vince staples ArchivesAmbrosia For Heads

Earl Sweatshirt & The Alchemist’s Album Was Worth The Wait

Since 2019, Earl Sweatshirt and Alchemist claimed a collaborative album existed under a fake name. Two years later, the production half of the duo confirmed its existence. “We hid a whole album on YouTube under a fake name and YouTube page. Fake album cover, song titles, the whole nine. Nobody... Read more

October 7, 2023 Audio

Boldy James & Vince Staples Get Personal On An Alchemist Beat (Video)

Around the time that Boldy James was among the first rappers to sign to the rebranded Mass Appeal Records (formerly Decon) alongside Bishop Nehru and Fashawn, the Detroit, Michigan MC released his first studio album, My 1st Chemistry Set. James' 2013 LP was entirely produced by The Alchemist, and released... Read more

February 26, 2020 Video

Royce 5’9’s Tracklist For “The Allegory” Features Griselda, Vince Staples & DJ Premier

Yesterday (January 17), Royce 5'9 released the second video single to his 2020 album, The Allegory. The follow-up to 2018's acclaimed The Book Of Ryan has thus far included "Black Savage" (featuring T.I., CyHi The Prynce, Sy Ari Da Kid, and White Gold) as well as "Overcomer" (featuring Westside Gunn).... Read more

January 18, 2020 Fresh

It’s Vince Staples’ Show But Ray J Steals This Episode (Video)

Vince Staples has shown time and time again that he makes his own rules. Although he is from Long Beach and aware of the rich tradition of Southern California Rap artists, the MC is much more interested in blazing his own path rather than carrying on tradition. In fact, in... Read more

October 31, 2019 TV, TV/Film, Video

The 1st Episode Of Vince Staples’ New Show Makes It Clear He’s One To Watch (Video)

Earlier this week, Long Beach, California MC Vince Staples teased a seemingly formless upcoming project titled The Vince Staples Show (embedded below). No one seemed to quite know what The Vince Staples Show would become, but many speculated that it would be Staples' newest record. After his latest music video... Read more

August 22, 2019 TV, TV/Film, Video

Which Of These Albums Deserves To Compete For Best Of 2018? You Decide.

Earlier today, Ambrosia For Heads announced our picks for the 15 Best Albums Of 2018. As we did last year, we are having you decide which one of these albums (or any one that we missed) is the album of the year, based on your votes in an NCAA-style tournament... Read more

December 4, 2018 Best Rap Album 2018

Nike’s Stock Is At An All-Time High After Its Support Of Colin Kaepernick

While some upset parties have attempted to ignite their Nike products, the apparel giant's stock is what is really on fire. Nike's stock just reached an all-time high, and the apparel company can thank their recent signing of Colin Kaepernick and the powerful social media, print, digital, and television ads... Read more

September 14, 2018 Lifestyle, News

Vince Staples’ CrowdFunding Campaign Is Doomed To Fail & That’s The Best Thing For Hip-Hop

The Hip-Hop industry is adapting to the times. A-list rappers release albums through cellphone carriers, cryptocurrency is accepted as a form of payment by artists, and the idea of a project being for sale is being challenged by some of the genre’s top earners. One of the tech trends that... Read more

March 7, 2018 Food for Thought, News, Video

Kendrick Lamar Reveals Tracklist & Release Date For “Black Panther” Soundtrack

On January 29, Marvel Studios hosted an early premiere of Black Panther ahead of its February 16 United States release. One of the most anticipated films of 2018, the superhero flick is bound to be a blockbuster success, thanks in no small part to its cast: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B.... Read more

January 31, 2018 Fresh

Saba May Be The Next Great Chicago MC. Just Ask Andre 3000 (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

August 23, 2017 Audio

Pusha T & Jadakiss Move Major Keys On A Heavyweight Collabo With DJ Khaled (Audio)

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So...let us 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

June 23, 2017 Audio

What Happens When You Make An Old Head Listen To New Hip-Hop (Video)

Last November, Long Beach, California hosted ComplexCon, a two-day event featuring performances, panels, and more all devoted to music and culture. As part of the convention, veteran radio personality and Hip-Hop artist Angie Martinez led a discussion focused on the so-called "generation gap" in Hip-Hop. The group of experts who... Read more

May 28, 2017 Video

Raekwon, Pete Rock, Scarface & Vince Staples Discuss Hip-Hop’s Generation Gap (Video)

