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The D.O.C. Explains Why Biggie Is His #1 MC

The D.O.C. Explains Why Biggie Is His #1 MC

In September of 1994, photographs were taken of The D.O.C., The Notorious B.I.G., Craig Mack, and Saafir together. The historic moment combining MCs from Texas, New York, California happened backstage at Chicago, Illinois' Riviera Theatre. That month, Bad Boy Records was amid its "Big Mack" campaign, when Craig Mack released... Read more
May 15, 2023 Exclusive, Interview, Video
The D.O.C. Is Performing Again For The First Time In 33 Years

The D.O.C. Is Performing Again For The First Time In 33 Years

Earlier this year, one of Hip-Hop's legendary songwriters, The D.O.C., gave fans his most comprehensive display of bars in 20 years. The MC closely associated with Dr. Dre, N.W.A., Snoop Dogg, and others, appeared on video single "Fast Ones" by The Codefendants. The track, later belonging to the This Is... Read more
May 13, 2023 Exclusive, Interview, Video
The Best & Worst Posthumous Rap Albums Of All Time

The Best & Worst Posthumous Rap Albums Of All Time

Last week (April 26), during a concert at Los Angeles, California's El Rey Theater, Tyler, The Creator told his hometown crowd about a very significant provision in his will. “Some of these [songs] are so good I can’t just let ’em sit on my hard drive,” Tyler told the crowd... Read more
May 2, 2023 Video
Dear Mama Shows There Is Still So Much We Don’t Know About Tupac

Dear Mama Shows There Is Still So Much We Don’t Know About Tupac

On Friday (April 21), the first two episodes of Dear Mama premiered. The docuseries, covering the parallel journeys of Tupac Shakur and his mother, Afeni Shakur, is directed by Allen Hughes, one-half of the Hughes Brothers team that gave viewers Menace II Society, Dead Presidents, and documentaries, including The Defiant Ones. In addition to the live broadcast... Read more
April 24, 2023 Video
Royce 5’9 Explains How He’s Taking Control Of His Own Music Destiny

Royce 5’9 Explains How He’s Taking Control Of His Own Music Destiny

Over the last 25 years, Royce 5'9 has had a decorated career that spans solo albums, mixtapes, feature work, and three super-groups. While he has been respected from the entrance, many could argue that Nickel Nine has only improved at his craft during that time. Since 2016, Royce has released... Read more
April 10, 2023 Exclusive, Interview, Video
JAY-Z’s “U Don’t Know” Was Originally Offered To Busta Rhymes & Prodigy

JAY-Z’s “U Don’t Know” Was Originally Offered To Busta Rhymes & Prodigy

Hip-Hop history is filled with what-ifs, especially concerning beats and production. Tupac's diamond-certified All Eyez On Me once featured verses from Inspectah Deck and The Lady Of Rage. Moreover, Disc 2's Dr. Dre-produced "Can't C Me" was rumored to be created for a shelved Ice Cube collaboration before another iteration had Tha Dogg Pound rapping. Jadakiss'... Read more
March 19, 2023 Video
Melle Mel Explains Why Busta Rhymes Is A Greater MC Than JAY-Z

Melle Mel Explains Why Busta Rhymes Is A Greater MC Than JAY-Z

Just over one month ago, Billboard and VIBE collaborated on one of the most talked-about lists of the last year. The publications and a team of respected journalists ranked "The 50 Greatest Rappers Of All-Time." As predicted, the feature prompted discourse among fans and artists. The criteria for these ranks were written to be: "body of... Read more
March 11, 2023 Fresh, Video
How Biggie Went From Ashy To Classy: By People Who Styled Him

How Biggie Went From Ashy To Classy: By People Who Styled Him

Biggie Smalls was the illest...Big had a top-notch flow, a booming voice, and lyrics drenched in authenticity and humor. The all-time great MC born Christopher Wallace said it was all a dream, and then he took us on a ride from his time as a stressed-out kid in the streets... Read more
February 28, 2023 Audio, Exclusive
The Final Season Of Wu-Tang’s TV Series Will Show Their Triumph

