foreign exchange ArchivesAmbrosia For Heads

Phonte Delivers 1 Of The Year’s Most Personal Verses

Yesterday (July 18), Black Milk released his latest album, Everybody Good?. The heralded Detroit, Michigan producer, MC, and musician involved the likes of Mick Jenkins, Karriem Riggins, and Quelle Chris on the 12-song LP. However, a highlight from the Everybody Good? release is "No Wish," a collaboration with Phonte and Raphael Saadiq. Black Milk... Read more

July 19, 2023 Audio

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

September 29, 2022 Exclusive, Interview, Video

Skyzoo Explains How Phonte Talked Him Out Of Retiring

Earlier this month, Skyzoo released his latest album, All The Brilliant Things. Already named as one of Ambrosia For Heads' best of 2021 so far, the Mello Music Group LP is reportedly three years in the making. In a run that includes the Pete Rock-produced Retropolitan and 2020's standout The... Read more

June 22, 2021 Exclusive, Interview, News, Video

Who Had The Best Rap Album Of 2019 (Battle 11): Little Brother vs. Freddie Gibbs & Madlib

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 19, 2020 Best Albums Of 2019

Who Had The Best Rap Album Of 2019 (Battle 7): Little Brother vs. Diamond D

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 15, 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

Little Brother’s 1st Music Video In Nearly A Decade Celebrates Their Magical Reunion

Little Brother delighted fans this week with a surprise album. Giving people less than 24 hours notice, Phonte and Rapper Big Pooh delivered May The Lord Watch on Tuesday (August 20). It marked the first L.B. project since 2010, and the group's fifth LP featured the blessing of founding third... Read more

August 23, 2019 Video

Watch A Video That Details The Events Leading Up To Little Brother’s 2018 Reunion

Less than a year ago, the three members of Little Brother performed together for the first time in more than a decade. Phonte, Rapper Big Pooh, and 9th reunited at the home of the Durham Bulls in North Carolina for The Art Of Cool Festival. The setting was symbolic, as... Read more

August 12, 2019 TV/Film, Video

Phonte & Rapper Big Pooh Are Making New Little Brother Music

Last September, the three founding members of Little Brother performed a last-minute reunion concert in Durham, North Carolina. In the backdrop of the place where the collective formed, Phonte, Rapper Big Pooh, and 9th Wonder got back together for The Art Of Cool Festival. It was the first show of... Read more

May 21, 2019 News

Phonte Has Just Released A Surprise EP. Listen Here.

With less than 24 hours notice, Phonte just released his second project since last March. 2018's No News Is Good News marked the North Carolina MC/singer/producer's first solo effort and Rap album in nearly seven years. It was subsequently named one of 2018's best efforts by Ambrosia For Heads. For 2019,... Read more

March 29, 2019 Audio

Open Mike Eagle’s New TV Show To Feature MF DOOM, Phonte & Method Man

Chicago, Illinois MC Open Mike Eagle has inserted wit and drama into his music for years. The artist behind such releases as 2016's Hella Personal Film Festival (with producer Paul White), 2017's Brick Body Kids Still Daydream, and last year's What Happens When I Try To Relax EP has partnered... Read more

March 22, 2019 News, TV, TV/Film, Video

Who Had The Best Rap Album Of 2018 (Battle 4): J. Cole vs. Phonte

We have our opinions on the best releases of 2018, but rather than simply tell you our pick for #1, we thought it would be more interesting to hear what you, the readers, believe is the Best Rap Album of 2018. With that in mind, we decided to make our... Read more

December 10, 2018 Best Rap Album 2018

The 14 Best Hip-Hop Releases So Far In 2018 (Audio & Video)

Approaching 2018’s midpoint, the year has been absolutely incredible for Hip-Hop and Rap music. For many artists, the album is now shorter than it has ever been. Releases are more concentrated and digestible than they have been been in decades. Moreover, the MC/producer double-threat is winning, as is the chemistry... Read more

June 21, 2018 Food for Thought

Phonte Starts His Day With Some Brutal Breakfast Bars (Video)

At the top of the year, Phonte released his superb solo sophomore album, No News Is Good News. The record serves as a vignette of 'Te's 39-year-old life – a life shrouded in anxiety of mortality, a growing disconnect with significantly younger industry peers, and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. But most... Read more

June 8, 2018 Video

Finding The GOAT Group: Atmosphere vs. Little Brother. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Group,” the fourth installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest collectives vying for the #1 spot. Sixty-two groups have been pre-selected by a panel of experts, and one slot will be reserved for a wild-card entry, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to... Read more

June 6, 2018 Best Hip-Hop Group, Finding the GOAT

Phonte Has Made An Elite Album For The 99% Of Grown Hip-Hop Fans

It's been more than six years since Phonte released his solo debut. Late 2012's Charity Starts At Home was critically-acclaimed and seemed to indicate that Tigallo was on his way to creating a stellar solo catalog beyond his celebrated work with Little Brother and Foreign Exchange. It did not quite... Read more

