race ArchivesAmbrosia For Heads

Jack Harlow Calls Out Whites Who Want To Be Black From Afar

Yesterday (April 28), Jack Harlow released third album. Jackman. is a 10-track offering, with zero features that clocks in at 24 minute. DJ Dahi, Boi-1da, and Hollywood Cole were among the producers involved on the Generation Now/Atlantic Records project, which follows Jack's platinum debut and gold follow-up. On the album,... Read more

April 29, 2023 Audio, Video

Latinos Have Played A Critical Role In Hip-Hop History. There’s No Debate

Last Friday (August 26) Fat Joe posted a video online that celebrated the contributions of Latino Hip-Hop pioneers. The slideshow acknowledged figures ranging from the Cold Crush Brothers' DJ Charlie Chase to DJ Disco Wiz to early producer/musician Pumpkin to The Fearless Four's Master O.C. and Tito. With the video,... Read more

August 30, 2022 Food for Thought

Killer Mike’s Video Is A Powerful Statement About Protecting Black Art

In the 2010s, Run The Jewels became one of the most exciting Hip-Hop groups. Across four albums, Killer Mike and El-P reignited their careers with a boisterous sound, hard rhymes, and amazing beats. However, before 2012, Mike had a successful career as a solo artist. Ushered in by OutKast, Killer... Read more

July 5, 2022 Video

Eminem Raps About How He & Elvis Are Alike While Blasting His Haters

Twenty years and one month ago, Eminem's single "Without Me" spoofed the late singer Elvis Presley. In the Bass Brothers-produced song, he rapped, "But it's just me, I'm just obscene / Though I'm not the first king of controversy / I am the worst thing since Elvis Presley / To... Read more

June 16, 2022 Audio, News

JAY-Z Has Gotten The NFL To Commit $100 Million To Criminal Justice Reform

Last August, JAY-Z and Roc Nation partnered with the National Football League. The result of the agreement gave Jay and his company input into the annual Super Bowl Halftime Show and other music events surrounding the league. Additionally, it gave Jay and Roc Nation a stake in "Inspire Change," a... Read more

February 1, 2020 Lifestyle

Royce 5’9 Calls Yelawolf A Culture Vulture & Sends Him A Stern Warning (Video)

In terms of Hip-Hop's circle of elite lyricists, without question, Royce 5’9 has cemented an everlasting place at the table. Twenty years removed from "Boom," the Detroit, Michigan MC is making the best music of his decorated career, and has now added production to his repertoire. The same day he... Read more

January 17, 2020 News, Video

Nick Cannon Uses Eminem’s Own Words Against Him In A Final Diss (Video)

Although it may be debatable who re-opened it, two weeks ago (December 6), Eminem and Nick Cannon re-entered a decade-old beef. At the center of the issue is Mariah Carey, a former lover of both men. In Eminem's case, it was a brief romantic connection that bled into disses on... Read more

December 19, 2019 News, Video

Talib Kweli & El-P Recall Rawkus Records Taking A Chance On Underground Hip-Hop

Run The Jewels and Company Flow co-founder El-P is the latest guest on Talib Kweli's The People's Party Podcast, with co-host Jasmin Leigh. The two natives of Brooklyn, New York have plenty of history together, including Hip Hop For Respect. They were label-mates at Rawkus Records during an inflection point... Read more

November 12, 2019 Video

Talib Kweli & B-Real Discuss People Of Color Being Blocked Out Of Legal Cannabis

B-Real is the latest guest on People's Party With Talib Kweli. There, the member of Cypress Hill and Prophets Of Rage tells the co-founder of Black Star and Reflection Eternal about the origins of his groups. The Los Angeles, California native breaks down Cypress' distinction among the the handful of... Read more

July 2, 2019 Lifestyle, Video

2 Chainz Explains Why True Wealth Isn’t About Having The Most Expensivest Things (Video)

2 Chainz is putting the finishing touches on his fifth solo album, Rap Or Go To The League. The Atlanta, Georgia veteran played his newest songs for Joe Budden. Due later this year, the Def Jam Records release currently includes appearances by Chance The Rapper, E-40, Lil Wayne, and Travis... Read more

February 5, 2019 Lifestyle, Video

Kool G Rap Was Wrongfully Accused Of Shoplifting. Now He’s Getting Gangster.

