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The 10 Best Rap Albums Of 2023

As 2023 comes to its close, it is 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. For 2023, we present a tight list of 10—celebrating the best of the best in the Rap genre.... Read more

Alchemist Names His Top 5 Producers

Alchemist has had a busy 2023. The acclaimed producer (and MC/DJ) has released albums alongside Larry June, Earl Sweatshirt, and MIKE and Wiki—along with fresh solo material. Amid the prolific year, Al spoke to Genius' Andres Tardio to list his Top 5 Hip-Hop producers—including one of his mentors. Along the... Read more

Alchemist’s Freestyle Shows He’s Magic On The Mic Too

This Friday (March 31), Larry June and Alchemist are teaming up for The Great Escape. After four singles ahead of Friday's Escape and a documentary video (embedded below), fans are anticipating the LP, which is slated to feature Joey Bada$$, Wiz Khalifa, Big Sean, Curren$y, Action Bronson, Ty Dolla $ign, Slum Village, Boldy James, Evidence... Read more

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

Roc Marciano & Alchemist Serve Up Pure & Uncut 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

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

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

Boldy James & Alchemist Bring The Best Out Of Each Other On Their New Album (Audio)

It has been over a decade since Boldy James first debuted his raps for the world to hear. In the blog era, Boldy James released Trapper’s Alley: Pros & Cons in 2011 with illRoots. The mixtape showed off the cold life of a drug dealer (see the obvious "I Sold... Read more

Elzhi Sounds Superhuman On His First Song With Madlib (Audio)

Although the two are brothers, Madlib and Oh No have only collaborated on a handful of tracks over the years. The Oxnard, California Brothers Jackson first introduced themselves as The Professionals on Madlib's 2008 "Beat Generation" series album, WLIB AM: King of the Wigflip, with their track "I Want It... Read more

Action Bronson & Alchemist’s Lamb Over Rice EP Has Flavor. Listen Here (Audio)

This morning (November 22), Alchemist and Action Bronson released their collaborative EP, Lamb Over Rice. The MC and producer battery regularly work together on television. However, the genesis of the bond has been on heralded mixtapes like 2012's Rare Chandeliers, which is getting a special limited-edition vinyl re-release. The whimsical... Read more

Alchemist Brings His New LP Featuring Action Bronson, Meyhem Lauren & Conway To Video

Back in 2012, The Alchemist teamed up with a sunglasses company called 9FIVE for a signature Alchemist edition of spectacles. Those shades came with an exclusive album titled Yacht Rock on limited-edition vinyl. That continuous cassette-style two-sided mix features Action Bronson, Roc Marciano, Oh No, Big Twins, Chuck Inglish, and... Read more

ScHoolboy Q Talks Greasy To Impatient Fans On A Smooth Alchemist Beat (Audio)

Thanks to the way music is made and released, artists can easily drop multiple projects in a single year. In the underground, some artists release whole efforts in consecutive weeks. Others create daily, weekly, and monthly series of songs to engage fans. This culture can often leave fans focused on... Read more

Conway The Machine & Alchemist Make Music So Dope It’s Lethal (Video)

Conway The Machine has been one of the flagship artists of Griselda Records for several years now. He is also one part of the new generation of acts at Eminem's Shady Records (with brother and frequent rhyme-partner Westside Gunn). Some Heads are still getting to know Conway. Today, he premieres... Read more

Roc Marciano & Alchemist Remind What Great Hip-Hop Sounds Like (Audio)

Roc Marciano and Alchemist continue to drop their 45 Craft Singles and decided to reach into the vault and release another. It's hard to conceive of a more cinematic duo than the Hempstead, Long Island MC spitter and Southern California producer and their latest is just further reinforcement of that... Read more

DOOM & Westside Gunn Sting With Bars On Alchemist Production (Audio)

Following Eminem's show-stopping, highly-political cypher which aired less than 24 hours ago, one of his latest Shady artists (Westside Gunn) refuses to let the party stop. Everything is muted, quiet like a beautiful, twisted lullaby on “2Stings,” the most recent single from the forthcoming WestsideDOOM (DOOM and Gunn) collaboration, produced... Read more

Alchemist Dug Samples In Paris Record Stores Then Made An EP With Local MCs (Audio)