March 13 UPDATE: Complex has released a longer video from the "Discussions" event in November 2016: Last November, Long Beach, California hosted ComplexCon, a two-day event featuring performances, panels, and more all devoted to music and culture. As part of the convention, veteran radio personality and Hip-Hop artist Angie Martinez... Read more

January 13, 2017 Video

Here’s What Nas Would Say If He Could Go Back in Time to Stop Tupac & Biggie’s Beef (Video)

Celebrated sports columnist Bill Simmons recently hosted Nas on his weekly HBO talk-show series, the cleverly titled "Any Given Wednesday." In their discussions, the two discussed far more than the rapper's interest in sports and the host's interest in Rap, and along with fellow guests Kevin Durant and Vince Staples,... Read more

September 22, 2016 Video

Underground Hip-Hop Is Very Much Alive In 2016. One DJ Mixes It All Together.

Often times, the glory days of Underground Hip-Hop appears coincidental with the booming resurgence of vinyl records in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Out of a movement spearheaded by radio personalities such as Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito, and Sway and King Tech, a crop of hungry artists emerged that... Read more

July 10, 2016 Mixes

ScHoolboy Q’s New Album Features Jadakiss, Tha Dogg Pound & More (Full Tracklist)

Since announcing its release earlier this year, ScHoolboy Q's Blank Face LP has become one of the most anticipated albums of the Summer. With an in store date of July 8, the LP is just over two weeks away, and details continue to emerge. Along with the first two singles... Read more

June 23, 2016 News

Vince Staples Hits a Trippy House Party & Invites Us Along for the Ride (Video)

Last summer, Major Lazer's Switch released "Ghost," an Electronica inspired Hip-Hop party anthem. Now releasing music as part of a newly founded group With You, he left Major Lazer back in 2011 and has since worked with everybody from M.I.A. to Christina Aguilera. Today, With You. dropped the song's music... Read more

April 27, 2016 Video

Vince Staples Gets Lifted From His Surroundings Without Ever Leaving Them (Video)

In recent months, Long Beach, California MC Vince Staples was at the helm of a discussion about generational perspective in Hip-Hop. In October, he made a statement which seemed to suggest that the '00s were the greatest years in Rap music, prompting artists and fans representing previous eras to voice... Read more

January 29, 2016 Video

Vince Staples Clarifies “Golden-Era” Remarks. In Doing So, He Raises Some GREAT Questions (Audio)

Vince Staples appears in a Time magazine video that published online yesterday (October 27). In it, the Def Jam Records artist from Long Beach, California was asked to reflect on 1990s pop culture. While admitting that he has never heard an album of Justin Timberlake's work with N*SYNC or Mel... Read more

October 29, 2015 Audio, Food for Thought, News

Black Thought, Redman, Doug E. Fresh & More Lead the 2015 Hip Hop Awards Cyphers

Last night (October 9), the 2015 BET Hip Hop Awards were taped at Atlanta, Georgia's Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center. Hosted by "Uncle" Snoop Dogg, the annual affair honored Scarface with the "I Am Hip Hop Award," and handed out trophies to Rap and R&B's brightest and best. For TV... Read more

October 10, 2015 Fresh

Vince Staples Challenges His Comfort Zone with Major Lazer Co-Founder (Audio)

After releasing his debut solo album, Summertime '06, in June, Vince Staples has been enjoying his busiest season yet. The ambitious 20-track project features Jhené Aiko, fellow Cutthroat Boyz Joey Fatts & ASton Matthews, and extensive production from No I.D. The Long Beach, California rapper already has a spot in... Read more

August 7, 2015 Audio

Ghostface Killah & Vince Staples Get The Money and Never Have To Run (Audio)

Approaching next month's Twelve More Reasons To Die, Ghostface Killah and Adrian Younge share a third glimpse from the RZA-backed Soul Temple sequel. With some of the dirtiest drums heard as of late, G.F.K. makes "Get The Money" sound oh so literal. This is "Heist Rap," as Adrian and Starks... Read more

June 22, 2015 Audio

Vince Staples’ Long Beach Transforms Into A Metaphoric Apocalypse (Video)

Vince Staples has made several enduring videos already, in his short career. For the Snoh Aalegra-assisted "Senorita," the two No I.D. proteges raise the stakes like never before. The Summertime '06 (June 30) look feels like something out of a '90s Soundgarden visual—only its world is the Long Beach City.... Read more