For the last 30 years, Kool G Rap's music has featured narratives about being on the run, wanted by the law, and serving time in places like New York City's Rikers Island. One of Gangsta Rap's pioneers is part of headlines this week, for a crime he says he did... Read more

October 15, 2018 Lifestyle, News

J-Live Is Making Hip-Hop Great Again With A Song About Hate (Lyric Video)

The triple threat MC/DJ/producer J-Live has demonstrated that he loves concept. The Atlanta, Georgia-based New Yorker's last album, 2015's How Much Water used H20 as a theme throughout, complemented by liquid lyricism and pitter-pattering beats. Justice Allah's biggest single of 2018, "Hating," is both conceptual and topical. In the lyric... Read more

October 13, 2018 Video

This Black Eyed Peas’ Video Shows What A Horrible Mess Our Country Has Become

It is no secret that the Black Eyed Peas, throughout the last 20 years, have taken their Hip-Hop talents to Pop music pursuits. The shift would lead millions upon millions of music fans across the globe to the group that began as a product of the 1990s Underground Hip Hop... Read more

July 10, 2018 Video

Michael B. Jordan Says He Only Wants The Roles Written For White Men

Michael B. Jordan has become one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood. The 31-year-old Santa Ana, California native played "Kilmonger" in this year's Black Panther. He is reprising his role as "Adonis 'Donnie' Johnson Creed in the upcoming November Creed sequel. Five years ago, Jordan played the real-life Oscar... Read more

June 5, 2018 Lifestyle, TV, TV/Film, Video

Kendrick Lamar Checks A Fan For Saying The N-Word While Rapping His Song (Video)

Biggie Smalls would have turned 46 years old today (May 21). Back in 1994, The Notorious B.I.G. released his first Ready To Die single, "Juicy." It eventually traveled to #27 on the charts. The gold-certified solo breakthrough record remains one of the most beloved, far-reaching Rap songs of the last... Read more

May 21, 2018 Lifestyle, Video

Colin Kaepernick Receives Amnesty International’s Highest Award (Video)

This past weekend, human rights organization Amnesty International honored Colin Kaepernick with its Person Of Conscience Award. The former NFL star received the distinction for his commitment to social justice and racial discrimination, including public protest and personal sacrifice. "The Ambassador of Conscience award celebrates the spirit of activism and... Read more

April 23, 2018 Lifestyle, Video

Chuck D Is Still Fighting The Power With One Of His Best Verses In Years (Audio)

Today (April 10) marks the 28th anniversary of Public Enemy releasing its third album, Fear Of A Black Planet. The platinum-certified Def Jam Records LP that housed "Fight The Power," "Welcome To The Terrordome," and "911 Is A Joke" contains messages and music that are relevant today. As Public Enemy... Read more

April 10, 2018 Audio

Donald Glover’s Deadpool Script Takes Down Racism, Police Violence, Gossip & More

Donald Glover co-created the most-watched comedy on FX during its 23 years as a network. In addition to Atlanta, which is currently in the midst of broadcasting its second season, the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning Glover (and his TV partner/brother Stephen) were working on an animated Deadpool series for the... Read more

March 28, 2018 Lifestyle, News, TV, TV/Film

Virgil Abloh Becomes First African American Artistic Director At Louis Vuitton

Ever since Hip-Hop culture glorified the idea of being "paid in full," Louis Vuitton has become a status symbol of style and success in the community. In the '90s, Raekwon sported a Louis satchel when he was photographed alongside Ghostface Killah in Supreme tees. Busta Rhymes has donned several suits... Read more

