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What's The Headline

What's The Headline

By Ambrosia For Heads

What’s The Headline is Ambrosia For Heads’ podcast, hosted by AFH’s Founder Reggie Williams and its Editor-In-Chief Jake Paine. On each episode, AFH examines the week in Hip-Hop news, providing deep context about the biggest stories. Topics include music, TV, film, sports, current events, and more—all through the lens of Hip-Hop. In addition to news and analysis, some of Hip-Hop’s most respected artists occasionally drop in to discuss their work. What’s The Headline is for those who love Hip-Hop and want to see it reported with the respect and care it deserves.
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Breaking Down Three 6 Mafia Verzuz Bone Thugs-n-Harmony

What's The HeadlineDec 06, 2021

00:00
01:23:10
The D.O.C. Interview On His Documentary, Work With Dr. Dre, The Codefendants

The D.O.C. Interview On His Documentary, Work With Dr. Dre, The Codefendants

The D.O.C. joins this episode of Ambrosia For Heads' What's The Headline podcast. He discusses his new documentary, his first verse in 19 years, performing for the first time in 33 years and more. He also details his formula for how to be a great MC. 0:00 The D.O.C. has begun performing again for the first time in 33 years 3:15 The D.O.C discusses why the message in Rap music has changed for the worst 5:35 The D.O.C. is considering putting out more new music. 6:50 The D.O.C. explains how he is able to sing 7:38 The D.O.C. discusses the possibility of using AI to rap again 8:45 The D.O.C. says his documentary will show where he’s going in the next 10 years of his life 14:00 The D.O.C. discusses how he developed Snoop Dogg and Eazy-E 15:42 The D.O.C. explains why all rappers have their own individual cadence 18:37 He discusses the times he’s written rhymes that MCs were not able to rap properly 19:30 The D.O.C. details the formula for developing a rap style 21:14 The D.O.C. explains why he was mad at Biggie until he met him 24:00 Method Man is the one guy who’s cadence The D.O.C. cannot replicate 24:44 The D.O.C. explains what made Suge Knight a successful business man 25:58 The D.O.C. discusses his enduring relationships with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg 31:15 The D.O.C. says “The Grand Finale” was a battle between him, Ice Cube and MC Ren 32:45 On recording his verse for The Codefendants’ “Fast Ones” 34:48 Who The D.O.C. would take in a crew battle between N.W.A. & The Posse and Death Row 36:14 The D.O.C. speaks on the character that may have based on him in CB4 37:30 On his shoutout from JAY-Z on The Black Album’s “PSA” 38:00 Why his documentary will be the best music documentary ever.

May 13, 202342:19
Jack Harlow Calls Out Whites Who Want To Be Black From Afar

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

ack Harlow's Jackman. album is his best yet and also his most controversial. We discuss the album, the best and worst posthumous Rap albums of all-time, Pras Michel's conviction and more on this week's episode of Ambrosia For Heads' What's The Headline podcast. 0:00 Intro 2:34 Jack Harlow’s Jackman. album is his best yet 13:41 Jack Harlow blasts white fans who are down with black culture but not black people on “Common Ground” 40:40 Jack Harlow lists the many things his success is due to outside of his race on “It Can’t Be” 54:18 Jack Harlow says he is the best white rapper since Eminem on “They Don’t Love It” 59:45 Does Jack Harlow have the potential to be as big as Drake? 1:04:47 Jack Harlow talks about many other surprising subjects on Jackman. 1:09:08 Are posthumous albums good or bad for artists and their legacies 1:22:45 The best and worst posthumous Rap albums of all-time 1:32:55 Pras Michel has been convicted of funneling money to influence politicians 1:37:00 Kendrick Lamar’s Mr. Morale and The Big Steppers tour is the highest grossing Rap tour of all-time 1:39:20 RIP Harry Belafonte

Apr 29, 202301:44:45
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

In this week's episode of AFH's What's The Headline podcast, we discuss our new partnership with BET to let fans decide who is the Greatest Rap Crew Of All-Time. We also review the new Dear Mama docuseries about Tupac and Afeni Shakur, remember Ahmad Jamal, discuss how AI will transform the music business and more. 0:00 Intro 3:00 Ambrosia For Heads is partnering with BET in a tournament to let fans decide who is the Greatest Rap Crew Of All-Time 21:20 Reviewing the Dear Mama docuseries about Tupac and Afeni Shakur 22:22 Can Allen Hughes objectively view Tupac given that Tupac assaulted him 28:30 Key producers and participants in Dear Mama 31:00 Why did FX premiere Dear Mama in the Friday night “graveyard” time slot 36:22 Key themes in Dear Mama 41:14 Tupac had many different personalities. Which one was really him 48:35 Did Tupac’s being a chameleon play a role in his death 57:40 New things we learn about Tupac from Dear Mama 1:03:20 Current artists who embody Tupac’s spirit 1:07:00 Previously unseen photos and footage in Dear Mama 1:11:15 Remembering heavily-sampled Jazz musician Ahmad Jamal 1:15:40 AI-generated deep fake songs will transform the music business forever 1:23:53 Killer Mike is releasing a new solo album 1:26:10 Frank Ocean’s Coachella performance was a disaster 1:34:00 New music from Swizz Beatz, Jay Electronica and Lloyd Banks

Apr 24, 202301:43:56
Reviewing Black Thought & El Michels Affair's Glorious Game Album

Reviewing Black Thought & El Michels Affair's Glorious Game Album

In this week's episode of Ambrosia For Heads' What's The Headline, we review Black Thought and El Michel Affair's new Glorious Game album and take an in-depth look at how his solo releases have impacted his legacy as an MC. We also discuss the new J. Dilla documentary, Snoop Dogg's career-altering decision 30 years ago, and more. 0:00 Intro 4:55 Black Thought has released 6 projects in the last 5 years 7:30 Black Thought is in the prime of his career in his 50s 13:30 Black Thought’s career has flourished since he started releasing solo projects 16:45 Reviewing Black Thought’s stellar album Glorious Game with El Michels Affair 38:45 Black Thought is re-writing his legacy outside of The Roots 53:45 Black Thougt’s Streams Of Thought, Vol. 4 album is done and packed with all-stors 58:06 Who would be the ideal next producer for Black Thought? 1:03:00 Is Black Thought still underrated? 1:06:50 Reviewing The Legacy Of J. Dilla documentary 1:19:55 Snoop Dogg gives several details of his life he has not previously shared 1:24:52 Snoop Dogg was days away from signing a deal that would have prevented him from joining Death Row 1:39:30 Snoop and Tupac battled the first night they met 1:41:21 Jake tells an epic story about the time he interviewed Snoop 1:49:20 50 Cent says he has been a billionaire since 2007

