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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

The 14 Best Hip-Hop Releases So Far In 2018 (Audio & Video)

Approaching 2018’s midpoint, the year has been absolutely incredible for Hip-Hop and Rap music. For many artists, the album is now shorter than it has ever been. Releases are more concentrated and digestible than they have been been in decades. Moreover, the MC/producer double-threat is winning, as is the chemistry... Read more

Nas Finally Releases His Album…For Real This Time (Audio)

It's been six years since Nas fans were presented a full album from one of Hip-Hop's most revered lyricists. In that time, the MC has remained focused on his business ventures, including a media company, record label, TV and film production, Sweet Chick restaurants, and a massively successful equity firm.... Read more

Black Milk Put Out One Of The Best Albums Of The Year. Here’s A Reminder (Video)

Black Milk is embarking on his Fever Tour and to keep the momentum going while he's out hyping up crowds, he released the video for "Could It Be" from his latest (and celebrated) album Fever. Directed by the Detroit native himself, with assistance from Gerard Victor, the visual portrays three... Read more

Pusha-T Confirms Nas’ Album Is Coming Next Month & Reveals What To Expect (Video)

In less than 11 hours from now, Pusha-T (as he currently stylizes it) will unveil a long-awaited project. He publicly stated the seven-song collection "is for my family...high taste level, luxury, drug raps fans." Details have emerged that an EP titled Daytona will feature Rick Ross and Kanye West, plus... Read more

Nas Sets Up His New Album With 1 Of His Best Verses In Ages (Audio)

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So…let AFH fight 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 are we able to go back... Read more

Though Nas Has His Back, Dave East Shows He Can Prosper On His Own (Video)

Dave East presented fans with his Paranoia 2 mixtape at the top of the year. It contains 15 tracks and features from T.I., Lloyd Banks, Tory Lanez, and others. Aside from the Harlem native's knack for ear-catching bars is his ability to release a steady stream of videos off of... Read more

Finding The GOAT Group: Dilated Peoples vs. Jurassic 5. 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

Finding The GOAT Group: Slaughterhouse vs. Run The Jewels. 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

Dave East Sets It Off With A Single That Rings The Alarm (Audio)

Dave East has become one of the most prolific artists of the last five years, especially on the level he has reached. After last year's Def Jam debut Paranoia: A True Story, Dave kept the momentum going by linking up with DJ Holiday and dropping his Karma mixtape a few... Read more

Black Milk Has A New Album Coming. The New Single Is No Joke (Video)

UPDATE: Black Milk has released the video to "Laugh Now, Cry Later." The visual plays on the social media concept of the song. The producer/MC also makes an appearance in the video he directed: JANUARY 17 STORY: In 2014, Detroit's Black Milk released If There's A Hell Below, arguably his... Read more

Nas & The National Symphony Are Taking Illmatic From QB To The Kennedy Center (Video)

Back in 1994, Nas' debut Illmatic peaked at #12 on the charts. The commercial performance was highly respectable for an emerging Rap artist, but Hip-Hop Heads who heard and loved the album knew those 10 songs meant so much more than any chart, music review, or record store display could... Read more

Fashawn Is An Introspective Gangsta Rapper & Demonstrates Both Sides (Video)

Fashawn rose to form through 2009's acclaimed Boy Meets World, produced by Exile. The Fresno, California MC used that album to discuss poverty, rotating father figures, and a deep introspective take on the world around him, through the eyes of his younger self. However, on both his Grizzly City mixtapes... Read more

Ezri Turns A Simple Trip To The Store Into An Epic Music Video

Cleveland, Ohio native Ezri (formerly known as "Ezzy") has been amassing an entertainment career for some time now. After displaying his acting abilities on hit television show Empire and IFC Films’ The Land, he went back to the basics with music to give his supporters a fearless sound. Be Right... Read more

Large Professor Supplies Fashawn With A Vintage Beat & He Skates On It (Video)

Decked out in a red t-shirt supporting one of Mobb Deep's favorite spirits and bandana as a sign of respect to the “late, great Prodigy, The H.N.I.C,” Fashawn takes to Flushing, Queens with a local, Large Professor, in this new eponymous visual. One of XXL magazine’s 2010 Freshmen, Fashawn has... Read more

