Dreamville ArchivesAmbrosia For Heads

J. Cole Has Released A Record Dissing Kendrick Lamar

Two weeks ago, Kendrick Lamar used a feature verse on Future & Metro Boomin's album to leave no questions about a Rap rivalry with peers J. Cole and Drake. While K-Dot has collaborated with both Drake and Cole (and competed with both in not-so-subtle lyrics more than a decade ago),... Read more

April 5, 2024 Audio, News, Trending Stories

J. Cole’s New Song Is A Teaser For The Fall Off

J. Cole is a master of the sneak attack. As Hip-Hop releases in 2024 are quietly ramping up in March, Cole raised the stakes with a 10-minute video promoting The Fall Off. Cole's long-anticipated album that he first unveiled with the 2018 release of KOD is approaching fast. "Might Delete... Read more

February 21, 2024 Trending Stories, Video

Drake and J. Cole Have Released The Year’s Best Rap Video

While there are a lot of them releasing every week, music videos appear to be a lost art. While some artists deliver original and clever concepts, it appears commonplace for many videos to feature rapping to the camera, street scenes, and the cliché models and entourage. Two artists who defy... Read more

November 16, 2023 Trending Stories, Video

J. Cole Explains Why His New Album Is Called The Fall Off

Over five years, ago, J. Cole's acclaimed KOD included a song "1985 ('Intro To The Fall Off')." At the time, the song made headlines as a response song to Lil Pump and others, that defied the convention of traditional Rap disses. In the days that followed, J. Cole revealed that... Read more

November 5, 2023 Video

Westside Gunn, JID & Conway Make 1 Of 2023’s Great Collabos

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

October 13, 2023 Audio

Lil Yachty Shows He Can Really Rap On A Song With J. Cole

Earlier this year, Lil Yachty released one of 2023's more surprising albums from an artist often categorized in Rap. January's Let's Start Here. deviated from the sound that the Atlanta, Georgia had established over the last decade. On this go-round, the Quality Control/Motown Records artist delved into contemporary Psychedelic Rock... Read more

October 7, 2023 Audio, Video

J. Cole & Drake Go Head To Head On A Heavyweight Song

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

October 6, 2023 Audio

J. Cole’s Latest Guest Verse Is Much Bigger Than Hip-Hop

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

May 14, 2023 Audio

J. Cole Teases His New Album On A Knockout 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

March 4, 2023 Audio

Cordae & Anderson .Paak Have A Heated Debate About A Woman On Their New Song

In 2019, Anderson .Paak was a crucial guest on Cordae's Grammy-nominated album, The Lost Boy (also named one of Ambrosia For Heads' best albums that year). That collaboration, "RNP (Rich Ni**a Problems)" was produced by J. Cole and evolved to become a music video. The chemistry between Cordae and Paak... Read more

January 26, 2023 Video

J. Cole Gifts An Unknown Producer With A Surprise Verse

J. Cole has a knack for being incredibly down to earth, despite his superstardom. Amid his status, the Dreamville founder has offered $1 concerts, recorded albums in the studio where his career began, and protested in the streets alongside his fans and supporters. Kicking off 2023, Cole did something true... Read more

January 18, 2023 Audio

The 15 Best Rap Albums Of 2022

As 2022 winds down, it comes time to celebrate the best in Hip-Hop music. As is tradition, the Ambrosia For Heads team weighs in on our opinion of the year's best albums. This list of 15 includes some comeback performances, significant sequel efforts, and collaborative tandems. The collection of LPs also shows... Read more

December 20, 2022 Best Rap Albums Of 2022

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

April 4, 2022 Video

J. Cole Says He Is The Best Rapper Alive & He’s Proving It

Last Friday (January 28), Benny The Butcher released one of the most exciting songs by any artist in over a year. "Johnny P's Caddy" is inspired by the formative days when Benny would ride in his father's Cadillac alongside Westside Gunn and listen to Hip-Hop. Over an Alchemist beat, The... Read more

February 1, 2022 Video

Benny The Butcher & J. Cole Have Released An Instant Classic

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

January 28, 2022 Audio, Video

The 10 MCs Who Will Take Over Hip-Hop In The 2020s

As a new year is upon us, there is a lot of music to look forward to in the 2020s. In Hip-Hop, a new class appears to be forming. A legendary generation of artists and MCs came to fruition during the early 2010s, including Kendrick Lamar, Drake, J. Cole, Travis Scott,... Read more