Apr 15, 202302:01:56
Royce 5’9 Explains How He’s Taking Control Of His Music Destiny

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

Royce 5'9 joins this week's episode of What's The Headline, along with his 25-year business partner, Kino Childrey. This is not an interview. It is an amazing conversation between trusted colleagues and friends. Here's what we discussed: 0:00 Royce 5’9 joins AFH for a special edition of What’s The Headline 0:10 How 2020 transformed Hip-Hop 3:00 Why Royce 5’9 does not want to do a Verzuz battle 6:40 Royce 5’9 on being a pioneer of Grown Man Rap and how Hip-Hop’s elder statesmen should move 13:00 Royce 5’9 explains his virtual Heaven Experience in the metaverse 26:00 Royce 5’9 on buying back his master recordings and the importance of ownership 37:40 What caused the tensions within Slaughterhouse and why he felt betrayed 46:40 Royce’s business partner Kino Childrey joins the conversation 48:18 Why Kino and Royce built The Heaven Experience 56:00 Royce and Kino discuss their new artist Courtney Bell and why he will change the game 1:07:50 Royce 5’9 speaks on the lifestyle changes he’s made to stay healthy 1:12:45 How Royce has grown over the years 1:15:35 How Royce and Kino have overcome difficulties with each other over their 25 years together 1:33:00 Royce speaks on whether we will get new music from him, PRhyme and Bad Meets Evil 1:35:50 Royce 5’9 speaks on how he pushes Eminem 1:38:30 Royce and Kino speak on how much of their growth is organic vs. strategic 1:47:00 Royce 5’9 lists the first 5 producers he had, and all are legends 1:53:00 Where fans can join The Heaven Experience virtual world 1:55:55 Who will be bigger between LaRussell and Symba 1:58:30 Why Royce and Kino are such great partners


Apr 10, 202302:06:31
The LOX & Dipset Want A Verzuz Rematch ... Should They Do It?

The LOX & Dipset Want A Verzuz Rematch ... Should They Do It?

This week in Hip-Hop was jam-packed. We discuss Nipsey Hussle's legacy 4 years later, the potential Verzuz rematch between The LOX and Dipset, protests against Afrika Bambaataa, DJ Akademik's criticism of J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar and Drake, and new music from Larry June & Alchemist, DJ Drama, Royce 5'9, Tyler, The Creator and more. 0:00 Intro 6:00 Remembering Nipsey Hussle 4 years later 19:45 The LOX and Dipset want a Verzuz rematch. Here’s why they should not do it 31:20 How should Afrika Bambaataa’s Hip-Hop legacy be handled in light of allegations against him 53:20 DJ Akademiks called out J. Cole, Drake and Kendrick Lamar for no longer supporting Hip-Hop media outlets 1:09:28 Snowfall’s Damson Idris discusses the behind the scenes help JAY-Z gives people 1:16:57 DJ Jeff explains why He’s The DJ, I’m The Rapper was supposed to sound very different 1:21:00 Suge Knight is developing a TV series about his life 1:25:26 Madlib is making new music with Erykah Badu, Mac Miller, MF DOOM and more 1:31:10 Larry June & The Alchemist’s The Great Escape is the year’s first masterpiece album 1:40:55 Tyler, The Creator’s Call Me If You Get Lost: The Estate Sale is more than a deluxe version of his album 1:46:30 DJ Drama is taking a victory lap with the release of his I’m Really Like That album 1:52:00 Royce 5’9 released The Heaven Experience EP featuring Redman 1:54:18 DJ Quik has released his first new music in years

Apr 01, 202301:57:05
JAY-Z, J. Cole, Kendrick & More Share Their Secrets To Success

JAY-Z, J. Cole, Kendrick & More Share Their Secrets To Success

This week, J. Cole released his first interview in years, and it was INSPIRATIONAL. On this week's episode of Ambrosia For Heads' What's The Headline, we break down Cole's interview and compare his secrets to success with those of Kendrick Lamar, Rapsody, Big K.R.I.T., Ab-Soul and JAY-Z. The similarities are fascinating...We also discuss how Tupac tried to change the culture at Death Row Records, DJ Premier's inside story on the making of Biggie's "Ten Crack Commandments" and new music from Hit-Boy & Nas, Mistah F.A.B., Lloyd Banks and Method Man, and more.

Mar 25, 202301:45:11
Logic Has Made It Hard To Like Him & It’s Not Just Joe Budden

Logic Has Made It Hard To Like Him & It’s Not Just Joe Budden

On this week's episode of Ambrosia For Heads' What's The Headline podcast, we take a hard look at the conflicting versions of himself that Logic has presented over the years. We also discuss the passing of music great Bobby Caldwell, Just Blaze's status as at Top 10 Hip-Hop producer, and some new music by Statik Selektah, Inspectah Deck, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, and Raekwon, as well as releases by T-Pain and Curren$y and Jermaine Dupri. 

Mar 18, 202301:28:47
Melle Mel Explains Why Busta Rhymes Is Greater Than JAY-Z

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

On this week's episode of AFH's What's The Headline, we discuss Grandmaster Melle Mel's sharp critique of Billboard and VIBE's list of the 50 Greatest Rappers Of All Time, and his comments about JAY-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem and Lil Wayne. We also talk about Jadakiss taking record labels to task about some of the content they promote. We discuss Snoop Dogg returning Death Row Records music to streaming services, Dreamville's Creed III soundtrack, Talib Kweli and Madlib's new joint album and more.  