March 8, 2018 Audio, Food for Thought

Phonte Spits An MVP Verse For Domo Genesis’ “Shaq Carried Kobe” (Audio)

Sports analogies in Hip-Hop are nothing new. Such references can be the lifeblood of a musical genre that often likens itself to a "game” and thrives on competition. Phife Dawg, Chuck D, Kool Keith, and Ice Cube are just some of the masters of sports metaphor and simile. Domo Genesis'... Read more

January 23, 2018 Audio

Mickey Factz & Phonte Prove Some MCs Actually Love Their Women (Audio)

Nowadays, to listen to Hip-Hop one would think that most male MCs hate women. Misogyny in lyricism is so prevalent as to not even raise an eyebrow. Also, seemingly no rapper has his own girlfriend, as all you hear about is what they're going to do to "your girl." Ironically,... Read more

October 22, 2016 Audio

The World Needs Love. Phonte & Eric Roberson Make Music To Go With It. (Audio)

In a week marred by violence, all may be asking, "Where is the love right now?" Phonte is an artist who has masterfully reflected on the confusion and pains of the world. This time, 'Te simply provides a welcome reminder of what it takes to heal, to rebuild, and to... Read more

July 8, 2016 Audio

Phonte Explains Why Big Daddy Kane Is The Reason He Became An MC (Audio)

Phonte is the latest guest on The Cipher Show Podcast. For episode #146, the Greensboro, North Carolina native MC/singer spoke about the evolution of his career. A founder of Little Brother and Foreign Exchange, "Tigallo" had an hour-and-a-half discussion with Shawn Setaro on topics ranging from his "Percy Miracles" character,... Read more

March 15, 2016 Audio

If “Netflix & Chill” Has An Anthem, Foreign Exchange Made It (Video)

With temperatures dropping, holiday season kicking in, there is often a tug of war between staying in and going out. Phonte, Nicolay, Zo! and Foreign Exchange know this. Their Tales From The Land Of Milk And Honey single "Body" is all about dropping the plans, and picking up some activities... Read more

October 29, 2015 Video

Phonte & Like Join Madlib, Blu & MED For A Head-Nodding Groove (Audio)

Historically, when Phonte links with Madlib, some amazing audio moments result. 2010's "Best Of Times" collabo with Strong Arm Steady on a Madlib track yielded a video single that still endures. Five years later, 'Tigalo links with 'Lib, care of the Oxnard, California MC/producer/DJ's trio with Blu and MED. Pac... Read more

October 14, 2015 Audio

Foreign Exchange Turn The Work Space Into A Party Place (Video)

Later this month, Foreign Exchange will release their sixth album, Tales From The Land Of Milk And Honey (August 21). For the premier video, "Asking For A Friend," Phonte, Nicolay and company awaken the monotony of corporate life. With a House-tinged beat, the infectious hi-hats seduce an office floor to... Read more

August 4, 2015 Audio, Video

Foreign Exchange Announces Sixth Album & It’s Coming Really Soon

A step removed from 2013's Love In Flying Colors, Foreign Exchange has announced their sixth album. On August 21, Phonte and Nicolay will release Tales From The Land Of Milk And Honey. This release, presumably on their own +FE Music imprint, follows 11 years of material, garnering Grammy nominations and appearances on the... Read more

July 8, 2015 News

Phonte & Nicolay Unveil A New Collaboration Beyond The Foreign Exchange Sound (Audio)

Phonte and Nicolay's Foreign Exchange have defied genre. While the pair's serendipitously digital debut, Connected, basked in some Hip-Hop roots, F.E. would later circle the realms of R&B, Pop, and Soul. The journey has been a successful one, marked by acclaimed tours, and Grammy nominations for the independent duo. From Nic's... Read more

May 19, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Mos Def vs. Phonte…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). We are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

January 30, 2015 Fresh

Phonte & Oddisee Channel Pain Into Beautiful Art, Reacting To The World Today (Audio)

In the wake of the 2014 murders of Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, and so many other Black men at the hands of law enforcement, there was a large outcry for artists to react, reflect, and somehow find the words we, the people, could not. Those expressions are indeed... Read more

January 13, 2015 Audio

Carlitta Durand’s Time Has Come. This Little Brother Affiliate Shines (Audio)

For years and years, Carlitta Durand has thrived alongside the Justus League/Jamla Records family on acclaimed releases like Little Brother's LeftBack, Phonte's Charity Starts At Home, and most recently on Foreign Exchange's Love In Flying Colors. The North Carolina songbird is stepping into her own. "Find A Way" doesn't sound... Read more

November 19, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Foreign Exchange Goes Above The Clouds In Dreams Are Made For Two (Video)

From Love In Flying Colors (released one year ago this week), Foreign Exchange showcases their Carlita Durand assisted single, "Dreams Are Made For Two." As the song has been to the album, the moment is warm, euphonic, and tender. So what better setting than the mountaintops for Phonte and Carlita... Read more

