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Drake Responds To Yasiin Bey Saying He Is Not Hip-Hop

Drake Responds To Yasiin Bey Saying He Is Not Hip-Hop

In the first month of the new year, one of the biggest stories came from clips from a Yasiin Bey interview. The artist formerly known as Mos Def made a rare media appearance on The Cutting Room Floor podcast. While there, in footage published last week, the Brooklyn, New York native and Black... Read more
January 16, 2024 Fresh, Trending Stories
Lupe Fiasco Raps Over André 3000’s Flute Music

Lupe Fiasco Raps Over André 3000’s Flute Music

Earlier this month, André 3000 released his first album in 17 years. New Blue Sun is not only noteworthy as a deviation from OutKast, but the LP also featured no rapping whatsoever. Instead, the Hip-Hop legend opted to play flute. In the days before releasing the Epic Records album, Dre... Read more
November 26, 2023 Audio, Trending Stories
Black Thought Recaps 50 Years Of Hip-Hop History In An Epic Freestyle

Black Thought Recaps 50 Years Of Hip-Hop History In An Epic Freestyle

Earlier this month, The Roots' Black Thought rocked the Grammy stage as part of a massive Hip-Hop 50th-anniversary tribute. The set was curated by Thought's band-mate Questlove (who played along from the drums) and featured Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J, Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, Rakim, Big Boi, Posdnuos, Busta... Read more
February 21, 2023 Video
Flavor Flav Explains Why Rap Music Is Much More Dangerous Now

Flavor Flav Explains Why Rap Music Is Much More Dangerous Now

Thirty-five years ago, Public Enemy released a classic album It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back. The Def Jam Records LP contained the video single "Night Of The Living Baseheads," which was a stylish and clever indictment on drug use, particularly crack cocaine—which was an epidemic during that decade. Chuck... Read more
January 31, 2023 Video
Black Thought Blends Hip-Hop With Afrobeat On A New EP

Black Thought Blends Hip-Hop With Afrobeat On A New EP

Black Thought has had a strong showing this 2022. In the summer, The Roots MC partnered with fellow Grammy Award-winner Danger Mouse for Cheat Codes. The album involved Raekon, Joey Bada$$, Run The Jewels, as well as a verse from the late MF DOOM. Ambrosia For Heads recently pointed out... Read more
December 15, 2022 Audio
The History Of Violence In Hip-Hop: 6 Years Changed Everything

The History Of Violence In Hip-Hop: 6 Years Changed Everything

In the last year, Hip-Hop has lost an alarming number of its artists to violence. Young Dolph, PnB Rock, Trouble, and Drakeo The Ruler are just some of the noteworthy examples, among several others. In the last week, Migos member Takeoff was killed in Houston, Texas on November 1—adding to... Read more
November 7, 2022 Video
Eminem’s Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Speech Praises Over 100 Hip-Hop Influences

Eminem’s Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Speech Praises Over 100 Hip-Hop Influences

This weekend, Eminem became the latest Hip-Hop artist to enter the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. At a Saturday (November 5) induction event and concert, Marshall Mathers was celebrated alongside Dolly Parton, Duran Duran, Pat Benatar, Lionel Richie, The Eurythmics, and Carly Simon. Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis joined... Read more
November 6, 2022 News
DJ Akademiks Clarifies His Insults Of Hip-Hop’s Founders & Raises Serious Questions

DJ Akademiks Clarifies His Insults Of Hip-Hop’s Founders & Raises Serious Questions

Last week, DJ Akademiks made some strong remarks surrounding the pioneers of Hip-Hop. While the media personality, podcaster, and Rap music social media maven did not criticize artists by name, he opined with harsh words amid an hours-long Twitch stream. "Them old rappers? Them ni**as [are] broke. Have you seen... Read more
September 27, 2022 Fresh, Video
LL Cool J Blasts DJ Akademiks For Dissing Hip-Hop’s Pioneers