May 13, 2015 Video

Vince Staples’ Atypical Long Beach Upbringing Comes To Life In A Mini-Documentary (Video)

In the latest episode of "The Neighborhood," Complex zooms in on Long Beach, California lyricist Vincent Staples. The video takes the viewers on a casual stroll through the young MC's old stomping grounds and let's us get up close and personal with some of his childhood friends and family members.... Read more

April 7, 2015 Video

Vince Staples Holds Open The Screen Door & Welcomes Us Into His World (Video)

Vince Staples made a big dent in 2014. His Def Jam Records debut, Hell Can Wait, was a critical and fan favorite of the year, as the Long Beach, California MC added to the emerging youthful narratives from his close associates Odd Future and Mac Miller. "Screen Door" was a... Read more

February 5, 2015 Video

Vince Staples Has Got That Fire (Video)

Vince Staples has had a big year. After a very prominent feature on Common's single "Kingdom," the up and coming Long Beach MC recently shared the stage with Comm and Jay Electronica at the BET Hip Hop Awards. Now, capitalizing on his growing heat, Staples brings that "Fire" with his... Read more

October 15, 2014 Video

The Family of Mike Brown Joins Common Onstage at the BET Hip Hop Awards (Video)

In a moment that was truly bigger than Hip-Hop (or any other form of music), the parents of Mike Brown, who was gunned down by police in Ferguson, MO, took the stage during the BET Hip Hop Awards at the conclusion of Common's performance of his "Kingdom Remix" with Vince... Read more

October 15, 2014 Video

Joey Bada$$ Is Just Trying To Get Paid (Audio)

Coupled with the beginning of his B4.Da.$$ Tour with Vince Staples and Pro Era affiliates CJ Fly, Kirk Knight, and Nyck Caution, Joey Bada$$ drops some fresh new music for the fans with his latest single, "Get Paid." The cut itself is a loosie that won't appear on his upcoming... Read more

September 26, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Vince Staples Spits an Off the Top Freestyle Better Than Most Writtens (Video)

Vince Staples is making a name for himself. After dropping one of the hotter mixtapes last year with Mac Miller and sharing the stage with Common and Jay Electronica last week, the talented young MC from Long Beach, CA has delivered one of the better freestyles of the year on... Read more

September 25, 2014 Video

Common Releases His Remix to Kingdom with Vince Staples & Jay Electronica (Audio)

After premiering the remix to "Kingdom" at the taping of the BET Hip Hop Awards (airing on 10/14), Common releases the track to the masses. The song, which was already powerful with its meditative choir-sung hook, goes to a different level with the addition of the one and only Jay... Read more

September 24, 2014 Audio

Jay Electronica Joins Common & Vince Staples On Stage for the Kingdom Remix (Video)

As reported, Jay Electronica joined Common and Vince Staples on stage at the BET Hip Hop Awards in Atlanta for a powerful remix to Common's Kingdom. Last night, the trio did another performance of the remix at the AAHH! Fest in Chicago and footage of Jay Elec's verse was captured.... Read more

September 22, 2014 Video

Dilated Peoples & Vince Staples Process Their Thoughts In The Dark Room (Audio)

After six years without producing a record together, DJ Babu was the first member of Dilated Peoples to reveal that the group was back in the studio and working on brand new material back in 2011. With three years more to allow the music they mastered to marinate under their... Read more

August 5, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Common Performs Kingdom & Blak Majik on Jimmy Kimmel Live (Video)

Common continues his promo run in support of his new album, Nobody's Smiling. He appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live and performed "Kingdom" with Vince Staples and "Blak Majik" with Jhene Aiko. Check out both performances below. Kingdom Come Blak Majik Related: Common Goes City To City In The Nobody’s Smiling... Read more

July 24, 2014 Video

Listen To Common & No ID Discuss Nobody’s Smiling However You Like (Video)

After over two decades in the game, Common releases his tenth studio album, Nobody's Smiling, to the masses today. Already receiving quite a positive buzz within the community, the Chicago themed project features exclusive production from longtime friend No ID as well as numerous artists including Jhene Aiko, Big Sean,... Read more

July 22, 2014 Fresh, Video

Common Explains Why Nobody’s Smiling In Chicago (Video)

