Crooked I Continues His Lyrical Assault on Jay-Z’s The Dynasty: Roc La Familia Intro Track (Audio)
Here's round 2 of Crooked I's Shady Dynasty Freestyle. Related: Crooked I - The Shady Dynasty Pt. 1 (Audio)... Read more
Archives
Hot off the Presses, Timbaland Releases Know About Me featuring Jay Z, Drake & James Fauntleroy (Audio)
Timbaland has been previewing new music from him and Jay Z for the last several weeks. Here's a CD-quality version of a song called Know About Me which features Jay, Drake and James Fauntleroy. Check it out below.... Read more
Just Blaze & 9th Wonder Discuss Their Contributions to Jay-Z’s Black Album (Video)
The credits for Jay-Z's Black Album read like a virtual who's who of Hip-Hop super producers--Timbaland, Kanye West, DJ Quik, Rick Rubin, The Neptunes...Just Blaze and 9th Wonder were also part of that elite corps and each recently reflected on their contributions to the album with Revolt, as part of... Read more
Mister Cee Drops A 10th Anniversary Black Album Mix (Audio)
Mister Cee was one of the earliest DJs to compile the work of a young Shawn Carter and let everybody know to take notice. In the tradition of Best Of Biggie, Best Of Redman, and Best Of Mobb Deep, Big Daddy Kane's longtime DJ grabbed those early freestyles and guest... Read more
The “Ultimate” Exit That Was Jay Z’s Black Album (Food For Thought)
Hip-Hop celebrates a grand entrance. Since the days of receiving Bad Boy Records promo-packs of The Notorious B.I.G. & Craig Mack in a McDonald’s "Big Mac" container, the dog-and-pony show known as the music industry has embraced the infinite possibilities of the new over the challenges of re-purposing the old.... Read more
Jay Z Buys 100 Copies Of Nipsey Hussle’s $100 Mixtape, Crenshaw
We're big fans of Nipsey Hussle over here at Ambrosia For Heads. But we're not the only ones. It always seems to sound a little foreign when artists charge money for mixtapes in 2013—at least off the bat. Well, Nip' gave away Crenshaw for free, but then, for those lookin'... Read more
DJ Premier vs. DJ Whoo Kid on The Whoolywood Shuffle (Video)
DJ Premier sat down with DJ Whoo Kid and told Hip-Hop stories for days. Primo spoke on being the official DJ for The Cypher, Gang Starr, the original more controversial version of KRS-One's Outta Here, his relationships with Big L, Kanye, Tupac, Jay Z and more. Check out the video... Read more
AFH: Best Hip-Hop of September 2013 (Audio Playlist)
Summer brought the official start of Fall but the heat kept coming, musically. Here's a playlist of the best Hip-Hop to drop in September, including Pusha T, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Jay Z, The Lox, Cam'ron, AZ, Rapsody, Juvenile, Freddie Gibbs, Common and Organized Konfusion. And even though it's not Hip-Hop,... Read more
DJ Quik Decodes Jay Z’s Justify My Thug (Video)
Back in 2003, when the production was announced for Jay Z's The Black Album, there were two big curiosities: 9th Wonder and DJ Quik. While DJ Premier, Ski Beatz, and Irv Gotti were notably absent from what was billed as Jay's curtain-call album, he helped get Little Brother's co-founder the... Read more
Jay Z Teams With Barneys For Holiday Collection
"I'm not businessman, I'm a business,man" I think we can all agree that Hova definitely wasn't lying on that one. In addition to being CEO of one of the biggest Hip-Hop record labels, owning a sports agency, running a clothing brand, and oh yea going double platinum with his 12th studio... Read more
Drake – Pound Cake ft Jay Z/Paris Morton Music 2
Drake's collabo with Jay Z has hit the internets and its a certified banger. Jay Z GOES IN talking about how he's made more millionaires than the lotto did--Lyor Cohen, Dame Dash, Cam'ron, Beanie Sigel, Kanye...Check out Pound Cake/Paris Morton Music 2." Related: Drake Premieres Too Much on Late Night... Read more
Jay Z’s Magna Carta Holy Grail Tour Announced Immediately After Kanye West’s Yeezus Tour
Haven't Kanye West and Jay Z's timing on things (as related to each other) been curious in 2013? As if Jay Z's sneak-attack of Magna Carta Holy Grail just days after Kanye's own surprise-styled release of Yeezus wasn't enough, the same thing appears to have happened today with touring. Just... Read more
AFH: The Week in Video (8/31/13) (Video Playlist)
This week in video brought an epic new video from Jay Z for Holy Grail, Kendrick Lamar talking Control with Chelsea Lately, Big Boi going in-depth about his likes and dislikes, a new video from The Lox and much more. Check out the video playlist below to catch anything you... Read more