March 27, 2018 Lifestyle, News, Video

David Banner Releases A Powerful New Video From One Of The Best Rap Albums Of 2017

David Banner released a stellar album in 2017's The God Box. Mississippi's mainstream Rap pioneer involved Black Thought, Big K.R.I.T., CeeLo Green, Raheem DeVaughn, and Tito Lo were all involved in the Banner Vision/EMPIRE LP. A focal point of the album (presently included on the official Ambrosia For Heads playlist)... Read more

March 9, 2018 Video

DJ Spinna’s Moving 90-Minute Mix Teaches Black History, In Audio

DJ Spinna is well known for his massive record collection, varied musical tastes, and extensive mixes. This Brooklynite has refused to be pigeon-holed and has created essential mixtapes and compilations that focus on a wide variety of genres including Hip-Hop, Soul, Funk, Deep House, Jazz, Post-Disco, R&B, and more. He... Read more

February 6, 2018 Audio, Mixes

Murs Celebrates The MCs & Books That Taught Him He Is Powerful (Audio)

Murs is roughly six weeks away from his upcoming album, A Strange Journey Into The Unimaginable. Releasing on the veteran MC's March 16 birthday, the LP is a full collaboration with Missouri-based producer Michael "Seven" Summers, known for producing some of Tech N9ne's most celebrated work. The Strange Music album... Read more

January 29, 2018 Audio, Video

Kendrick Lamar Opens The Grammys With Dave Chappelle & A BANG (Video)

Kendrick Lamar opened the 60th Grammy Awards with a performance. Ahead of tonight's live televised event, the Compton, California MC was already awarded three trophies for "Best Music Video," "Best Rap Song," and "Best Rap Performance." In all three categories, it was DAMN. single "HUMBLE" that scored the win. When... Read more

January 28, 2018 Video

Michael Che Becomes SNL’s First Head Writer Of Color

Saturday Night Live is a television mainstay dating back to 1975. In those 42 years, NBC's sketch comedy show has catapulted the careers of Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock, Bill Murray, Tina Fey, Will Ferrell, and countless others. This week, it was announced that Lorne Michaels' show has appointed its first... Read more

December 14, 2017 TV, TV/Film

Eminem Details The Making Of His Raging Freestyle Storm Against Donald Trump

One of the most memorable televised Rap performances of the last 20 years came courtesy of Eminem and Elton John. Although Dido famously sang on "Stan" (it was her would-be hit "Thank You" that producer 45 King sampled), the diamond-certified John stepped in during 2001's Grammy Awards. Besides the great... Read more

December 7, 2017 Fresh

Scarface Updates A Powerful Public Enemy Classic For The Chaos Of 2017 (Video)

Back in August, Scarface previewed some new music for Ambrosia For Heads and TBD. Backstage at his concert with upcoming EP collaborator DJ Quik, the Houston, Texas Hip-Hop legend played a new song from his phone that showed the Geto Boys O.G. reworking Public Enemy’s 1988 video single “Black Steel... Read more

December 1, 2017 The Bridge, Video

JAY-Z Details The Pain & Progress That Came From Making 4:44 & Lemonade (Video)

Published one day after he led the 2018 Grammy nominations with eight, JAY-Z's latest New York Times interview, with Dean Baquet, has been released. The 35-minute video conversation delves heavily into "The Story Of O.J.," one of the individual 4:44 moments for which Jay was nominated. Additionally, the two Black... Read more

November 29, 2017 Fresh

Joyner Lucas’ Video Shows The Raw Dialogue That Needs To Happen Between Blacks & Whites

Joyner Lucas is one of the most cutting-edge MCs to emerge in recent years. The Worcester, Massachusetts native was strongly co-signed by Busta Rhymes, a few years ago. In June, the past BET Hip Hop Cypher participant released 508-507-2209. However, he keeps dropping technically-advanced, thought-provoking bars. Video "I'm Not Racist"... Read more

