leaders of the new school - Ambrosia For Heads

Busta Rhymes’ Video Shows What His Life Would Be If He Never Rapped

Over two years ago, Busta Rhymes released a hallmark album in his career. 2020's Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God arrived at a time following a near-death respiratory issue for the MC legend. Additionally, the Conglomerate release drew from various sides and career points from Trevor Smith, Jr.—including... Read more

November 9, 2022 Video

Raekwon, Ghostface, Busta Rhymes & More Put On A Clinic In Dropping Science

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

October 29, 2022 Audio

Busta Rhymes, Big Daddy Kane & Conway Slap The Competition On A New Song

Busta Rhymes approached the 2020s with something to prove. Two years ago, the veteran co-founder of Leaders Of The New School and Flipmode Squad gave fans a classic-level album—arguably the best in his career. Extinction Level Event 2 showed the many sides of Busta Bus, including collaborations with Rakim, Kendrick... Read more

October 28, 2022 Audio, Video

Coast Contra’s Scenario Freestyle Is Scary Good

Coast Contra has been one of the most exciting breaking acts of 2022. The high-energy quartet has been around for several years—including an appearance on 2019’s acclaimed and charting Queen & Slim soundtrack. However, after a punctuating appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the Apt. 505 album, alongside work... Read more

September 5, 2022 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

Black Thought Shows He Really Is Every MC On An Unreleased Roots Song

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, is better than it's ever been. Not only can we go back and... Read more

June 26, 2021 Audio

Busta Rhymes Opens Up About His Near Death Experience

Less than three weeks since releasing the highly-acclaimed Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God, Busta Rhymes continues to give fans greater context about a comeback album like no other. In speaking with Van Jones' The Messy Truth, the veteran MC/producer discussed how Public Enemy and The Bomb Squad mentored Leaders... Read more

November 16, 2020 Fresh

Busta Rhymes Has Made A Classic Album 30 Years Into His Career

Busta Rhymes is one of Hip-Hop's most enduring stars. Named by Chuck D, a fixture within Native Tongues, a requested artist on Tupac's One Nation project, a member of the Aftermath/Shady/G-Unit reign as well as Cash Money/Young Money, and one of J Dilla's closest collaborators, Trevor Smith, Jr. has done... Read more

November 2, 2020 Audio, Fresh, Video

Busta Rhymes & Conway Team Up To Turn Wack Rappers Into Ghosts

Last year, Busta Rhymes was among the A-list guests that featured on Westside Gunn's Supreme Blientele album. Also involving Benny The Butcher, "Brossface Brippler" is a highlight from that LP that is currently on Ambrosia For Heads' official playlist. Bussa' Bus keeps close ties with the Griselda Records family, building... Read more

March 20, 2019 Audio

Ever See This ’91 Cypher With Leaders Of The New School, Biz Markie & More? (Video)

At the top of the 1990s, many Hip-Hop artists were coming together in the name of peace, unity, love, understanding, and having fun. Collectives like the Native Tongues and Diggin' In The Crates (which was not even minted yet) earned the respect of the pioneers by keeping alive the 1970s... Read more

January 28, 2019 Throwback

Ever See JAY-Z, Busta Rhymes, Biz Markie & Jaz-O Freestyle On The Same Stage? (Video)

In 1993, the Mario Van Peebles film Posse hit theaters. At its release party, some of Brooklyn's finest showed up, along with Biz Markie. One of the film's stars, Big Daddy Kane, hosted the New York City event. He appeared in the Western alongside Van Peebles, Stephen Baldwin, Tone-Loc, Tiny... Read more

January 2, 2019 Throwback

Busta Rhymes Reunites Flipmode To Trade Bars With His New Squad (Audio)

In the 1990s and 2000s, Busta Rhymes' Flipmode Squad was a Rap force to be reckoned with. The collective grew to include names such as Rampage The Last Boy Scout, Rah Digga, DJ Scratch, Roc Marciano, Spliff Star, Baby Sham, and Lord Have Mercy, among others. At a time when... Read more