LL Cool J Blasts DJ Akademiks For Dissing Hip-Hop’s Pioneers

Weeks after Hip-Hop celebrated its honorary 49th birthday, one of the more popular commentators within the space has come under fire for some recent remarks surrounding Rap's pioneers. DJ Akademiks, known for his social media posts and co-host role on Complex's Everyday Struggle and Off The Record, did a Twitch... Read more
September 22, 2022 Fresh, News, Video
Cormega Explains Why The Realness 2 Is A True Sequel To The Original

Cormega Explains Why The Realness 2 Is A True Sequel To The Original

Upon its mid-2001 arrival, Cormega's The Realness lived up to its title. After years of waiting his turn, the MC asserted himself to step forth with a body of work that combined a passion for wisdom-drenched lyricism with a survivor's tale of life in New York City streets and the Rap industry. The independently... Read more
September 20, 2022 Exclusive, Interview, Video
Hip-Hop Culture Is Closer To 100 Years Old Than 50 Years Old

Hip-Hop Culture Is Closer To 100 Years Old Than 50 Years Old

Every August 11, Hip-Hop Heads celebrate a birthday associated with the culture. In 1973, that was the day that many historians credit DJ Kool Herc (aka Clive Campbell) with throwing a back-to-school jam at the rec center of 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in New York City's Bronx borough. In the last... Read more
September 14, 2022 Video
Why 1996 Had The Perfect Storm To Split Hip-Hop In Two

Why 1996 Had The Perfect Storm To Split Hip-Hop In Two

On the most recent episode of Drink Champs, co-host N.O.R.E. told guests Talib Kweli, Yasiin Bey, and Dave Chappelle about the moment he felt Hip-Hop became divided. The co-founder of Capone-N-Noreaga opined to Black Star that he feels The Roots' 1996 "What They Do" music video was a dividing line... Read more
September 12, 2022 Video
Celebrate Hip-Hop’s Birthday In A BIG Way With These 40 Mixes

Celebrate Hip-Hop’s Birthday In A BIG Way With These 40 Mixes

Earlier this week, on August 11, Hip-Hop celebrated its 49th birthday. Now deemed a holiday, August 11 honors the 1973 date that DJ Kool Herc and his sister Cynthia Campbell hosted a Back To School Jam at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue's rec center in New York's Bronx borough. Approaching 50 years... Read more
August 13, 2022 Mixes
Chuck D & KRS-One Have Launched A Hip-Hop Union

Chuck D & KRS-One Have Launched A Hip-Hop Union

At a time when labor unions are making a resurgence among companies like Starbucks and Amazon, Hip-Hop is proving no different. Some of the leaders in the culture have established The Hip Hop Alliance, dubbed "Hip-Hop's first official union." The organization, founded by Chuck D and Kurtis Blow, defines itself... Read more
July 27, 2022 News, Video
The D.O.C. Explains The Real Elements Of The Rap Formula

The D.O.C. Explains The Real Elements Of The Rap Formula

On his 1989 solo debut, No One Can Do It Better, The D.O.C. had a highlight single with "The Formula." The Dr. Dre-produced Ruthless/Atlantic Records track begins with the lyrics, "High energy flowin' with the wisdom / Sense of a rich man, knowledge and the rhythm / This is what... Read more
June 30, 2022 Video
Eminem’s Mind Is Blown As He Raps The D.O.C.’s Lyrics

Eminem’s Mind Is Blown As He Raps The D.O.C.’s Lyrics

This week, Hip-Hop veteran The D.O.C. has been in New York City promoting his eponymous documentary film, a debut feature from director David Caplan. The 94-minute doc' is currently screening at the Tribeca Film Festival. The piece covers The D.O.C.'s rise to Rap stardom, his tragic 1989 car accident, his... Read more
June 13, 2022 Video
Jazzy Jeff Explains The Death Of DJs In Hip-Hop Groups