November 28, 2017 Video

Twitter Suspends Talib Kweli’s Account Following War Of Words With Texas Lawyer

Social media platform Twitter suspended the account of Talib Kweli this week after it claimed the Black Star and Reflection Eternal MC incited harassment towards a Texas-based lawyer after he posted the attorney’s business address to his more than one million followers online. In an interview with Uproxx, Kweli said... Read more

November 10, 2017 Lifestyle, News

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

Justin Timberlake Will Perform At The Super Bowl In The Worst Year He Could Have Chosen

On February 1, 2004, Justin Timberlake was part of arguably the most memorable, and certainly the most controversial Super Bowl halftime concert. In the middle of the halves of battle between the New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers, the fledgling solo star (two years removed from NSYNC) shared the stage... Read more

October 23, 2017 News, TV, TV/Film

Snoop Dogg Releases One Of His Most Powerful Political Songs Yet (Audio)

Snoop Dogg may not first come to mind as a political rapper. However, since his fame has ascended into household name status, Tha Doggfather has proudly become just that. In recent years, Snoop has called for peace in the streets and the industry. This March, his BADBADNOTGOOD collaboration "Lavender" commented... Read more

October 19, 2017 Audio

Colin Kaepernick Formally Files A Grievance Against The NFL & Its Team Owners

Professional football was played today (October 15) and will be tomorrow, but not with Colin Kaepernick. The former San Francisco 49ers quarterback remains a free agent, without a team. However, Kaep', who recently reminded fans that he wants to play, believes that the National Football League and owners of its... Read more

October 15, 2017 Lifestyle, News

Mathematics Explains How Dr. Dre’s 2001 Influenced His Production On The New Wu Album (Video)

Hip-Hop news and culture move fast, and it’s easy to miss significant developments. Every week, Ambrosia For Heads takes a look back at the Last 7 days. This video series, hosted by Justin “The Company Man” Hunte examines the current issues with a colorful rundown of the what, where, and why. While the Last... Read more

September 26, 2017 Exclusive, Last 7, Video

LL Cool J To Receive W.E.B. DuBois Medal From Harvard University

Nas and LL Cool J are not only two of Hip-Hop's most revered lyricists. Not only are both men from the borough of Queens, New York, they each will carry Harvard University's W.E.B. DuBois Medals. LL was announced as a 2017 recipient, alongside Oscar-winning filmmaker Ava Duvernay, artist Kara Walker,... Read more

September 22, 2017 News

Jordan Peele Is Executive Producing A Series About The Real Life Hunting Of Nazis

Earlier this month, it was reported that Jordan Peele and Spike Lee are teaming up for a film adaptation of a real-life Black infiltrator of the Ku Klux Klan. As Black Klansmen is headed to production, the Get Out director and Key and Peele co-creator has landed another project that also... Read more

September 21, 2017 TV, TV/Film

Kid From Kid ‘N Play Apologizes For Mocking Colin Kaepernick In Costume

Earlier this month, MC and actor Christopher "Kid" Reid of veteran duo Kid 'N Play was featured on sports-talk show Speak For Yourself. However, many viewers did not realize it was the House Party co-star. Instead, appearing in an afro wig, a #7 San Francisco 49ers jersey, and a raised... Read more

September 17, 2017 Lifestyle, News

The NFL Boycott Is Working & Masta Ace Says It’s Bigger Than Colin Kaepernick (Video)

A week ago, the NFL began its first week of the 2017 regular season. Ratings show a serious decline in viewership, year over year. From week 1 kickoff on Thursday Night Football (a 14% decline) to Sunday numbers on FOX and CBS, many less people are watching. Meanwhile, big media seems... Read more

September 16, 2017 Exclusive, Lifestyle, TBD, Video

Spike Lee & Jordan Peele’s New Movie Tells The True Story Of A Black Man Who Joined The KKK