Jay Z and Ron Howard Present: Made in America (Trailer)
Oscar-winning director Ron Howard has done a documentary chronicling the first Made in America festival. The doc features artists like Run-D.M.C., Skrillex, Rita Ora and festival founder Jay Z. Check out the trailer for the film below. Related: Jay Z – Holy Grail ft Justin Timberlake (Video)... Read more
Justin Timberlake Talks “Sinatra At The Sands” Collabo With Jay Z, Timbaland & Nas
We heard Timbaland around the release Magna Carta Holy Grail discuss this track. Justin Timberlake spoke with Angie Martinez and HOT 97 following his 2013 MTV Video Music Awards shakedown performance. Timberlake spoke about Timbaland, Nas and Jay Z deciding to impromptu record the song known as "Sinatra At The... Read more
Just Blaze Discusses the Differences Between Jay Z and Eminem’s Work Styles (Video)
Just Blaze discusses working with Jay Z the first time and the differences between Eminem and Jay Z's work styles, but he sidesteps the question of who had the better verse between them on Renegade. Who do you think took that one? Check out the video below. Related: Eminem –... Read more
Sometimes I Rap Fast, Sometimes I Rap Slow: The Evolution Of JAY-Z’s Flow (Food For Thought)
As another NFL season loads up, the sports news cycle is dominated by teams, offenses, depth charts and injury reports. Although not a fan (au contraire), I often marvel at the dynamic strategies of Bill Bellichick, Tom Brady, and the New England Patriots. From season-to-season, the three-time Super Bowl champions... Read more
Just Blaze & Baauer – Higher ft Jay Z (Video)
Whoa...Just Blaze and Baauer just out out one of the most epic videos of the year. The visuals for Higher (featuring Jay Z on the hook), their frenetic track that is part electro and part trap, consist of a short film showing some steely youth in fierce hand to hand... Read more
Oprah Speaks on the Recent Back and Forth Between Jay Z & Harry Belafonte (Video)
Shaheem Reid sat down with Oprah Winfrey to discuss the new film The Butler and managed to sneak in a question about the recent back and forth between Jay Z and Harry Belafonte. Oprah answered the question straight on and even managed to bring it back around to the relevance... Read more
Jay Z and Damon Dash Bury the Hatchet
We've been watching the ice between Jay Z and Damon Dash melt over the last few weeks. First, we saw Dame listening to Jay's Magna Carta Holy Grail album and publicly giving it props. Then, Jay spoke candidly about his former friend and business partner, calling him an "amazing and... Read more
Kanye West Says He and Jay-Z Made Watch The Throne to Compete With Drake (Video)
Drake had his homecoming in Toronto last night and brought out Diddy, Ma$e, TLC, J. Cole, Wale, Lil Wayne and Kanye West. While on stage, Kanye proclaimed that the only reason he and Jay-Z made Watch the Throne is because they felt they needed to compete with Drake. Check out... Read more
AFH: Best Hip-Hop of July 2013 (Audio Playlist)
Jay-Z dominated the headlines in July, but there was a LOT of good music from other artists last month, as well. Here's a playlist of the best hip-hop to drop in July. You'll hear music from MC Lyte, Q-Tip, J. Cole, Rapsody, Pete Rock & Camp Lo, Daz Dillinger, Nipsey... Read more
AFH: The Week in Video (8/3/13) (Video Playlist)
Welcome to the week in video where each week we will showcase some of the best video content to hit AFH over the last 7 days. This 30-60 minute video playlist will feature anything from music videos to interviews to concert footage to short films and more. Just hit play,... Read more
Jay Z – Picasso Baby: A Performance Art Film (Video)
Holy sh*t. After watching Jay Z's Picasso Baby: A Performance Art Film, I can honestly say I've never seen anything like it before. With appearances from artists and creatives like Fab 5 Freddie, Rosie Perez, Michael Williams (Omar from The Wire), Alan Cumming, Wale and more + plus select other... Read more
Jay-Z Freestyles on The Funkmaster Flex Show in 2006 (Video)
NYC's Hot 97 released some rare footage of Jay-Z freestyling back in 2006. Hov flows for a little over 4 minutes. Check out the video. Related: Jay-Z Interview with Elliott Wilson, Pt 1 (Video)... Read more
Jay-Z – Picasso Baby: A Performance Art Film Trailer (Video)
