krs-one ArchivesAmbrosia For Heads

KRS-One & Smif-n-Wessun Are Back With Some New Boom Bap

Thirty years ago, Da Beatminerz helped lead a charge with Black Moon's Enta Da Stage. The Nervous Records LP was produced by Evil Dee (also a Black Moon co-founder) and his brother Mr. Walt. The album help launch several movements—for the Boot Camp Clik, for underground/independent Hip-Hop, and for a... Read more

December 16, 2023 Audio, Trending Stories

The 25 Most Important Rap Albums Of Hip-Hop’s First 50 Years

Over the years, countless music lists have laid out the "Greatest" of a particular category–album, artist, song, etc. These lists often cite vague criteria and then lay out what they claim to be objective rankings. But, they are subjective. At Ambrosia For Heads, we have generally provided opportunities for the people... Read more

August 17, 2023 Exclusive, Food for Thought, Hip-Hop's 50th Anniversary

KRS-One Explains Why Kool Herc Is THE Founder Of Hip-Hop

Throughout 2023, Hip-Hop culture is celebrating its most significant anniversary to date. At the top of the year, US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Congressman Jamaal Bowman appeared at the Universal Hip Hop Museum construction site in New York's Bronx borough. There, attending with KRS-One, Roxanne Shanté, Grandmaster Flash,... Read more

February 16, 2023 Video

KRS-One Has Received The Greatest Award Of His Life

On Sunday (February 5), the 65th annual Grammy Awards will take place in Los Angeles, California. There, artists including Kendrick Lamar, JAY-Z, Pusha-T, Future, Gunna, and Doja Cat will compete in the four Rap categories, as K-Dot hopes to win his first "Album Of The Year" category for Mr. Morale & The... Read more

February 2, 2023 Fresh, News, Video

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

KRS-One Joins Forces With AZ & O.C. To Save The Culture

Last week, Ambrosia For Heads premiered "Represent The Real," a powerhouse collaboration between AZ, KRS-One, and O.C. That song, produced and released by Dublin, Ireland's Stylistic Murder (and the A-side to a special 7" vinyl single, with a B-side featuring ONYX, has now released a music video, which conveniently begins... Read more

August 19, 2022 Video

KRS-One, AZ & O.C. Represent Real Hip-Hop With Style

UPDATE: Stylistic Murder has released the music video for "Represent The Real," featuring AZ, KRS-One, and O.C.: ORIGINAL AUGUST 11 STORY: Today (August 11) marks Hip-Hop's birthday. In celebration of the date, three elite MCs who have stood for the culture come together for a special collaboration premiering at Ambrosia For... Read more

August 11, 2022 Exclusive, Video

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

Many Of Hip-Hop’s Greatest Rappers Name Their Top 5 MCs

Note: Jadakiss recently appeared on ESPN’s Jalen & Jacoby podcast and was asked who his top 5 Hip-Hop groups of all-time were. This article has been updated below with his response, as well as The Game’s top 5 LA Rap albums. A few days ago, during a podcast appearance, Ice... Read more

July 12, 2022 Video

The Top 20 Rap Albums Of All-Time As Determined By Millions Of Fans

Earlier this month, the Hip-Hop community reacted to the latest high-profile lists ranking the greatest Rap albums of all time. Rolling Stone magazine and a team of journalists and writers ranked 200 Hip-Hop LPs, prompting plenty of reaction. It was not the first list of this kind, and it certainly will not... Read more

June 21, 2022 Video

KRS-One Raps Hip-Hop’s History & It Doesn’t End Well

Over a quarter-century ago, KRS-One assisted Das EFX in a cultural anthem, "Real Hip-Hop." Featuring production by DJ Premier (and Pete Rock on the remix), the EastWest Records single served as a battle cry for the culture these artists loved in the winds of change. In 2022, Kris returns with "Raw Hip... Read more

May 3, 2022 Video

Method Man, Redman & KRS-One Put On An MC Clinic

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

April 8, 2022 Audio, Trending Stories

KRS-One Gives A Tutorial On Old School Dances In His New Video

LL Cool J famously told opponents that they couldn't dance on the second song from his classic debut album. Nearly 40 years later, one of LL's peers, KRS-One keeps that idea and poses it as a question. Blastmasta's 24th album, I M A M C R U 1 2, includes "Can... Read more

March 16, 2022 Video

KRS-One Raps Over A Trap Beat & It’s Krazy

Last week (February 22), KRS-One released his 24th solo album, I M A M C R U 1 2. The 14-track collection is self-released and features Da Blastmasta's wife and partner, G Simone, as well as Connecticut Hip-Hop artist SUN-One. Several songs previously appeared in a 2021 short film, Save The Studio.... Read more