Lush, abundant, playful; these three words perfectly describe Paris L.A. Bruxelles the recent project by acclaimed producer (and MC) Alchemist. This project sees him team up with a crew of French-language rappers. DOOM & Alchemist Together Is Two Thumbs Up For Hip-Hop (Audio) Released via Red Bull Music Academy/Konbini Radio, the project... Read more

DOOM & Westside Gunn Are Releasing An Album. Here’s A Taste (Audio)

In the midst of DOOM's weekly music series, it appears there is going to be even more product from the masked villain. While the veteran MC has his Missing Notebook roll-out underway, his latest collaboration project has been announced: with Griselda/Shady Records rapper Westside Gunn and producers Alchemist and Daringer.... Read more

Teen Bresha Meadows Stood Up To Her Abusive Father. Talib Kweli Tells Her Story (Audio)

In July of 2016, Warren, Ohio teenager Bresha Meadows fatally shot her father, reportedly as he slept. The 14-year-old killed Jonathan Meadows after years of physical abuse, which also included her brothers and mother, according to relatives. Despite the evidence of abuse, Meadows was charged with aggravated murder. Bresha and... Read more

DOOM & Alchemist Together Is Two Thumbs Up For Hip-Hop (Audio)

Out of the same underground Hip-Hop scene that MF DOOM helped lead in the late 1990s, Alchemist exploded. Like DOOM, ALC is an MC/producer double threat with a penchant for library record samples, 1970s vibes, and intoxicating grooves. DOOM Revives KMD With A Jay Electronica Collabo (Audio) Following the circulation... Read more

Finding The GOAT Producer: Alchemist vs. RZA. 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

Finding The GOAT Producer: Alchemist vs. Mannie Fresh. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer” begins. 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 deserving... Read more

Alchemist & DJ Muggs Win The Wild Card Battle To Join Finding The GOAT Producer

“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 have been reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no deserving beat... Read more

Oh No & Tristate Join Evidence For A Song That Shows Wack MCs The Front Door (Audio)

Gangrene co-founder, producer/MC Oh No has teamed up with Tristate of Planet Asia’s bi-coastal super-group Gold Chain Military for a collaborative LP on the Hieroglyphics' imprint. Oh No will reportedly handle the entirety of its production. If the first single is any indication, for those who suffer from a lack... Read more

Alchemist & Curren$y Recruit Major Producers As Accomplices For “Heist” Remix (Audio)

In February of this year, Curren$y and Alchemist masterminded The Carrollton Heist. The New Orleans, Louisiana MC and Venice, California-based produced offered 12 tracks featuring Action Bronson, Styles P, and Spitta's onetime mentor Lil Wayne. Curren$y & Alchemist Re-Up On A New Mixtape Featuring Action Bronson & Styles P As... Read more

Ghostface Killah & Vinnie Paz Spit Bone Crushing Rhymes On Their New Collabo (Audio)

This weekend, veteran Jedi Mind Tricks frontman Vinnie Paz released his third solo album, The Cornerstone of the Corner Store. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania MC has worked with Wu-Tang Clan's GZA and Inspectah Deck during his decorated career. This time, the member of Army Of The Pharaohs and Heavy Metal Kings... Read more

AZ & Alchemist Give A$AP Twelvyy Motivation To Always Strive & Prosper (Audio)

A$AP Twelvyy is one of the Mob members who has not yet released an album. However, the New York City MC stays ready. "Motivation" is the latest burden of proof that the MC heard on Rocky's Live. Love. ASAP and Statik Selektah's Lucky 7 deserves his own platform. Moreover, this... Read more

Prodigy & Alchemist Unlock Mystical Jewels For Those Who Can Crack The Code (Audio)

In April, Prodigy & Alchemist gave away their 2013 album Albert Einstein, for free. The Mobb Deep co-founder and the group's longtime affiliate producer have a ton of history together—spanning back to the 1990s. In 2016, even with giveaways, P and ALC are still putting in work, and advancing their... Read more

King Harris II Colors His Own West Coast Reality Into An Ice-T Classic (Audio Premiere)

Oxnard, California (by way of Long Beach) MC King Harris II is gearing up for the release of his Nightmare On Wolff Street album tomorrow, on "Friday the 13th" no less. After making impactful appearances on albums by Tech N9ne and E-40, the diligent MC (who also happens to be... Read more