January 19, 2022 Audio, Video

J.I.D. Reminds He’s One Of The Best MCs Of His Generation

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

January 14, 2022 Audio

J. Cole Reveals His 1st Rap Name & Why He Changed It

After a long, busy year in Hip-Hop, this week's biggest story may be J. Cole's interview with Nardwuar. Published on Christmas Day (December 25), the hour-long conversation was years in the making. As usual, The Human Serviette astounded his subject with research, physical props, and plenty of space to unpack... Read more

December 29, 2021 Video

J. Cole Told Dr. Dre About Kendrick Lamar & Wanted To Sign Him

Despite releasing a Grammy-nominated album this year, J. Cole has not deviated from his reservations about interviews. The Dreamville Records founder is known for picking his spots with the press, and while he blessed The L.A. Leakers with one of 2021's best freestyles, Cole left a mark with a performance—not... Read more

December 26, 2021 Video

The 14 Best Rap Albums Of 2021…What Did We Miss

As 2021 comes to a close, it is appropriate to reflect on a remarkable year for Hip-Hop music and news. Although we did it slightly differently this year, Ambrosia For Heads shares our list of the best Hip-Hop Albums Of 2021. On episode #72 of the What's The Headline podcast—starting at 1:13:00—we list our... Read more

December 21, 2021 Best Rap Albums Of 2021, Video

Why J. Cole Is The Tim Duncan Of Hip-Hop

Last week, J. Cole released a video loosie at just the right moment. The "Heaven's EP" track was recorded to Drake's "Pipe Down" instrumental. It arrived after a month where Kendrick Lamar proclaimed himself, "Smokin’ on top fives / Mother-f*ck that album, f*ck that single / Burn that hard drive... Read more

September 28, 2021 Video

J. Cole Says He’s The Best Rapper Breathing & Tells Others To Pipe Down

J. Cole has already delivered one of the best albums of 2021, courtesy of The Off-Season. Named among the top LPs in Ambrosia For Heads' midyear report, the album found Jermaine Cole treating the craft of rapping like basketball—and training diligently between his heralded 2018 KOD album and the 2021 follow-up. After being snubbed by the Grammy's, Cole... Read more

September 22, 2021 Video

The 10 Best Rap Albums Of 2021 So Far

As 2021 quickly approaches its midpoint, it is tradition to evaluate the year's best Hip-Hop albums—so far. So on the latest episode of Ambrosia For Heads' What's The Headline podcast, we did just that. As we did in deciding the best albums of 2020, the AFH team uses the platform to publicly discuss the best... Read more

June 15, 2021 Exclusive

J. Cole’s Off-Season Has Several Cryptic References To Illmatic

Last Friday (May 14), J. Cole released his sixth album, The Off-Season. Three years removed from his acclaimed KOD, Cole returned with more social commentary, versatile deliveries, and plenty of themes to unpack. Whereas his 2018 outing was an indictment on drug use amid the youth, especially within the Rap community, Cole's... Read more

May 17, 2021 Video

J. Cole’s New Album Is Coming Next Week. Here’s The 1st Song

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So…let Ambrosia For Heads 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... Read more

May 7, 2021 Audio

Master P & Baron Davis Want To Buy Reebok To Make It For Us By Us

Master P had a big 2020. The founder of No Limit Records partnered with BET to produce a docuseries on his famed label. The New Orleans, Louisiana native born Percy Miller also remains a partner in Rap Snacks and other ventures. However, the artist whose career expanded to film, sports,... Read more

December 31, 2020 Fresh, News, Video

Scarface Is Sick & He’s Asking Hip-Hop For Help

Rapper Scarface has had a challenging 2020. He is a Hip-Hop legend who was infected by the COVID-19 virus back in late March. In the weeks that followed, the Houston, Texas-based icon's fight was so strong that it led to pneumonia in both of his lungs, kidney failure, a 103-degree... Read more

October 13, 2020 Audio, Fresh, News

J. Cole’s Short Film Is About Basketball & The Drive To Make Dreams Come True (Video)

While many Heads are waiting for The Fall Off to make its way, J. Cole, the face of Dreamville Records, is making his own dreams come true. The now-Grammy Award-winning MC/producer announced this morning (February 13) a multi-year partnership with Puma. Notably, Cole's Roc Nation family member JAY-Z is the President... Read more