September 22, 2014 Fresh, Video

The Roots’ Longtime Manager & Producer Rich Nichols Passes Away

With his name in the liners as far back as Illadelph Halflife, producer Richard Nichols was an integral part of The Roots. Producer, executive, and manager, Nichols was never credited as a member of the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Hip-Hop band, but was highly involved in their studio work and even transition... Read more

July 17, 2014 Fresh

This Week in Video Brought Visuals of Jay Z & Jay Electronica, Talib Kweli, Phonte, Crooked I & More (Video Playlist)

This week in video brought lots of variety, ranging from Jay Electronica & Jay Z's first live performance of "We Made It," to a scaled down acoustic set by Phonte and his Foreign Exchange crew. Here's a video playlist of some of the best including a freestyle from Elzhi, Peter... Read more

July 13, 2014 Featured-homepage, Playlists, Video

The Week in Video Brought Out the Best in Kendrick Lamar, Redman’s Crib, New Phonte & More (Video Playlist)

This week was dominated by Grammy coverage, and there were some clear highlights like the Kendrick Lamar/Imagine Dragons mashup, but there were also several other gems that might have gotten lost in the swirl. Here's a video playlist of some of the best visual programming of the week. You'll find... Read more

February 1, 2014 Featured-homepage, Playlists, Video

The Foreign Exchange Camp’s Visuals Are Really Uplifting Lately. Check Better (Video)

Phonte and Nicolay have been making captivating music (from Internet to in person) for a decade now. However, the group and affiliates with so much musical and social personality is really shining in video form lately. After Zo!'s "We Are On The Move" video (which featured 'Tay and Eric Roberson)... Read more

January 28, 2014 Fresh, Video

Foreign Exchange – Call It Home (Video)

Following the two-sided single late last month, Phonte and Nicolay drop the visuals to "Call It Home." F.E. again succeeds at another visual essay that matches the song beautifully—without the need to star the musicians. Love In Flying Colors blossoms on September 24. Related: Foreign Exchange – Call It Home... Read more

September 8, 2013 Fresh, Video

Foreign Exchange – Call It Home / Pity

In less than a month, one of the groups that started online—and got more organic than most of their peers who met in the flesh lives on. Foreign Exchange's Love In Flying Colors comes September 24. Phonte and Nicolay dropped off a two-fer single, in "Call It Home" and "Pity."... Read more

August 27, 2013 Audio, Fresh

The Foreign Exchange – Love in Flying Colors (Artwork + Tracklist)

The Foreign Exchange (aka Phonte & Nicolay) have a new album that is slated to hit stores on 9/24. You can take a look at the artwork and tracklist below. Related: The Foreign Exchange – So What If It Is (Audio) Here's the tracklist: 01. If I Knew Then 02.... Read more

July 27, 2013 Food for Thought

The Foreign Exchange – So What If It Is

Here's a brand new joint from Phonte and Nicolay (also known as The Foreign Exchange...). The song features Phonte singing over a house track and is dope for vibing out. Check out So What If It Is. Related: Here’s a mixtape the features 70 Phonte tracks in 78 minutes... Read more

January 28, 2013 Audio

This week´s playlist was inspired by incredible soul made by rappers. You´ll find Outkast, The Foreign Exchange, Mos Def, Freestyle Fellowship, Andre 3000 and even Snoop Dog.

Just sit back, press play and liberate your mind. Click here for the full version as intended (some videos were not allowed to be embedded).... Read more

February 24, 2011 Playlists

Vado and Raheem DeVaughn make some gangsta Quiet Storm hip-hop with It’s You. Check it out.

This one is surprisingly dope. Vado and Raheem mesh much better than you would expect. Click here to download. It's a fine line between corny and laid back, but when a hip-hip ballad is done properly it's a good look. Here are a few others that have straddled the line... Read more

December 28, 2010 Audio, The Bridge, Video

Phonte (formerly of Little Brother) and Nicolay continue to push the boundaries of hip-hop as The Foreign Exchange. This is their story.

The Foreign Exchange have dropped 2 stellar albums, but the 2 men comprising the group have kept a relatively low profile. Here's what they have to say about the group that grew from side project to full-time gig: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEadPp2DcUU&feature=player_embedded ...and here are some of their best songs: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnqX9mRDxyI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fy2RjQvBeL4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7ELR-W7BKs... Read more

October 14, 2010 Audio, Video

If the names Phonte and Nicolay mean anything to you then you know how The Foreign Exchange gets down. If not here's some chill out rap.

Check out the latest single from The Foreign Exchange called Maybe She'll think of me. Little Brother may be gone, but the brother Phonte rocks on. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fKMYvoSM5Q Click here to download.... Read more

September 2, 2010 Audio

Meditations on Hip-Hop, Vol. Too

Think of this as hip-hop for chilling, sitting back and relaxing or just marinating. It’s hip-hop for a rainy day. Just hit play, sit back and let it ride. Tracklist is below. Kick it to the Beat – J-Live The Lights – Nicolay & Kay Do You Think About Me... Read more

June 13, 2010 Audio, Playlists, Video