Jazzy Jeff Shows He’s Not Just A DJ. He’s A Master Producer Too (Video)

DJ Jazzy Jeff is not just one of Hip-Hop's most celebrated turntablists and party-rocking DJs, he's a highly accomplished producer. The West Philly force was behind the sounds on those acclaimed, Grammy Award-winning moments alongside The Fresh Prince. In the years since, Jeff has unleashed a series of celebrated albums,... Read more

Large Professor Helped Take Nas Over The Top. Now He Tries It With Fashawn (Audio)

In the early 1990s, Large Professor was a master mentor to fellow young MCs. While the Main Source front-man was pivoting to his solo career, he mentored Nas, Akinyele, and Organized Konfusion, among others. Starting with "Live At The Barbeque" in 1991, it was clear by Illmatic that Nas had... Read more

Fashawn’s Mother Amerikkka Shows A Nation Neglecting 1 Of Its Native Sons (Video)

In less than a month, Fashawn will release his Manna EP (August 18). In preparation, the Fresno, California veteran drops a charged video that looks at the flaws of our nation, especially in its treatment of people of color. The MC creates a metaphor where he is a malnourished son,... Read more

Wu-Tang Is Forever. Check The Mathematics Behind The Clan’s 20 Year Old Double LP

This weekend (June 3) marks 20 years since Wu-Tang Clan released its sophomore album, Wu-Tang Forever. While GZA may have kicked the science to "Make it brief, son: half short and twice strong" on album cut "As High As Wu-Tang Get," this 1997 album was indeed potent, but far from... Read more

Nas, Ghostface Killah & Just Blaze To Headline 2017 A3C Festival

2017 marks 13 years of A3C. The Hip-Hop festival and conference in Atlanta, Georgia has announced its headliners and confirmed performers for this year (taking place October 4-8). With an album done (and possibly released ahead of his A3C concert), Nas is the headliner. After more than 25 years on... Read more

Your Old Droog Explains Why He Did Not Stop Rumors That He Was Nas (Video)

For those who've been following Brooklyn, New York's Your Old Droog since the infancy of his career, the now-infamous Nas rumors are as much a part of his early brand as is his tremendous talent as an MC. With a flow, cadence, and an ear for beats that made comparing... Read more

Dave East & Beanie Sigel Say They Stand For Real Raps In An Era Of Fakery (Video)

Dave East's Kairi Chanel album features a number of veteran supporters. Cam'ron, Fabolous, and 2 Chainz all believe in the East Harlem MC, and want to make music with him. Another artist is Beanie Sigel. Heard on "The Real Is Back," Beans cosigns Dave. Like Sigel during his late '90s,... Read more

Nas Still Carries Rhymes In His Pockets. Greatness Is Never Done (Video)

In 2002, Nas released the Alchemist-produced song "Book Of Rhymes." Within, the Queens, New York MC rapped bits and pieces from stored composition books of verses. Whether or not that moment was staged or real, it appears that Nasir Jones still literally carries his rhymes with him. More than 25... Read more

DJ Red Alert Offers Some Deep History About Why The Bridge Wars Really Started (Video)

Hip-Hop's biggest story-line in March of 2017 is a Bronx MC apparently responding to an MC from Queens on the microphone in back-to-back disses. Thirty years ago today (March 3, 1987), that tactic was introduced by Boogie Down Productions' two-song arsenal on Criminal Minded used against MC Shan, producer Marley... Read more

Main Source Discuss The Impact Of Breaking Atoms, 25 Years Later (Video)

This month, Main Source's Large Professor and K-Cut reunited for their first concert together in 25 years. With Cut's brother Sir Scratch, the three men made what is widely considered a classic album in 1991's Breaking Atoms. That LP introduced the world to Large Pro's sharp lyricism, as well as Nas,... Read more

Finding The GOAT Producer: Alchemist vs. RZA. 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

Finding The GOAT Producer: Alchemist vs. Mannie Fresh. 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

Alchemist & DJ Muggs Win The Wild Card Battle To Join Finding The GOAT Producer

“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 have been reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no deserving beat... Read more

