Lootpack ArchivesAmbrosia For Heads

The 10 Best Rap Albums Of 2021 So Far

As 2021 quickly approaches its midpoint, it is tradition to evaluate the year's best Hip-Hop albums—so far. So on the latest episode of Ambrosia For Heads' What's The Headline podcast, we did just that. As we did in deciding the best albums of 2020, the AFH team uses the platform to publicly discuss the best... Read more

June 15, 2021 Exclusive

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

Who Had The Best Rap Album Of 2019 (Championship Round): Freddie Gibbs & Madlib vs. Gang Starr

Over the last couple of years, Ambrosia For Heads has asked our readers to help us determine the Best Rap Album for 2017 and 2018, respectively. In looking at the top music of 2019, we believe that instead of letting the Grammy Awards—a committee who does not know anything about... Read more

January 24, 2020 Best Albums Of 2019

Who Had The Best Rap Album Of 2019 (Battle 14): Freddie Gibbs & Madlib vs. Benny

Over the last couple of years, Ambrosia For Heads has asked our readers to help us determine the Best Rap Album for 2017 and 2018, respectively. In looking at the top music of 2019, we believe that instead of letting the Grammy Awards—a committee who does not know anything about... Read more

January 22, 2020 Best Albums Of 2019

Who Had The Best Rap Album Of 2019 (Battle 11): Little Brother vs. Freddie Gibbs & Madlib

Over the last couple of years, Ambrosia For Heads has asked our readers to help us determine the Best Rap Album for 2017 and 2018, respectively. In looking at the top music of 2019, we believe that instead of letting the Grammy Awards—a committee who does not know anything about... Read more

January 19, 2020 Best Albums Of 2019

Who Had The Best Rap Album Of 2019 (Battle 8): Freddie Gibbs & Madlib vs. YBN Cordae

Over the last couple of years, Ambrosia For Heads has asked our readers to help us determine the Best Rap Album for 2017 and 2018, respectively. In looking at the top music of 2019, we believe that instead of letting the Grammy Awards—a committee who does not know anything about... Read more

January 16, 2020 Best Albums Of 2019

Here Are Ambrosia For Heads’ Top 25 Rap Albums Of The Decade

In the final hours of a decade, Ambrosia For Heads presents our Top 25 Hip-Hop Albums. The 2010s were a wild ride, with an onslaught of important new voices, and incredible maturation from veteran MCs. It was a 10-year span where artists and songs were discovered new places (including the... Read more

December 30, 2019 Best Rap Album 2010s

Ambrosia For Heads’ Top 15 Hip-Hop Albums Of 2019 List

It is that season when “best of” lists abound and, in a year that featured some remarkable music from artists across the landscape, 2019 kept Hip-Hop fans on the edge of our seats. There were reunions, surprise collaborations, and show-stopping debut albums. The year also featured innovative label compilations, unexpected... Read more

December 18, 2019 Best Albums Of 2019

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

Talib Kweli Says The New Black Star Album With Madlib Is Done

Nearly two years ago, Yasiin Bey spilled the beans that Black Star was at work on a sophomore album. In February of 2018, the artist formerly known as Mos Def told Colorado audiences that he and Talib Kweli were working on an album with Madlib. “New Black Star with Madlib, Talib... Read more

November 7, 2019 Fresh, Video

MF DOOM Says He & Madlib Have Recorded Several Albums Worth Of Songs

This past weekend, Madvillain's Madvillainy celebrated its 15th-anniversary. Having released on March 23, 2004, the union of Madlib and MF DOOM marked a transformative moment in the careers of two Hip-Hop veterans with a passion for reinvention, character creation, and wildly inventive Rap music. Both of these artists rarely speak... Read more

March 25, 2019 Fresh

Peanut Butter Wolf Speaks About Parting Ways With Madlib & Egon

Stones Throw Records founder Peanut Butter Wolf is the latest guest on Questlove Supreme. Taped in Los Angeles, California, the episode finds Questlove, Phonte, Boss Bill, Laiya, Suga Steve asking the San Jose native Chris Manak about his label and its incredible catalog. Highlights include specific discussion on Lootpack's Soundpieces:... Read more

March 21, 2019 Audio

Madlib Previews Some Of The Music He Made With Mac Miller

UPDATE: Following the recent footage of Madlib playing some unreleased collaborative music with Mac Miller, his team has released a statement. Rapp Cats, a California-based store and label run by Madlib’s manager and business partner, Eothen “Egon” Alapatt published a statement today (March 20). "What exists is what the two... Read more