When it comes to films about modern race relations in America, there may be no greater filmmakers than Spike Lee and Jordan Peele. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Lee and Peele are teaming up to create a joint film project titled Black Klansman. The film will be directed by Lee... Read more

September 12, 2017 News, TV/Film

Confederate Statues Are Coming Down As Rappers Speak Up

At this very moment, the United States is undergoing an unnerving week of heated political debate. Over the previous weekend, a rally organized by members of White nationalist, KKK, and other extremist groups turned violent and fatal. Charlottesville, Virginia has become the unwitting headquarters for America's latest civil-rights battle, one... Read more

August 16, 2017 Lifestyle, News

In A Tumultuous Week, Hip-Hop Remains The Great Unifier (Video)

Hip-Hop news and culture move fast, and it’s easy to miss significant developments. Every week, Ambrosia For Heads takes a look back at the Last 7 days. This video series, hosted by Justin “The Company Man” Hunte examines the current issues with a colorful rundown of the what, where, and why. While the Last... Read more

August 16, 2017 Exclusive, Last 7, 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

Shaq Flagrantly Fouls Lavar Ball With A Rap, Masta Ace Stands Up For Kap & More (Video)

Hip-Hop news and culture move fast, and it's easy to miss significant developments. Every week, Ambrosia For Heads takes a look back at the Last 7 days. This video series, hosted by Justin "The Company Man" Hunte examines the current issues with a colorful rundown of the what, where, and why. While the Last... Read more

August 2, 2017 Exclusive, Last 7, 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

Masta Ace Calls For A Boycott Until Colin Kaepernick Is Signed

As NFL teams are set to begin their training camps later this month, former San Francisco 49ers quarterback and unrestricted free agent Colin Kaepernick has yet to be added to a roster. Many NFL fans, sports media personalities, and celebrities supporting Kaepernick attribute the glaring lack of interest from NFL... Read more

July 21, 2017 Exclusive, Lifestyle, News

JAY-Z’s Video Is A Powder Keg Designed To Blow Up Ugly Stereotypes & Impart Wisdom

In conjunction with JAY-Z's release of 4:44 comes a video to one of its most evocative songs. "The Story of O.J." examines race and the distribution of wealth and power in America. The video recreates the 1930s "Sambo" character from the films and cartoons of the same name. Hov' is... Read more

July 2, 2017 Video

Meek Mill’s Blueprint For A Comeback Is Music With A Powerful Message (Video)

Since initiating a high-profile battle-beef with Drake in 2015, Meek Mill's career has been distinctly different than before. The Philly MC suffered a well-publicized breakup with Nicki Minaj, landed up in another high-profile beef with The Game (plus Beanie Sigel), and also entered his thirties. Once a gold-certified, #1 artist,... Read more

June 25, 2017 Video

A Harvard Student Made A Rap Album Thesis. Sway Puts Him To The Test (Video)

Last month, Obasi Shaw graduated from Harvard University. For his thesis, the English major submitted a 10-track Hip-Hop album, Liminal Minds. He wrote and recorded the album for more than a year. Shaw's resulting work tackled the issue of what it means for a young man to be Black in... Read more

June 19, 2017 Video

How Prison Transformed Tupac But Could Not Save Him From Death Row

On Valentines Day 1995, Tupac Amaru Shakur was processed into general population at Clinton Correctional Facility. Approximately eight months later, Pac left the maximum security prison in Dannemora, New York. And nothing was the same. From his cell, Tupac counted his time. Unless he had visitors, Pac was in isolation... Read more

June 10, 2017 Food for Thought

Chuck D, B-Real & Rage Against The Machine Will Not Silently Watch The World Go To Hell (Video)

The Prophets Of Rage took 2016 by storm. A new chapter in the careers of Chuck D, B-Real, P.E.'s DJ Lord, and three-fourths of Rage Against The Machine was welcomed by fans of Hip-Hop, Hard Rock, Funk, and simply lovers of woke messages. Following last year's The Party's Over EP,... Read more

June 1, 2017 Video