October 18, 2018 Audio

Busta Rhymes Challenges Veteran MCs To Be True Leaders Of The New School

Busta Rhymes is an active symbol of longevity in Hip-Hop. He was part of the Native Tongues era, endured some of Rap's most significant changes as a solo artist in the 15 years that followed, and still has many Heads eagerly awaiting his tenth LP. According to 9th Wonder, that... Read more

July 24, 2018 Fresh

The Native Tongues Had Mad Flavor. This 6-Hour Mix Celebrates All The Ingredients (Audio)

There are not many collectives that have had as much impact on Hip-Hop, and on music in general, as Native Tongues. Although they never released an album as a unit, this extended family started in the late 1980s with seminal groups Jungle Brothers, A Tribe Called Quest, and De La... Read more

July 6, 2018 Audio, Mixes

Finding The GOAT Group: De La Soul vs. Leaders Of The New School. 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 28, 2018 Best Hip-Hop Group, Finding the GOAT

Busta Rhymes Shows He Still Spits Fire From The Dungeon On A Collabo With Missy (Audio)

Busta Rhymes and Missy Elliott are two beloved MCs that transcend the Hip-Hop genre. Since the TV music video-era boom, these lyricists played to the mainstream with bigger than life stage personas and massive bursts of creativity. Pop peers wanted in, and Bussa-Bus and Misdemeanor became household names with catalogs... Read more

February 2, 2018 Audio

Busta Rhymes Gets Amped Up In 1 Of His Few Verses Of The Year (Audio)

Busta Rhymes was a man of few raps in 2017. After a strong campaign alongside his brothers from A Tribe Called Quest, the Native Tongues alum carefully picked his spots. Especially in the case of a Rapsody Laila's Wisdom appearance and a coast-crossing A$AP Ferg remix with Snoop Dogg, those... Read more

December 14, 2017 Audio

Leaders Of The New School Are Recording New Music With Comeback Plans (Audio)

It has been nearly 25 years since Leaders Of The New School released an album, care of 1993's T.I.M.E. Mentored by The Bomb Squad, especially Chuck D, Long Island, New York's L.O.N.S. would create a launchpad for Busta Rhymes, along with Dinco D, Charlie Brown and DJ, Cut Monitor Milo.... Read more

February 3, 2017 Audio, News

This Unreleased Early 90s Del Feature Shows He Was Funky From The Start (Audio)

Producer/DJ Rob Flow, formerly DJ Robski of revolutionary-minded early ’90s Bay Area Hip-Hop group Freedom T.R.O.O.P. 187, recently posted a previously unreleased song of theirs featuring Oakland legend Del The Funky Homosapien. Besides Rob, the trio consisted of Adisa “The Bishop” Banjoko and the late Hi-Low. Banjoko is currently an... Read more

December 3, 2016 Throwback

Watch The Making Of The Mural That Immortalizes A Tribe Called Quest In Queens, NY (Video)

Today marks the 25th anniversary of A Tribe Called Quest releasing their album, The Low End Theory. The group's second LP, often considered their master work, was released on September 24, 1991—changing the musical landscape around it ever since In a 2016 that has tragically lost group co-founder Phife Dawg to... Read more

September 24, 2016 Video

The Making Of ATCQ’s The Low End Theory, Told By People Who Were There

Twenty five years ago today, A Tribe Called Quest released The Low End Theory. The Queens, New York collective had seemingly achieved what so many of their peers aspired to: a record contract, devoted fans, and hits in rotation through a certifiably respected debut. Still, with Q-Tip at the helm,... Read more

September 23, 2016 Exclusive, Food for Thought

Dante Ross Wanted To Make O.D.B. & Method Man “The Next Run-D.M.C.”