February 13, 2020 Lifestyle, TV/Film, Video

Lute Says If J. Cole Made It, There’s No Telling How Far HE Can Go (Video)

On the video single "Under The Sun" from Dreamville’s 2019 acclaimed Revenge Of The Dreamers III album, Charlotte, North Carolina native Lute smashed the second verse, sandwiched between the high-profile home-state likes of J.Cole and DaBaby. Now with a new single titled "G.E.D. (Gettin Every Dolla)," Lute continues to show... Read more

February 8, 2020 Video

J. Cole Wins His First Grammy Ever Alongside 21 Savage

Tonight (January 26), J. Cole took home his first Grammy Award. The accomplished MC/producer has been nominated seven times ahead of the 2020 ceremonies, having never won. That changed with a win alongside 21 Savage in the "Best Rap Song" category. The two artists scored the victory for 2018 video... Read more

January 26, 2020 News

EarthGang’s New Video Is For A Song That Prompted J. Cole To Sign Them

EarthGang's Olu and WowGr8 were scorching hot throughout their 2019 campaign. The Dreamville duo were apart of some of the year's best and most talked about projects, including J. Cole's Rap menagerie, Revenge Of The Dreamers III. Recently, Cole and Ibrahim Hamad assisted with the drop of a Director's Cut... Read more

January 23, 2020 Video

Who Had The Best Rap Album Of 2019 (Battle 6): Big K.R.I.T. vs. EarthGang

Over the last couple of years, Ambrosia For Heads has asked our readers to help us determine the Best Rap Album for 2017 and 2018, respectively. In looking at the top music of 2019, we believe that instead of letting the Grammy Awards—a committee who does not know anything about... Read more

January 14, 2020 Best Albums Of 2019

Deniro Farrar, Lute & Elevator Jay Rap With Heart And A Vision For A Better Life (Video)

Early last year, Charlotte, North Carolina MC Deniro Farrar released his most recent EP, Re-Up, his first since 2017's Mind Of A Gemini II. Next month, Farrar will debut the release of his ninth EP, Sole Food. In anticipation, Deniro has linked up with fellow North Carolina reps Lute and... Read more

January 13, 2020 Video

Who Had The Best Rap Album Of 2019 (Battle 5): Dreamville vs. Griselda

Over the last couple of years, Ambrosia For Heads has asked our readers to help us determine the Best Rap Album for 2017 and 2018, respectively. In looking at the top music of 2019, we believe that instead of letting the Grammy Awards—a committee who does not know anything about... Read more

January 13, 2020 Best Albums Of 2019

Here Are Ambrosia For Heads’ Top 25 Rap Albums Of The Decade

In the final hours of a decade, Ambrosia For Heads presents our Top 25 Hip-Hop Albums. The 2010s were a wild ride, with an onslaught of important new voices, and incredible maturation from veteran MCs. It was a 10-year span where artists and songs were discovered new places (including the... Read more

December 30, 2019 Best Rap Album 2010s

Ambrosia For Heads’ Top 15 Hip-Hop Albums Of 2019 List

It is that season when “best of” lists abound and, in a year that featured some remarkable music from artists across the landscape, 2019 kept Hip-Hop fans on the edge of our seats. There were reunions, surprise collaborations, and show-stopping debut albums. The year also featured innovative label compilations, unexpected... Read more

December 18, 2019 Best Albums Of 2019

From Dreams To Reality…J. Cole’s Squad Has Been Nominated For A Grammy

The nominations for the 2020 Grammy Awards have been announced. The upcoming year's contenders celebrate a host of potential first-time winners, especially in Rap and Hip-Hop. In the "Best Rap Album" category, there are several key contenders. Notably, J. Cole (who has never previously won a Grammy) earned that distinction... Read more

November 20, 2019 News

EARTHGANG Performs A Colorful Song From 1 Of This Year’s Most Original Albums (Video)

EARTHGANG, comprised of rappers Olu (aka Johnny Venus) and WowGr8 (aka Doctur Dot), is having a breakthrough 2019. Backed by J. Cole's Dreamville Records, EARTHGANG is now responsible for one of the year's best LPs with their full-length debut, MirrorLand. Earlier this summer, the duo appeared on the chart-topping Revenge... Read more

