rawkus ArchivesAmbrosia For Heads

The 25 Most Important Rap Albums Of Hip-Hop’s First 50 Years

Over the years, countless music lists have laid out the "Greatest" of a particular category–album, artist, song, etc. These lists often cite vague criteria and then lay out what they claim to be objective rankings. But, they are subjective. At Ambrosia For Heads, we have generally provided opportunities for the people... Read more

August 17, 2023 Exclusive, Food for Thought, Hip-Hop's 50th Anniversary

Black Star’s New Album Has Been Liberated

In early 2022, Black Star released their first album in nearly a quarter century. No Fear Of Time was produced entirely by Madlib and featured a guest verse from Black Thought. By the end of '22, Yasiin Bey and Talib Kweli's sophomore LP was one of the year's best albums and signaled a growing... Read more

June 29, 2023 Audio

Joey Bada$$ Performs Mos Def’s Umi Says & Smashes It

In 2022, Joey Bada$$ released one of the year's best albums courtesy of 2000. The spiritual sequel to Joey's breakthrough 1999 mixtape a decade earlier, 2000 was named among Ambrosia For Heads ' best of the year. Although it was an overt snub by the Grammy Awards in their "Best... Read more

January 20, 2023 Video

Rawkus Records’ Rise & Fall Is Detailed In A New Video

It was 15 years ago this fall that Rawkus Records stopped releasing albums. The "Rawkus 50" campaign allowed a new generation of MCs and producers to digitally release product with the same label that introduced many Hip-Hop Heads to names like Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Company Flow, High & Mighty,... Read more

August 28, 2022 Video

Black Star Release The Featured Artists On Their New Album

In less than a month, one of the most anticipated Hip-Hop albums of all time is set to release. On May 3, Yasiin Bey and Talib Kweli will wave the Black Star flag once more with the duo's second album in nearly 24 years. Late last week, the Brooklyn, New York... Read more

April 12, 2022 Video

Black Star’s Madlib-Produced Album Gets A Title & Release Date

After years in the making, Black Star's sophomore album has a title and release date. Yasiin Bey and Talib Kweli are scheduled to follow-up their 1998 debut nearly 25 years later with No Fear Of Time. As anticipated since early 2018, the Brooklyn, New York duo is teaming with producer... Read more

April 8, 2022 Fresh

DMX’s New Album Features Nas, JAY-Z, Griselda & More. Here’s The Tracklist

UPDATE: Swizz Beatz has released the full tracklist for DMX's Exodus album, which will be released on May 28, and it is even more star-studded than previously reported. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Swizz Beatz (@therealswizzz) Here is the full tracklist: 1. “That’s My Dog” feat.... Read more

May 11, 2021 Video

Here Are Some Reasons Why 2000 May Be Hip-Hop’s Greatest Year

At Ambrosia For Heads, we celebrate Hip-Hop throughout the ages. Earlier this year, our What's The Headline podcast launched a series examining the calendar years that made the music and culture reach its full potential. After taking a loving look back at 1984, the next episode drops in on Y2K.... Read more

April 6, 2021 Video

John Forté Brought Talib Kweli To Rawkus. Now Kweli Assists Him In A Beautiful Collab

When John Forté had his 14-year prison sentence commuted more than a decade ago, he immediately went to the studio with longtime friend and fellow Brooklyn, New York native Talib Kweli. It was there that the former Fugees affiliate recorded "Homecoming," a personal cover to Kanye West's one-year-old Graduation cut.... Read more

February 25, 2020 Audio

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 Is Recording An Album Produced By Diamond D. Take A Look. (Video)

Earlier this year, Diamond D released his latest album, The Diam Piece 2. On that LP, "The Zone" features Talib Kweli as well as Terror Van Pooh, and Niko Is. The Bronx, New York producer, MC, and DJ and the Brooklyn, New York MC, entrepreneur, and show host have some... Read more

November 25, 2019 Exclusive, Fresh, 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

Black On Both Sides Is Still Mos Def After 20 Years

Twenty years ago today (October 12, 1999), Mos Def released his solo debut, Black On Both Sides. After two decades of testing time, the Rawkus Records album remains a hallmark from the Underground Hip-Hop boom. On his own strict terms, Dante Smith crafted an LP driven by creativity, piercing commentary,... Read more