0:00 Intro
6:30 Grandmaster Melle Mel offers a sharp critique of the Billboard/VIBE list of the 50 Greatest Rappers Of All-Time
11:40 Why Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five’s “The Message” is one of the 3 best Rap songs of all-time
14:15 The criteria Billboard and VIBE used to create their list
15:00 Why was Melle Mel ranked so low as #48 on the Billboard/VIBE list of the 50 Greatest Rappers Of All-Time
19:30 Melle Mel says Busta Rhymes is a greater MC than JAY-Z and explains why
30:00 Melle Mel say Tupac is greater than both Biggie and JAY-Z
38:00 Melle Mel says nobody wants to rap like Kendrick Lamar and he does not deserve to be #2 on the list
42:40 Melle Mel says Eminem only gets placed at #5 because of his race
49:00 Melle Mel criticizes Lil Wayne for using autotune
51:30 Does Melle Mel’s opinion hold more weight because he is a pioneer of Hip-Hop
55:50 Jadakiss says record labels should be held accountable for releasing violent content
1:04:00 Use of the N word by non-Black people when listening to Rap
1:10:30 Death Row Records music is back on streaming services through Snoop’s partnership with a new major player in music
1:19:45 Many of Hip-Hop’s greatest icons came together to celebrate the release of De La Soul’s music on streaming services
1:22:00 DJ Quik details the behind the scenes intimidation that took place at Death Row Records
1:27:00 The D.O.C.’s first verse in 19 years shows he still has the formula
1:31:53 J. Cole’s Dreamville has created an incredible soundtrack for Creed III
1:41:10 Talib Kweli and Madlib have released their joint album Liberation 2  

Mar 11, 202301:48:49
How Biggie Went From Ashy To Classy: By People Who Styled Him
Feb 28, 202319:12
Remembering The Life & Legacy Of Dave From De La Soul

Remembering The Life & Legacy Of Dave From De La Soul

On this week's episode of Ambrosia For Heads' What's The Headline, we discuss the life and legacy of Dave from De La Soul. We also talk about Billboard's recent list ranking the top 50 rappers of all-time, debate whether Drake has surpassed Lil Wayne, and more. We also breakdown the sale of Quality Control, Pharrell's new position at Louis Vuitton and more.  

0:00 Intro
3:48 Remembering the life and legacy of Dave from De La Soul
8:50 What De La Soul has meant to us as fans of Hip-Hop
14:54 How De La Soul was different than any other Rap artist
20:50 Is it possible for De La Soul to continue without Dave
23:55 Celebrating Dave as an individual
31:20 Our personal interactions with De La Soul
36:08 Dave spoke about his health problems before his passing
41:14 Our favorite Dave verses
44:28 Billboard and VIBE published a joint list naming the 50 greatest MCs of all-time
47:43 Has Drake surpassed Lil Wayne
57:20 Should Drake be #2 on the list
1:03:54 The most questionable rankings on the list
1:09:48 Do these lists do more harm than good
1:13:50 The biggest omissions from the list
1:23:00 The Quality Control record label was sold for $300MM
1:26:50 Black-owned record companies have been undervalued historically
1:33:10 Pharrell Williams has been named the Creative Director of Menswear for Louis Vuitton
1:38:31 The New York Times refers to Pharrell as “the American rapper and producer”
1:45:49 50 Cent has signed a development deal with FOX

Feb 20, 202301:52:59
The Highs & The Lows Of The 2023 Grammy Awards

The Highs & The Lows Of The 2023 Grammy Awards

On this week's episode of Ambrosia For Heads' What's The Headline, we breakdown the highs and the lows of the 2023 Grammy Awards, with deep dives on the year's biggest surprises, best performances and the most important Hip-Hop moments.  

0:00 Intro
5:08 The lead up to the 2023 Grammy Awards
13:40 Slick Rick is honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
15:36 The Roc Nation Brunch experience
17:30 A famous star mistakes Reggie for Stevie J
19:04 Grammy party gift bags
21:50 How Will Smith’s slap changed comedian behavior at live events
24:30 Were Kendrick Lamar and Beyoncé sending messages by being late to the show
28:00 Is Kendrick Lamar preparing to release a new album
31:20 Why did JAY-Z and Beyoncé come back to the Grammys after years of absence
33:35 Quavo’s in memoriam tribute to Takeoff  
35:30 Beyoncé is now the artist with the most Grammys
37:00 Most surprising Grammy wins of 2023
46:00 Chris Brown throws shade toward Robert Glasper for Glasper’s win
50:50 Kendrick Lamar dominated the Rap categories
53:00 Stevie Wonder performs in honor of Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson
1:00:15 Did the performance of DJ Khaled’s “GOD DID” ft Rick Ross, Lil Wayne and JAY-Z live up to expectations
1:08:52 The Questlove curated Hip-Hop 50 tribute featured 5 decades of Rap legends
1:12:30 The 17-song playlist was mind-blowing and truly for Hip-Hop heads
1:15:30 The Grammy Awards finally gave Hip-Hop its proper respect
1:22:20 Songs of the Week 

Feb 06, 202301:25:51
Black Sheep Is Suing Universal Music For $750 Million

Black Sheep Is Suing Universal Music For $750 Million

On this episode of Ambrosia For Heads' What's The Headline, we discuss De La Soul's announcement that music they recorded for Tommy Boy is coming to streaming services, as well as Black Sheep's lawsuit against Universal Music Group for $750 million. We also talk about Dr. Dre's impending sale of his music catalog, as well as new music from Skyzoo and Dr. Dre.  

