g.o.o.d. music Archives

Kanye West’s The College Dropout vs. Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday. 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

January 19, 2016 Finding the GOAT

Kanye West’s First Kendrick Lamar & Madlib Collabo Is Worth The Wait (Audio)

"I know some fans thought I wouldn't rap like this again / But the writers block is over, MCs cancel your plans." - Kanye West Last Friday (January 8) Kanye West showcased the 2016 return of "G.O.O.D. Fridays" in the Ty Dolla $ign assisted-"Real Friends." After the song finished playing... Read more

January 18, 2016 Audio

Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy vs. The Roots’ Phrenology. 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

January 11, 2016 Finding the GOAT

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

January 11, 2016 Audio

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

January 10, 2016 News

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

January 8, 2016 News

Pusha T & Beanie Sigel Make A Snow Powdered Collabo That Closes 2015 With A Bang (Audio)

Pusha T's newly-released King Push - Darkest Before Dawn: The Prelude packs a lot of punch. The sophomore studio album features production by Q-Tip, Kanye West, Timbaland, J. Cole, and Puff Daddy, as well as appearances by Jill Scott, The-Dream, and Re-Up Gang's Ab-Liva. One of the most interesting appearances... Read more

December 26, 2015 Audio

Pusha T Exorcises His Demons On “M.F.T.R. (More Famous Than Rich)” (Video)

Pusha T's "M.F.T.R. (More Famous Than Rich)" is a brilliant single from the just-released King Push: Darkest Before Dawn: The Prelude. Featuring The-Dream, the song is very much about style, but as much substance. With 2015's headlines largely about celebrity financial woes (including Pusha T's rival Lil Wayne), the record... Read more

December 23, 2015 Video

Kanye West’s Graduation vs. Masta Ace’s Disposable Arts. 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

December 22, 2015 Finding the GOAT

Pusha T Interviews With Sway & Spits A Verse For MCs Who Act Like They Don’t Know (Video)

Last Thursday (December 17), Pusha T was a guest on Sway In The Morning. There, just hours before King Push: Darkest Before Dawn: The Prelude, the Clipse co-founder got really deep about his 2015 headspace. Before leaving, and after 40 minutes of nuggets, Push' spit a freestyle that was very... Read more

December 21, 2015 Video

Pusha T Creates A Crooked Carnival Of Dark Images & Chilly Perspective (Video)

Entering a release week, Pusha T drops the video to "CCC." The song also known as "Crutches, Crosses, Caskets" makes no bones about its ominous vibes, as the Clipse star chronicles the decay of careers around him. For the visual, it's an eerie amusement park, featuring model nuns. This horror-inspired... Read more

December 14, 2015 Video

Pusha T’s King Push: Darkest Before The Dawn Tracklist Features Beanie Sigel & Kanye West

In one week, Pusha T will release his sophomore studio album, King Push: Darkest Before The Dawn (December 18). After promoting King Push, the follow-up to 2013's My Name Is My Name for more than one year, the Clipse and Re-Up Gang co-founder noted that he would release an album... Read more

December 11, 2015 Fresh

Pusha T Calls Out The Fake Lifestyles Of Other Rappers on “M.F.T.R. (More Famous Than Rich)” (Audio)

For more than 15 years, Pusha T has drawn the parallels from the street hustle and the music hustle, and how each equates to status. Approaching his sophomore solo album, Darkest Before Dawn (December 18), the G.O.O.D. Music President has another comparison he wants to make: fame versus wealth. "M.F.T.R.... Read more

December 8, 2015 Audio

Pusha T & Chris Brown Keep The Chemistry Bubbling With Uncompromisingly Honest Verses (Audio)

Over the course of the last three years, Chris Brown and Pusha T have displayed a strong chemistry across genre and demographic. On albums from each, the two Virginia representatives find a pocket that can be about talkin' slick ("D.G.I.F.U") or the art of seduction ("Sweet Serenade"). On the newly-released... Read more

November 30, 2015 Audio

Pusha T Has An Album Less Than A Month Away & It’s Not “King Push”

For more than two years, Pusha T has been discussing his sophomore solo album, King Push. The G.O.O.D. Music MC/executive and founder of the Clipse and Re-Up Gang confirmed to Noisey today (November 23) that his second solo set is on the way, but it won't be King Push. Instead,... Read more

November 23, 2015 News

Pusha T Named President Of Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music

Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music has appointed Pusha T to label president today (November 9). The announcement came via press release from Pusha's spokesperson. The Grammy-nominated veteran MC has released one album with the label, 2013's My Name Is My Name, after signing in 2010. Speaking with Billboard, Pusha T revealed... Read more

November 9, 2015 News

At A Time When So Many Are Angry, Travi$ Scott & Kanye West Can Really Relate (Video)

Travis $cott's Rodeo has been one of the most exciting debut albums—not only of 2015, but in some time. The Epic Records MC/singer/producer brought a ton of rawness to his Top 3 charting LP, which was largely held down by veteran producer Mike Dean (Scarface, Kanye West, Tha Dogg Pound).... Read more

October 30, 2015 Video

Heartbreak Of Late: How Katrina, Taylor & A Tragic Loss Shaped Kanye West

In the last 15 years, has an artist used the medium of music videos as profoundly and as dynamically as Kanye West? At last night's (August 30) 2015 MTV Video Music Awards, Mr. West received the honorary Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, placing him in the company of not only... Read more

August 31, 2015 Food for Thought, Video

Mike Dean Works With Rap’s Masters. So Who Does He Consider The Best? (Video)

Mike Dean is one of Rap's most prolific producers of the last 25 years. Dean has been responsible for much of Rap-A-Lot Records 1990s and early 2000s successes, before joining Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music production team, and relocating to New York City. From Scarface and Devin The Dude, to Seagram... Read more

August 10, 2015 Video

Big Sean, Chris Brown & Ty Dolla $ign Recreate The Opening Credits To “Martin” (Video)

Big Sean's "Play No Games" is a 1990s experience by design. The Dark Sky Paradise single heavily-samples Guy's "Piece Of My Love." So for the video to the Chris Brown and Ty Dolla $ign-assisted jam, Sean Don stays in that realm. The video calls back to "Martin." Martin Lawrence's FOX... Read more

June 29, 2015 The Bridge, Video

Big Sean’s Powerful New Video Shows How One Person Can Change the World (Video)

Big Sean's Dark Sky Paradise continues to be a highlight within the 2015 album landscape. With catchy anthems, thematic singles, and signature wordplay-driven cuts, there's more. "One Man Can Change The World" is the pensive ambition. The song, a Getting Out Our Dreams ensemble, with Kanye West and John Legend,... Read more

June 19, 2015 Video

Vic Mensa & Kanye West Make ‘Em Mad, But They Love It Though (Video)

Vic Mensa is hitting 2015's midpoint on a whole other level from where he started. The Save Money MC/vocalist went from Kids These Days to a Roc Nation solo deal in no easy steps. He made groundbreaking music, and Rap's elite took notice. While Jay Z inked Vic, Kanye West... Read more

June 9, 2015 Video

Joell Ortiz, CyHi The Prynce & Jarren Benton Serve a Cypher for the Backpackers (Video)

Three animated lyricists come together for Team Backpack's latest cypher. Joell Ortiz, CyHi The Prynce, and Jarren Benton all have recent projects to promote. However, on stage together before a hungry, live audience, it's all about simply promoting skills. Jarren kicks things off with a mischievous mosaic of bars, combining... Read more

June 1, 2015 Video

Common’s Be Turns 10 Years Old Today. Is It The Definitive Comeback Album?

One decade ago today (May 24, 2005), Common released his sixth album, Be. Although Common was then already a Grammy Award-winning, gold-certified MC, he was in an odd place. Comm' Sense was 11 years removed from his brilliant grassroots Hip-Hop commentary sophomore, Resurrection. The Chicago, Illinois MC was also five... Read more

May 24, 2015 Food for Thought

Kanye West Goes From College Dropout To Graduation, As Honorary Degree Recipient

Less than a dozen years ago, Kanye West self-identified as The College Dropout. Today, the music/pop culture superstar has a higher education diploma in hand. Mr. West received an honor doctoral degree in Fine Arts today (May 11) from the School Of The Art Institute Of Chicago. 'Ye was on... Read more

May 11, 2015 News

CyHi The Prynce Makes A 2-Song Tape That Rocks ‘Til The Tape Pops (Audio)

Even with only mixtapes available, CyHi The Prynce continues to deliver great album-quality music. The G.O.O.D. Music sensation is also among the 2010s' best freestyle performers, making many consider him a total package talent. Teaming with SMH Records (which includes Wake Up Show co-founder King Tech), CyHi unveiled a cool... Read more

May 7, 2015 Fresh

Finding The GOAT (Round 4): Mos Def vs. MF DOOM…Who You Got?