Jay-Z continues one of the savviest marketing campaigns for an album (hip-hop or otherwise) ever. He recently met with Mark Zuckerberg (pic below) and also announced that HBO will premiere Picasso Baby: A Performance Art film at 11pm on August 2nd. Check out a trailer for the film below. #newrules... Read more
Jay-Z #FactsOnly Interview with Elliott Wilson, Pt. 2 (Video)
In the final part of Jay-Z's #FactsOnly interview with Elliott Wilson, he discusses his respect for Rakim and Big Daddy Kane, his belief that Drake is currently the strongest young contender for his throne, race relations in the U.S., the Trayvon Martin decision, his obligation to help elevate the next... Read more
Jay-Z Interview with Elliott Wilson, Pt 1 (Video)
I wasn't going to post this Jay-Z interview. In fact, I wasn't even going to watch it. Like I suspect is the case with many of you, I'm feeling a bit of Jay-Z overload (even though he is my favorite rapper of all-time--yeah, I said it.). That said, damn, I'm... Read more
Timbaland Speaks on Nas’ Collabo with Jay-Z & Justin Timberlake & More (Video)
A picture of Nas, Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake and Timbaland in the studio caused a lot of commotion a couple of months ago. Everyone assumed their joint effort would be on Jay-Z's new album. Then Magna Carta came but there was no Jay/Nas/Justin/Tim collabo. Well, Timbaland speaks on the mystery song.... Read more
Jay-Z and Beyonce Attend Trayvon Martin Rally (Video)
Jay-Z took time out in between concerts with Justin Timberlake to attend a rally with Beyonce in support of Trayvon Martin. Check out the footage of the first couple of entertainment paying their respects below. Related: Jay-Z Performs Picasso Baby (Video)... Read more
Jay-Z “Picasso Baby” (Behind The Scenes Video)
Jay-Z's day-long performance of Magna Carta Holy Grail track "Picasso Baby" at the Pace Gallery this month was not just to start conversation. Hov was joined by an elite film crew. While most behind the scenes music video companions are a snooze, nothing Jay has done or said lately has... Read more
Jay-Z’s Interview with the BBC’s Zane Lowe, Part 4 (Video)
The final part of Jay-Z's interview with the BBC finds him focusing on family. He talks about fatherhood, his daughter's character, performing with Mrs. Carter and more. Check out the video. Related: Jay-Z’s Interview with the BBC’s Zane Lowe (Part 3) (Video)... Read more
Jay-Z’s Interview with the BBC’s Zane Lowe (Part 3) (Video)
One of the better Jay-Z interviews post-Decoded. In Part 3, Jay-Z tells Zane Lowe about venturing into sports, his plans with Roc Nation and the success of young J. Cole. Related: Part 1, Part 2.... Read more
Jay-Z’s Interview with the BBC’s Zane Lowe (Part 2) (Video)
I'm digging Jay-Z's choice to have a series of intelligent conversations instead of standard interviews to support MCHG. Here's part 2 of his sit down with the BBC where he discusses the price and payoff of fame, the media and more. Check it out below. Related: Jay-Z Interview On BBC... Read more
Jay-Z Interview On BBC Part 1 (Video)
After Jay-Z's candid interviews with New York's HOT 97 and Power 105 last week, the Roc Nation head honcho crosses the pond to speak with the BBC Radio One's Zane Lowe. Live from The Beatles' Abbey Road Studios, Jay discusses his own ever-changing labs for music-making, clicking with Timbaland for... Read more
Jay-Z Interview on NYC’s Power 105 (Video)
Here's another very engaging interview with Jay-Z courtesy of Power 105. Hov speaks on SEVERAL topics, including competing with himself artistically, comparisons to Biggie, his belief that Cole, Kendrick, Drake and Wale will be relevant 10 years from now, the Beyonce pregnancy rumors, Roc Nation Sports, his relationship with Nas,... Read more
Jay-Z’s Speaks About Magna Carta Holy Grail, Dame Dash, Blue Ivy, Social Media and Much More With Angie Martinez (Video)
A lot of people have been talking about Magna Carta Holy Grail the last few days, but now the man, himself, weighs in. Jay-Z stopped by NYC's Hot 97 today to discuss the album and more with Angie Martinez...and yes, he does really have Obama on the text... Check out... Read more
Jay-Z – Dead Presidents 3 (Original Version)
On the eve of the official release of Magna Carta Holy Grail to the rest of the world, Young Guru releases the original version of Dead Presidents 3. A verse of this dropped some time ago but the full version contains a 2nd verse with a few bars that wound... Read more