In the canon of Hip-Hop music, Dante Ross may be what we now know as "the plug." From De La Soul to Missy Elliott, MF DOOM to Digital Underground, Lil Dicky to Brand Nubian, Dante has discovered some of Hip-Hop's most respected artists. Beyond simply the exploration, Ross has thrived... Read more

September 23, 2016 Fresh

Leaders Of The New School Hold Class Even Without Busta Rhymes (Audio)

In the 25 years since they released their debut album, Leaders of the New School have maintained a low profile from a recording standpoint - but their collective place in the catalogs of Hip-Hop collectors remains steadfast. The Long Island, New York group hit the scene in 1991 with A... Read more

April 18, 2016 Audio

Busta Rhymes Pays Tribute To Phife Dawg With A Heartfelt Open Letter (Video)

There have been and will continue to be many tributes to Phife Dawg, who succumbed to complications resulting from diabetes, earlier this week. One with a particularly powerful impact comes from Busta Rhymes. As part of the Leaders Of The New School, Busta was an emerging star back in 1991,... Read more

March 26, 2016 News

A Tribe Called Quest & Leaders Of The New School Perform Scenario Remix in 1992 (Video)

Footage of A Tribe Called Quest and Leaders of the New School performing "Scenario" is rare. Video of them performing the remix of that classic? Priceless. However, earlier this month, that's exactly what happened. A clip from a 1992 performance featuring both ATCQ and LONS at Harlem's famed Apollo Theater... Read more

January 23, 2016 Throwback

Listen To The Best Hip-Hop Of December 2015 In One Playlist (Audio)

The number of Hip-Hop releases in December slowed, but the quality did not. In fact, it was one of the densest months of the year in terms of audio dope. Here's a playlist of the best the month had to offer. You'll hear music from PRhyme (DJ Premier & Royce... Read more

January 4, 2016 Audio

Busta Rhymes’ New Mixtape Features DOOM, Raekwon, The LOX & Leaders Of The New School

Busta Rhymes has released his new mixtape, The Return Of The Dragon (The Abstract Went On Vacation), and while Q-Tip may have taken this one off, Busta brought in an all-star lineup to fill the void. In fact, to call this a mixtape seems a disservice, as it's really an... Read more

December 25, 2015 Mixes

Here’s a VIDEO Mix of 90s Gems For True Lovers of Hip-Hop (Video)

DJ E Double D does it again. The UK-based DJ/VJ has put together an amazing blend of Hip-Hop videos. This is a full-on visual mixtape, complete with cutting, scratching, beat juggling and, above all, some incredible music. He balances classic staples and deep album cuts by De La Soul, Mobb... Read more

June 5, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 5): Eminem vs. Busta Rhymes…Who You Got?

With just 11 MCs remaining we have reached the critical Round 5 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). Now, only five match-up’s—all running this week—separate Round 5 from the final six MCs, including Round 4 bye winner Big Daddy Kane. Since the elimination,... Read more

April 28, 2015 Fresh

Finding The GOAT (Round 4): Busta Rhymes vs. Ludacris…Who You Got?

We have now reached the critical Round 4 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 21 MCs remaining (with the largest winning margin, Rakim receives a bye for the round), things are really coming down to 10 match-ups, leading AFH's bracket-style series towards... Read more

April 14, 2015 Fresh

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Busta Rhymes vs. Jadakiss…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into... Read more

March 10, 2015 Fresh

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Busta Rhymes vs. Killer Mike…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). We are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

February 19, 2015 Fresh

Are Native Tongues Hip-Hop’s Best Collective Ever? Listen to This (Mixtape)

A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Queen Latifah, Monie Love, Black Sheep, The Jungle Brothers...Each of these artists are legendary in their own right. When you combine them? You have one of the finest Hip-Hop collectives ever assembled, in Native Tongues. Here's a mix by DJ Ready that features... Read more

November 29, 2014 Throwback

M.O.P. & Busta Rhymes Show You The Life They Represent (Video)

In preparation for their new EP, M.O.P. release the visual for "Broad Daylight," featuring Busta Rhymes. The video plays like a violent metaphor for Fame, Danze and Busta's menacing lyrics about what happens to soft competition when they mix it up with hardscrabble veterans. Flipmode Squad and First Family go... Read more

November 5, 2014 Fresh, Video

Finding The GOAT: Busta Rhymes vs. Inspectah Deck…Who You Got?

