interview ArchivesAmbrosia For Heads

J-Live Details Making A Pete Rock-Produced Gem From The Best Part

In 2001, J-Live released his debut album, The Best Part. The LP, originally intended for release at Payday/London Records, was among a group of projects halted after the label experienced a merger and distribution. "We ended up having to redo a lot of stuff. They used to call it 'The... Read more

April 28, 2024 Exclusive, Throwback, Trending Stories

Slum Village Discuss Their First Album In Nearly A Decade

During the 2010s, Hip-Hop fans speculated what the future held for Slum Village. At the top of the decade, the Detroit, Michigan crew released a special album in Villa Manifesto—a collection of songs that featured kaleidoscopic contributions from the six artists who had claimed the group since its early 1990s... Read more

February 24, 2024 Exclusive, News, Trending Stories

Slum Village Shares New Details About Making Get Dis Money

A quarter-century ago, Slum Village was in the process of following up their Fan-Tas-Tic (Vol. 1) debut. That underground album became a calling card for a new sound coming out of Detroit, Michigan — and three artists bringing the change. T3, J Dilla, and Baatin were in the process of following up and... Read more

February 15, 2024 Exclusive, Throwback, Trending Stories

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

Black Thought Names 5 MCs Who Deserve More Props

In the last month, Black Thought published his memoir, The Upcycled Self. Appearing on the New York Times' "Best Sellers" list, the autobiography reveals aspects of Tariq Trotter's personal life, including suffering the losses of his father and mother, respectively. The Grammy Award-winning (and currently nominated) Roots MC examines his... Read more

December 20, 2023 Audio, Trending Stories

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

Method Man Explains Why He Did Not Want To Do All I Need

Method Man won a Grammy Award for his Mary J. Blige collaboration "I'll Be There For You/You're All I Need To Get By." The song, which originated as a track on Meth's 1994 solo debut Tical, went on to receive a Puff Daddy remix, and become a classic in both... Read more

June 12, 2023 Video

The D.O.C. Is Performing Again For The First Time In 33 Years

Earlier this year, one of Hip-Hop's legendary songwriters, The D.O.C., gave fans his most comprehensive display of bars in 20 years. The MC closely associated with Dr. Dre, N.W.A., Snoop Dogg, and others, appeared on video single "Fast Ones" by The Codefendants. The track, later belonging to the This Is... Read more

May 13, 2023 Exclusive, Interview, Video

Royce 5’9 Explains How He’s Taking Control Of His Own Music Destiny

Over the last 25 years, Royce 5'9 has had a decorated career that spans solo albums, mixtapes, feature work, and three super-groups. While he has been respected from the entrance, many could argue that Nickel Nine has only improved at his craft during that time. Since 2016, Royce has released... Read more

April 10, 2023 Exclusive, Interview, Video

Kendrick Lamar Explains His Internal Conflict With Releasing Mr. Morale

Kendrick Lamar has been relatively quiet surrounding his 2022 double album, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. A decade after his major label debut, good kid, m.A.A.d city, and over 15 years into a professional recording career, the award-winning music superstar chose now to unpack his most personal collection of songs... Read more

October 11, 2022 Fresh

Cormega & Nas Have Reunited On A Song & It’s Glorious

Today (October 7), Cormega has delivered The Realness II. As Cormega recently detailed to Ambrosia For Heads' What's The Headline podcast, the album was carefully made to be a true sequel to the original—which arrived just over 21 years ago. Beloved song “American Beauty" gets a stylish update on "Her... Read more

October 7, 2022 Audio, Interview, Video

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

Rapper Big Pooh Talks His New Album, Little Brother’s Status & More

Last month, Rapper Big Pooh released one of the most spirited works of his extensive 20-year career. The North Carolina-based Virginia native MC delivered To Dream In Color. The 10-song album features some powerful commentary on the pursuit of dreams, the value of family support and the will to succeed. Blakk Soul,... Read more

September 26, 2022 Exclusive, Interview, Video

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

Daringer Explains How He & Westside Gunn Created The Griselda Sound

Late last month, Queens, New York veteran MC Meyhem Lauren partnered with producer Daringer for a collaboration album, Black Vladimir (embedded below). The 15-track album involves Action Bronson, Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine, Flee Lord, Elcamino, and Meyhem's brother Hologram and finds brilliant chemistry between two artists that go back... Read more