We have now reached the critical Round 4 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 21 MCs remaining (with the largest winning margin, Rakim receives a bye for the round), things are really coming down to 10 match-ups, leading AFH’s bracket-style series towards... Read more

April 16, 2015 Fresh

Has GLC’s Time Finally Come? Kanye West & Dame Dash To Back His Sophomore Album

Fresh after Dame Dash announced Kanye West's production involvement in DD172/Blu Roc Films' Loisaidas, the Roc-A-Fella Records co-founder and the Roc's biggest signee of the 2000s are getting back to musical ventures. According to The Fader, 'Ye and Dame are both working on GLC's upcoming sophomore studio album, The Book... Read more

April 5, 2015 News

88-Keys Talks Accidental Technique, Aiming For Life-Changing Beats (Video Premiere)

The last in the four-part "Learn From Legends" video series (which all premiered on Ambrosia For Heads), producer Rodney Hazard sat in with Harlem-based producer/MC 88-Keys. With work back to the late 1990s, 88-Keys' story surrounds luminaries in every pocket of Hip-Hop, from Kanye West and Jay Z, to J-Live... Read more

March 30, 2015 Exclusive, Video

Hit-Boy Is Not Your Average Producer/MC. His Lessons From Early Kanye Show (Video)

Fifteen years ago, Kanye West came into Hip-Hop producing for MCs who had very different surroundings and inspiration than him (Beanie Sigel, Jay Z, Dilated Peoples). By the time it came to record his own music, the same quality sounds were there, but 'Ye's message and story stood apart in... Read more

March 25, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Andre 3000 vs. Q-Tip…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, 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... Read more

March 23, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Kanye West vs. Mos Def…Who You Got

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, 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... Read more

March 16, 2015 Fresh

Big Sean’s Dark Sky Paradise Is #1 On The Charts. The Samples Played A Role (Mix)

More than five years in the making, Big Sean grabbed #1 album honors this past week with his third studio LP, Dark Sky Paradise. The G.O.O.D. Music/Def Jam Records star is bidding for a permanent place at Rap's upper echelon, and this album—boasting production from Kanye West, DJ Mustard, Mike... Read more

March 9, 2015 Audio

Are There 3 Hotter Rappers In 2015 Than Big Sean, Drake & Kanye West? (Video)

Although 2015 is only in its third month, are there three bigger Rap artists for the current calendar than Big Sean, Drake, and Kanye West? Kanye's latest media swarm has everybody abuzz, leading up to God Help Me. Drake shocked the universe last month with his second gold-selling mixtape, If... Read more

March 3, 2015 Video

Kanye West Asks For Help On His Seventh Album Title & Releases Artwork

The cat is out of the bag...or in other words, "Mike Douglas out the car now." After a one-month media cycle, Kanye West has finally released the most pertinent detail surrounding his seventh solo album—its title. So Help Me God, will reportedly be the Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam Records superstar's release name.... Read more

March 1, 2015 News

Get to Know the Kinder, Gentler Kanye West in this Candid Interview (Video)

On The Low End Theory, Q-Tip famously rapped about "the way things work in cycles." That being said, Kanye West is hitting specific media spots, and doing complete 180's from his late 2013 campaign. Once perceived as angry, arrogant, and easily aggravated during his post-Yeezus run, 'Ye is righting his... Read more

February 26, 2015 Video

Big Sean Has Pioneered Lots Of Flows. Is He Borrowing One In His Latest Visual? (Video)

Back in 2009 and 2010, when Drake was skyrocketing to the top of Hip-Hop's ruling class, Big Sean's name was coming up a lot. Many Heads, especially those who were following mixtapes in the late '00s, claimed that Drizzy's punchline-pause style, and other elements of his flow were coming from... Read more

February 24, 2015 Video

Kanye West Says His Next Album Returns To Music, Opens Up About Class, Religion & Dame Dash (Video)

A lover of surprises, Kanye West popped in on The Breakfast Club this morning (February 20), and the superstar sat in the hot seat for nearly an hour. In a particularly light mood (especially compared to his November 2013 visit), 'Ye takes any and all questions—including some penetrating inquiries from... Read more