October 12, 2019 Food for Thought

Yasiin Bey To Perform Black On Both Sides As 20th-Anniversary Homecoming Concert

This fall marks 20 years since Mos Def released his acclaimed solo debut, Black On Both Sides. The gold-certified Rawkus Records release followed praises from Black Star's album a year earlier. It also showed a versatile artist who rapped, sang, and commanded audiences with a purist's, stripped-down approach to Hip-Hop... Read more

September 10, 2019 Fresh

In 2008, Black Thought, Styles P & Mos Def United To Elevate Hip-Hop

By 2008, the legendary Roots crew were already well established as Hip-Hop's hardest working band. During the mid-2000s, the Grammy Award-winning Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based group was transitioning its mood. The collective's eighth studio album Rising Down followed the darker, sometimes angsty themes of 2006's Game Theory. In an election year, the... Read more

July 11, 2019 Do Remember

Black Thought, Yasiin Bey, Pharoahe Monch & Tobe Nwigwe Make A New Live At The BBQ

Yesterday (June 1), The Roots hosted their 12th-annual picnic in the legendary group's hometown of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The event moved this year to the Mann Center, in the same West Philly that Questlove represents. With active three stages, the day was filled with incredible performances, including a 20th-anniversary rendition of... Read more

June 2, 2019 Exclusive, Video

Pharoahe Monch Just Released A New Song & It’s Pure Crack (Video)

Pharoahe Monch may have just released the most exciting new song in the first week of 2019. Last year, the esteemed lyricist partnered with M.O.P's Lil Fame for the menacing a la carte video single, "24 Hours." The Queens, New Yorker also made standout appearances on Masta Ace & Marco... Read more

January 4, 2019 Exclusive, Video

Pharoahe Monch Discusses Early Hip-Hop Experiences & Why He Still Loves H.E.R. (Video)

Last week, respected DJ/producer J. Period orchestrated a "live mixtape" Hip-Hop event featuring Rap performances by Rakim, Black Thought, and Pharoahe Monch. Surprise guest performers included Smif-n-Wessun, Dres and Chi-Ali, Eric B., as well as Mumu Fresh. Yasiin Bey appeared on stage, but did not perform. In addition to rapping and... Read more

September 18, 2018 Exclusive, Interview, Video

Finding The GOAT Group: Black Star vs. The Roots. 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

August 9, 2018 Best Hip-Hop Group, Finding the GOAT

Finding The GOAT Group: Black Star vs. Slum Village. 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

July 9, 2018 Best Hip-Hop Group, Finding the GOAT

Yasiin Bey & Talib Kweli Are Reuniting On Stage To Celebrate 20 Years Of Black Star

September marks 20 years since the release of Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star. The collaborative album was the first full-length efforts from both Brooklyn, New York MCs. The Rawkus Records pair has gone on to decorated solo careers, capturing some of that Black Star chemistry on a... Read more

April 24, 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

Nas & Black Star Will Share The Stage This Summer

Nas and Black Star are two championed Hip-Hop acts. Whereas Nas has released 11 solo albums, in addition to compilations, and group work with The Firm and Distant Relatives, Talib Kweli and Yasiin Bey have just one group LP. In 2018, reports are lingering that both entities have album plans... Read more

April 12, 2018 Fresh

Kidz In The Hall Are Releasing A New Album. Here’s The 1st Video.

Bubbling up as a summery ode to Naledge’s home-town, Chicago, “Dear Eastside” marks the welcome return of the Pop-retro Hip-Hop duo, Kidz In The Hall. Kidz in the Hall signed with Rawkus Records in 2006, releasing the cult-lauded School Was My Hustle on the label. Since their Rawkus tenure, Naledge... Read more

November 17, 2017 Video

Joell Ortiz & Fred The Godson Roar Like Godzilla In An Ode To New York (Audio)

At the Y2K pinnacle of Rawkus Records, Pharoahe Monch eclipsed his Organized Konfusion success with an onslaught of solo hits. The first cut was probably the deepest, thanks to "Simon Says." The Queens, New York MC/producer used the Godzilla theme in a beat that transcended single, into an all-out club banger... Read more

November 14, 2017 Audio

Talib Kweli Details How He And Mos Def Became Family Before They Were Black Star (Video)

This week, Talib Kweli appeared on Desus & Mero to promote November 17's Radio Silence album. That LP reunites Kweli with Jay Electronica and Anderson .Paak, as well as features a range of guests, from Waka Flocka Flame to Freestyle Fellowship's Myka 9 to Rick Ross. In making his return... Read more

