Philadelphia ArchivesAmbrosia For Heads

Stretch & Bobbito Release An Album That Honors Some Of Hip-Hop’s Building Blocks

Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Garcia are legends in the culture of Hip-Hop. The duo began their careers in radio on Columbia University’s WKCR radio station. Their late-night show helped jump-start iconic Rap careers by featuring the then-unsigned likes of Nas, JAY-Z, Wu-Tang Clan, Eminem, Big L, Biggie Smalls, Fugees, Big... Read more

January 17, 2020 Audio, Video

This 1998 Black Thought & Common Freestyle Is An Incredible Hip-Hop Moment In Time

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania's own DJ Cosmo Baker is known worldwide for his connection to Hip-Hop and Neo-Soul, frequently creating classic party series such as The Rub and The Remedy. The latter, which he hosted alongside DJ Rich Medina, helped to spotlight artists such as The Roots, J Dilla, Jill Scott, and... Read more

November 23, 2019 Audio, Throwback, Throwback

Meek Mill Is Finally Free. His 12-Year Legal Battle Comes To An End (Video)

Last month, with an overturned conviction, Meek Mill was removed from probation after spending a decade between incarceration and court-mandated regulations. Following July's development of a new presiding judge and the removal of probation, Meek had been awaiting word surrounding a possible re-trial of his 2007 arrest in his hometown... Read more

August 27, 2019 News, Video

Meek Mill’s Conviction Has Been Overturned & He Is Off Probation

Today (July 24) in a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania courthouse, Meek Mill's 2008 conviction was overturned. After a hearing in the appeals court, the 32-year-old rapper will receive a new trial, as he tells his fans and supporters that he is no longer on probation. Following a 2007 arrest for drug and... Read more

July 24, 2019 News

Bahamadia Makes A Statement For Gender Equality & She Will Not Be Ignored (Video)

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Rap veteran Bahamadia has been busy making music since her Gang Starr co-signed 1996 debut album, Kollage. Since then, she has been featured alongside the likes of The Roots, Jedi Mind Tricks, and Erykah Badu. Two years ago, Bahamdaia produced an entire EP, Dialed Up 2, strictly through... Read more

July 13, 2019 Video

Meek Mill Is Getting A Chance To Prove His Innocence In Front Of A New Court & Judge

For more than a decade, Meek Mill's freedom has rested in the hands of a single judge, Genece Brinkley. After multiple lengthy stays behind bars (including one that just ended in 2018), Meek, Roc Nation, his record company, legal team, and legions of fans have campaigned that the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania... Read more

June 5, 2019 News, Video

Rhymefest Reveals Black Thought’s Secret To Writing Those Monster Rhymes

Chicago, Illinois MC, songwriter, activist, and actor Rhymefest recently appeared on Ebro In The Morning. The Oscar, Grammy, and Golden Globe Award-winner spoke on several topics, including a recent appearance on Keeping Up With The Kardashians. Following a public 2018 dispute surrounding the condition of Donda's House, a community and arts... Read more

April 4, 2019 Video

Some Of Hip-Hop’s Top MCs Mourn Philadelphia Battle Rapper Tech 9

The Hip-Hop community is mourning the death of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Battle Rap veteran Tech 9 (aka Akeen Mickens). He is survived by a daughter. Details are still forthcoming in this developing story. “Sadly it’s true. We lost a Philadelphia and Battle Rap legend and pioneer,” fellow competitive MC Buttah Madison... Read more

March 25, 2019 News

Meek Mill Wants To Get 1 Million People Out Of The Prison System

Last Friday (November 30), Meek Mill released his fourth album, Championships. The Maybach Music Group/Atlantic Records release is the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania MC's first project since leaving prison in April on bail. That time incarcerated is a theme of the album which features JAY-Z, Rick Ross, Drake, Fabolous, and Cardi B,... Read more

December 6, 2018 Lifestyle, News, 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

Black Thought Explains Why Kool G Rap’s “Road To The Riches” Is His Favorite Verse (Video)