0:00 Intro
2:56 RIP Gangsta Boo
3:56 De La Soul’s music is coming to streaming services after years of battling
6:48 A timeline of De La Soul’s history with Tommy Boy Records
19:20 The legal barriers to putting De La Soul’s music on streaming services
24:00 Part of De La Soul’s older music has been re-recorded
29:20 Why having music on YouTube is not enough
37:00 Black Sheep is suing Universal Music Group for $750 million
45:20 If Black Sheep wins it will fundamentally change the music business
51:00 Dr. Dre is selling part of his music catalog for $200 million
1:00:40 RIP Laylaw
1:01:50 Boldy James is recovering from a very serious car crash
1:03:05 Slick Rick is getting a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
1:06:18 Skyzoo has released an album The Mind Of A Saint rapped from the perspective of Snowfall’s Franklin Saint
1:11:07 Black Thought is releasing a new album with El Michels Affair

Jan 17, 202301:18:19
The Best Rap & Hip-Hop Albums Of 2022

The Best Rap & Hip-Hop Albums Of 2022

On the final episode of the year for AFH's What's The Headline, we run down Ambrosia For Heads' 15 Best Rap Albums of 2022, and discuss why each one made the list. 0:00 Intro 3:40 Our process for reviewing albums for this list 7:00 Key trends in Hip-Hop in 2022 13:20 Why we don’t rank our year end list 16:00 The 15 best Rap albums of 2022 (in no particular order) 16:12 Black Thought & Danger Mouse - Cheat Codes 20:36 Joey Bada$$ - 2000 26:55 Lupe Fiasco - DRILL MUSIC IN ZION 32:28 Black Star - No Fear Of Time 39:14 Ab-Soul - HERBERT 46:32 Roc Marciano & The Alchemist - The Elephant Man’s Bones 50:05 Open Mike Eagle - Component System With Auto Reverse 55:50 JID - The Forever Story 1:00:47 Elzhi & Georgia Anne Muldrow - Zhigeist 1:05:16 Apollo Brown & Philmore Greene - Cost Of Living 1:08:02 Nas & Hit-Boy - King’s Disease III 1:12:44 Denzel Curry - Melt My Eyez See Your Future 1:16:53 Cormega - The Realness II 1:21:26 Pusha-T - It’s Almost Dry 1:25:32 Kendrick Lamar - Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers 1:30:40 Our personal picks for Rap song of the year

Dec 20, 202201:32:45
The 10 Best Rap Verses Of 2022

The 10 Best Rap Verses Of 2022

On this episode of Ambrosia For Heads' What's The Headline, we discuss the best Rap verses of 2022 and which ones made our top 10. Check Spotify or the site to follow along with a playlist on our page.

0:00 Intro
5:40 The criteria for what makes a great verse
9:30 14 verses are contending for the 10 best verses of 2022
10:30 JAY-Z - “GOD DID”
19:00 J.I.D. - “Crack Sandwich”
24:10 Kendrick Lamar - “Mother I Sober”
28:08 J. Cole - “Johnny P’s Caddy”
34:11 Lupe Fiasco “On Faux Nem”
38:30 Kendrick Lamar - “The Heart, Pt. 5”
43:52 Drake - “Middle Of The Ocean”
50:33 Black Thought - “No Gold Teeth”
53:48 Conway The Machine - “Stressed”
57:26 Remy Ma - “Remy Rap”
1:01:47 Symba - “GOAT”
1:05:05 Coast Contra - “Never Freestyle”
1:08:51 Joey Bada$$ - “Head High”
1:12:59 Elzhi - “King Sh!t (Say Word)”
1:17:00 Honorable mention: Coast Contra - “Scenario Freestyle”
1:20:14 The 10 Best Rap Verses of 2022

Nov 30, 202201:30:21
Reviewing Nas & Hit-Boy's King's Disease III, Song By Song

Reviewing Nas & Hit-Boy's King's Disease III, Song By Song

Nas has released King's Disease III, the third in his series of KD albums produced entirely by Hit-Boy. In this episode of Ambrosia For Heads' What's The Headline podcast, we review the album song by song and rate it on a scale of 1 to 10. We also rank the albums in the King's Disease series.  

0:00 Intro
1:55 The problem with hot take reviews
7:15 Attending the release party for Nas’ King’s Disease III
11:45 Reviewing Nas’ King’s Disease III song by song
11:48 “Ghetto Reporter”
14:54 Hit-Boy has Nas sounding like he’s in his prime in his 40s
27:30 21 Savage recently said Nas was not relevant
32:01 “Legit”
35:30 “Thun”
39:42 “Michael & Quincy”
43:30 What producer should Nas work with next
47:26 “30”
51:10 “Hood2Hood”
53:57 “Recession Proof”
55:30 “Reminisce”
56:11 What are Nas’ 7 best albums
1:00:50 “Serious Interlude”
1:02:47 “I’m On Fire”
1:04:08 “WTF SMH”
1:05:41 “Once a Man, Twice a Child”
1:10:17 “Get Light”
1:11:06 “First Time”
1:14:20 “Beef”
1:16:17 “Don’t Shoot”
1:18:05 “Till My Last Breath”
1:21:34 How we rate Nas’ King’s Disease III album on a scale of 1 - 10
1:22:55 Ranking the album in the King’s Disease series

Nov 16, 202201:26:33
The 2023 Grammy Rap Nominations, Predictions, and Snubs

The 2023 Grammy Rap Nominations, Predictions, and Snubs

The nominations for the 2023 Grammy Awards are in, and they are not without controversy. Some of Rap's best artists have been snubbed, and the stage is set for an epic clash of the titans between JAY-Z and Kendrick Lamar. On this episode of Ambrosia For Heads' What's The Headline, we break down each of the categories featuring Rap artists, assessing the nominations, discussing the snubs, suggesting who should win and predicting who the eventual winner will be.  

0:00 Intro
3:57 Best Rap Performance
6:38 Was “The Heart Pt. 5” Kendrick Lamar’s best song this year
19:52 Who will win the night between Kendrick Lamar and JAY-Z
24:34 Best Melodic Rap Performance
28:40 Best Rap Song
34:40 If "GOD DID" were to win, should this count as a first Rick Ross Grammy
36:05 Song Of The Year
41:20 Kendrick Lamar and JAY-Z are competing in four categories. There is a lot of history and a Grammy rivalry here
42:40 Could Kendrick Lamar’s The Heart Part 5 take Music Video Of The Year
44:10 What’s the difference between Record Of The Year and Song Of The Year
45:00 Record The Year
46:40 Song Of The Year
48:00 Album Of The Year
52:20 Will Kendrick Lamar attend the Grammy Awards this time
53:25 Best Rap Album nominations
54:40 Does Kanye West’s role in Pusha-T’s It’s Almost Dry album make it a Grammy liability
55:00 Predicted winner of Best Rap Album
57:00 Joey Bada$$’s 2000, Black Star’s No Fear Of Time, JID’s The Forever Story were snubbed by the Grammys
59:05 Tobe Nwigwe, Freestyle Fellowship, Questlove, Boi-1da, DJ Dahi, Robert Glasper, Terrace Martin, Dave Chappelle, and others received noteworthy nominations
1:05:50 Song Of The Week from a Grammy-nominated project

Nov 16, 202201:07:04
The History Of Violence In Hip-Hop: 6 Years Changed Everything

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

Last week's death of Takeoff from the Migos marks more than 60 Rap artists who have been lost to gun violence. The latest episode of AFH's What's The Headline examines the history and evolution of violence in Rap music. The conversation, which draws from actual statistics, also looks at why 1987 - 1993 marks a turning point in the musical content and imagery that is very much still driving the consumption of Rap music.    