Jazzy Jeff Explains The Death Of DJs In Hip-Hop Groups

DJ Jazzy Jeff has served as a global ambassador of Hip-Hop culture for well over 35 years. Even before the Southwest Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native won a Grammy Award, he was a DMC champion mixmaster. The creator of Vinyl Destination and The Playlist Retreat has taken his skills (and a few... Read more
March 25, 2022 Video
A Tribe Called Quest & Eminem Are Nominated For The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame

A Tribe Called Quest & Eminem Are Nominated For The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame

Following an incredible 2021 that saw LL Cool J and JAY-Z inducted into Cleveland, Ohio's Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, Hip-Hop stands to make an encore in '22. A Tribe Called Quest and Eminem are among the nominees for the induction—which will be confirmed in May. The legendary Queens,... Read more
February 2, 2022 News
J. Cole Says He Is The Best Rapper Alive & He’s Proving It

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

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
Where TDE Ranks Among Hip-Hop’s Greatest Record Labels

Where TDE Ranks Among Hip-Hop’s Greatest Record Labels

Kendrick Lamar made a rare and significant announcement in the last week: his upcoming album would be his last with Top Dawg Entertainment. For more than a decade, Kendrick has been TDE's flagship artist. He is even a part-owner in the record label responsible for taking SZA, ScHoolboy Q, Jay... Read more
August 24, 2021 Video
Mickey Factz Details The Strategy He Used In His Battle With Royce 5’9 (Video)

Mickey Factz Details The Strategy He Used In His Battle With Royce 5’9 (Video)

This week (August 20), Mickey Factz partners with Blu for The Narrative, a six-song project produced entirely by Nottz. Ahead of Friday's album, Mickey and Blu released two singles: June's "Stay Down" and July's "Reign." The latter, a video, features Asher Roth and reunites three MCs from the 2009 XXL... Read more
August 18, 2021 Exclusive, Interview, News, Video
The LOX Detail Their Preparation For The Dipset Verzuz

The LOX Detail Their Preparation For The Dipset Verzuz

Less than two weeks after one of the best music performances of the last two years, The LOX are enjoying the fanfare. The Yonkers, New York trio of Jadakiss, Sheek Louch, and Styles P put on a dazzling display against The Diplomats' Cam'ron, Juelz Santana, Jim Jones, and Freekey Zeekey... Read more
August 15, 2021 Video
Zion I MC Zumbi Has Passed Away At Age 49

Zion I MC Zumbi Has Passed Away At Age 49

Hip-Hop has suffered another loss. Zion I co-founder Zumbi, aka Steve Gaines, has died at age 49 on Friday (August 13). The veteran Oakland, California MC's family confirmed the news yesterday. "It is with utter disbelief and great sadness that the Gaines family shares the news of the passing of... Read more
August 14, 2021 News
Clark Kent Says Hip-Hop Owes Kool Herc & It’s Time To Pay Up

Clark Kent Says Hip-Hop Owes Kool Herc & It’s Time To Pay Up

Earlier this week, on August 11, Hip-Hop celebrated its 48th birthday. On August 11, 1973, DJ Kool Herc (aka Clive Campbell) threw a back-to-school party with his sister Cindy Campbell. The event took place at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in New York's Bronx borough. Behind the turntables, Herc prolonged the break... Read more
August 13, 2021 Exclusive, Fresh
Jadakiss Had A Career Defining Moment With LOX Verzuz Dipset

Jadakiss Had A Career Defining Moment With LOX Verzuz Dipset

For the last 20-plus years, Jadakiss has long been revered as one of Hip-Hop's top MCs. The co-founder of LOX and D-Block went as far as naming his 2015 fourth solo album, Top 5 Dead Or Alive. The proclamation, taken from Jadakiss' frequent mention in such lists among Rap fans,... Read more
August 5, 2021 Video
Biz Markie Has Passed Away At Age 57