The Final Season Of Wu-Tang’s TV Series Will Show Their Triumph

Since September 2019, Wu-Tang: An American Saga has been some of the most significant Hip-Hop programming on television. The Emmy-nominated Hulu series has traced the Staten Island, New York origins of the Wu-Tang Clan—covering music, crime, and police brutality across 20 episodes. RZA is a series creator, and his character... Read more
January 18, 2023 TV, TV/Film, Video
Black Sheep’s $750 Million Lawsuit May Take Down The Music Business

Black Sheep’s $750 Million Lawsuit May Take Down The Music Business

One of the greatest Hip-Hop super crews is undoubtedly the Native Tongues. The New York City collective, reportedly masterminded by The Jungle Brothers' Baby Bam, would grow to include De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, Queen Latifah, Monie Love, Leaders Of The New School, Black Sheep, Chi-Ali, The Beatnuts,... Read more
January 17, 2023 News, Video
The Best Rap Verses Of 2022

The Best Rap Verses Of 2022

As 2022 winds down to its closing weeks, Ambrosia For Heads begins a celebration of the year with an in-depth conversation about its best Hip-Hop verses. In considering 2022, AFH's What's The Headline podcast spent nearly 90 minutes breaking down some of our favorites. While there is unanimous agreement surrounding six songs, the two hosts... Read more
November 30, 2022 Exclusive, Video
Nas Is In His Prime In His 40s

Nas Is In His Prime In His 40s

Last Friday (November 11), Nas and Hit-Boy released their fourth project since 2020. The King's Disease campaign, responsible for three of those albums, has taken Nas (and Hit-Boy) to new dimensions with their careers. In that time, Nas won his first Grammy, reunited with The Firm as well as Ms.... Read more
November 16, 2022 Video
The History Of Violence In Hip-Hop: 6 Years Changed Everything

The History Of Violence In Hip-Hop: 6 Years Changed Everything

In the last year, Hip-Hop has lost an alarming number of its artists to violence. Young Dolph, PnB Rock, Trouble, and Drakeo The Ruler are just some of the noteworthy examples, among several others. In the last week, Migos member Takeoff was killed in Houston, Texas on November 1—adding to... Read more
November 7, 2022 Video
Kanye West’s Self-Destruction Should Not Be Televised

Kanye West’s Self-Destruction Should Not Be Televised

A dozen years ago, Kanye West released one of his many anthems in "Power." In the preview single to My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, 'Ye proclaimed, "I embody every characteristic of the egotistic / He knows he so f*ckin' gifted / I just needed time alone, with my own thoughts /... Read more
October 12, 2022 Video
Cormega & Nas Have Reunited On A Song & It’s Glorious

Cormega & Nas Have Reunited On A Song & It’s Glorious

Today (October 7), Cormega has delivered The Realness II. As Cormega recently detailed to Ambrosia For Heads' What's The Headline podcast, the album was carefully made to be a true sequel to the original—which arrived just over 21 years ago. Beloved song “American Beauty" gets a stylish update on "Her... Read more
October 7, 2022 Audio, Interview, Video
Rapper Big Pooh Explains Why Little Brother Is Only 2 Members Now

Rapper Big Pooh Explains Why Little Brother Is Only 2 Members Now

Last month, Rapper Big Pooh released one of the standout solo albums within his extensive career. To Dream In Color addresses personal growth, family, sacrifice, and dedication to music. The 10-song album was sequenced by Pooh's Little Brother partner Phonte. Three years removed from May The Lord Watch, the two... Read more
September 29, 2022 Exclusive, Interview, Video
Rapper Big Pooh Talks His New Album, Little Brother’s Status & More