September 9, 2022 Exclusive, Video

Meyhem Lauren & Daringer Break Down Their New Album

Less than two weeks ago, Queens, New York MC Meyhem Lauren partnered with producer Daringer, architect of the Griselda Records sound, for Black Vladimir (embedded below). The 15-track album involves Action Bronson, Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine, Flee Lord, Elcamino, and Hologram and finds brilliant chemistry between two artists that go... Read more

September 7, 2022 Exclusive, Interview, Video

Diamond D Names His Top 5 Hip-Hop Producers

Today (August 19), Diamond D released his latest album, THE REAR VIEW. The 15-song collection (embedded below) finds the veteran MC/producer flexing his MC chops while playing double duty behind the boards as producer. It features Westside Gunn, De La Soul's Posdnuos, and Diamond's latest protege, Ashtin Martin. The Bronx, New... Read more

August 19, 2022 Exclusive, Interview, Video

Diamond D Speaks About His New Album & Spending A Day With Dr. Dre

This year marks 30 years since Diamond D's debut album, and he is celebrating in style. The Bronx, New York native MC/producer/DJ is releasing THE REAR VIEW on Friday, August 19. Arriving on D's Dymond Mine Records imprint, the 13-song collection demonstrates Diamond D as a true multi-talented artist. The co-founder... Read more

August 16, 2022 Exclusive, Interview, Video

Royce 5’9 Says He Regrets Making His Lupe Fiasco Diss Record

In the summer of 2021, Royce 5'9 went from podcast cohosts to adversaries trading diss bars in songs. The two Midwestern veterans abruptly ceased The Lupe & Royce Show, which was one of many successful podcasts created by talented MCs. This week on The Breakfast Club, Royce addresses the year-old... Read more

August 9, 2022 Video

Redman Explains Why He Used To Keep A Tissue In His Nose

Redman is known for keeping it real. The New Jersey veteran MC/producer/DJ had a moment over 20 years with arguably the most memorable MTV Cribs episode. Reggie Noble invited audiences into his modest Staten Island, New York home—complete with a box of dollar bills, fish sticks in the freezer, and... Read more

July 11, 2022 Video

Isaiah Rashad Discusses Trying To Kill Himself

Last week, a video interview clip between Joe Budden and Isaiah Rashad marked the Tennessee MC's first public reaction to at least one videotape leaked in February. In that clip, the Top Dawg Entertainment artist spoke about his sexuality, his current relationship, and if he would be pursuing legal action... Read more

May 30, 2022 Lifestyle, Video

Isaiah Rashad Addresses The Leaked Videotape That Changed His Life

In February of this year, TDE artist Isaiah Rashad allegedly appeared in a leaked personal videotape. In the video, a man appearing to be the 31-year-old Chattanooga, Tennessee MC was engaged in sex acts with another man. Rashad, who released The House Is Burning in 2021, has remained silent on the... Read more

May 26, 2022 Lifestyle, Video

Benny The Butcher Details His Shooting For The 1st Time

UPDATE: Benny The Butcher has clarified the release date of Tana Talk 4. It is now arriving March 11. “Tana Talk 4 dropping March 11, not February 11,” he said on a recent Instagram Live, as reported by HipHopDX. “I smoke too much weed — say the wrong things.” ORIGINAL... Read more

February 4, 2022 Video

J. Cole Told Dr. Dre About Kendrick Lamar & Wanted To Sign Him

Despite releasing a Grammy-nominated album this year, J. Cole has not deviated from his reservations about interviews. The Dreamville Records founder is known for picking his spots with the press, and while he blessed The L.A. Leakers with one of 2021's best freestyles, Cole left a mark with a performance—not... Read more

December 26, 2021 Video

Travis Scott Speaks About The Astroworld Tragedy

Last month (November 5), Travis Scott's third annual Astroworld Festival ended in tragedy in Houston, Texas. Ten people died, and hundreds were injured on a day that was supposed to be about music. There have been legal actions against Scott, Live Nation, and other parties tied to the event in... Read more

December 9, 2021 News, Video

Kevin Hart Tastes Wine That Smells Like Shhh…

Kevin Hart has enjoyed a dynamic career, and his new seven-episode series True Story is among the comedian/actor's proudest works. As a guest on the new interview show Through The Grapevine, Hart explains why he feels strongly about the dramatic Netflix series which costars Wesley Snipes and Lauren London, and is set... Read more