February 20, 2015 Video

Inspiration Is The Theme Behind Big Sean, Kanye West & John Legend’s Next Hit (Audio)

Things may look pretty easy for Big Sean these days. The G.O.O.D. Music/Def Jam sensation is living the good life, running at the top, with more industry movers and shakers in his corner than ever before. However, Sean is from Detroit, Michigan, and not so many years removed from just... Read more

February 17, 2015 Audio

CyHi The Prynce Offers A Second Semester Of Black Hystori Teaching (Mixtape)

Approximately 350 days later, CyHi The Prynce follows up his Kanye West-executive produced Black Hystori Project with a second volume. Eleven tracks deep, Black Hystori Project Vol. 2 (a/k/a BHP2: N.A.A.C.P.) maintains the theme of the first free installment. This one welcomes even more notable sound-providers to the fold though,... Read more

February 14, 2015 Mixes

CyHi The Prynce Calls For Revolution & Points Out Fake Revolutionary Motives (Audio)

Gearing up for The Black Hystori Project 2, CyHi The Prynce is beyond fed up. The Atlanta, Georgia G.O.O.D. Music artist looks around at the Hip-Hop industry, and cries foul. From self-proclaimed gangsters eager to be interviewed on mainstream radio, to claiming to change lives only to spend seven figures... Read more

February 12, 2015 Audio

A Hungry Rapper Steps To Kanye West Looking For A Deal & Might Get A Job (Video)

Last May, on the streets of New York, an aspiring rapper pushed through the masses and tried to rap for Kanye West on the sidewalk, with entourage in tow, headed home for the night. To the surprise of many, 'Ye not only listened, he complimented the assertive hopeful. Nearly a... Read more

February 8, 2015 Video

CyHi The Prynce Takes A Slice Of Jodeci & Leaves The Microphone Feenin’ (Audio)

CyHi The Prynce has many styles, but the constant aggressive flow. He takes a slice of Jodeci's "Forever My Lady," lets the vibe build, then slides in to deliver a syncopated flow akin to those heard on 2014's Black Hystori Project. So much conviction, as he takes the concept of... Read more

February 7, 2015 Audio

Did DJ Mustard Just Give Rihanna, Kanye West & Paul McCartney’s Single The Boost It Needed? (Audio)

Despite all of its star-power, "FourFiveSecond," Rihanna's single, featuring Kanye West and Paul McCartney hasn't really been the sort of impact Heads may be used to from a RiRi opening look. Especially given that Unapologetic was three years ago, this is big stuff. Moreover, the single pushes Rihanna's booming vocals,... Read more

February 4, 2015 Audio

Kanye West, Paul McCartney & Rihanna Go The Old Fashioned Portrait Route (Video)

For their superstar-stacked collaboration, "FourFiveSeconds," Rihanna, Paul McCartney, and Kanye West aimed to support it with a straightforward visual. Shot in black & white by Inez & Vinoodh, the video shows the trio as themselves—not overly styled or choreographed. The song also is stripped from big production or Power Pop... Read more

February 3, 2015 Video

The Beatles’ Paul McCartney To Co-Produce Kanye West’s Seventh LP? An Insider Says So…

Thirteen months since Q-Tip and Rick Rubin were slated to produce "the bulk" of Kanye West's seventh solo album, a follow-up to 2013's Yeezus, a new iconic name enters the fold. Paul McCartney, of The Beatles, Wings, and nothing short of a legendary solo career is the latest name attributed... Read more

January 25, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Kanye West vs. Ja Rule…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 21, 2015 Fresh

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Drake vs. Big Sean…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 20, 2015 Fresh

Common & John Legend Capture The Glory Of “Selma” (Video)

Less than 48 hours after Common and John Legend carried Golden Globe trophies (presented by Prince) off of the stage for their song "Glory," they offer up the video. The "Best Original Song" winner from the film Selma cross-promotes Ava DuVernay's latest work in the visual. Along the way, there... Read more

January 13, 2015 Video

Common & John Legend Are Presented With Golden Globes…By Prince (Video)

Moments ago this evening (January 11), it was a historic moment for the careers of Common and John Legend. The former G.O.O.D. Music label-mates, as a pair, took home "Best Original Song" Golden Globes for the song "Glory" from the film Selma. Not only does the honor put John and Comm'... Read more

January 12, 2015 Video