Rapper Big Pooh Talks His New Album, Little Brother’s Status & More

Last month, Rapper Big Pooh released one of the most spirited works of his extensive 20-year career. The North Carolina-based Virginia native MC delivered To Dream In Color. The 10-song album features some powerful commentary on the pursuit of dreams, the value of family support and the will to succeed. Blakk Soul,... Read more
September 26, 2022 Exclusive, Interview, Video
Cormega Explains Why The Realness 2 Is A True Sequel To The Original

Cormega Explains Why The Realness 2 Is A True Sequel To The Original

Upon its mid-2001 arrival, Cormega's The Realness lived up to its title. After years of waiting his turn, the MC asserted himself to step forth with a body of work that combined a passion for wisdom-drenched lyricism with a survivor's tale of life in New York City streets and the Rap industry. The independently... Read more
September 20, 2022 Exclusive, Interview, Video
Hip-Hop Culture Is Closer To 100 Years Old Than 50 Years Old

Hip-Hop Culture Is Closer To 100 Years Old Than 50 Years Old

Every August 11, Hip-Hop Heads celebrate a birthday associated with the culture. In 1973, that was the day that many historians credit DJ Kool Herc (aka Clive Campbell) with throwing a back-to-school jam at the rec center of 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in New York City's Bronx borough. In the last... Read more
September 14, 2022 Video
Why 1996 Had The Perfect Storm To Split Hip-Hop In Two

Why 1996 Had The Perfect Storm To Split Hip-Hop In Two

On the most recent episode of Drink Champs, co-host N.O.R.E. told guests Talib Kweli, Yasiin Bey, and Dave Chappelle about the moment he felt Hip-Hop became divided. The co-founder of Capone-N-Noreaga opined to Black Star that he feels The Roots' 1996 "What They Do" music video was a dividing line... Read more
September 12, 2022 Video
Daringer Explains How He & Westside Gunn Created The Griselda Sound

Daringer Explains How He & Westside Gunn Created The Griselda Sound

Late last month, Queens, New York veteran MC Meyhem Lauren partnered with producer Daringer for a collaboration album, Black Vladimir (embedded below). The 15-track album involves Action Bronson, Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine, Flee Lord, Elcamino, and Meyhem's brother Hologram and finds brilliant chemistry between two artists that go back... Read more
September 9, 2022 Exclusive, Video
Meyhem Lauren & Daringer Break Down Their New Album

Meyhem Lauren & Daringer Break Down Their New Album

Less than two weeks ago, Queens, New York MC Meyhem Lauren partnered with producer Daringer, architect of the Griselda Records sound, for Black Vladimir (embedded below). The 15-track album involves Action Bronson, Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine, Flee Lord, Elcamino, and Hologram and finds brilliant chemistry between two artists that go... Read more
September 7, 2022 Exclusive, Interview, Video
Diamond D Names His Top 5 Hip-Hop Producers

Diamond D Names His Top 5 Hip-Hop Producers

Today (August 19), Diamond D released his latest album, THE REAR VIEW. The 15-song collection (embedded below) finds the veteran MC/producer flexing his MC chops while playing double duty behind the boards as producer. It features Westside Gunn, De La Soul's Posdnuos, and Diamond's latest protege, Ashtin Martin. The Bronx, New... Read more
August 19, 2022 Exclusive, Interview, Video
Diamond D Speaks About His New Album & Spending A Day With Dr. Dre

Diamond D Speaks About His New Album & Spending A Day With Dr. Dre

This year marks 30 years since Diamond D's debut album, and he is celebrating in style. The Bronx, New York native MC/producer/DJ is releasing THE REAR VIEW on Friday, August 19. Arriving on D's Dymond Mine Records imprint, the 13-song collection demonstrates Diamond D as a true multi-talented artist. The co-founder... Read more
August 16, 2022 Exclusive, Interview, Video
Pete Rock & Funkmaster Flex Are Battling Over The Future Of NY Hip-Hop