0:00-2:00 intro - More than 60 rappers have died from gun violence  
2:01 - 6:10 - AFH’s coverage of Migos and our personal relationships to the music
6:11 - 9:30 - There is a history and evolution of violence in Rap music. This is not preaching, but analysis and commentary from two Hip-Hop Heads
9:31 - 12:30 - Rap music has always possessed the power to influence in many ways
12:31 - 17:30 - Violence is one of the ways that Rap music can influence. Trick-Trick makes the point that music can put a spell on the listener
17:31 - 21:40 - There was a time in recorded Rap music where violence themes were barely existent
21:41 - 25:50 - Boogie Down Productions, Schoolly D, Ice-T, and N.W.A. changed things substantially, especially by 1987
25:51 - 29:30 - Shortly after BDP releases “9MM Goes Bang,” Scott La Rock is killed. It is also their most-streamed song on Spotify
29:31 - 36:30 - N.W.A.’s Straight Outta Compton began a time when violence in Rap music went from being the exception to the norm. That coincides with the crack epidemic
36:31 - 40:00 - The Geto Boys’ “Mind Of A Lunatic” took violence in Rap music to that other level
40:01 - 45:50 - N.W.A. raises the stakes again with Efil4zaggin and that album goes to #1 on the pop charts
45:50 - 47:59 This trend continues with Dr. Dre’s The Chronic, a critically-acclaimed, commercially successful, radio-embraced albums
48:00 - 49:50 In a five-year span Rap music has gone from barely cursing to glorifying violence and misogyny  
49:51 - 53:10 - Art imitates life with Snoop Dogg, the death of Philip Woldemariam, and Murder Was The Case
53:11 - 58:30 - The mid-‘90s emergence of Horrorcore and a whole movement built are violence and death
58:31 - 1:01:40 - The movement continues, into Tupac, Drill music, and beyond. People are addressing real violence in the music
1:01:41 - 1:09:00 - Some powerful statistics about murders in America, and the relationship those figures have to what is happening in the lyrics
1:09:01 - 1:16:00 - A history of anti-violence Rap songs involving KRS-One and H.E.A.L., We’re All In The Same Gang, Heather B, Organized Konfusion, Black Star, Gang Starr, Kendrick Lamar, Main Source, and more
1:16:00 - 1:19:00 - Beyond Rap music, there is an increasing prominence of violence in film, television, and video games
1:19:00 - 1:21:00 - Some powerful statistics about the murder rates and gun homicides of Black Americans versus white Americans  
1:21:01 - 1:29:00 - What is the role that we, as Heads, and AFH play in this carnage?
1:29:00 - 1:33:00 - What role do record labels and digital streaming platforms play in this?
1:33:01 - 1:36:10 - Is art really imitating life for some Rap artists?
1:36:11 - 1:40:20 - What can society do to be better with our appetite for destruction?  
1:40:21 - Song of the weeks from Heather B and Ab-Soul featuring Zacari  

Nov 07, 202201:41:23
The Game Says Dr. Dre Has Never Produced A Song For Him

The Game Says Dr. Dre Has Never Produced A Song For Him

0:00 Intro
3:00 Coolio’s Rap legacy
9:20 Do people think of Coolio as an LA artist?
11:15 The Game names his top 5 LA Rap albums
13:20 What are the top 5 Rap albums of all-time?
29:00 How 50 Cent clowned Ja Rule for making pop records, while making pop records
32:20 The Game says Dr. Dre has never produced a song for him
39:28 Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre are releasing a new album in November
46:30 Why was there a two-year delay between the video shoot for Kendrick Lamar’s "N95" and the release of his Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers album?
49:24 Kanye West’s self-destruction should no be televised
1:05:28 The Virgil Abloh exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum is a great tribute to him
1:07:38 Roc Marciano & The Alchemist put on a show for a star-studded audience in Brooklyn
1:11:18 New music from Open Mike Eagle, Cormega, Freddie Gibbs, Kid Cudi, YG, Rome Streetz, and more

Oct 11, 202201:26:30
Rapper Big Pooh Talks His New Album, Little Brother's Status & More

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

Rapper Big Pooh joins AFH's What's The Headline to discuss his album To Dream In Color, fighting to keep his dreams alive, working with TDE and Dreamville, the status of Little Brother and more.  

0:00 Intro
1:00 Rapper Big Pooh joins the What’s The Headline podcast to discuss his album To Dream In Color
2:00 Rapper Big Pooh details the life lessons he learned from his grandmother
4:24 How becoming a rapper was by divine intervention for him
7:53 The origin story or Little Brother
9:25 Rapper Big Pooh’s advice to the next generation about how to survive in the music business
12:00 Why major record labels are all the same
15:00 On owning his own masters
16:45 Rapper Big Pooh discusses the making of To Dream In Color
18:30 How he became better at writing rhymes over the last six years
24:50 Rapper Big Pooh details how he and Phonte sequence albums
29:40 Which is more important between peace and prosperity
30:40 How the phrase “thoughts and prayers” has lost meaning
35:40 Rapper Big Pooh on working with Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar and Ab-Soul
40:43 What it means to man up and go for your dreams and to dream in color
42:00 How he manages Dreamville’s Lute and maintains his career at the same time
48:28 Rapper Big Pooh speaks about the movement Dreamville has built
50:55 A Little Brother May The Lord Watch documentary is coming in 2023 and it will answer questions
52:30 On whether the rift between Rapper Big Poor and Phonte with 9th Wonder can be repaired
53:45 How Rapper Big Pooh and Phonte resolved their differences
57:40 How Little Brother’s fate would have been different if they started now instead of in the '00s
1:02:20 How his views have changed on material things
1:04:00 Rapper Big Pooh speaks about working other jobs to maintain his Rap career
1:13:00 The joys of the old school CD clubs like Columbia House and BMG
1:15:10 On the legacy of the Justus League
1:19:40 How pride and ego can tear you apart
1:21:40 Rapper Big Pooh gives words of advice to people thinking about quitting their dreams 