As we continue the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time), we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups in a sequence not... Read more

October 27, 2014 Fresh

Referencing House Of Pain, Busta Rhymes Calms Down With Everlast (Audio)

When Busta Rhymes & Eminem released "Calm Down" this summer, the Bob & Earl sample to set off the record reminded many Heads of House Of Pain. That famous riff from "Harlem Shuffle" helped set the pace for one of the ultimate party Rap records, "Jump Around." Bussa Bus knows... Read more

August 26, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Eminem & Busta Rhymes Rhyme With Fervor In Their Latest Collaboration (Audio)

Back when Eminem and Busta Rhymes were label-mates nearly a decade ago, the pair of mainstream fast-rappers came together on "I'll Hurt You." Notably omitted from Busta's lone Aftermath Entertainment LP, The Big Bang, the song seemed to miss the mark from two vets in transition, finding their latest style.... Read more

June 30, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Busta Rhymes May Be A Leader To The New School, But He’s Still Got That ’80s Bravado Alongside Raekwon (Audio)

Busta Rhymes and Raekwon's history runs deep. After all, it was through Busta (then an Aftermath Entertainment artist) that Chef was blessed with Dr. Dre production on Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...Pt. II (although it released later, on a different label than first planned). Both of these MCs are students... Read more

June 12, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Fresh

Everything That’s Great About The ’80s Comes To New Life In R.A. The Rugged Man’s Ill New Visual (Video)

Coming up in the mid-1980s New York City Hip-Hop era, R.A. The Rugged Man traveled from Long Island to Brooklyn to experience his favorite MCs. The friend of The Notorious B.I.G. and longtime collaborator of Havoc and Sadat X loved Hip-Hop's history, and collected tapes and studied flows. The 20-plus-year... Read more

June 2, 2014 Fresh, Video

Q-Tip, Leonardo Dicaprio & Jonah Hill Are Creating a Native Tongues-Inspired TV Show

Q-Tip has many friends in high places. The longtime front-man MC/producer for A Tribe Called Quest has starred in films with Nicole Kidman, rolled with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian, and kicks it with Leonardo Dicaprio. Leo and Tip have been friends for years, and even had a lively 2008... Read more

January 10, 2014 Fresh

Native Tongues Fans Rejoice As Q-Tip & Busta Rhymes Release Their Collabo (Mixtape)

In the Wilson Pickett midnight hour, Q-Tip and Busta Rhymes released—as promised—The Abstract And The Dragon. The collaborative free mixtape with the catchy artwork included some material, as previewed in yesterday's "Butch & Sundance." However, the project also catches up the G.O.O.D. Music artist and the Cash Money Records artist's... Read more

December 12, 2013 Fresh, Mixes

Q-Tip & Busta Rhymes Are Wild Cowboys As Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid (Audio)

Hours away from The Abstract And The Dragon, Q-Tip and Busta Rhymes take on other personas as "Butch & Sundance." Playing off of Robert Redford and Paul Newman's Western flick, the chemistry is evident. This isn't throwback Rap at all, but finds both MC/producers exactly where they are now. Notice... Read more

December 11, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Q-Tip & Busta Rhymes Announce Collaborative Mixtape

After over 20 years of collaborations on a litany of albums, features, remixes, and concerts, A Tribe Called Quest's Q-Tip and Leaders Of The New School's Busta Rhymes are linking for a mixtape, The Abstract And The Dragon. The December 12 freebie joins Dres and Jarobi's Evitan album last year... Read more

November 21, 2013 Fresh

Busta Rhymes Combines Cash Money With Native Tongues Alongside Q-Tip On Thank You (Audio)

Busta Rhymes' career is truly dynamic. Christened his name by Public Enemy's Chuck D; a Leader Of The New School tied to Native Tongues; an animated solo star; constant major label provider to J Dilla; onetime Dr. Dre affiliate; once signed Raekwon; forever tied to EPMD's DJ Scratch; mentor to... Read more

November 7, 2013 Audio, Fresh

A Tribe Called Quest & Leaders of the New School perform Scenario live at the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival (Video)

The annual Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival took place on Saturday. There were many dope moments but the highlight was when Busta Rhymes brought Leaders of the New School AND A Tribe Called Quest onstage to do the first live rendition of Scenario in almost 20 years. Check out the video below.... Read more

July 15, 2012 Video