Pete Rock & Funkmaster Flex Are Battling Over The Future Of NY Hip-Hop

In the last week, a battle has been going on surrounding Hip-Hop radio in New York. The series of events began with an Instagram Live monologue from Conway The Machine, one of Rap's most promising and acclaimed MCs as of late. The Machine vented frustrations with media gatekeepers, especially on the radio.... Read more
July 19, 2022 Video
Many Of Hip-Hop’s Greatest Rappers Name Their Top 5 MCs

Many Of Hip-Hop’s Greatest Rappers Name Their Top 5 MCs

Note: Jadakiss recently appeared on ESPN’s Jalen & Jacoby podcast and was asked who his top 5 Hip-Hop groups of all-time were. This article has been updated below with his response, as well as The Game’s top 5 LA Rap albums. A few days ago, during a podcast appearance, Ice... Read more
July 12, 2022 Video
Black Star Has Released The Best Rap Album Of 2022 So Far

Black Star Has Released The Best Rap Album Of 2022 So Far

Earlier this week (May 3), one of the most anticipated albums has released. Black Star's No Fear Of Time arrived after nearly a quarter-century since the duo's first and only other album, Mos Def and Talib Kweli Are Black Star. The two MCs have hinted towards a sophomore album sporadically over the last four years, eventually... Read more
May 5, 2022 Video
Benny’s Tana Talk 4 Is A Bold Reminder That The Butcher Is A Cut Above The Rest

Benny’s Tana Talk 4 Is A Bold Reminder That The Butcher Is A Cut Above The Rest

This past Friday (March 11) kicked off one of the biggest weekends for Hip-Hop in quite some time. Benny The Butcher released his highly-anticipated Tana Talk 4 album. Released the same day, Kxng Crooked and Joell Ortiz's joint album chronicles the demise of their Slaughterhouse group, conveying frustration and laying... Read more
March 15, 2022 Video
A Timeline Of How Slaughterhouse Became A Broken Home

A Timeline Of How Slaughterhouse Became A Broken Home

For a group that has not released a project in almost eight years, Slaughterhouse is currently making big waves in Hip-Hop news. The collective of Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz, Kxng Crooked, and Royce 5'9 is presently at odds, and the disagreement is playing out in real-time. This Friday (March 11),... Read more
March 8, 2022 Video
The 10 Ways Dr. Dre Brought Compton To The Super Bowl

The 10 Ways Dr. Dre Brought Compton To The Super Bowl

On Sunday night (February 13), Dr. Dre celebrated his career with an epic Super Bowl halftime show. The moment included appearances alongside Dre's star pupils and collaborators: Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, and Mary J. Blige. 50 Cent and Anderson .Paak each made surprise appearances in a stage show filled... Read more
February 16, 2022 Video
Eminem Has Quietly Become 1 Of Hip-Hop’s Biggest Activists

Eminem Has Quietly Become 1 Of Hip-Hop’s Biggest Activists

On Sunday night (February 13), Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, and Eminem put on a Super Bowl halftime show for the ages (embedded below). 50 Cent and Anderson .Paak also appeared as Dre's latest comeback campaign resulted in the biggest concert of his 35-plus-year-career. Although Dre... Read more
February 15, 2022 Video
What’s Real & What’s Not About The Wu-Tang TV Show

What’s Real & What’s Not About The Wu-Tang TV Show

APRIL 9, 2023 UPDATE: Following Ambrosia For Heads' 2022 What's The Headline podcast episode (embedded below in video and audio) and article surrounding the facts and fiction surrounding Wu-Tang: An American Saga, this article will update in this section with other elements. As a note to viewers, this may contain spoilers for series viewers. Are Ghostface Killah’s... Read more
February 8, 2022 Video
J. Cole Says He Is The Best Rapper Alive & He’s Proving It

J. Cole Says He Is The Best Rapper Alive & He’s Proving It

Last Friday (January 28), Benny The Butcher released one of the most exciting songs by any artist in over a year. "Johnny P's Caddy" is inspired by the formative days when Benny would ride in his father's Cadillac alongside Westside Gunn and listen to Hip-Hop. Over an Alchemist beat, The... Read more
February 1, 2022 Video
The 10 MCs Who Will Take Over Hip-Hop In The 2020s

