gq ArchivesAmbrosia For Heads

André 3000 Explains Why It Feels Inauthentic To Rap

Tomorrow (November 17), André 3000 is releasing his first album in 17 years. New Blue Sun marks Dre's first full-length outside of OutKast. Twenty years ago, André and Big Boi attached two solo projects together for the Speakerboxxx/The Love Below double album that remains Hip-Hop's most recent "Album Of The Year"... Read more

November 16, 2023 Trending Stories, Video

J. Cole Says Losing A Grammy Was A Win For His Career

At the 61st Grammy Awards, which aired in February, J. Cole was not a winner. He was nominated for his collaboration on Miguel's War & Leisure (namely for "Best R&B Song" for "Come Through and Chill." He was also nominated for "Best Rap/Sung Performance," his collaboration with 6lack on East Atlanta Love Letter ("Pretty... Read more

March 18, 2019 Fresh

Slick Rick Tells The Stories Of His Jewelry Collection Piece By Piece (Video)

While Slick Rick is widely recognized as one of Rap's greatest storytellers, he is also well known for his flamboyant jewelry. For more than 30 years, along with the eye-patch and colorful suits, the MC almost exclusively appears in specially-designed jewelry. Precious metals and jewels are on his fingers, around... Read more

January 30, 2019 Lifestyle, Video

GQ Is Next Up In 9th Wonder’s Jamla Army (Video Premiere)

GQ is the artist 9th Wonder calls his “secret weapon” at Jamla Records. Over the past few years, the Bay area native has released several records (including 2014's Rated Oakland) as part of the label roster that have cemented his reputation as an artist with fine lyricism and a clearly defined... Read more

November 14, 2017 Exclusive, Video

Standing Tall: Colin Kaepernick Is GQ’s 2017 Citizen Of The Year (Video)

In September, the NFL Players Association gave Colin Kaepernick "The Community MVP" award. The gesture came during a season where the former NFC champion is not playing and is not even attached to any team in the league. Today (November 13), those humanitarian efforts are echoed as GQ magazine crowns... Read more

November 13, 2017 Last 7, Lifestyle

All Signs Say Eminem’s New Album Is Less Than 3 Weeks Away (Video)

Hip-Hop news and culture move fast, and it’s easy to miss significant developments. Every week, Ambrosia For Heads takes a look back at the LAST 7 days. This video series, hosted by Justin “The Company Man” Hunte examines the current issues with a colorful rundown of the what, where, and why. While the LAST... Read more

October 31, 2017 Exclusive, Last 7, Video

Andre 3000 Explains Why Big Boi Is The Best Rapper In OutKast

OutKast's André 3000 is in a season of transformation. The Georgia—born MC, producer, actor, and fashion designer now calls New York City his home. He's leading a line with Tretorn and breaking some of his silence surrounding beats, rhymes, and life. Following his summer conversation with Complex, 3 Stacks spent... Read more

October 30, 2017 Fresh

Rapsody Has All The Power In A Stunning New Video

Rapsody's newly-released Laila's Wisdom remains a centerpiece album in the 2017 Hip-Hop space. In a career that's seen notable releases in nearly every format, the Jamla/Roc Nation MC brought out the strongest presentation in an effort that features Kendrick Lamar, Black Thought, and Busta Rhymes just to name a few.... Read more

October 27, 2017 Video

Joey Bada$$’s 1 Minute Freestyle Goes Long In Staying Woke (Video)

Joey Bada$$'s 2016 single "Devastated" was recently certified gold. The Brooklyn, New Yorker's plaque came from music a bit different than what got the Pro Era MC to the mainstream in the first place. However, make no mistake about it: "Joseph Badmon" is still spitting the kind of lines that... Read more

January 19, 2017 Video

The 20 Best Freestyles Of 2016. Thought You KNEW (Video)

In Hip-Hop, there are few things more exciting than when an MC delivers a vicious verse that's never been heard before, on the spot. It is the equivalent 0f a monster dunk in an NBA game, a one-punch knockout in a fight or an end zone to end zone run in... Read more

December 28, 2016 Food for Thought

Rapsody & GQ Team Up & Show That Jamla Is The Squad That’s Saying Something (Audio)