February 27, 2022 Video

KRS-One Releases 1 Of His Best Songs In Years

In 2021, KRS-One had one of his highest-profile years in the last decade. Da Blastmasta flaunted his charisma and catalog in an October Verzuz against longtime friend and collaborator Big Daddy Kane. As much of the Hip-Hop community tuned in, they celebrated Kris Parker's groundbreaking work with Boogie Down Productions... Read more

January 8, 2022 Video

DJ Scratch Explains The Tension At The Big Daddy Kane & KRS-One Verzuz

On Sunday night (October 17), Hip-Hop fans were treated to a Verzuz match up between 80s Hip-Hop legends, Big Daddy Kane and KRS-One. There were freestyles, surprise guests, and some noteworthy banter between the two participants and their DJs—Kid Capri and DJ Scratch, representing Kris and Kane, respectively. During AFH's recap... Read more

October 19, 2021 Video

Dr. Dre Has Broken Pop Culture Barriers Once Again

Last week, it was revealed that Dr. Dre will be headlining the Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show. In doing so, Dre becomes the first Hip-Hop artist to headline, after nearly 25 years of various MCs appearing in the feature role. Dre will share the stage with some of his superstar... Read more

October 6, 2021 Video

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 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

Immortal Technique Lists His Top 5 MCs & Says A New Album Is Coming (Video)

Immortal Technique is recognized as an MC whose music is informational and at times, extreme. The Harlem lyricist emerged during the rise of independent Hip-Hop in the early 2000s, and his politically-charged brand of Hip-Hop quickly struck a chord with fans worldwide. Further, he is widely acknowledged for his activism... Read more

October 8, 2019 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

Mike Tyson Shares His Top 50 MCs List…And Joe Budden Is Not On It

At the top of this week, The Brew Podcast disseminated a ranked "Top 50 Greatest Rappers Of All-Time" list (embedded below) that has since captivated much of social media and the conversations around it. The Cincinnati, Ohio-based podcast dedicated to beer-making elicited some fans raising a glass, while other folks... Read more

August 7, 2019 Fresh

Here’s The Story Behind The All-Star Cypher That Ended The Arsenio Hall Show

Twenty-five years ago this month, The Arsenio Hall Show dimmed the lights on a massive television platform, especially for Hip-Hop. Since early 1989, the actor/comedian/host planted his flag with a new kind of late-night talk-show with a penchant for the issues, people, and culture that inspired him. From M.C. Hammer... Read more

May 23, 2019 Throwback, Throwback, TV, TV/Film, Video

KRS-One Speaks About The Power Of Hip-Hop To Change The World (Video)

Few Rap legends seem to have as much to say, especially beyond their lyrics, as KRS-One. However, in recent years, Blastmasta KRS has seemingly stepped away from the media spotlight. Equally, Kris Parker is sparse on social media. Last year he was said to be working with Dr. Dre, following... Read more

March 30, 2019 Food for Thought, Video

The Making Of The Self-Destruction Video Shows The Power Of Hip-Hop Unity

In the late 1980s, Rap music had a problem. At the time the genre was exploding with national and overseas tours, incidents were taking place at some of those concerts that were smearing the reputation of the Hip-Hop culture. As the safety of show-goers was a significant concern, mainstream media... Read more

January 21, 2019 Throwback, Video

In 1999, Kurupt & KRS-One Got Live On The Mic And Went Round For Round

Two decades ago this year, Kurupt released his second solo album, Tha Streetz Iz a Mutha. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native had long since established himself as not only a West Coast MC but also resident. After signing with Death Row Records in the 1990s and founding the Dogg Pound Gangstaz (DPG)... Read more

January 3, 2019 Do Remember

The LOX Flip A BDP Anthem To Bring Back Classic Hip-Hop (Video)

The LOX are three of the most prolific MCs in all of Hip-Hop. Styles P alone has released four projects this year. However, when he, Jadakiss, and Sheek Louch come together, it often awakens a spirit in Rap fans that has been burning bright for more than 20 years. On... Read more

November 16, 2018 The Bridge, Video

Reef The Lost Cauze’s Video Shows What’s Golden About Hip-Hop Can Never Fade Away

Bearing a lengthy Hip-Hop resume, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based MC, Reef The Lost Cauze (born Sharif Lacey) is a certified authority when it comes to the genre. From the Army Of The Pharaohs (A.O.T.P.) member's early days of battling, to his various mixtapes and albums, a current six-year window of podcasting, and... Read more

November 7, 2018 Ready Or Not

KRS-One Recalls How Battling On Scott La Rock’s Behalf Led To The Formation Of BDP