The 10 MCs Who Will Take Over Hip-Hop In The 2020s

As a new year is upon us, there is a lot of music to look forward to in the 2020s. In Hip-Hop, a new class appears to be forming. A legendary generation of artists and MCs came to fruition during the early 2010s, including Kendrick Lamar, Drake, J. Cole, Travis Scott,... Read more
January 19, 2022 Audio, Video
Pete Rock Says He Was Never Paid For His Work On Illmatic

Pete Rock Says He Was Never Paid For His Work On Illmatic

Nas' Illmatic is widely revered as one of the best albums ever recorded. In 2016, the readers of Ambrosia For Heads deemed it the greatest Hip-Hop album in a comprehensive poll. The 1994 LP is the subject of an acclaimed documentary film, Time Is Illmatic. The double-platinum release is in... Read more
January 18, 2022 News
The 14 Best Rap Albums Of 2021…What Did We Miss

The 14 Best Rap Albums Of 2021…What Did We Miss

As 2021 comes to a close, it is appropriate to reflect on a remarkable year for Hip-Hop music and news. Although we did it slightly differently this year, Ambrosia For Heads shares our list of the best Hip-Hop Albums Of 2021. On episode #72 of the What's The Headline podcast—starting at 1:13:00—we list our... Read more
December 21, 2021 Best Rap Albums Of 2021, Video
Drake Dissed Kanye West Throughout Their Concert

Drake Dissed Kanye West Throughout Their Concert

“Drake don’t do a diss song where it’s an outright head-shot; he’s gonna set it up like war." - Kanye West Just weeks ago, Kanye West sat on Drink Champs and went into deep detail about his issues with Drake. The two-part interview was arguably the most significant conversation in... Read more
December 13, 2021 Exclusive, News, Video
Rap Snubs & Predictions For The 2022 Grammy Awards

Rap Snubs & Predictions For The 2022 Grammy Awards

Last week, the nominees for the 2022 Grammy Awards were announced, and plenty of people are talking about it. With the awards taking place on January 31, 2022, the eligibility period for the 64th award show ran from September 1, 2020, through September 30, 2021. As Hip-Hop Heads know, there... Read more
November 30, 2021 Video
Joell Ortiz Names His Top 5 Brooklyn MCs

Joell Ortiz Names His Top 5 Brooklyn MCs

This month, Joell Ortiz delivered a new album, The Autograph. The release, embedded below, marks Ortiz's fourth with indie stalwart Mello Music Group. After a career cultivated by rapping his circumstances directly to the listener, Joell somehow goes even deeper on his new album. As he tells Ambrosia For Heads' What's The Headline podcast (embedded... Read more
November 23, 2021 Exclusive, Interview, Video
JAY-Z & LL Cool J Brought A President & $3 Billion To The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame

JAY-Z & LL Cool J Brought A President & $3 Billion To The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame

On Saturday (October 30), LL Cool J and JAY-Z were formally inducted into Cleveland, Ohio's Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. While Hip-Hop artists have been entering the Hall for over a decade now, 2021's celebration was truly a standout moment for the culture. As Dave Chappelle suggested while inducting... Read more
November 2, 2021 Video
AZ Names The 7 MCs Who Influenced Him The Most

AZ Names The 7 MCs Who Influenced Him The Most

From his very first released verse, AZ declared "Others such as myself are trying to carry on tradition." Those illustrious guest bars from Nas' Illmatic apply to AZ's views on Hip-Hop. Weeks ago, the East New York, Brooklyn MC released Doe Or Die 2. While speaking in-depth about the long-anticipated... Read more
October 31, 2021 Exclusive, Video
DJ Scratch Explains The Tension At The Big Daddy Kane & KRS-One Verzuz