North Carolina's Rapsody and Oakland, California's GQ have been two steadfast members of 9th Wonder's Jamla Records. In the last month, Rap' released her Crown EP. GQ has been quiet for much of 2016, since eloquently speaking his thoughts on an Oaktown' sidewalk in January. The former college basketball star... Read more

December 7, 2016 Audio

Kendrick Lamar And Rick Rubin Meet & Have A Conversation For The Ages (Video)

Kendrick Lamar is a complex individual. The 29 year-old Compton, California MC makes music that is richly inventive, blending personal thoughts and intricate storytelling. He approaches the listener's ear with a variety of vocal tones, tempos, and styles of presenting his rich, often literary songwriting. On albums like good kid,... Read more

October 20, 2016 Video

R. Kelly Sings His Life Story In A 45 Minute Audiobiography (Video)

R. Kelly is known for going off the dome when crafting his songs. The Chicago, Illinois R&B mainstay has a talk-singing method that pulls from '60s and '70s groups like the Chi-Lites, Billy Paul, and Isaac Hayes. However, Robert Kelly's lyrics have often been a product of his own era,... Read more

January 27, 2016 Video

9th Wonder Protege GQ Delivers A Powerful Sidewalk Freestyle (Video)

Previously, Jamla Records artist GQ has made poignant poetry in natural elements. Less than one year ago, the Oakland, California basketball star-turned-MC appeared rapping alongside Locksmith in a Lyft. This time, under a Grand Avenue Oaktown movie-house marquee, GQ demonstrates a deft freestyle, with some powerful lines about race, mortality,... Read more

January 3, 2016 Video

$48,000 Sunglasses??? 2 Chainz Says They Better See The Future (Video)

2 Chainz has a fun and outrageous web series where he travels the world to see some of the most expensive things on earth. Typically joined by a famous friend, he's experienced everything from $2 million shoes to a $100K martini. In the latest episode of the show, aptly-titled Most... Read more

June 17, 2015 Video

GQ & Locksmith Drive Rhymes From The Backseat Of A Lyft (Video)

In the latest installment of the increasingly popular "HipHopLyft" series, Bay Area MCs Locksmith and GQ (of Jamla Records) drop conscious gems in freestyle form as they are driven around the streets of San Francisco. The two spitters both represent Team BackPack, a musical conglomerate that is dedicated to connecting... Read more

April 25, 2015 Video

How Does a $100,000 Martini Taste? 2 Chainz & Big Sean Show You (Video)

2 Chainz has partnered with GQ for a tongue in cheek series where he travels the world to partake in its most outrageously costly offerings. In the second episode of season two of the show, aptly-titled The Most Expensivest Sh*t Ever, 2 Chainz and Big Sean are treated to the... Read more

March 10, 2015 Lifestyle

GQ Calls Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy The Best Album Of The 21st Century

GQ recently revealed their 21 best albums of the 21st Century that includes some of the biggest names in Hip-Hop and R&B. The man at the top of their list may be no surprise, but the album of choice could be. Selecting Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy as... Read more

July 30, 2014 Fresh

Who are the Top 5 Rappers of All Time? Raekwon Names His (Video)

There's nothing quite like a conversation at the barber shop. Raekwon sits down with GQ for a little sharp shop talk. He speaks on his new album (Snoop has a verse), the $5MM Wu-Tang Clan album, what the age limit should be for a rapper and more. He also names... Read more

July 30, 2014 Fresh, Video

Kanye West Tells GQ Why New Slaves Is The Greatest Rap Verse Of All-Time & Why Being A Dad Is Cool

Today (July 21) GQ magazine published their latest interview with longtime subject, Kanye West. A pillar of contemporary music, fashion, celebrity, and arguably—masculinity, the superstar rapper inadvertently touched on all of the subjects. While the interview uses 'Ye's bringing Jay Z and Mos Def to the same studio the same... Read more

July 21, 2014 Fresh

GQ Represents 9th Wonder’s Jamla Army in The Backroom (Video)

GQ, the Oakland MC and member of 9th Wonder's Jamla Army, is the latest to drop a verse in The Backroom. With 9th on the wheels, GQ steps up and blesses the blue mic. Check it out. Related: GQ Gets A Star-Studded Record With Nipsey Hussle & A Rapper Big... Read more