Nas To Executive Produce “Street Dreams” Biographical Television Series

Approaching 21 years after he made his second album, It Was Written with top single "Street Dreams," these titles remain powerful statements in the life and career of Nas. After production and writing involvement in recent Netflix series The Get Down as well as film The Land (and its corresponding... Read more

Dave East’s “It Was Written” Details The Journey That Led Him To Nas (Video)

One of the true jewels of Dave East's patient career is "It Was Written." The opening track to 2016's Top 40 Kairi Chanel album showed that Dave did not need to write a story to make convincing raps. The Harlem, New Yorker looks within and traces his journey from hustling,... Read more

Boldy James’ Comeback EP Featuring Kool G Rap Is A Welcomed Return (Audio)

When Nas invested in Mass Appeal Records, Boldy James was one the artists he began touting shortly after. The Detroit, Michigan street MC worked with Prodigy, Action Bronson, Odd Future, and extensive work with Alchemist. While he was extremely prolific in the early 2010s, Boldy slowed his roll over the... Read more

Outkast Affiliate Mr. DJ Makes A Funky Beat In Stankonia Using Dilla’s Donuts (Video)

Outkast Heads know Mr. DJ. Not only is the Georgia veteran the mixmaster on stage when Andre 3000 and Big Boi do their rare shows, he's been with the group for more than 20 years. Mr. DJ is also the third member of Earthtone III (fka Earthtone Ideas), the production... Read more

Dave East Is A Dose Of Reality In An Era Of Rap Distractions (Video)

Whether it goes down in history as a mixtape or an album, Dave East's Kairi Chanel left a lasting mark on 2016. Mass Appeal Records' Harlem, New Yorker artist inked a deal with Def Jam partnership. Upon the '16 announcement, he waited one day to release 15 tracks featuring Fabolous,... Read more

10 Years Later, Nas Says He “Missed The Mark” When He Declared Hip-Hop Is Dead (Video)

A decade ago this week (December 19, 2006), Nas released his eighth solo album, Hip Hop Is Dead. The MC's first outing with Def Jam Records (with foe-turned-friend Jay Z at the helm) debuted at #1. Nasir released a title track, denouncing the culture he loved as a 15-year professional... Read more

Statik Selektah Remixes Some Older Dave East That Shows The Talent Nas Saw (Audio)

Today, Dave East is an MC who is cosigned by Nas, backed by Mass Appeal, and working with a who's who of Hip-Hop. In 2014, the Harlem, New Yorker was simply talented, hungry, and looking to kick in the industry door. At that time, he released video single "Stretched Out"... Read more

Jim Jones & Dave East Fly High In Harlem (Video)

Dating back to Hip-Hop's first gold-selling solo MC, Kurtis Blow, Harlem has been integral. In the 1980s, that meant folks like Kurtis, Doug E. Fresh, and Spoonie Gee. For the 1990s, that flare was upheld through artists like Puff Daddy, Big L, Ma$e, Cam'ron, and more. In the 2000s, Cam'ron's... Read more

Run The Jewels Release The First Single From RTJ3 & It’s Another All-Out Assault (Audio)

It has been two years to the month since Killer Mike and El-P released RTJ2. The pay-if-you-wish encore set from the Atlanta-to-Brooklyn super-duo came at a time where both MCs' careers benefited from each other, and making some of the biggest music of their lengthy tenures. RTJ3 now appears upon... Read more

Puff Daddy Credits Nas With Saving Hip-Hop & More In A Bold Tribute Speech (Video)

More than 15 years ago, Nas and Puff Daddy made a triumphant anthem together in "Hate Me Now." Appearing on Nas' third album, I Am... the record symbolically closed out the 1990s with an MC once allocated to the Underground shining as a reigning figure of Hip-Hop. Although Nas and... Read more

Run The Jewels & DJ Shadow Give New Meaning To Political Warfare (Video)

Run The Jewels has a standing reputation for incredible music videos. As independent artists, Killer Mike and El-P have been able to make bold statements that match their cutting lyrics and pounding beats. Teaming with DJ Shadow for The Mountain Will Fall single "Nobody Speak," the rep is all the... Read more