Biz Markie Has Passed Away At Age 57

A challenging year for the Hip-Hop community continues to become more tragic. In a breaking news story, Biz Markie has died at the age of 57. The legendary MC, DJ, and producer born Marcel Hall passed away this evening (July 16) after a decade-plus-long bout with type 2 diabetes. TMZ reported... Read more
July 16, 2021 News
Legendary Hip-Hop Photographer Chi Modu Has Passed Away

Legendary Hip-Hop Photographer Chi Modu Has Passed Away

One of Hip-Hop's most legendary photographers has died. In a developing story, members of the Hip-Hop community are mourning the passing of Chi Modu, who shot iconic images of Biggie Smalls, Tupac Shakur, Eazy-E, Mobb Deep, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and LL Cool J, to name a few. Smif-n-Wessun's General... Read more
May 22, 2021 News
Here Are Some Reasons Why 2000 May Be Hip-Hop’s Greatest Year

Here Are Some Reasons Why 2000 May Be Hip-Hop’s Greatest Year

At Ambrosia For Heads, we celebrate Hip-Hop throughout the ages. Earlier this year, our What's The Headline podcast launched a series examining the calendar years that made the music and culture reach its full potential. After taking a loving look back at 1984, the next episode drops in on Y2K.... Read more
April 6, 2021 Video
T Dot Eric Recalls Documenting The 1995 Source Awards Clash From The Front Row

T Dot Eric Recalls Documenting The 1995 Source Awards Clash From The Front Row

Photographer T Dot Eric has taken some of the pictures that have defined how Hip-Hop thinks of its heroes. His work includes legendary flicks of Nas, A Tribe Called Quest, Wu-Tang Clan, Big L, D'Angelo, Lauryn Hill, Gang Starr, De La Soul, and Black Star—only to name a few. T.... Read more
March 30, 2021 Video
1984 Was The Year That Changed Everything For Hip-Hop

1984 Was The Year That Changed Everything For Hip-Hop

Hip-Hop Heads regularly debate the culture and music's greatest years. There are usual and deserving suspects, of course. However, Ambrosia For Heads' What's The Headline podcast is launching a series where we make a case for those years—and some others too. As we currently live in what some consider Orwellian times, 1984... Read more
February 10, 2021 Audio, Food for Thought, Video
Double K Of Hip-Hop Group People Under The Stairs Has Died

Double K Of Hip-Hop Group People Under The Stairs Has Died

Hip-Hop Heads woke up to tragic news on Sunday morning (January 31). Double K, born Michael Turner, of the Los Angeles, California Hip-Hop duo People Under The Stairs, has died. While no cause of death has been made public, it is believed that Turner was 43 years old. P.U.T.S has... Read more
January 31, 2021 News
How MF DOOM Became Hip-Hop’s Biggest Hero

How MF DOOM Became Hip-Hop’s Biggest Hero

On December 31, the family of MF DOOM (aka Daniel Dumile) publicly announced that the legendary MC/producer/visual artist had died two months earlier. While information surrounding DOOM's passing may still be forthcoming, the hurt felt around the Hip-Hop community was immediate and profound. At just 49 years old at the... Read more
January 11, 2021 Audio, Fresh, Video
Statik Selektah Explains What We Have To Do To Protect Hip-Hop

Statik Selektah Explains What We Have To Do To Protect Hip-Hop

Less than two weeks ago, Statik Selektah released his ninth compilation-style album, The Balancing Act. The esteemed producer/DJ/Showoff Records founder involves a cast that includes Nas, Black Thought, Killer Mike, Sean Price, Jack Harlow, Method Man, Benny The Butcher, Evidence, Joey Bada$$, and Jadakiss, to name a few. However, the album,... Read more
December 8, 2020 Audio, Exclusive, Video
Ambrosia For Heads Is Dead…Long Live Hip-Hop