December 2, 2021 Lifestyle, Video

Joell Ortiz Names His Top 5 Brooklyn MCs

This month, Joell Ortiz delivered a new album, The Autograph. The release, embedded below, marks Ortiz's fourth with indie stalwart Mello Music Group. After a career cultivated by rapping his circumstances directly to the listener, Joell somehow goes even deeper on his new album. As he tells Ambrosia For Heads' What's The Headline podcast (embedded... Read more

November 23, 2021 Exclusive, Interview, Video

Kanye West Details The Secret Warfare Drake Has Waged On Him

Since releasing Donda this August, Kanye West has not done a sit-down interview. That changes with this morning's (November 5) episode of Drink Champs. Ye (as he is now formally known) sat down with N.O.R.E and DJ EFN for several hours. Throughout the chat, Kanye discusses various aspects of his... Read more

November 5, 2021 News, Video

AZ Names The 7 MCs Who Influenced Him The Most

From his very first released verse, AZ declared "Others such as myself are trying to carry on tradition." Those illustrious guest bars from Nas' Illmatic apply to AZ's views on Hip-Hop. Weeks ago, the East New York, Brooklyn MC released Doe Or Die 2. While speaking in-depth about the long-anticipated... Read more

October 31, 2021 Exclusive, Video

AZ Says He’s Down To Make Music For The Firm’s 25th Anniversary

Last month, AZ released one of the most anticipated albums of 2021. The East New York, Brooklyn veteran delivered Doe Or Die 2, a sequel to his lauded 1995 debut–and an album that AZ had been hyping since the early 2010s. Proudly independent, AZ self-released the LP on his Quiet... Read more

October 26, 2021 Exclusive, Video

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

Kurupt Details The Classic Death Row Songs That Began As Freestyles

For more than 20 years, core fans kept hope that the HRSMN might release an album. As one of Rap's earliest super-groups, the quartet composed of Kurupt, Ras Kass, Killah Priest, and Canibus hurdled label challenges, leaks, bootlegging, legal woes, and all that comes with four separate lives and careers.... Read more

July 13, 2021 Exclusive, Video

Evidence Discusses Starting Over After Dilated Peoples (Video)

Last Friday (June 25), Evidence released his latest solo album, Unlearning, Vol. 1. The Rhymesayers Entertainment release featuring Conway The Machine, Alchemist, Boldy James, and others has already been met with applause, including Ambrosia For Heads' 10 Best Albums of 2021 (so far) list. Notably, Unlearning breaks from Ev's Weatherman series, dating back to his first solo album,... Read more

June 29, 2021 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

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

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

MC Eiht Details Lessons He Learned From EPMD, Rakim, Menace II Society & More

MC Eiht is the latest guest on Ambrosia For Heads' What's The Headline podcast. In a 90-minute discussion, Eiht revisits highlights from his entire 30-plus-year-career. The Hub City O.G. details the formative years of Compton's Most Wanted and how he assumed the writing responsibilities for both MCs in the collective.... Read more

October 27, 2020 Exclusive, Video

The LOX Break Down How To Make A Classic Album (Video)

Three weeks ago, The LOX released their fourth album, Living Off Xperience. The D-Block/Roc Nation release includes contributions from DMX, Benny The Butcher, Westside Gunn, Large Professor, T-Pain, Oswin Benjamin, Nottz, Statik Selektah, and their artist, Dyce Payne. Less than a month since its release, the LP from one of... Read more

September 22, 2020 Exclusive, Fresh, Video

Madlib Speaks. He Reveals That He & Pusha-T Are Planning More Music Together (Video)

Last month, Ambrosia For Heads decided that Madlib & Freddie Gibbs' Bandana was the Best Album Of 2019. Announced the same night as the Grammy's, the sophomore collaboration between the two veterans bested another producer/MC battery, Gang Starr, in the championship round. The decision came after the annual Sweet 16-themed... Read more

February 28, 2020 Video

Snoop & Jada Pinkett Have An Emotional Conversation About Kobe, Gayle King & Misogyny

Earlier this month, Snoop Dogg made global headlines after a fiery reaction to Gayle King's controversial CBS This Morning interview with retired basketball star Lisa Leslie. During that interview, which broadcast on February 4, the network anchor brought up Kobe Bryant's 2003 sexual assault charge while speaking to the two-time... Read more