March 19, 2019 Trending Stories, Video

Madlib And Mac Miller Have An Unreleased Joint Album

Several Hip-Hop artists have been at work on special projects at the time of their passing. In the last year of his life, Tupac had begun recording a One Nation project that involved his Outlawz, as well as East Coast Rap luminaries including Buckshot, Smif-n-Wessun, and Greg Nice, among others.... Read more

February 20, 2019 News

Anderson .Paak’s New Album Will Have A Beat By Madlib & Dr. Dre

On Anderson .Paak's Grammy-nominated 2016 Malibu album, the Oxnard, California singer, MC, producer, and drummer worked with a who's who of great Hip-Hop producers. 9th Wonder shared production billing on the debut double-single "The Season / Carry Me" with Callum Connor. "Room In Here" was handled by Pac Div's Like,... Read more

September 7, 2018 Fresh

Talib Kweli Discusses The Genius Of Madvillainy & Its Impact On Hip-Hop (Audio)

Last month, Madvillain's album celebrated its 14th birthday. In the early 2000s, MF DOOM and Madlib formed the group and recorded Madvillainy in the latter's bomb shelter studio in Glendale, California. The resulting Stones Throw Records album was a game-changer in the careers of two elusive, decorated veterans, both creatively... Read more

April 23, 2018 Audio, Exclusive

Royce 5’9 & DJ Premier Considered Madlib For PRhyme. They Can Rock It Regardless (Video)

Last Sunday night (February 25), Royce 5'9 and DJ Premier unveiled the tracklist for March 16's PRhyme 2 album. The LP is confirmed to involve Rapsody, Big K.R.I.T., 2 Chainz, and Yelawolf. It is a cast (also including CeeLo Green) that seemingly favors southern voices. Already, PRhyme 2's first video... Read more

February 28, 2018 Video

A Near 500-Song Mix Showcases The Magnificent History Of West Coast Hip-Hop (Audio)

West Coast Hip-Hop is incredible. So many of its pioneers are still making albums, doing shows, and adding to their legacy. As a tribute to the Left Coast immense contributions to Hip-Hop, Take It Personal Radio has compiled a four-part episode dedicated to gangsta and underground Rap classics from the... Read more

November 4, 2017 Audio, Mixes

Finding The GOAT Producer: J Dilla vs. Madlib. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer," the third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no... Read more

February 7, 2017 Finding the GOAT

Finding The GOAT Producer: Madlib vs. Prince Paul. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer” begins. The third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no deserving... Read more

January 12, 2017 Finding the GOAT

Madvillain Returns With A Full Version Of A Song That’s A Blizzard Of Bars (Audio)

It has been more than a dozen years since Madvillain released its debut album. DOOM and Madlib made as interesting (and complementary) a duo as any in Hip-Hop since. The Stones Records tandem dropped Madvillainy, which served as a subpoena to all those sleeping on DOOM for the 15 years... Read more

December 15, 2016 Audio

Kazi’s Madlib-Produced 1996 Song “To Be Lost” Gets A Video 20 Years Later

In 1996, Madlib's career was taking shape. In addition to his spot in Lootpack, the Oxnard, California producer/MC was selling tracks to Tha Alkaholiks and Boot Camp Clik's O.G.C. Appearing on albums, the dusty beats from Otis Williams, Jr. were alluring. He was welcomed to the burgeoning Likwit Crew, alongside... Read more

December 8, 2016 Video

The Mystery of Madlib Revealed In His Most In-Depth Video Interview

Certain Hip-Hop artists go to an extreme to avoid the media. Dr. Dre and Eminem are two of the more selective artists, who often shun easily-available press, even during album cycles. Kanye West, Drake, and even DOOM will do interviews more regularly, albeit when convenient for themselves. One artist, who... Read more

May 23, 2016 Video

Freddie Gibbs & Madlib Announce Sophomore Collabo Album

In March of 2014, Freddie Gibbs & Madlib released Pinata. A Top 40 release on the Madlib Invazion imprint, the album would be a chart pinnacle for both veteran artists. With Gibbs rhyming over Madlib beats, the release featured the likes of Scarface, Raekwon, and Mac Miller, among many guests.... Read more

May 8, 2016 News

Madvillain’s Madvillainy vs. A Tribe Called Quest’s Midnight Marauders. Which Is Better?