Ambrosia For Heads Is Dead…Long Live Hip-Hop

After 10 years of striving to serve up the best that Hip-Hop has to offer each and every day, today (March 2) is the last day we will be updating ambrosiaforheads.com. It's been an amazing journey since I first registered the URL back in June of 2009. I was sitting... Read more
March 1, 2020 Food for Thought
Black Thought & Rhymefest Have A Grown-Man Conversation In Their Newest Collabo

Black Thought & Rhymefest Have A Grown-Man Conversation In Their Newest Collabo

Che "Rhymefest" Smith was a guest on the World Music Foundation podcast. In addition to a comprehensive look at the veteran MC's career, 'Fest shared a new song called "O.G. Philosophy" featuring Black Thought and R&B veteran Raheem DeVaughn. For episode 17 of the non-profit podcast dedicated to opening minds... Read more
February 16, 2020 Audio
Ice Cube Explains Why Storytelling Is The Top Level Of MC’ing (Video)

Ice Cube Explains Why Storytelling Is The Top Level Of MC’ing (Video)

Ice Cube is no stranger to storytelling with his lyrics. The legendary South Central, Los Angeles MC is responsible for one of Rap's most beloved tales: "It Was A Good Day," as well as penning Eazy-E's breakout anthem, "Boyz-n-the-Hood." Cube's albums, both solo and group, often have songs that follow... Read more
February 3, 2020 Video
Lil Wayne Says He Refused To Get Bodied By Eminem On Their Collaborations (Video)

Lil Wayne Says He Refused To Get Bodied By Eminem On Their Collaborations (Video)

In the late 1990s, Eminem and Lil Wayne burst onto the Rap around the same time. Both MCs' careers date back earlier into the decade. However, the same 1999 Marshall Mathers released The Slim Shady LP, The Hot Boys' Weezy dropped breakout solo, Tha Block Is Hot. Each artist had... Read more
February 1, 2020 Video
The Hip-Hop Museum Is A Reality Thanks To $3.5 Million From New York

The Hip-Hop Museum Is A Reality Thanks To $3.5 Million From New York

For years, there has been a drive to make the Universal Hip-Hop Museum a reality. New, the Empire State is providing some significant seven-figure funding to give the Bronx, New York a place where Hip-Hop Heads can celebrate the culture's origins and heritage. On Thursday (December 19), New York Governor... Read more
December 22, 2019 Fresh, News
Graffiti Pioneer Phase 2 Has Passed Away

Graffiti Pioneer Phase 2 Has Passed Away

Graffiti pioneer and art legend Phase 2 has passed away. The Bronx, New York native, born Lonny Wood, succumbed to a battle with Lou Gehrig's Disease. A report by HipHopDX claims that Phase 2 had been hospitalized due to complications from ALS since August. Apart from writing and painting, he... Read more
December 13, 2019 News
LL Cool J Weighs In On Why Some GOAT Rapper Lists Snub Him (Video)

LL Cool J Weighs In On Why Some GOAT Rapper Lists Snub Him (Video)

Hip-Hop loves a list, and that was especially true in 2019. In late summer, a series of fan-generated Top 50 MCs lists became a viral fad, with everybody from rappers to athletes and celebrities participating on social media, and evoking debate and discourse. At the same time, many interview guests... Read more
December 5, 2019 Video
Bun B Gets Trill About Aging Gracefully in Hip-Hop

Bun B Gets Trill About Aging Gracefully in Hip-Hop

Like Rock & Roll music before it, Hip-Hop began as a form of youth culture rebelling against the old machine. Grandmaster Melle Mel warning society not to push him any further, the shrilling screeches of Public Enemy's "Rebel Without A Pause," or the provocative nature of 2 Live Crew were... Read more
December 4, 2019 Fresh, Lifestyle
KRS-One Shows Why He’s A Miracle On A Song From His New Mixtape