July 16, 2014 Video

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

June 18, 2014 Audio

GQ Gets A Star-Studded Record With Nipsey Hussle & A Rapper Big Pooh, 9th Wonder Reunion (Audio)

On June 24, Jamla Army enlistee GQ is preparing Rated Oakland. The West Coast delegation on 9th Wonder's heralded label follows up with his second project in as many years. On "Count'em Up," both worlds come together. South Central L.A.'s Nipsey Hussle fits in, with that street scholar message, while... Read more

June 12, 2014 Audio, Fresh

GQ is Next Up in 9th Wonder’s Jamla Army (Audio)

10+ years after the release of Little Brother's debut album, The Listening, 9th Wonder is still making moves behind the boards and behind the scenes. His Jamla Records roster includes artists like Rapsody and one of the most talented producer corps in the game. GQ is another soldier in 9th's... Read more

May 22, 2014 Audio

GQ & Khrysis Pick Up Where Slick Rick’s Mona Lisa Left Off (Audio)

It was cold how Mona Lisa sang (courtesy of a cut-in Dionne Warwick) to "walk on by." Well, 25 years later Jamla's basketball star-turned-professional MC GQ picks up in that same frame of mind, rappin' on a Khrysis flip of the beat that Heads have known for years. This comes... Read more

January 22, 2014 Audio, Fresh

ScHoolboy Q Might Be Having Some GQ Fun On His Version Of Man Of The Year (Audio)

It would not be a reach to say that ScHoolboy Q is Hip-Hop's "Man Of The Year." However, Quincy's Oxymoron major label debut is still under wraps, and his Black Hippy buddy Kendrick Lamar likely earned that distinction with the "shot heard 'round the world." GQ magazine thought so, and... Read more

November 19, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Kendrick Lamar Freestyles for GQ as Their Rapper of the Year (Video)

GQ announced their Men of the Year last week and Kendrick Lamar was selected as Rapper of the Year. Here's a video where Kendrick spits a brief a capella verse and physically and lyrically changes his image. Related: Jhene Aiko & Kendrick Lamar Stay Ready On The Latest Link (Audio)... Read more

November 13, 2013 Video

GQ – Last Breath (Prod. 9th Wonder)

This new GQ joint will definitely give you that mean face. 9th Wonder hooked him up with an incredible track and GQ WENT TO WORK. No hook, just lyrics of fire. Check out Last Breath. Related: GQ – The Town (Video)... Read more

May 8, 2013 Audio

GQ – The Town (Video)

9th Wonder has a new signee named GQ on his Jamala Records imprint. The MC has a flow that is reminiscent of blu (in a great way). Check out the video for The Town. Related: 9th Wonder – Threat: DECODED (Video) Also, check out what 9th Wonder had to say... Read more

February 22, 2013 Video

Rapsody – Beautiful Music ft Childish Gambino & GQ

Here's another banger from Rapsody. This one features Childish Gambino & GQ. Check out Beautiful Music. Rapsody's album The Idea of Beautiful is in stores tomorrow. The whole album is solid from front to back and definitely worth the chips. Related: Rapsody - Round Table Discussion featuring Mac Miller &... Read more

August 27, 2012 Audio

The 20th Anniversary of the original NBA Dream Team

Tonight's NBA Finals will feature some of the league's greatest stars. There's no doubt, however, that the greatest collection of talent ever assembled on 1 court was the original Dream Team. That team won the gold medal 20 years ago. Here's an incredible article from GQ giving the blow by... Read more

June 12, 2012 Food for Thought

After more than a decade away, D’Angelo is poised to make a major comeback. GQ got the first in-depth interview with one of this generation’s greatest soul singers. Check out the article below.

click here to read the whole thing. Related: D'Angelo - Live (Mixtape) Here's the intro: "He was once hailed as the next Marvin Gaye. Then, after his ripped body threatened to overshadow his music, he vanished into addiction. So what the hell was he doing recently singing his heart out... Read more

May 29, 2012 Food for Thought

Andre 3000 speaks to GQ

Andre 3000 recently sat down with GQ to discuss topics ranging from the possibility of a new OutKast album to the re-launch of his clothing line to the REAL scoop on the phrase "Who else wants to f*ck with Hollywood Cole." See below for an excerpt from the article and... Read more

February 24, 2012 Food for Thought