One year ago, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: who is the greatest MC of all time? “Finding The GOAT MC” lasted between September 2014 and May 2015, engaging millions of readers and ultimately producing its winner, as... Read more

March 10, 2016 Finding the GOAT

De La Soul’s 3 Feet High And Rising vs. Madvillain’s Madvillainy. Which Is Better?

One year ago, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: who is the greatest MC of all time? “Finding The GOAT MC” lasted between September 2014 and May 2015, engaging millions of readers and ultimately producing its winner, as... Read more

February 17, 2016 Finding the GOAT

This 1997 Underground Hip-Hop Radio Show Includes A Rare Madlib Freestyle (Audio)

In late 1997, Madlib was a fledgling MC/producer. The Oxnard, California artist had laced a handful of joints for Tha Alkaholiks and Boot Camp Clik's O.G.C, while trying to get his Lootpack group off. In those days, as expected, not a lot of people were yet checking for the would-be... Read more

January 30, 2016 Mixes, Throwback

J. Cole’s 2014 Forest Hills Drive vs. Madvillain’s Madvillainy. Which Is Better?

One year ago, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: who is the greatest MC of all time? “Finding The GOAT MC” lasted between September 2014 and May 2015, engaging millions of readers and ultimately producing its winner, as... Read more

January 28, 2016 Finding the GOAT

Kanye West’s First Kendrick Lamar & Madlib Collabo Is Worth The Wait (Audio)

"I know some fans thought I wouldn't rap like this again / But the writers block is over, MCs cancel your plans." - Kanye West Last Friday (January 8) Kanye West showcased the 2016 return of "G.O.O.D. Fridays" in the Ty Dolla $ign assisted-"Real Friends." After the song finished playing... Read more

January 18, 2016 Audio

Quasimoto’s Song About Tired Feet Still Gets Heads Moving To The Beat (Video)

Today, vocal effects are commonplace with rappers and MCs. Future, Kanye West, and Nicki Minaj are all artists who have used special effects. Fifteen years ago, this trend—in Hip-Hop, was not so prevalent. In the summer of 2000, Quasimoto came forward with a full-length album. After making an appearance on... Read more

January 14, 2016 Do Remember

Madvillain’s Madvillainy vs. Cannibal Ox’s The Cold Vein. Which Is Better?

One year ago, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: who is the greatest MC of all time? “Finding The GOAT MC” lasted between September 2014 and May 2015, engaging millions of readers and ultimately producing its winner, as... Read more

January 6, 2016 Finding the GOAT

Rediscover Madlib’s Yesterdays’ New Quintet Thanks To Stones Throw (Audio)

Madlib. Quasimoto. The Loop Digga. The man born Otis Jackson, Jr. has many names, identities, and personas. Back in the early 2000s, one of Madlib quietly emerged with one of his most illusive groups, Yesterday's New Quintet. A consummate sampler, Madlib began experimenting with a Fender Rhodes keyboard. As Stones... Read more

March 26, 2015 Throwback

Blu & MED Release a Mixtape Strictly for the Underground. No Fakers Allowed (Audio)

While they're both old soul MCs, both Blu and MED utilize the digital age to the fullest. The two sunny Southern California lyricists release music at a pace that would make 2Pac proud. Whether the albums are on major labels, legendary indies, or bootlegged by the men who made them,... Read more

February 28, 2015 Audio

Action Bronson, Joey Bada$$ & Ransom Hop On Freddie Gibbs & Madlib’s Knicks Remix (Audio)

If a few months made you forget how incredible Freddie Gibbs & Madlib's Pinata was, this remix of "Knicks" is a reminder with sharp elbows like Charles Oakley. Those 'bows come in the form of a new Gibbs verse (where Gary, Indiana's own doesn't mince words about the Ferguson, Missouri... Read more

October 20, 2014 Audio, Fresh

This Madlib Soul Sounds Like The Perfect Mos Def Or Jay Z Beat (Audio)

Madlib is at work on his first soundtrack, The Beats. Included is the effortlessly titled "Cue 4." This sample-built creation is smoother and more cyclical than Madlib creations. Sounding like a mid-1970s Soul breakdown, a Head can easily grasp why it's the perfect inclusion for a film, such as say—Our... Read more

August 19, 2014 Audio, Fresh

How About Some Weird & Powerful History Around Madvillain 10 Years Later?