KRS-One Shows Why He’s A Miracle On A Song From His New Mixtape

KRS-One is recording a new project, Street Light. "This is the light for the street, and this light of the street," he explains of the title. "[The other meaning of the title is] the actual street light was the original source of Hip-Hop's power." Pioneers, including the Cold Crush Brothers, have... Read more
December 2, 2019 Fresh, Video
KRS-One Is Back In The Studio & He’s Inviting Fans To Join Him (Video)

KRS-One Is Back In The Studio & He’s Inviting Fans To Join Him (Video)

KRS-One is currently recording a mixtape in the studio. Since mid-2018, photos have suggested that Kris Parker has reunited in the lab with Dr. Dre, among others. However, as the world waits to see if KRS' The World Is MIND follow-up will feature some Andre Young sounds, Blastmasta' lets fans... Read more
November 10, 2019 Fresh, News, Video
A 20-Year-Old Hears Mobb Deep For The 1st Time & It Brings Him To Tears (Video)

A 20-Year-Old Hears Mobb Deep For The 1st Time & It Brings Him To Tears (Video)

Kvng Guap is 20 years old. Like many folks of that age, he may not have been regularly exposed to some of the Rap music released before his birth. Guap has a video account that includes first-watch reactions to some of the artists, groups, and songs that he wishes to... Read more
November 6, 2019 Video
Rakim Raps His Unreleased Lyrics That Were Dissing Big Daddy Kane (Video)

Rakim Raps His Unreleased Lyrics That Were Dissing Big Daddy Kane (Video)

Earlier this week, Rakim published his memoir, Sweat The Technique: Revelations On Creativity From The Lyrical Genius. The God MC's first text tells his life story as well as offers insight into songwriting and rhyming. In promotion of the book (which he wrote with author, activist, and former Source editor Bakari... Read more
September 26, 2019 Video
Happy Birthday To Big Daddy Kane. Ever Hear His “Raw” Remix With Kool G Rap?

Happy Birthday To Big Daddy Kane. Ever Hear His “Raw” Remix With Kool G Rap?

Today (September 10) marks Big Daddy Kane's birthday. Commanding audiences far and wide since he was a teenager, the now 51-year-old living legend continues to be among the culture's best performers. From collaborations with Ghostface Killah and Joell Ortiz, as well as new freestyles, King Asiatic continues to add to... Read more
September 10, 2019 Audio, Throwback, Throwback
Inspectah Deck’s New Video Is An Amazing Tour Through Hip-Hop History

Inspectah Deck’s New Video Is An Amazing Tour Through Hip-Hop History

In the first music video from his recent Chamber #9 solo album, Inspectah Deck positioned himself as "The Terminator." However, in a video inspired by James Cameron's acclaimed Sci-Fi franchise starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, The Rebel INS was on a personal quest to terminate the wackness plaguing Hip-Hop. Love of culture... Read more
August 21, 2019 Video
Big Daddy Kane For President. He Rocks Russia With R.A.W. Not WAR (Video)

Big Daddy Kane For President. He Rocks Russia With R.A.W. Not WAR (Video)

Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, Big Daddy Kane became a global Hip-Hop ambassador. From his roots in New York City rap battles, Antonio Hardy's brilliant rhyme schemes, supreme confidence, and rich subject matter reached the world, and it left a mark. Across color lines and language barriers, so... Read more
July 30, 2019 Video
DJ Eclipse Discusses The Legacy Of Fat Beats On Its 25th Anniversary

DJ Eclipse Discusses The Legacy Of Fat Beats On Its 25th Anniversary

This coming Sunday (July 14) Fat Beats Records will celebrate its 25th-anniversary with a special New York City concert. In many ways, the Sony Hall event is a homecoming and a deserving pause for recognition to a keystone in Hip-Hop's independent movement. Non-Phixion, The Juggaknots, The X-Ecutioners' Rob Swift & Mista... Read more
July 10, 2019 Exclusive, Video
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