October 27, 2017 Video

9th Wonder Explains Why Soundbombing & Rawkus Kept His Hip-Hop Dreams Alive (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

October 24, 2017 Exclusive, Last 7, Video

Talib Kweli Reflects On A “Train Of Thought” Song That Remains Eternal 17 Years Later (Audio)

Last week, Mos Def's solo debut Black On Both Sides celebrated its 18th birthday. Meanwhile, today (October 17), Talib Kweli, Yasiin Bey's Black Star partner, and DJ Hi-Tek honor the 17th anniversary of Reflection Eternal's Train Of Thought. Both Rawkus Records releases are benchmark albums to Hip-Hop, as well as... Read more

October 17, 2017 Audio

Yasiin Bey Discusses The Drama That’s Caused Him To Fall Back From The Music Business (Video)

Even since his days as mighty Mos Def, Yasiin Bey does not do many interviews. However, the Black Star MC recently gave Ebro In The Morning more than one hour of his time—reportedly impromptu. The MC/actor/poet and activist jumped in a cab and appeared before Ebro and company to speak... Read more

August 30, 2017 Video

Weldon Irvine Influenced Black Star, KRS-One, JAY-Z, Common & Q-Tip. His Story Is Being Told (Video)

Best-known perhaps as the songwriter of the unofficial Civil Rights anthem, "To Be Young, Gifted and Black" (popularized by Nina Simone), the late Weldon Irvine bridged the generations as a key mentor and collaborator to Hip-Hop icons during the '90s and beyond. Guru, Roy Ayers, & Donald Byrd Brought Jazzmatazz... Read more

August 29, 2017 TV/Film, Video

Teen Bresha Meadows Stood Up To Her Abusive Father. Talib Kweli Tells Her Story (Audio)

In July of 2016, Warren, Ohio teenager Bresha Meadows fatally shot her father, reportedly as he slept. The 14-year-old killed Jonathan Meadows after years of physical abuse, which also included her brothers and mother, according to relatives. Despite the evidence of abuse, Meadows was charged with aggravated murder. Bresha and... Read more

August 28, 2017 Audio, Lifestyle

See The Full Historic Conversation & Cypher Between Mos Def, Big Pun, Canibus & DMX (Video)

Twenty years ago, Hip-Hop was in crosswinds. Microphones were grabbed by emerging voices from across the landscape, geographically, stylistically, and regarding content. As the genre collected itself following the sudden and tragic killings of Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls, it wanted new sounds, messages, and conversations. Mos Def & Dave... Read more

August 28, 2017 Throwback, Video

Mos Def & Dave Chappelle Did The Original Carpool Karaoke (Video)

For 25 groundbreaking episodes in the two official seasons Chappelle's Show, viewers could lean back, laugh, learn, and maybe even cringe every so often. The program was about comedy, but it was hardly an escape. Instead, Dave Chappelle and his cast confronted real life issues with a humorous approach. Racism,... Read more

May 25, 2017 Do Remember

Talib Kweli Explains How A Tribe Called Quest Fathered Hip-Hop Music As We Know It (Video)

Talib Kweli is one of the distinguished guests on A Tribe Called Quest's final album. Appearing on "The Killing Season," Kweli worked alongside Q-Tip, Jarobi White, and the late Phife Dawg. The album has topped the charts, and become one of music's most talked about releases in 2016. Speaking with... Read more

December 7, 2016 Video

Zack De La Rocha Is Back & Still Raging On An El-P Produced Outcry (Audio)

More than 18 years ago, the first Lyricists Lounge compilation released. Featuring De La Soul, Common, Mos Def (n/k/a Yasiin Bey), and Q-Tip, the Rawkus Records double album delivered the Underground Hip-Hop community to the mainstream (reaching the Top 200), with a plethora of important independent voices, and more than... Read more

September 8, 2016 Audio

Sadat X, R.A. The Rugged Man & Thirstin Howl Are Proud Industry Outcasts (Video)

Over 17 years ago, Rawkus Records released Soundbombing 2. That LP, a Top 30 on the Pop charts, helped further the ongoing introductions of Eminem, Dilated Peoples, High & Mighty, Company Flow, and others to the masses. An elite independent label at the time, Rawkus (then home to Mos Def,... Read more

August 9, 2016 Video

Many Have Never Seen Mos Def’s First Music Video. Here It Is.