Common sits down with HardKnockTV to discuss his upcoming album, Nobody's Smiling, a concept that developed from Rakim's line "I'm in the ghetto, nobody's smiling," and took on a life of its own (0:50). Common's biggest inspiration for the project derives from the increasing crime rate in the Chicago area... Read more

July 1, 2014 Fresh, Video

Common & Hype Williams Release a Visually Stunning Short Film for Kingdom (Video)

With its swelling Gospel chorus and Common's piercing lyrics about the plight facing his hometown of Chicago, it's hard to imagine his song "Kingdom" could be any more powerful. However, when you combine that penetrating soundtrack with the visuals of Hype Williams, the song soars to a new level. Williams... Read more

June 18, 2014 Video

Heaven Can’t Wait For Common On Kingdom (Audio)

Soothing church house vocals give Common the keys to the "Kingdom" for his latest single. Produced by fellow Chicagoan and frequent collaborator, No I.D., the angelic piece is blessed by Common's new perspective in death as he stands in front of the pearly gates as "Chicago's prodigal son." The track's... Read more

May 30, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Vince Staples & Bad Rabbits Get Made And Go Back To The Future (Audio)

Vince Staples' impressive output continues. This time, the Earl Sweatshirt protege meshes with band Bad Rabbits for Converse's upcoming CONS EP Vol. 2 project. The result is a groovy, Electro-Funk backdrop with Vince rapping some autobiographical truths, and a crescendo chorus. Is Vince ready for the proper retail album on... Read more

May 29, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Vince Staples Makes A Powerful Visual About His Growing Up Through The Eyes Of A Child (Video)

Children in Hip-Hop videos is a common theme over the last 15-plus years. From the Bad Boy Records glory-years Spike Jonze visual of The Notorious B.I.G. & 112's "Sky's The Limit" to Danny Brown's "Grown Up," plenty of artists (Kanye West, Atmosphere, Nas, J. Cole) have used children to show... Read more

March 23, 2014 Fresh, Video

Vince Staples Hits ‘Em With Shyne Coldchain, Vol. 2 Featuring Lots Of No ID Goodness (Mixtape)

Mac Miller and Earl Sweatshirt affiliate Vince Staples is one of the premiere new artists still okay with flooding the masses with free material. Shyne Coldchain, Vol. 2 arrives, boasting numerous original contributions from No ID (Common, Big Sean, Killer Mike), as well as vocal appearances from Jhene Aiko and... Read more

March 13, 2014 Fresh, Mixes

ScHoolboy Q Rocks Early 2014 With Tour & Some Fresh OXYMORON Music (Audio)

With two Top 200 independent albums already under his belt, all eyes are on ScHoolboy Q's first Interscope Records-backed LP, OXYMORON. The longtime Top Dawg Entertainment artist has garnered mainstream appeal, all from his perch as a straight-talking, easy-going G from the streets of South Central Los Angeles. TDE confirmed... Read more

January 28, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Vince Staples & Larry Fisherman (aka Mac Miller) – Stolen Youth (Full Album Stream)

Vince Staples and Larry Fisherman (aka Mac Miller) release their free album. You an listen to and download Stolen Youth below. Related: Cashius Green – I Ain’t Happy ft Vince Staples (Video)... Read more

June 21, 2013 Audio

Vince Staples – Stuck in My Ways

Mac Miller has some real skills as a producer--real enough that you should remember the name Larry Fisherman (his alias) because it's going to be around for a while. He laced Vince Staples with a dope track and Vince responded in kind with a substantive rhyme about the inner conflict... Read more

June 19, 2013 Audio

Vince Staples – Killin’ Y’all ft Ab-Soul (Prod. Larry Fisherman aka Mac Miller)

Ab-Soul murders another Mac Miller beat. This time it's via a guest verse on Vince Staples' Killin' Y'all. Tough joint. Check it out below. Related: Ab-Soul – The End is Near ft Mac Miller (Audio)... Read more

June 11, 2013 Audio

Cashius Green – I Ain’t Happy ft Vince Staples (Video)

So much music. So little time. Here's a hot joint by Cashius Green. Check out the video for I Ain't Happy featuring Vince Staples. It's more of that new g-funk. Related: Tha Dogg Pound – LA Here’s 2 U ft Snoop Dogg (Audio)... Read more

February 28, 2013 Video