Prodigy & Alchemist Give “Albert Einstein” Album Away For Free

After giving away three different bundles of music in March, Mobb Deep's Prodigy is still in a generous spirit for April. The Queens, New York veteran MC and author has decided to liberate his 2013 collaborative album with Alchemist, Albert Einstein. Released on P's Infamous imprint, the Top 200-performing LP... Read more

MC Eiht & Spice 1 Supply More West Coast Heat Over An Alchemist Beat (Audio)

While Spice 1 and MC Eiht have released multiple albums together, they had never worked as a unit with producer Alchemist. Earlier this week, Spice joined the stars of Compton's Most Wanted and Gangrene for "Any Means," a limited edition (500 pressings) 7" release. But like so many 45's, there... Read more

MC Eiht & Spice 1 Strike Gold On Alchemist Production (Audio)

MC Eiht and Spice 1 made two albums together in the 2000s. The Pioneers and Keep It Gangsta were unified fronts after years of the two Cali kings working together on one another's albums. While Eiht and Spice always spit with weathered wisdom and street conviction, production has not always... Read more

AG Da Coroner Bags & Tags One Of Alchemist’s Dustiest Beats (Audio)

AG Da Coroner has been bringing out the big weapons lately. The New York MC just released his studio debut, Sip The Nectar. The Man Bites Dog Records LP features label-mate Roc Marciano, Action Bronson, and Infamous Mobb's Big Twins. Included on the album is "The Stick Up." This track... Read more

Curren$y & Alchemist Re-Up On A New Mixtape Featuring Action Bronson & Styles P

Less than one month after Curren$y released The Owners Manual free EP project with Cool & Dre, the Jetlife pilot touches down again. The Carrollton Heist returns to a celebrated collaborative catalog with Alchemist. Just under five years ago, the former Young Money standout and the Gangrene co-founder released Covert... Read more

ScHoolboy Q’s Original “Hoover Street” Was Over A Melodic Alchemist Production (Audio)

When ScHoolboy Q and Alchemist get together, special music typically results. Since 2012's Habits & Contradictions, the TDE MC and the Gangrene co-founder have made sounds together that really stand apart from the respective other work from both artists. When Interscope Records entered the picture in 2013, and started working... Read more

Gangrene Show Their Far-Reaching ’70s Film Inspiration For The New LP (Video)

As producers, Oh No and Alchemist dig deep. The two California natives appreciate getting a bit dusty to find just the right elements to orchestrate their gritty arrangements. Teaming together for a third studio LP as Gangrene, the pair did the same, thematically. In 1972, a burgeoning broadcast journalist named... Read more

Gangrene & Havoc Opt for Solemn Tribute to Sean Price on “Sheet Music” (Video)

The tragic passing of rapper Sean Price earlier this month has left much of the Hip-Hop community reeling, including those who have collaborated with P over the years. Gangrene, the duo comprised of the Alchemist and Oh No, are among those who established not only a musical relationship with the... Read more

Gangrene Markets Their New Single With A Clever Reversal (Audio)

Alchemist is a marketing genius. In the midst of plenty of Rap diversions this week, the Gangrene cofounder launches latest single "Reversals" into the digital super-highway with some sarcasm-marketing. No, the Mass Appeal Records single does not feature Drake, Meek Mill, or Jay Electronica, but it absolutely packs potent punches... Read more

Action Bronson & Gangrene Make A Rental Car An All-Terrain Vehicle (Video)

Gangrene's Alchemist and Oh No share a love of hijinks with Action Bronson. Together, the cross-country homies take a rental car out for a spin that is none too good. Directed by Decon/Mass Appeal's master videographer Jason Goldwatch, this will appeal to lovers of pranks, corporate upsetters, as well as... Read more

Alchemist Reveals How Jadakiss, Ras Kass, Nas & Jay Z Tie Into One Hit (Audio)

With a new surprise instrumental album in stores (Israeli Salad), veteran bi-coastal producer Alchemist stays busy. The Gangrene/Step Brothers members is the debut guest on podcast, "A Waste Of Time," created by It's The Real's Eric and Jeff Rosenthal. The Beverly Hills, California native producer/DJ/MC discusses his love for food,... Read more

Alchemist & Oh No Bring Grand Theft Audio To Los Santos (Album Stream)