Boogie Down Productions is a Hip-Hop outfit that is revered for its combative nature. The collective launched by KRS-One and DJ Scott La Rock would challenge Rap peers including MC Shan, Marley Marl, Grandmaster Melle Mel, Roxanne Shanté, and others throughout its late 1980s run. However, according to Blastmaster KRS-One,... Read more

November 5, 2018 Throwback, Throwback, TV, TV/Film

KRS-One Is Back With Rhyme Lessons For Non-Believers (Audio)

Since releasing his The World Is MIND album in May of 2017, KRS-One has been careful about releasing music. In the last year and a half, Boogie Down Productions' co-founder has been in the studio with past collaborator Dr. Dre going over some of D-R-E's tracks. Time will tell if... Read more

October 13, 2018 Audio

Ultramagnetic MCs’ Ced-Gee Reveals He Produced Most Of BDP’s Criminal Minded (Video)

There is a bevy of pivotal and highly influential Hip-Hop albums celebrating landmark anniversaries this year. Ambrosia For Heads has recently published articles about the 20 year anniversaries of both Black Star’s self-titled debut and OutKast’s Aquemini. The 25th anniversary of Wu-Tang Clan’s initial offering, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)... Read more

October 11, 2018 Throwback, Video

KRS-One Is Working On New Music & He’s In The Studio With Dr. Dre

Last year, KRS-One self-released an exceptional album. Thirty years after Boogie Down Productions' Criminal Minded, Tha Teacha' dropped The World Is MIND, a 15-track LP on his R.A.M.P. Entertainment. In recent years the Bronx, New York representative worked with Macklemore & Ryan Lewis on the DJ-Premier-produced "Buckshot," and reunited with... Read more

August 17, 2018 News

Finding The GOAT Group: Public Enemy vs. Boogie Down Productions. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Group,” the fourth installment of Ambrosia For Heads’ annual competition series features Hip-Hop’s greatest collectives vying for the #1 spot. Sixty-two groups have been pre-selected by a panel of experts, and one slot will be reserved for a wild-card entry (which has been determined), including the possibility for... Read more

August 16, 2018 Best Hip-Hop Group, Finding the GOAT

Finding The GOAT Group: Run The Jewels vs. Boogie Down Productions. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Group,” the fourth installment of Ambrosia For Heads’ annual competition series features Hip-Hop’s greatest collectives vying for the #1 spot. Sixty-two groups have been pre-selected by a panel of experts, and one slot will be reserved for a wild-card entry (which has been determined), including the possibility... Read more

July 4, 2018 Best Hip-Hop Group, Finding the GOAT

Rakim Will Appear In Luke Cage And Perform An Original Song

On June 22, season two of Marvel's Luke Cage series will premiere on Netflix. The record-breaking show, which helped the network's stock soar (and its servers to crash) when it debuted in 2016, was created by Cheo Hodari Coker and implemented Hip-Hop in inventive ways. Season one's episodes were named after Gang Starr... Read more

May 22, 2018 TV, TV/Film

Finding The GOAT Group: Boogie Down Productions vs. Ultramagnetic MC’s. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Group,” the fourth installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest collectives vying for the #1 spot. Sixty-two groups have been pre-selected by a panel of experts, and one slot will be reserved for a wild-card entry, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to... Read more

May 21, 2018 Best Hip-Hop Group, Finding the GOAT

KRS-One Explains Why He No Longer Performs The Last Verse To “The Bridge Is Over” (Audio)

KRS-One and DJ Scott La Rock made one of Hip-Hop's most iconic diss records in Boogie Down Productions' "The Bridge Is Over." In the eyes of many, the song was a second-round knockout punch against the Juice Crew's MC Shan, DJ Mr. Magic, Marley Marl, and Roxanne Shanté—four artists that... Read more

April 29, 2018 Audio

30 Years Ago KRS-One Carried BDP’s Torch By All Means Necessary

In the late 1980s, Boogie Down Productions was one of Hip-Hop's most exciting new groups. KRS-One and DJ Scott La Rock carved their lane with early 1987's Criminal Minded. The B-Boy Records LP was combative to Mr. Magic and Marley Marl's Juice Crew (especially MC Shan) and planted a flag... Read more

April 12, 2018 Do Remember

Roxanne Shanté Describes How Real “The Roxanne Wars” Got In Concerts (Video)

This weekend, Roxanne, Roxanne is now available on Netflix. The biopic, written and directed by Michael Larnell, covers the life of MC Roxanne Shanté (aka Lolita Shanté Gooden). The Juice Crew rapper co-produced the film and worked with the likes of Pharrell Williams, Forrest Whitaker, and Mimi Valdes to tell... Read more