The mighty Mos Def (n/k/a Yasiin Bey) has a Hip-Hop career that spans well over 20 years. The Brooklyn, New York MC burst on the scene care of major appearances alongside De La Soul, Da Bush Babees, and DJ Honda—but he had his own thing brewing, even before Rawkus Records... Read more

March 13, 2016 Throwback

Yasiin Bey Declares 2016 Album Will Be His Last & Announces Industry Retirement

This week, Yasiin Bey (f/k/a Mos Def) left a very unique voicemail on Kanye West's phone. West, who signed Bey to his G.O.O.D. Music imprint after years of collaboration, shared the message with the public yesterday (January 19). The Brooklyn, New York MC reacted to West's latest song, "No More... Read more

January 20, 2016 Audio, News

Reflection Eternal’s Train Of Thought vs. Outkast’s Stankonia. 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 13, 2016 Finding the GOAT

Talib Kweli, Pharoahe Monch & Last Emperor Freestyle In A Found 2001 Moment (Audio)

In 2001, things were taking off for Talib Kweli and Pharoahe Monch. As part of the Rawkus Records movement, these 1990s alums were paving the way for solo careers following extensive group success with the likes of Organized Konfusion, Black Star, and Reflection Eternal. Presumably doing the Hip Hop For... Read more

December 10, 2015 Throwback

A Tribe Called Quest’s Midnight Marauders vs. Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star. 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

December 7, 2015 Finding the GOAT

Outkast’s Aquemini vs. Mos Def’s Black On Both Sides. 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

December 2, 2015 Finding the GOAT

Ice Cube’s AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted vs. Mos Def’s Black On Both Sides. 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

November 19, 2015 Finding the GOAT

Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star vs. De La Soul’s Stakes Is High. 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

November 6, 2015 Finding the GOAT

Talib Kweli & 9th Wonder’s Indie 500 Drives For A Star-Studded Win (Album Stream)

Last year, Talib Kweli, 9th Wonder, and Pharaohe Monch announced that they were combining forces and resources to launch Indie 500, an independent label, marketing, and distribution conglomerate. Nearly a year to the date after the announcement, Indie 500 (the album) arrives. While it doesn't release until November 6, Heads... Read more

November 3, 2015 Audio

Talib Kweli & 9th Wonder Suggest There Is No Such Thing As An Innocent Bystander (Audio/Video)

Alexander Hamilton once said, "Those who stand for nothing fall for anything." There is a lot to stand up for in the world around us—and there are some who still seemingly feel like it is not their place, their preference, or their politics to have an opinion. Talib Kweli, 9th... Read more

October 22, 2015 Audio, Video

Talib Kweli, Rapsody & 9th Wonder Reconsider The Meaning Of “Ghetto” (Video)

Last week, Talib Kweli, Rapsody, and 9th Wonder released "Every Ghetto." The DJ Hi-Tek-produced collaborative single is a hallmark release for the Indie 500 conglomerate, and its follow-up video proves it. Traveling from Brooklyn, New York to Cincinnati, Ohio, the soulful song examines at neighborhoods that are often called "ghettos"... Read more

October 15, 2015 Video

10 Things You May Not Know About Rawkus Records (Audio)

Though it kept a lower profile than companies like Def Jam and Bad Boy, in the late 90s and early 00s, there were few, if any record labels, that carried the flag for Hip-Hop more proudly than Rawkus Records. For many, the company introduced Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Eminem, El-P's... Read more

October 2, 2015 Audio

Black Star Announce Tour Dates…Half A World Away From Brooklyn.

More than 15 years removed from their self-titled album, Black Star is making moves. Talib Kweli and Yasiin Bey (f/k/a Mos Def) have done spot appearances in the last three years. However, the former Rawkus Records duo has announced a four concert tour...in Australia. That's a long way from Brooklyn,... Read more

September 30, 2015 News

15 Years Ago, Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Common & More Used Hip-Hop for Justice. The Fight Continues.

Police officers (and law enforcement officials) murdering unarmed people of color has been a resounding issue, especially since the 2012 death of Trayvon Martin. However, while mainstream media has not always looked at the issue that extends back throughout the United States' history, other media has. One of those sources... Read more

September 7, 2015 Food for Thought