In 2004, The Roots released their sixth album, The Tipping Point. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania group's final album for Geffen Records contained an Easter egg of sorts for Hip-Hop Heads. The Dice Raw-assisted "Boom!" featured band front-man Black Thought paying homage to two of his MC inspirations: Big Daddy Kane and... Read more

August 6, 2018 Video

Finding The GOAT Group: The Roots vs. Atmosphere. 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

July 25, 2018 Best Hip-Hop Group, Finding the GOAT

Scott Storch Explains His Role On Dr. Dre’s 2001 & Defends Dre’s Production Contributions (Video)

Scott Storch's documentary Still Storch reveals a lot of things about the producer. On the surface, the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native is talented and was able to use his ability as a musician to create some of the biggest hits of the late '90s and 2000s. He also let the fortune... Read more

July 20, 2018 Video

Will Smith Reacts To The 65′ Mural Of Him Made For A West Philadelphia School (Video)

Will Smith name-checking West Philadelphia in the theme song to The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air took a city section with a rich history, a vibrant culture, and a no-nonsense reputation and made it known—at least by name—in the mainstream. From the Overbrook neighborhood, Smith and business partner James Lassiter named... Read more

July 2, 2018 Lifestyle, Video

In 2005, Beanie Sigel Teamed With Method Man & Heavy D For 1 Of His Realest Releases (Video)

During the early 2000s, Roc-A-Fella Records was one of the music industry's driving forces. Within the empire, JAY-Z was the boss, Kanye West was the creative, Cam'ron was the street-savvy comedian. Meanwhile, Beanie Sigel became the enforcer of the R-O-C. By Y2K, New York City-based Roc-A-Fella took a strong interest... Read more

June 28, 2018 Do Remember

Meek Mill Uses His Freedom To Deliver The Year’s Most Powerful Performance (Video)

Moments ago, Meek Mill took the stage at the 2018 BET Awards. Just several weeks since being released from prison, the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania MC was introduced by Black Thought, Questlove, Kevin Hart, and Lil Uzi Vert (who calls the MC by his early hometown mixtape name "Meek Millz"), with statistics... Read more

June 24, 2018 Video

The Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl Party Continues…But Not At The White House

Usually, when the NFL sees a Super Bowl champion, that winning team is invited to the White House. After the Philadelphia Eagles' Super Bowl win earlier this year, the White House continued its tradition of inviting national championship winners to celebrate at our nation's capital. However, the Eagles are the... Read more

June 4, 2018 Lifestyle, Video

DJ Premier Postpones “PRhyme 2” Tour Dates To Care For His Father

DJ Premier has revealed that he and Royce Da 5'9, his partner in PRhyme, must prematurely postpone the remainder of their PRhyme 2 Tour due to his father's declining health. The Gang Starr member released the following statement to fans, as told to Ambrosia For Heads: "Throughout the duration of my... Read more

June 4, 2018 News

Meek Mill Is Using His New Platform To Be An Advocate For Criminal Justice Reform (Video)

Meek Mill was released from prison late last month, and he has been on a mission ever since. The platinum, #1-charting Philadelphia MC was the focus of an NBC special Dateline episode that aired Sunday (May 6). Filmed just 18 hours after his April 24 release from a prison cell,... Read more

May 8, 2018 Lifestyle, News, Video

Meek Mill Is Released From Prison On Bail

Meek Mill appears to be a free man today (April 24). The Philadelphia rapper has been incarcerated since last November and is now out on bail. Today, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ordered his immediate release from a Chester prison. Moments later, the Maybach Music Group/Atlantic Records artist returned to social... Read more

April 24, 2018 News

Patriots Owner Robert Kraft Visits Meek Mill In Prison & Calls For His Freedom

When the Philadelphia Eagles paraded their Super Bowl LII victory in the streets of the city, Meek Mill's "Dreams And Nightmares" was the soundtrack blasting from speakers. More than five years old, the intro to Meek's album of the same name had become an anthem to the 2017 Eagles. It... Read more