Sep 26, 202201:25:51
Cormega Explains Why The Realness 2 Is A True Sequel

Cormega Explains Why The Realness 2 Is A True Sequel

Cormega joins the latest episode of AFH's What's The Headline to discuss his album The Realness 2. This is one of the realest interviews of the year.  

0:00 Intro
1:25 Cormega speaks on what his purpose is in music
3:44 Why it’s important for him to spread wisdom through his music
7:15 Why it was important to make The Realness 2 a true sequel to the original
9:10 Cormega shares his thoughts on the origins of Hip-Hop
15:23 The current state of Cormega’s relationship with Nas
25:30 Why artists lie in their raps
37:00 The balance between keeping it real and snitching on yourself in music
45:00 His evolution as an artist and a man
48:00 The biggest challenge Cormega has overcome
53:50 Some of the biggest distractions Cormega sees in the world
58:20 Working with Large Professor, Sha Money XL, Havoc, Alchemist, Harry Fraud, Streetrunner, Domingo and more as producers on the album
1:06:35 Cormega speaks about things people should be questioning in life
1:09:40 Why Kanye West and others inspire him
1:16:20 Cormega on why innovators are often met with resistance
1:19:00 Why there was no other choice but Biggie and Wu-Tang Clan for him to celebrate on “White Roses”
1:27:00 What success means to Cormega
1:30:45 Why Rod Strickland, Patrick Ewing and Bernard King could have beaten the 1990s Chicago Bulls
1:33:00 On doing wrong to get right  

Sep 20, 202201:39:16
Hip-Hop Is Closer To 100 Years Old Than 50

Hip-Hop Is Closer To 100 Years Old Than 50

This week on Ambrosia For Heads' What's The Headline, we talk about why we disagree about the quality of JAY-Z's "GOD DID" verse, discuss the three things that happened in 1996 which forever divided Hip-Hop and detail the 100+ year history of the elements of Hip-Hop. We also discuss the alleged theft of MF DOOM's rhyme book and great Rap music from the summer of 2022.  

0:00 Intro
1:23 Why we disagree with each other about the quality of JAY-Z’s verse on DJ Khaled’s “GOD DID”  
7:58 How JAY-Z’s rap flow has changed over the years
13:00 People celebrated JAY-Z when he talked about drug money but hate on him for talking about corporate money
24:20 The three things in 1996 that split Hip-Hop in two: mainstream & underground
57:28 The elements of Hip-Hop have been around for closer to 100 years not 50 years
1:12:07 Egon has been accused of stealing MF DOOM's rhymebooks
1:25:07 New music from JID, Roc Marciano, Black Thought, Joey Bada$$, Diamond D, Larry June, Meyhem Lauren & Daringer, Rapper Big Pooh, and more

Sep 12, 202201:28:08
Meyhem Lauren & Daringer Detail Making Their Black Vladimir Album

Meyhem Lauren & Daringer Detail Making Their Black Vladimir Album

Meyhem Lauren and Daringer have joined forces to create a new album. They speak in detail about the making of Black Vladimir as well as discussing their extensive careers, on the latest episode of AFH's What's The Headline.  

0:00 Intro  
0:22 Daringer discusses the project that put him on the map as a producer
2:00 Meyhem Lauren and Daringer detail the making of their new Black Vladimir album
5:10 How to make music that’s timeless
7:00 Daringer’s approach to sampling music
8:30 Producers who influenced Daringer
10:30 Meyhem names his favorite Queens MCs
15:00 Daringer explains how he and Westside Gunn created the Griselda sound
18:20 Meyhem Lauren speaks about getting into the food industry
20:00 Meyhem Lauren explains what “million dollar conversations” are
21:12 Daringer discusses how he makes beats
24:00 Black Vladimir is just the beginning for Meyhem Lauren and Daringer
25:10 Daringer has productions in the vault that sound very different than what he has released
26:50 Meyhem Lauren apologizes to Michael Jordan
30:00 Daringer and Meyhem Lauren name the MCs they most want to work with
31:38 How they’ve both stood the test of time in music
33:40 Daringer on how he is able to be so prolific in making beats
36:00 Who Meyhem Lauren and Daringer make music for
40:00 What keeps them motivated
41:40 The meaning of Black Vladimir

Sep 07, 202243:41
Diamond D Speaks About His New Album The Rear View

Diamond D Speaks About His New Album The Rear View

Diamond D speaks in-depth about the making of his album The Rear View. He also discusses the day he spent with Dr. Dre, spending time with Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock, names his top 5 producers, and more on this week's episode of AFH's What's The Headline.  