February 26, 2020 Video

Eminem Tells Kxng Crooked About His Deep Love For The Craft Of Rapping (Video)

"What I would say to any up-and-coming rapper? I would say that it is hard to get it, and it's even harder to maintain it." Eminem shares those words in the closing minutes of a one-hour-plus interview with Kxng Crooked on Crook's Corner. The video interview takes place in Dr.... Read more

February 21, 2020 Video

LOUD Records’ Founder Details Getting Arrested For Bringing The Ruckus For Raekwon

Steve Rifkind, the founder of LOUD Records, is known for creating the record company that introduced much of the world to Wu-Tang Clan, Xzibit, Tha Alkaholiks, Funkmaster Flex, and dead prez, among others. The Long Island, New York native is the son of Spring Records executive (Jimmy Spicer, James Brown,... Read more

February 11, 2020 Video

Shad & The Creators Of Hip-Hop Evolution Detail Making A Truly Standout Docuseries

Less than a week ago, Hip-Hop Evolution premiered its fourth season of episodes to Netflix. The series, which came to the platform in late 2016, has been one of the most comprehensive, far-reaching Hip-Hop documentaries ever produced. What's more, it lives in a place that's accessible to the mainstream, shining... Read more

January 23, 2020 Interview

The D.O.C. Recalls The Night Of His Car Accident With New Details (Video)

For many Hip-Hop Heads, The D.O.C. is widely regarded as one of the most skilled lyricists and songwriters. A native of Dallas, Texas, the artist born Tracy Curry linked with Dr. Dre in the late 1980s to make history. After assisting with the writing on N.W.A.'s Grammy Hall Of Fame-inducted Straight... Read more

January 7, 2020 Video

Drake Explains Why Pusha-T Revealing His Son Was A Genius Chess Move

This week, Drake released a new video single, "War." The Toronto, Ontario superstar let listeners know that he would like to make peace with The Weeknd. However, as the song’s title suggests, the MC/singer used wordplay and subliminal disses to confront enemies, potentially including Pusha-T, Kanye West, Puff Daddy, and possibly... Read more

December 26, 2019 Video

Yasiin Bey & Talib Kweli Detail How Black Star’s Upcoming Album Came To Be

For nearly two years, Hip-Hop fans have heard bits and pieces surrounding a second album by Black Star. In February of 2018, Yasiin Bey (fka Mos Def) told concert-goers in Colorado that he and Talib Kweli were recording. “New Black Star with Madlib, Talib Kweli, Yasiin, coming soon!,” said the... Read more

December 10, 2019 Fresh

Rapsody Details Making Eve & Describes The Big Response To 1 Of 2019’s Best LPs

In late August, Rapsody released her Eve album. The North Carolina native's third full-length raised the stakes on a critically-acclaimed discography with a profound concept. Across 16 songs, Rapsody celebrated Black women with namesake titles, open to varying interpretations and connections. Whether they were clear-cut tributes or loose homages, the... Read more

November 26, 2019 Interview

Cam’ron Opens Up About Past Beefs With JAY-Z And Nas & How They Made Peace

On December 7, 2019, it will have been 15 years since Cam'ron released what he considers his favorite album in the discography, Purple Haze. The 2004 album was his second with Roc-A-Fella Records, fourth overall, and was arguably when The Diplomats were at their zenith as a New York City... Read more

November 17, 2019 Throwback, Video

Talib Kweli & El-P Recall Rawkus Records Taking A Chance On Underground Hip-Hop

Run The Jewels and Company Flow co-founder El-P is the latest guest on Talib Kweli's The People's Party Podcast, with co-host Jasmin Leigh. The two natives of Brooklyn, New York have plenty of history together, including Hip Hop For Respect. They were label-mates at Rawkus Records during an inflection point... Read more

November 12, 2019 Video

Doctor Dré Reveals He Has Lost Eyesight To His Ongoing Battle With Diabetes (Video)

Doctor Dré and Ed Lover are behind many fans' fondest memories of Hip-Hop on television. The former Yo! MTV Rap hosts added comedy, swagger, and lots of authenticity to the show between 1989 and 1995. Those TV talents extended to making music, 1993 film Who's The Man?, and radio. For... Read more

October 30, 2019 Lifestyle, News, TV, TV/Film, Video