Alchemist and Oh No infected many ears with their Gangrene work. Not a Gangrene project, Alan The Chemist and Oh No The Disrupt come together for Welcome To Los Santos. Releasing tomorrow (April 14), the Mass Appeal Records effort welcomes an array of genre (E-40, Ab-Soul, MC Eiht, Curren$y, Little... Read more

Willie The Kid Is An Old Soul As He Brings A 2013 Alchemist Collab To Life (Video)

It's been a long time comin', but Willie The Kid continues to deliver great music to the masses, even if some are still sleeping. One person who is not, is Drake—who back in 2012 championed Willie and Willie's O.G. brother (and longtime Wu-Tang Clan affiliate) La The Darkman. Alchemist is... Read more

Gangrene Sound Bigger Than Life Without Losing Their Grimy Edge (Audio)

Gangrene played it especially cool in 2014. Alchemist got busy with Evidence as Step Brothers, while Oh No freaked his own brand of Funk alongside Prince Po for Animal Serum. A new year brings new moves for the California duo known for hallucinatory Hip-Hop, raw to the core. Alc' and... Read more

Action Bronson & Alchemist Hot Box With B-Real, Talk Wrestling & Cookbooks (Video)

B-Real's Smokebox TV is a cool series for unrestricted, totally different interviews. The Cypress Hill front-man gets stoned with his friends and peers in what appears to be an old 1980s Cadillac Fleetwood sedan, somewhere in a garage (other episodes are in other cars and locales). While plenty of Rap... Read more

Gangrene’s Oh No Makes A Thumping Beat Out Of Nintendo 64 Samples (Video)

Oh No is the next contestant on the Rhythm Roulette platform. Part of Gangrene, blood brother of Madlib, the Oxnard, California producer/MC wanted to do things a little differently for Mass Appeal's series. That said, Oh No The Disrupt goes D.I.T.C., but not in the record crates. Rather, he uses... Read more

King Los Goes To TOWN, Freestyling Over Alchemist Beats For 15 Minutes (Video)

This is a cool, refreshing concept... Baltimore, Maryland's King Los has earned a reputation for being one of the longest winded, most durable freestylers in the game today. His Backroom appearance, his Sway In The Morning spot, and his Toca Tuesday stop remained three of the most talked about, most... Read more

Alchemist & Statik Selektah Co-Produce A New Term Joint With REKS & Willie The Kid (Audio)

In 2014, co-production in from some producers is very rare. Two such cases are Alchemist and Statik Selektah. Eminem's DJ and Q-Tip's (onetime) DJ are two respected sources on the boards, and while they work with a lot of the same cats (Action Bronson, The LOX, Dilated Peoples), they aren't... Read more

Alchemist & Director Extraordinaire Jason Goldwatch Have A NSFW Field Day (Video)

Alchemist is gearing up for his third installment of instrumental offerings. Whether for aspiring MCs, DJs looking for transitions, or simply fans of great Instrumental Hip-Hop, Rapper's Best Friend has been a winning formula. Setting the stage for Vol. 3 (September 30), Decon's Jason Goldwatch and ALC teamed to make... Read more

Celebrate A Decade Of The Alchemist’s Audio Evolution (Mixtape)

Although his sounds are versatile, Alchemist's status in Hip-Hop spans nearly 20 years. The Beverly Hills High School alum (classmates with Step Brothers partner Evidence) has since put in major work with the likes of Eminem, Lil Wayne, Infamous Mobb, Cam'ron, Screwball, Jadakiss, Bumpy Knuckles, Nas, Roc Marciano, and a... Read more

Longing For Chipmunk Soul? Mr. Flash, Action Bronson, Cities Aviv & Oh No Have Your Fix (Audio)

Mr. Flash, an artist signed to the increasingly recognized Ed Banger Records, is a French DJ/producer. Just like some choice moments from the album Kanye West recorded in France, Flash re-popularizes "chipmunk soul," the pitch-altered vocal sampling style made mainstream by RZA, 'Ye, and Just Blaze. "Number One" employs one... Read more

Alchemist Remixes A D.I.T.C. Gem From A.G. & O.C. (Audio)

It's been 15 years since D.I.T.C.'s (Diggin' In The Crates) one and only album. Released on Tommy Boy Records, the self-titled LP (often called "World Class" by some Heads) featured all members of the crew including Big L, Showbiz, Lord Finesse, Fat Joe, O.C., A.G., Buckwild, and Diamond D. After... Read more