By 1999, MF DOOM began a comeback of superhero proportions. Once a major label artist, ZevLoveX of KMD had a core fanbase, but was (rather ironically), not a highly recognizable figure of Hip-Hop in face or name. After the tragic death of his brother Subroc, DOOM was born. Inspired by... Read more

August 15, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

For Harold’s, Freddie Gibbs Throws His Pinata Party Right In Indiana (Video)

With Freddie Gibbs & Madlib's Pinata still a popular favorite in the discussion of 2014's best Hip-Hop albums, they release their latest visuals. The single "Harold's" was one of the LP's stronger points. The track referenced a Midwestern fried chicken restaurant and used it as an illustration for the streets... Read more

August 5, 2014 Fresh, Video

Headbang-Out To Madlib’s Latest Rock Konducta Jam, Black Dreams (Audio)

Madlib's abyssal crates spawned the latest in his Beat Konducta series. As "Rock Konducta," Otis Jackson, Jr. explores his Rockier side, after dabblings in Reggae, Soul, Jazz, Blues, Dancehall, and of course, Hip-Hop. "Black Dreams (Sludge Fight)" takes on that Punk aesthetic, as 'Lib freaks 90 seconds of slamming guitars... Read more

June 11, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Freddie Gibbs Shows The Crime & The Punishment On The Madlib-Produced Deeper (Video)

Freddie Gibbs & Madlib's Pinata is still dropping jewels since being busted back in March. One of the album's earliest singles, "Deeper" is Freddie Gibbs' storytelling at his finest, with a signature Madlib concoction of Soul, Funk, and avant-garde Jazz. For the visual, the ESGN (Evil Seeds Grow Naturally) family... Read more

June 3, 2014 Fresh, Video

Watch The Drummer Get Wicked! Madlib Makes A Beat On The Drums, Turntables & Pads (Video)

When Heads of a certain age were young, we watched Grandmixer DST cut it up in Herbie Hancock's legendary video to "Rockit." That single moment, putting scratching and cutting in the mainstream (Herbie would later score awards galore for the fresh LP), prompted many DJs to gravitate towards the record... Read more

April 10, 2014 Fresh, Video

Madlib Goes Rock & Roll On Hold The Organ (Audio)

When Hip-Hop producers get their Rock on, the response is strong. Whether it's the early days of Rick Rubin on LPs from LL Cool J, Public Enemy and Run-DMC, or contemporary efforts like Just Blaze's "PSA" and Kanye West's "Takeover" for Jay Z, Just's "Come On, Baby" for Saigon, and... Read more

December 5, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Marco Polo Teams With Gangrene & DJ Romes To Craft A Strange Brew (Audio)

Marco Polo's PA 2: The Director's Cut is available for purchase now on Soulspazm Records. The Canadian-born producer who has released LPs with Duck Down and Rawkus Records linked with King T, MC Eiht, Last Emperor, Lil Fame, and tons more for his follow-up to '07's Port Authority. One of... Read more

November 21, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Madlib Drops A 55-Minute Live Free-Form Mix For Boiler Room (Audio)

Like his JayLib brother Dilla, one of Madlib's greatest attributes is his nonchalance. Like Afrika Bambaataa & DJ Jazzy Jay, 'Lib will play anything he feels like, from foreign breaks to Gospel to Children's music. He also has a deep penchant for album-cuts from Kurupt, Teflon, and Jadakiss. So when... Read more

November 7, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Blu, MED & Mayer Hawthorne Link With Madlib For The Buzz (Audio)

Three Stones Throw Records artists (past and present) link with another staple of the Southern California independent scene (who was signed to a major label briefly). In more specific terms, MED and Mayer Hawthorne hop on a Madlib beat to be joined by Blu. "The Buzz" lives up its name,... Read more

November 5, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Madlib The Beat Konducta Provides A Psychedelic Time Machine Interlude In Black Widow (Audio)

Much has been written about J Dilla's Donuts. Seemingly, it's the most-discussed instrumental Hip-Hop project since DJ Shadow's Entroducing. With volumes upon volumes of "Beat Konducta" albums, it's disheartening that Madlib's works are often picked and chosen, as far as acclaim and notoriety. Now veering into a "Rock Konducta" series,... Read more

October 15, 2013 Audio, Fresh