolution Is Televised (Video)

On last night's episode of "The Tonight Show," Talib Kweli and Rapsody visited Jimmy Fallon and performed a no frills rendition of "Every Ghetto," the latest single from Kweli's forthcoming Indie 500, a name first introduced to Heads last year when it was announced that Pharoahe Monch, 9th Wonder, and... Read more

Talib Kweli Was Critical to Soundbombing. He & 9th Wonder Are Making Their Own Compilation.

In establishing Rawkus Records mission, vision, and range, Talib Kweli was highly integral to celebrated compilation series like Soundbombing and Lyricist Lounge. A decade after breaking from Rawkus, Talib teamed with former label-mate Pharoahe Monch as well as 9th Wonder to form Indie 500. The Hip-Hop triumvirate aims to really... Read more

Talib Kweli & 9th Wonder Recruit Problem & Bad Lucc For A Message Of Perseverance (Audio)

Almost a year ago, Talib Kweli, Pharoahe Monch, and 9th Wonder announced an independent music conglomerate, Indie 500. All parties have been incredibly busy since, with an emphasis on activism—including a free concert in St. Louis, Missouri one year after Michael Brown's murder Ferguson. Today (September 22) Talib and 9th... Read more

Sadat X & El Da Sensei Form New Group. Here’s A 9th Wonder-Produced Introduction (Audio Premiere)

For more than 20 years, MCs Sadat X and El Da Sensei have run in the same circles. A product of Brand Nubian and The Artifacts, respectively, these East Coast lyricists have flipped words with flare to stand out amongst their band-mates and peers. Ambrosia For Heads is pleased to... Read more

On Its 10 Year Anniversary, Little Brother Remember The Minstrel Show With New Perspective

According to many Hip-Hop Heads, one of the most complete, cohesive Rap albums of the 2000s is Little Brother's The Minstrel Show. Released by Atlantic Records, the LP is a bittersweet moment for its makers and its legions of fans. Ten years ago yesterday (September 13, 2005), 9th Wonder, Phonte,... Read more

David Banner & 9th Wonder Planning Death Of A Pop Star 2 (Interview)

Recently, Ambrosia For Heads spoke with David Banner. The Jackson, Mississippi native MC/producer/actor spoke about DJ EFN's Another Time album, particularly his "Warrior" verse. However, while speaking with AFH, the veteran Crooked Lettaz alum spoke about one of his most beloved works, 2010's Death Of A Pop Star LP, a... Read more

Rapsody Uses TVs As A Metaphor For The Message In The Music (Video)

"What we chase ain't the same / I'm still that rapper / That your favorite rapper's scared to rap after." - Rapsody At a pinnacle point in her career, Rapsody releases the video for "Hard To Choose." The 9th Wonder-produced track is a topical examination of where Rap' is at, and... Read more

Rapsody Drops a Thunder Clap Freestyle Over Biggie’s Who Shot Ya (Video)

Rapsody's profile has taken on new heights over the last few weeks after her inclusion as one of only two guest MCs on Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp a Butterfly album. Now, she and Kendrick have something else in common as each has dropped rough and rugged freestyles over The Notorious... Read more

Rapper Big Pooh Releases His Finest Music Since Little Brother (Album Stream)

Rapper Big Pooh has had a host of quality releases since his days with vaunted group Little Brother with Phonte and 9th Wonder. From 2005's Sleepers to his entire Fat Boy Fresh series, Pooh has stayed working. However, his recent union with Apollo Brown has produced some of the best... Read more

Random New Yorkers Recite Raunchy Sean Price Lyrics for Valentine’s Day (Video)

It's been 10 years since Heltah Skeltah's Ruck redefined himself with Monkey Barz. The Brownsville, Brooklyn MC went for broke (quite literally, as he tells it), and made a low-budget album that Heads loved. With production by 9th Wonder, Khrysis, "8-Off" Agallah, and others Monkey Barz may have missed the... Read more

Crossing The Oceans To Rock Stages, Rapsody Looks To The Lens As Godzilla (Video)

Rapsody's reputation for crushing mics has grown by leaps and bounds in the last year. Although Heads have been praising the North Carolina MC since the Kooley High days, long before The Idea Of Beautiful, 2014 just somehow served as a penetrating late pass for all the tardy fans to... Read more

The Universal Zulu Nation’s 41st Anniversary Is In November & Your Favorite Artists Are Involved…

On November 6-9, New York City will play host to the Universal Zulu Nation's 41st anniversary. Over the course of seven planned events (with possibly more coming), those involved include Afrika Bambaataa, Black Moon, 9th Wonder, Large Professor, Pete Rock, Sadat X, Da Beatminerz, Psycho Les, DJ Jazzy Jay, Kool... Read more