April 11, 2018 Lifestyle, News, Video

Meek Mill Is Free…At Least In His Powerful New Video

Although he is currently incarcerated 40 miles outside of Philadelphia, Meek Mill continues to represent for his city, and demonstrate the potency of last year's Wins & Losses album. In his latest music video, Robert Rihmeek Williams is a free man delivering some of the best art of his 15-year-music... Read more

April 10, 2018 Video

Don’t Sleep On will.i.am’s Artist LGP Qua. His Video Is Eye-Opening

will.i.am has a proven ear for talent. Outside of his 2000s uber-success with the Black Eyed Peas, Will has taken Pop acts up the charts while piloting resonant songs for Hip-Hop mainstays Too Short, Talib Kweli, Nas, and The Game. In 2018, the Peas (now will.i.am, apl.de.ap, Taboo) released the... Read more

March 27, 2018 Ready Or Not

Black Thought Can’t Let The Year End Without Spitting Its Best Freestyle (Video)

Black Thought did not release an album in 2017, nor did The Roots. However, Tariq Trotter spent the year at the top of the MC class. He sizzled the mic on albums by Logic, Rapsody, and David Banner. There was a surprise MF DOOM collaboration released, and a deeply meaningful... Read more

December 14, 2017 Video

Meek Mill Is Back In Jail Even Though The D.A. & Police Don’t Want Him There (Video)

Today (November 8), Meek Mill turned himself into processing with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. He begins a sentence ordered Monday (November 6) of two-to-four years for probation violation. Meanwhile, Meek Mill’s lawyer is upping the ante in his battle of words against the judge overseeing the case. Joe Tacopina,... Read more

November 8, 2017 Exclusive, Last 7, News, Video

Say It Ain’t So. DJ Cash Money Is Hanging Up His Turntables (Video)

DJ Cash Money is one of Hip-Hop's greatest innovators behind the wheels of steel. Today (November 7), after well over 30 years in the music and culture, the artist born Jerome Hewlett has announced that he has retired. "It's official...I'm out the game. Thank you guys for all of the... Read more

November 7, 2017 News, Video

Black Thought Is A Triple Threat. He Acts As Well As He Raps.

"I feel like whether acting or making music or visual arts or fashion, I feel like you're sort of using the same muscles, with emphasis on different elements at different times," Black Thought tells Ambrosia For Heads. It's the day after his birthday, and the man who always seems to introduce... Read more

October 12, 2017 Exclusive, Interview, TV, TV/Film

This ’96 Freestyle From Tribe, Busta, The Roots & More Packs Lines That Truly Punch (Audio)

The City of Brotherly Love has undoubtedly produced some of Hip-Hop's best MCs to ever grip the mic, and equally, some of the greatest DJs to touch the turntables. Legendary Philadelphia DJ Cash Money has an extensive resumé with memorable mixtapes to prove the latter. After making seminal 1980s 12"... Read more

September 21, 2017 Do Remember

Scholito Is Freeway’s New Rothschilds Protege & He’s Got Something Cookin’ (Video)

Philadelphia-based Scholito Envoy and his producer S Frank invaded the Hip-Hop scene connected with State Property/Roc Nation artist Freeway. Being one-third of the New Rothchilds group, 'Lito is here to make his artistry be known in the industry as a whole. Scholito is part of the new talent representing the... Read more

August 15, 2017 Ready Or Not, Video

The Roots & Bilal Give A Stunningly Powerful Performance With A Full Orchestra (Video)

Late last month, The Roots and Bilal released "It Ain't Fair." The Detroit soundtrack single is jarring, as it applies to racial and social injustice in 1967, as well as in 2017. The song and its message are not going away. This partial Soulquarians reunion is bigger than just one... Read more

August 8, 2017 TV, TV/Film, Video

The Comeback Kid: Meek Mill Has Lost Many Battles, But He Just Might Win The War (Video)