45 King Gives His Rhythm Roulette Records A Truly Hard Knock (Video)

45 King is one of the most active Hip-Hop producers of 2016 who can say he was making hit records in the 1980s. He joins Dr. Dre, EPMD, Marley Marl, Prince Paul, Large Professor, and a very select few in that elite class. The New Jersey native has always had... Read more

Dave East’s Latest Freestyle Emphatically States His Place In The Game (Video)

Dave East links with Funkmaster Flex for a video freestyle. There, the Harlem, New Yorker locks in for an extended series of bars that combines his hunger for more, with his formative past. In his zone, the Nas co-signed MC is clearly influenced by the mid-2000s mixtape wave of emphatic... Read more

Nipsey Hussle & Dave East Go Back To Their Rugged Roots, With Clarity (Audio)

Nipsey Hussle's Marathon Mondays push on—with no finish line in sight. The Los Angeles, California veteran joins another highly-prolific MC in Dave East for "Clarity." This song finds these two street-wise men (along with Bino Rideaux) going back to the tense, high-stakes environments that raised them. For Nip', those were... Read more

Bishop Nehru Touches A Jazzy Jeff Track & It’s Magnificent (Audio)

Bishop Nehru is an artist who clearly respects his Hip-Hop forefathers. Early in the Lex Records artist's career, he linked with DOOM (f/k/a MF DOOM) for a full-length project. Also down with the Mass Appeal label, it was reported in late 2014 that Nas would executive produce the MC's upcoming... Read more

Da Beatminerz Show How They Made Those Thunderous Boot Camp Clik Beats (Video)

DJ Evil Dee and Mr. Walt are one of the most successful brotherly groups in Hip-Hop. As Da Beatminerz, the Brooklyn, New York record clerks-turned-DJ/producers have laced ageless knocking beats for Smif-n-Wessun, The Roots, Mos Def, and of course Black Moon (which Evil is one-third of). From Academy Records to... Read more

Killer Mike Explains Why The Trap Does Not Make Dollars Or Sense (Video)

One of the pivotal records of Killer Mike's career was his appearance on Outkast's "Snappin' & Trappin'." Right as the mainstream erupted around 2000's Stankonia release, Mike came in with a song that celebrated the street-life of Atlanta, Georgia and its surrounding hoods. Sixteen years later, Killer Mike's personality has... Read more

The Game & Dave East Venture Into a World Where Bad Boy Is On Death Row (Audio)

2016 is proving to be Dave East's best year of his career - by leaps and bounds. The New York City MC who was signed by Nas has been a prominent fixture on the mixtape circuit since 2010, all of which have been lending some serious buzz regarding the arrival of a full-length studio... Read more

A New Documentary On The Making Of J Dilla’s “The Diary” Features The Man, Himself (Video)

While not his first posthumous album, J Dilla's The Diary stands apart from those of the past. The Mass Appeal and PayJay collaboration on the sixth J Dilla album since his 2006 death is comprised entirely of unissued material but what makes it more unique is its inclusion of the late... Read more

J Dilla, Nas & Madlib’s Visual Is So Sick It’s Hallucinogenic (Video)

A week and a half ago, J Dilla's The Diary album finally released. Ten years after the producer/MC's death, his family and the Nas-backed Mass Appeal Records delivered an album that began in 2001 to the fans at last. The final Dilla vocal album, this was what was on James... Read more

One Of J Dilla’s Most Respected Collaborative Peers Makes A Beat From Scratch In His Style (Video)

Nottz and J Dilla had a colorful history. Both production purists, these MC/producer double-threats each benefited from the support of Busta Rhymes, Skillz, and Ghostface Killah placements at critical career junctures. Thereby, the artists from Norfolk, Virginia and Detroit, Michigan (respectively) ended up on a few albums together. More than... Read more

Rapsody’s Superhero Draws On Kindness, Inner-Beauty & One Bad Chariot (Video)

Most people have visions of superhero grandeur. Hip-Hop artists from Curren$y to Raekwon have described theirs. Rapsody's superhero alter-ego would be known simply as "Queen Rap'." Just as her albums The Idea Of Beautiful and Beauty And The Beast have done with sharp lyricism, the North Carolina MC would use... Read more