DJ Scratch Explains The Tension At The Big Daddy Kane & KRS-One Verzuz

On Sunday night (October 17), Hip-Hop fans were treated to a Verzuz match up between 80s Hip-Hop legends, Big Daddy Kane and KRS-One. There were freestyles, surprise guests, and some noteworthy banter between the two participants and their DJs—Kid Capri and DJ Scratch, representing Kris and Kane, respectively. During AFH's recap... Read more
October 19, 2021 Video
Rap City Is Back For One Night Only…For Now

Rap City Is Back For One Night Only…For Now

BET's Rap City was a staple of Hip-Hop culture for nearly 20 years. The show evolved with Rap culture over a series of hosts, studios, and themes. Through it all, BET found a vehicle that was a rival to Yo! MTV Raps as a vessel of the music on television. From 1989 to late 2008,... Read more
October 5, 2021 News, TV, TV/Film
Why J. Cole Is The Tim Duncan Of Hip-Hop

Why J. Cole Is The Tim Duncan Of Hip-Hop

Last week, J. Cole released a video loosie at just the right moment. The "Heaven's EP" track was recorded to Drake's "Pipe Down" instrumental. It arrived after a month where Kendrick Lamar proclaimed himself, "Smokin’ on top fives / Mother-f*ck that album, f*ck that single / Burn that hard drive... Read more
September 28, 2021 Video
J. Cole Says He’s The Best Rapper Breathing & Tells Others To Pipe Down

J. Cole Says He’s The Best Rapper Breathing & Tells Others To Pipe Down

J. Cole has already delivered one of the best albums of 2021, courtesy of The Off-Season. Named among the top LPs in Ambrosia For Heads' midyear report, the album found Jermaine Cole treating the craft of rapping like basketball—and training diligently between his heralded 2018 KOD album and the 2021 follow-up. After being snubbed by the Grammy's, Cole... Read more
September 22, 2021 Video
Kendrick Lamar Declares War On Hip-Hop’s Top 5 MCs

Kendrick Lamar Declares War On Hip-Hop’s Top 5 MCs

One week ago Kendrick Lamar made a rare and bold statement about his upcoming album while providing some significant news. “As I produce my final TDE album, I feel joy to have been a part of such a cultural imprint after 17 years. The Struggles. The Success. And most importantly,... Read more
August 28, 2021 Video
Where TDE Ranks Among Hip-Hop’s Greatest Record Labels

Where TDE Ranks Among Hip-Hop’s Greatest Record Labels

Kendrick Lamar made a rare and significant announcement in the last week: his upcoming album would be his last with Top Dawg Entertainment. For more than a decade, Kendrick has been TDE's flagship artist. He is even a part-owner in the record label responsible for taking SZA, ScHoolboy Q, Jay... Read more
August 24, 2021 Video
Nas Is In The Second Prime Of His Career

Nas Is In The Second Prime Of His Career

For the second time in less than a year, Nas has released an album. King's Disease II follows 2020's campaign, which landed Nas his first Grammy award, taking home "Best Rap Album" honors in early '21. Entirely produced by Hit-Boy, KD1 included reuniting the founding members of The Firm (along with the group's album... Read more
August 10, 2021 Video
Mickey Factz Joins The Royce & Lupe Battle With The Best Diss Record Yet

Mickey Factz Joins The Royce & Lupe Battle With The Best Diss Record Yet

Hip-Hop is witnessing its most exciting battle in more than a year, and it is playing out with more than just two opposing MCs. In 2020, two Midwest giants, Lupe Fiasco and Royce 5'9, partnered in a podcast. The two veterans joined forces to create 45 episodes of The Lupe... Read more
July 27, 2021 Audio, News, Video
Kurupt Details The Classic Death Row Songs That Began As Freestyles

Kurupt Details The Classic Death Row Songs That Began As Freestyles

For more than 20 years, core fans kept hope that the HRSMN might release an album. As one of Rap's earliest super-groups, the quartet composed of Kurupt, Ras Kass, Killah Priest, and Canibus hurdled label challenges, leaks, bootlegging, legal woes, and all that comes with four separate lives and careers.... Read more
July 13, 2021 Exclusive, Video
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