Young-Ye: How Jay-Z and Kanye West Made the World Watch the Throne (Again) and Saved Hip-Hop in the Process (Food for Thought)
For the better part of the last 2 weeks, I was convinced the sibling-like rivalry between Jay-Z and Kanye West had reached epic (and perhaps unseemly) proportions. How else could you explain the 2 dropping albums within 3 weeks of one another with Jay-Z seemingly stepping on little brother Kanye’s... Read more
Wondagurl Speaks on Producing Crown for Jay-Z’s Magna Carta Holy Grail (Video)
Not only was Wondagurl the youngest producer to ever supply a beat for a Jay-Z album, she is also only the 3rd woman to ever do so (the other 2 were co-producers of Empire State of Mind). Check out the video of the 16-year old phenom discussing the experience and... Read more
D-Dot Compares Biggie’s Work Style To Jay-Z’s (Video)
When you're blessed to work with two of the greatest MC's that have ever graced this industry, you can't help but pay attention to the process that goes into recording classic material. Check out this clip of D-Dot speaking on the difference between Biggie and Jay-Z's recording habits. Related: DJ Premier... Read more
Dame Dash Reacts To Jay-Z’s Magna Carta Holy Grail
The long time friend and business partner to Jay-Z posted a picture to Instagram with the caption "In the barber shop listening to jays new album….I can’t front… I still like hearing him pop shit cause I know he’s telling the truth…proud to be be a part of that..#bittersweet" giving his... Read more
Jay-Z – Holy Grail ft Justin Timberlake + Rick Ross Discusses F*ckWithMeYouKnowIGotIt (Video)
The Jay-Z Internet takeover continues. He releases Holy Grail featuring Justin Timberlake, the first official single from Magna Carta Holy Grail. You can also catch a video of Rick Ross discussing, F*ckWithMeYouKnowIGotIt, his collaboration with Jay. Check out both below. Related: Jay-Z – Magna Carta Holy Grail (Tracklist) Here's the... Read more
Jay-Z – Versus
And, just like that...the first leak off Jay-Z's Magna Carta Holy Grail surfaces. Here's Versus courtesy of Funkmaster Flex (with tons of Flex bombs). Thoughts? And, you can listen to Flex playing the rest of the album on Hot 97 right now here. Related: Jay-Z – Tom Ford Snippet (Video)... Read more
Jay-Z – Tom Ford Snippet (Video)
Jay-Z continues being a content tease with music from Magna Carta Holy Grail. Here's a brief snippet of his song Tom Ford, produced by Timbaland. You can see the video sneak preview and read the lyrics to Tom Ford below. Related: Timbaland Discusses Jay-Z’s Magna Carta Holy Grail Album (Video)... Read more
Timbaland Discusses Jay-Z’s Magna Carta Holy Grail Album (Video)
Here's a brief clip of Timbaland discussing Jay-Z's Magna Carta Holy Grail album which drops tomorrow for 1 million Samsung Galaxy S4 users and on 7/7 for everyone else. Related: Jay-Z Decodes His New Songs Oceans, Heaven & Jay Z Blue for Rick Rubin, Timbaland, Swizz Beatz & Pharrell (Video)... Read more
Jay-Z Decodes His New Songs Oceans, Heaven & Jay Z Blue for Rick Rubin, Timbaland, Swizz Beatz & Pharrell (Video)
Here are videos of Jay-Z decoding the concepts behind Oceans featuring Frank Ocean, Heaven and Jay Z Blue (3 songs from Magna Carta Holy Grail) for Rick Rubin, Timbaland, Swizz Beatz and Pharrell. You can check out the videos and the full lyrics to Oceans below. Related: Swizz Beatz Speaks... Read more
Swizz Beatz Speaks on Jay-Z’s Upcoming Magna Carta Holy Grail Album (Video)
Swizz Beatz produced the monstrous beat for Jay-Z's controversial Open Letter earlier in the year. He's also featured in the Samsung video that announced Jay's album, so it's safe to say he's plugged in to the process. He recently spoke about what to expect from the album. Check out what... Read more
Jay-Z – Magna Carta Holy Grail (Tracklist)
After announcing his album during the NBA Finals last week (during one of the hottest commercials in years), Jay-Z announces the tracklist for Magna Carta Holy Grail (with no features or producer credits). Check it out below. Related: Extended Trailer for Jay-Z’s new Magna Carta Holy Grail Album (Video) 1.... Read more
Raekwon Speaks on His Relationship With Jay-Z and More (Video)
Raekwon sat down with Bootleg Kev to talk about his relationships with Jay-Z (though he played it close to the vest about the collabo), Kanye West and much more. Check out the video. Related: Mathematics – Four Horsemen ft Inspectah Deck, Rakewon, Method Man & Ghostface Killah (Audio)... Read more