9th Wonder, Talib Kweli & Pharoahe Monch Join Forces to Distribute Independent Hip-Hop (Video)

You think Hip-Hop is dead? 9th Wonder, Talib Kweli and Pharoahe Monch don't. The three like-minded guardians of the culture have come together to form an independent company to distribute Hip-Hop artists who they believe represent the ethos of the music they (and we) have come to love. The company... Read more

9th Wonder Says Without Phonte, There Is No Drake (Audio)

During A3C week earlier this month, 9th Wonder served as Reggie Osse's latest guest for a live taping of The Combat Jack Show. Per usual, the conversation spanned the career of the Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina producer/DJ/sometimes-MC. However, there are certainly some impromptu side discussions and points made that make this... Read more

Rapsody Got Drama For Days (Video)

When she wants to dramatize her verses, Rapsody literally goes underground. Jamla's current flagship artist tells the tale of Beauty & The Beast with the latest visual to her just-released EP. With her team surrounding her, the Kooley High alum spins the yarns on why she's among the best, and... Read more

Rapsody & 9th Wonder Are Knocking Down Conventions Like Godzilla (Audio)

Rapsody is in her zone! The Jamla MC hops on yet another 9th Wonder beat and has a wordplay extravaganza on "Godzilla." The Beauty & The Beast joint is a strong statement about how only God is illa' and the rest of the MC crop best step aside for one... Read more

Edo G & King Magnetic Visit The Zoo Over A 9th Wonder Groove (Video)

Edo G (f/k/a Ed O.G.) has been a guiding light to two generations of MCs for his ability to kick family-conscious tracks, as well as skillfully make traditional Hip-Hop. Additionally, like his contemporaries Kool G Rap and Tragedy Khadafi, Roxbury's finest has also been a beacon for hardcore, fact-filled Rap... Read more

Rapsody Says It’s Hard To Choose, But It’s Not Hard To Choose Rapsody (Audio)

Leading up October 7's Beauty And The Beast, Rapsody is pulling out all the stops. "Hard To Choose," produced by 9th Wonder, takes strong audit of the North Carolina native's career, and choices as such. Citing everybody from DJ Kool Herc to Afrika Bambaataa to MC Lyte, Rap' explains the... Read more

Salute to Little Brother’s Phonte & 9th Wonder Who Will Be Honored by Their College

Shout out to Little Brother's Phonte and 9th Wonder who will be honored by their alma mater, North Carolina Central University, as part of their Forty Under Forty Awards Gala. It's great to see Hip-Hop Scholars recognized as such. North Carolina Central University had this to say about the Gala:... Read more

9th Wonder Calls Nottz “Arguably The Best Beatmaker On The Planet,” Expands Soul Council

Throughout the ages, Nottz and 9th Wonder have worked on the same albums. Including releases from Little Brother, the Virginia and North Carolina producers, respectively, have a strong overlap in the artists and projects they take on. Both producers with history on the mic too, these heralded musical personalities have... Read more

Little Brother’s Rapper Big Pooh Rocks a 9th Wonder-esque Beat (Audio)

Little Brother's Rapper Big Pooh teams up with BJ the Chicago Kid on a trunk-rattling track by Praise that features some 9th Wonder-esque funk. Pooh sounds right at home on this track and it's a reminder of just how nice this third of LB is. Check out "Last Dance." Related:... Read more

9th Wonder Honors The Life Of Bobby Womack With An Amazing Sonic Collection (Mixtape)

Following this week's sad news regarding the death of R&B/Soul icon Bobby Womack, Hip-Hop reacted. Since Little Brother's The Listening, 9th Wonder has quietly and carefully alluded to his love (and listening) of Bobby's music. Thereby, 11 years later, it was 9th who was among the first to honor the... Read more

Over A Sparse Beat, Rapsody Calls Out The Illuminaughty (Video)

Produced by 9th Wonder, Rapsody's "Illuminaughty" is as effective an 85 seconds as Heads can get in 2014. The song features some whimsical wordplay, but to-the-point lyricism on why terms like "ill" are applicable to the Jamla Records MC. This hails from Winter's Jamla Is The Squad mixtape. Related: Rapsody’s... Read more

GQ, Problem & Bad Lucc Create a New East/West Coast Connection over a 9th Wonder Beat (Audio)

If you're not familiar with GQ, 9th Wonder's latest protege, this is a good place to start. The North Carolina spitter's crisp lyrics penetrate 9th's dense beats with precision. He links with Problem and Bad Lucc, 2 of the finest of Cali's new generation on "Falls Down." Hip-Hop, stand up.... Read more