Hip-Hop Heads will soon see whether or not Kendrick Lamar's DAMN. will hold the #1 spot on the 200, or if that distinction goes to Tyler, The Creator's Flower Boy, or Meek Mill's Wins & Losses. Projections favor the latter two, which would be a first for the Odd Future front-man... Read more

July 29, 2017 Exclusive, TBD, Video

The Roots Release A Song To Humanize The Pain, Confusion & Sadness Many Feel (Audio)

Six years ago, Bilal appeared on The Roots' 10th album, undun. That Philadelphia chemistry was also not done. In the time since 2011, Bilal has heavily contributed to important Hip-Hop albums from Kendrick Lamar, Mac Miller, and Common. Now, he re-crosses paths with The Roots for a precise take on... Read more

July 27, 2017 Audio

Better Bundle Up. State Property’s Freeway & Young Chris Rap So Cold (Video)

Last month, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania's State Property appeared to largely reunite on the largest stage in close to a decade. Beanie Sigel, Freeway, Peedi Crakk, Omillio Sparks, and Need Buck lit up the BET Hip Hop Awards with a cypher that likely had a few Heads throwing up the R-O-C at... Read more

November 28, 2016 Video

Beanie Sigel Speaks The Truth. He’s Out To Put Meek Mill To Sleep. (Audio)

Rap disses seem to come in bursts these days. Before Meek Mill addresses Beanie Sigel's midweek attack "I'm Coming," his opponent has gotten even closer on "Good Night." With Sigel's new, softer spoken delivery (following a 2014 shooting), Beans is out to deliver a career lullaby to the fellow Philly... Read more

October 7, 2016 Audio

Beanie Sigel Reveals How Texts & Photos Led To Violent Beef With Meek Mill (Audio)

Following a documented altercation this past weekend, Beanie Sigel has broken his silence. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania hit-maker appeared on the latest episode of the Taxstone Podcast. There, the former Roc-A-Fella Records star broke down his changing position in the beef between The Game and Meek Mill, and why he feels... Read more

September 28, 2016 Audio

The Game Disses Meek Mill & Beanie Sigel In Their Own Backyard (Video)

When The Game was at war with former mentor and boss 50 Cent, he was not above the heavy-handed antics. In one mid-2000s DVD, the Compton, California rapper trespassed on 50's Connecticut mansion grounds, and filmed the whole thing (posted below). Game was apparently showing his former G-Unit leader that... Read more

September 27, 2016 Video

Beanie Sigel Allegedly Attacked For Saying He Wrote Lyrics For Meek Mill’s Game Diss Record (Video)

Just over one week ago, Beanie Sigel made his way into the beef between The Game and Meek Mill. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania veteran appeared alongside Meek and Dream Chasers affiliate Omelly's in their their reply to Game's "92 Bars" diss, rapping over Young. M.A.'s "Ooouuu." Beanie Sigel spit just a handful... Read more

September 26, 2016 Video

Chill Moody Has Rakim’s Attention. He Should Have Yours Too (Audio)

Hailing from the same part of Philadelphia made famous by Will Smith on "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," Chill Moody has amassed a list of accomplishments that make him a hometown hero. Having performed with veteran MCs like Freeway, been named "Best Rapper" by Philadelphia magazine, and his current status... Read more

September 8, 2016 Spotlight

Bahamadia Speaks On Artistic Integrity & Hip-Hop Womanhood, 20 Years After Kollage (Interview)

On April 2, the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania MC known as Bahamadia celebrated the 20th anniversary of her debut album, Kollage. From her early success on radio to arriving where she is now, Bahamadia carries along with her the observations made along the way. However, the major milestones in her career are... Read more

April 4, 2016 Food for Thought

Bahamadia Speaks On Artistic Integrity & Hip-Hop Womanhood, 20 Years After Kollage (Interview)

On April 2, the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania MC known as Bahamadia celebrated the 20th anniversary of her debut album, Kollage. From her early success on radio to arriving where she is now, Bahamadia carries along with her the observations made along the way. However, the major milestones in her career are not always... Read more