March 24, 2018 Video

This Fast-Paced Documentary On 1977 NYC Shows Hip-Hop’s Playground (Video)

From The Get Down to The Deuce, 1970s New York City has become a recent beacon of pop culture inspiration. At the time, the Big Apple seemed defined by countercultures. Within the five boroughs, politics, sex, crime, and the fight for equal rights would help shape critical advancements in music,... Read more

February 18, 2018 Throwback, TV, TV/Film, Video

20 Years Later, Rhyme & Reason Remains Rap Music’s Ultimate Backstage Pass (Video)

During the late 1990s, Hip-Hop was a seismic force that garnered mainstream recognition as a billion-dollar industry. The culture had invalidated scores of critics who dismissed it as a fad during the previous two decades. Hip-Hop achieved this while rewriting the rules of the music business and redefining the American... Read more

December 7, 2017 Do Remember, TV/Film, Video

By All Means Necessary: How Boogie Down Productions Was Formed Against All Odds (Video)

"You could call a man a bum with disgust on your morning run. 'Cause he lives outside in the street, you don't know this, but you've failed to realize that the one you so despise reflects yourself 'cause every Black man is homeless." KRS-One has never hidden the fact that... Read more

November 23, 2017 Food for Thought, Throwback

Fat Joe Explains Why KRS-One Is Still #1 To Him (Video)

Fat Joe is one of Hip-Hop's most recognizable stars. A member of both Terror Squad and Diggin' In The Crates, the veteran has taken his dynamic brand of Hip-Hop across the world. Throughout the 2000s, he has been one of the biggest representatives from the Bronx borough. Fat Joe Airs... Read more

July 10, 2017 Video

Bumpy Knuckles Once Overpowered KRS-One On His Own Song With A Ruff Verse (Audio)

The guest feature is a powerful position in Hip-Hop. From Nas to AZ, Snoop Dogg to Lupe Fiasco, lyrical legends have made key introductions through pivotal appearance on others' songs. One of the artists who put down key blocks of his legacy through features is Freddie Foxxx (later known as... Read more

July 6, 2017 Do Remember

Watch 40 Years Of Hip-Hop History In 4 Minutes In A Mind-Blowing Mashup (Video)

It ain't nothin' like Hip-Hop music...Over the last 40 years, there have been few forces in pop culture with more impact than Hip-Hop. Like Rock & Roll before it, the music and lifestyle shaped an entire generation and has had untold influence around the world. The Rub: The History of... Read more

June 5, 2017 Video

FRESH For 2017: Watch Video Of The Unveiling Of Scott La Rock Boulevard

Boogie Down Productions co-founder Scott La Rock (aka Scott Sterling) was immortalized with a boulevard named in his honor, in the borough he loved. In the Bronx, New York yesterday (May 19), Scott La Rock, Jr., D-Nice, DJ Red Alert, 3rd Bass' Prime Minister Pete Nice, DJ Jazzy Jay, Ultramagnetic... Read more

May 20, 2017 News, Video

KRS-One Apologizes For Naming The Wrong Beastie Boy In A Tribute To Hip-Hop’s Fallen MCs

In the last week, lyrical legend KRS-One excited fans with the latest sneak attack release, The World Is Mind. Just over 30 years after Criminal Minded, this self-released album had many praising the latest body of work from the South Bronx representative. However, as fans delved into the album (available... Read more

May 13, 2017 News

KRS-One Has Just Released His Best Album In Years (Full Audio Stream)

It's been a beleaguered couple of years for KRS-One. In 2015, in the heat of a battle with a fan, the veteran MC said some words that were taken as a diss of LL Cool J. Weeks later, the MC born Kris Parker, made a formal apology to the Queens... Read more

May 9, 2017 Audio

Scott La Rock To Have Street In The Boogie Down Bronx Named In His Honor (Video)

This upcoming August 27 marks 30 years since Scott La Rock (aka Scott Sterling) was shot and killed in the Bronx, New York. A founding member and DJ/producer of Boogie Down Productions, Scott lived to enjoy just one album release, 1987's classic Criminal Minded. The musical partner of KRS-One, the... Read more

May 8, 2017 News, Video

Kid Capri Details Exactly How B.D.P. Hijacked The Stage From P.M. Dawn (Video)

Kid Capri's vocals can be heard multiple times on the current #1 album in the country. The Bronx, New York DJ, producer, and onetime MC put his voice on multiple tracks belonging to Kendrick Lamar's DAMN. In a career that spans 30 years of mixtapes, Def Comedy Jam, production for... Read more

April 24, 2017 Video