0:00 Intro 1:15
Diamond D discusses his time with Dave Chappelle during lockdown
7:00 How Diamond D and Westside Gunn connected
8:00 How living in Atlanta has impacted Diamond D’s music
9:20 Diamond D on working with Outkast
10:20 Why Diamond D respects Griselda and what he looks for in new MCs
14:00 Why it was important for him to rap on his new album The Rear View
16:00 What The Rear View means to Diamond D
18:00 Diamond D on keeping your finances right
20:00 How Diamond decides when he wants to work with other producers
21:00 On spending the day with Dr. Dre
22:50 Diamond D names his top 5 Hip-Hop producers
24:30 The role he had in shaping Fat Joe’s career
27:10 On working with Posdnuos on The Rear View
30:00 How Diamond D approaches making remixes
33:34 On being one of the best producer/rappers in Hip-Hop history
38:29 Diamond D’s impact on Rawkus Records
41:10 His experience working with The Fugees and Open Mike Eagle
44:20 What motivates Diamond D today
45:10 The moment Diamond D fell in love with Hip-Hop
47:00 Business tips for being an independent artist

Aug 15, 202252:13
Explaining Pete Rock & Funkmaster Flex's Feud

Explaining Pete Rock & Funkmaster Flex's Feud

Pete Rock and Funkmaster Flex are at war over the future of New York Hip-Hop. On this week's episode of Ambrosia For Heads' What's The Headline we explain why the two icons are fighting, and what's at stake.  0:00 Intro 1:20 Funkmaster Flex is in a feud with Conway The Machine and Pete Rock, and it’s turned ugly 2:18 Pete Rock’s Hip-Hop resume 7:30 What Funkmaster Flex has meant for Hip-Hop 13:00 Conway The Machine’s Hip-Hop credentials 17:35 AFH’s relationships with each of Pete Rock, Conway The Machine and Funkmaster Flex 20:16 Why do most Hip-Hop feuds start on social media now? 23:00 Conway The Machine’s beef with Funkmaster Flex 27:23 Why FM radio plays so little variety today 44:10 Funkmaster Flex’s response to Conway The Machine’s attack 49:25 Pete Rock blasts Funkmaster Flex for not supporting “Real Hip-Hop” 58:55 Funkmaster Flex responds to Pete Rock and makes several serious allegations 1:31:20 Where will this feud go next 1:33:00 Does being played on FM radio even matter for artists anymore 1:39:08 DJ Premier released an EP featuring Nas, Rema Ma, Rapsody, Run The Jewels, Lil Wayne and Slick Rick

Jul 18, 202201:49:26
Many Of Hip-Hop's Greatest Rappers Name Their Top 5 MCs

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

Rappers are fans too...On this week's episode of AFH's What's The Headline, we do a deep dive into the Top 5 MC lists of 30 of Hip-Hop's greatest artists.  0:00 Intro 1:10 Ice Cube said Lil Wayne is the greatest rapper of all-time (besides himself) 7:25 The significance of Top 5 MC lists in Hip-Hop 14:44 Jake’s Top 5 MCs 15:37 Reggie’s Top 5 MCs 17:35 The Top MCs for 30 of the greatest artists of all-time 19:08 Ice Cube’s Top 5 MCs 23:40 Black Thought’s Top 5 MCs 26:38 Snoop Dogg’s Top 5 MCs 30:30 Scarface’s Top 5 MCs 33:00 Run’s Top 5 MCs 35:02 J. Cole’s Top 4 MCs 36:45 Nas’ Top 7 MCs and his Top 5 MCs of this generation 42:48 LL Cool J’s Top 5 MCs 46:30 Pharoahe Monch’s Top 5 MCs 48:43 Lupe Fiasco’s Top 3 MCs 51:03 Ab-Soul’s Top 5 MCs 53:48 Raekwon’s Top 5 MCs (not in Wu-Tang Clan) 56:00 Action Bronson’s Top 5 MCs 59:08 Vinnie Paz’s Top 5 MCs 1:01:14 Kurupt’s Top 5 MCs 1:03:04 The D.O.C. names the rapper he would most want to be like if he was still rapping today 1:07:12 Kendrick Lamar’s Top 5 MCs 1:09:09 Jadakiss’ Top 5 MCs 1:12:55 R.A. The Rugged Man’s Top 5 MCs 1:18:22 Drake’s Top 5 MCs 1:21:03 Bun B’s Top 5 MCs 1:22:26 Immortal Technique’s Top 5 MCs 1:23:49 Lil Kim’s Top 10 MCs 1:25:12 Kool G Rap’s Top 5 MCs 1:27:41 Rakim’s Top 5 MCs and who he thinks is the most underrated MC 1:29:50 Eminem’s Top 5 MCs 1:31:38 Lil Wayne’s Top 5 MCs 1:33:52 JAY-Z’s Top 5 MCs 1:35:55 Kool Herc’s Top 5 MCs 1:38:17 Key takeaways  

Jul 12, 202201:42:15
The Top 20 Rap Albums Of All-Time As Determined By Millions Of Fans

The Top 20 Rap Albums Of All-Time As Determined By Millions Of Fans

Rolling Stone recently released an incredibly controversial list of the Top 200 Rap Albums Of All-Time. On this week's episode of AFH's What's The Headline, we discuss the list, reveal our own personal Top 10 lists, and lay out the list of the Top 20 Rap Albums Of All-Time that was decided by millions of AFH readers.  

0:00 Intro
1:20 Rolling Stone released a very controversial list of the Top 200 Rap Albums of All-Time
6:50 Why people care about lists
10:55 Ambrosia For Heads has hosted a number of competitions where millions of fans decided the greatest of all-time—MC, Album, Producer, Group
21:00 Why are women not given their proper respect as MCs
23:00 Discussing some of the more questionable Rolling Stone rankings
27:20 Our personal lists of the Top 10 Rap Albums Of All-Time
1:17:42 The Top 20 Rap Albums Of All-Time as decided by millions of AFH readers
1:39:50 Drake and Logic released new album this week

Jun 20, 202201:55:34
Explaining Kendrick Lamar's Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers Albums

Explaining Kendrick Lamar's Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers Albums

After 5 years, Kendrick Lamar has released Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, his long-awaited follow up to DAMN. Like its predecessor, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers is 2 albums in one and loaded with hidden references. On this week's episode of AFH's What's The Headline, we explain the meanings behind the two albums--Mr. Morale AND The Big Steppers--and explore Kendrick Lamar's career of complex works of art.  