November 8, 2019 Video

J. Cole’s Dreamville Is Flying High In Its Quest To Be Hip-Hop’s Best Crew (Video)

2019 has been an exciting year for the Hip-Hop crew. Buffalo, New York's Griselda Records continues to build an empire, brick-by-brick. Last week's first glimpse of a Shady Records-backed album from Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine, and Benny The Butcher shows even more promise to a calendar year that's seen... Read more

October 22, 2019 Video

YBN Cordae & Anderson .Paak Travel Back To The ’70s For A Video That’s Super Fly

Last year, YBN Cordae responded to J. Cole's "1985 - 'Intro To The Falloff'" with a song of his own. Cole's song, now more than a year and a half old, confronted some younger Rap peers who had been dissing him, and offering them some valuable game. It was a... Read more

October 14, 2019 Video

Gang Starr’s New Video With J. Cole Keeps Guru’s Legacy Alive (Video)

More than 15 years since the last Gang Starr video, DJ Premier releases "Family and Loyalty." It's a Fab 5 Freddy-directed visual featuring DJ Premier, J. Cole, Big Shug, and plenty of memories surrounding the impact Guru's life made on others. The video begins with Guru's family (including his son,... Read more

October 2, 2019 Video

DJ Premier Details Why He Chose J. Cole For Gang Starr’s New Song (Audio)

On Friday (September 20), Gang Starr released its first single in more than 16 years. "Family And Loyalty" features two verses from Guru (who passed away in 2010), a DJ Premier-produced track, and a guest appearance from J. Cole. Calling into Sway In The Morning, Premier explained some background on... Read more

September 23, 2019 Audio, News

Gang Starr Has New Music. J. Cole Joins This Moment Of Truth (Audio)

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So…let Ambrosia For Heads 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... Read more

September 20, 2019 Audio

J. Cole, Lute & DaBaby Show Why NC Is 1 Of Hip-Hop’s Hottest States Under The Sun

Dreamville continues to celebrate this year's release of Revenge Of The Dreamers III with more and more visuals. The label's collaborative record dropped this summer and presented vocals from each member of the collective: J. Cole, J.I.D, Bas, Lute, Ari Lennox, Cozz, Omen, and EarthGang. Just a month ago, Heads... Read more

September 16, 2019 Video

J. Cole, Saba, EARTHGANG & Smino Bring 1 Of Dreamville’s Most Heartfelt Songs To Video

Earlier this year, when J. Cole and his label Dreamville set out to make another entry in their Revenge Of The Dreamers compilation series, many fans and critics were ecstatic. Apart from its diverse and increasingly sprawling roster, the label sending invites to a reported 343 artists and producers to... Read more

August 12, 2019 Video

Dreamville’s Bas Sets Off A Big Week By Rocking The Tiny Desk With His Band (Video)

Bas, who reps the Dreamville camp, has been busy adding to his already quite respectable discography. He was a prominent voice on the chart-topping Return Of The Dreamers III compilation. He also recently hinted that he has a new album in the works titled Spilled Milk Vol. 1, consisting of collaborations... Read more

August 5, 2019 Video

J. Cole’s Production Brings Out The Best In Anderson .Paak’s Rap Flow (Audio)

Late last year J. Cole and Anderson .Paak collaborated on Oxnard, care of the song "Trippy." That chemistry builds in a significant way thanks to a song Cole produced for YBN Cordae's upcoming The Lost Boy album (July 26). "RNP (Rich Ni**a Problems)" features an especially bouncy beat, with the... Read more

July 24, 2019 Audio

Big K.R.I.T. & J. Cole Prove Substance Is What Truly Makes MCs Great (Audio)

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So…let Ambrosia For Heads 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... Read more

July 12, 2019 Audio

J. Cole’s Dreamville Documentary Shows Creativity At Its Competitive Best

Throughout the ages, Hip-Hop benefits from the ensemble studio vibe. That was the case when Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg rolled their Chronic. As Sacha Jenkins' film recently showed, this energy made Wu-Tang Clan form like Voltron for its 36 Chambers debut. Such was the vision for Tupac's unfinished One... Read more

July 2, 2019 TV/Film, Video

Tired Of Waiting: Reason & Cozz Scheme To Rob J. Cole & Top Dawg (Audio)

Reason and Cozz are two rising sensations on stacked rosters. In 2018, Cozz played a respectable role in Dreamville's takeover, thanks to his Effected album. That LP saw the Los Angeles, California veteran working with Kendrick Lamar as well as the artist who signed him, J. Cole. Shortly after Effected,... Read more

July 2, 2019 Audio