March 31, 2016 Food for Thought

Bahamadia’s “Uknowhowwedu” Remains an Undeniably Groovy Jam, More Than 20 Years Later (Video)

Nearly twenty years ago - on April 2, 1996 - Philadelphia MC Bahamadia dropped her debut album Kollage, an oft-overlooked classic by a uniquely feminine artist whose lyrical style and tonality were unlike anything else her contemporaries were releasing. With DJ Premier production credits on five of its tracks, Her... Read more

January 7, 2016 Do Remember

Even While Battling Kidney Disease, Freeway Feels Blessed (Audio)

On days like today, when we're yet again reminded of some of the ugliness that exists in the world, music can be a salve for the soul. Freeway provides just that with his new song, "Heaven." The Merc Beatz-produced track supplies some of the same chirped-up Soul on which Freeway... Read more

December 2, 2015 Audio

DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince’s Vintage Freestyle Is An MC & DJ Hallmark (Audio)

Sometime in the late 1980s, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince hit the London, England studio of Tim Westwood. In the same city where they recorded extensively as a duo at the time. Unlike MCs or DJs appearing on Westwood's show, this tandem could improvise vocally, and musically—and please... Read more

November 19, 2015 Throwback

DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince May Be Making Some Brand New Funk Together, Again

Earlier this month, Will Smith said he is almost certain that he and DJ Jazzy Jeff (as "DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince") are soon embarking on the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania's first ever official tour, despite a nearly 30-year history. Well, according to Jeff, there is even more coming. Just... Read more

October 10, 2015 News

Jedi Mind Tricks & Eamon Call Out The Frauds In Their Lives (Video)

Vinnie Paz and Stoupe The Enemy Of Mankind have come together to craft a new Jedi Mind Tricks album, The Thief And The Fallen, set to hit stores on June 2, 2015, on Enemy Soil. They've released a music video for a new single off the album called "Fraudulent Cloth,"... Read more

May 27, 2015 Video

Freeway Illuminates The Community, In Protest Of Police Brutality (Video)

While Freeway was visiting the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. area in protest for justice for Freddie Gray, he filmed a video for his song "Illuminate," which he dedicated to the slain 25 year-old man. The video, accented by murals in passing around the city, has an underlying message of love. The footage is of... Read more

May 19, 2015 Video

DJ Jazzy Jeff & Dayne Jordan Encourage Dream-Chasers To Go Harder (Audio)

DJ Jazzy Jeff and frequent collaborator Dayne Jordan recently shared a song, "Harder!!" Dayne was first heard on the Jazzy-produced track "All About The Art," where he teamed up with other Philadelphia, Pennsylvania legends Questlove and James Poyer. Heads have seen (and heard) Jeff and Dayne Jordan work together and put a... Read more

May 11, 2015 Audio

J. Cole Lights it Up at Made in America in Philadelphia (Video)

J. Cole joined the likes of Kanye West, Big Daddy Kane and more yesterday at the Made in America festival in Philadelphia. Cole ran through a set that included songs from both his albums and his vaunted mixtapes. Check out the performance below. You can also watch a live stream... Read more

August 31, 2014 Video

Kanye West Performs at Made in America in Philadelphia (Video)

Kanye West headlined the Philadelphia stage of the Made in America festival Saturday night and was in top form. Check out a video of the performance below, as well as a live stream of today's acts which include Pharrell, YG, Danny Brown, Nipsey Hussle, Cypress Hill, Chance the Rapper and... Read more

August 31, 2014 Video

STS & DJ Jazzy Jeff Know How Philly Use To Sound & Bring It Back (Audio)

Regardless of genre, some cities just have a certain style. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania most certainly is one such place. "The City Of Brotherly Love" has a great deal of harmony and fusion, dating back to the colonial period. In more recent times, the city—a patchwork of cultures, races, faiths, and customs... Read more

August 28, 2014 Audio, Fresh