0:00 Intro
7:47 Kendrick Lamar started the rollout for Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers in August 2021
15:20 The meaning of Kendrick Lamar’s Oklama nickname
18:11 AFH’s personal relationship with Kendrick Lamar
28:00 AFH was among the first publications to report that DAMN was really 2 albums in 1
37:50 “The Heart, Pt. 5” contained a number of hidden clues about Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers
45:00 Kendrick Lamar is looking in the mirror in the video for “The Heart, Pt. 5”
51:15 The meaning of the artwork for Kendrick Lamar’s Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers
1:01:56 Mr. Morale and The Big Steppers are 2 separate albums with different artwork and themes, and they are in reverse order
1:11:00 Kendrick Lamar’s Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers is not in the order in which we are supposed to listen
1:24:00 Explaining the Mr. Morale album
1:24:12 Count Me Out
1:25:35 Crown
1:28:30 Silent Hill
1:31:40 Savior Interlude
1:37:20 Savior
1:42:28 Auntie Diaries
1:46:00 Mr. Morale
1:51:10 Mother | Sober
1:55:00 Mirror
1:57:20 Explaining The Big Steppers album
1:57:48 United In Grief
1:59:24 N95
2:01:50 Worldwide Steppers
2:03:40 Die Hard
2:06:36 Father Time
2:10:25 Rich Interlude
2:12:00 Rich Spirit
2:15:40 We Cry Together
2:20:00 Purple Hearts
2:23:40 What is next for Kendrick Lamar

May 16, 202202:32:40
Reviewing Black Star's No Fear Of Time Song By Song

Reviewing Black Star's No Fear Of Time Song By Song

Black Star (Yasiin Bey fka Mos Def and Talib Kweli) have released No Fear Of Time, their first album in 24 years. We review the Madlib-produced album on this week's episode of AFH's What's The Headline, and we discuss the history and impact of Black Star and Rawkus Records. We also discuss Kendrick Lamar's forthcoming Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, potentially being a double album.  


0:00 Intro 0:33 Recapping the history of Black Star and Rawkus Records
8:42 Reviewing the solo careers of Mos Def and Talib Kweli 12:40 Revisiting the Mos Def and Talib Kweli are Black Star album
18:48 Black Star’s No Fear Of Time album has been at least 4 years in the making
24:25 Yasiin Bey and Talib Kweli released No Fear Of Time exclusively on Luminary
32:59 Black Star’s No Fear Of Time does not have curses
35:30 Talib Kweli explains the meaning of the album title
39:13 Reviewing Black Star’s No Fear Of Time song by song
41:36 o.G.
51:31 So be it
56:40 Sweetheart. Sweethard. Sweetodd.
59:19 My favorite band
1:04:52 The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing
1:07:25 Yonders
1:11:06 Supreme alchemy
1:15:32 Freequency featuring Black Thought
1:17:00 No fear of time
1:19:41 Where does No Fear Of Time stand among albums Madlib has produced
1:22:10 Where the album fits alongside Mos Def & Talib Kweli are Black Star
1:23:58 Where Black Star’s No Fear Of Time stands among the best Hip-Hop albums of 2022
1:27:10 Kendrick Lamar’s Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers may be 2 different albums
1:32:42 Pusha-T has his first number 1 album with It’s Almost Dry

May 04, 202201:37:05
Reviewing Pusha-T’s It's Almost Dry Song By Song

Reviewing Pusha-T’s It's Almost Dry Song By Song

Pusha-T has released his album It's Almost Dry, which was produced by both Kanye West and Pharrell. Pusha says the album was his Verzuz between Kanye and Pharrell. On this week's episode of AFH's What's The Headline, we review It's Almost Dry, song by song, and determine who won between Pharrell and Kanye. We also celebrate the life of DJ Kay Slay, and discuss what we know so far about Kendrick Lamar's upcoming album, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.  

0:00 Intro
5:12 RIP DJ Kay Slay
8:24 Pusha-T explains the meaning of his album title, It’s Almost Dry
9:06 Pusha-T says he used It’s Almost Dry as his personal Verzuz between Kanye West and Pharrell
9:40 Who is the better producer generally between Kanye West and Pharrell?
16:23 Who between Kanye and Pharrell has been the better producer for Pusha-T over the years?
24:15 Reviewing It’s Almost Dry song by song and scoring the Pharrell Verzuz Kanye battle
24:32 Brambleton (Pharrell)
31:00 Let The Smokers Shine The Coupes (Pharrell)
33:30 Dreamin’ Of The Past ft Kanye West (Kanye West)
38:44 Neck & Wrist featuring JAY-Z & Pharrell (Pharrell)
42:39 Just So You Remember (Kanye)
46:30 Diet Coke (Kanye) 52:25 Rock N Roll featuring Kid Cudi & Kanye West (Kanye)
57:01 Call My Bluff (Pharrell)
57:58 Pusha-T says he wishes he had J. Cole's fan base. What does he mean?
1:02:16 Scrape It Off ft Lil Uzi Vert & Don Tolliver (Pharrell)
1:04:25 Hear Me Clearly featuring Nigo (Kanye)
1:06:05 Open Air (Pharrell)
1:06:45 I Pray For You featuring Malice (Kanye)
1:09:48 Who won the “Verzuz” between Kanye West and Pharrell
1:14:40 How we rank Pusha-T’s It’s Almost Dry on a scale of 1 to 10
1:15:45 Where It’s Almost Dry ranks in Pusha-T’s solo catalog
1:18:05 Does Pusha-T have a classic album in his solo catalog?
1:20:00 Is Pusha-T a great MC?
1:23:20 Where does Pusha-T’s It’s Almost Dry rank among the best Hip-Hop albums of 2022?
1:25:50 Kendrick Lamar is releasing his new album Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers on May 13. What we know so far 1:37:22 Wu-Tang Clan’s 36 Chambers and A Tribe Called Quest’s Low End Theory will be in the Library of Congress

Apr 25, 202201:42:14
JAY-Z Has Dissed More People Than Any Other MC

JAY-Z Has Dissed More People Than Any Other MC

We discuss JAY-Z's many sneak disses on this week's episode of Ambrosia For Heads' What's The Headline podcast. We also talk about Will Smith's ban from the Oscars, Black Star's new album with Madlib, ScHoolboy Q's new Soccer Dad song, Kidd Creole's (from Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five) manslaughter conviction and more.  

0:00 Intro
2:56 Will Smith is banned from the Oscars for 10 years. Does it matter?
10:15 Black Star are releasing their new Madlib-produced album in a few weeks. What to expect
19:24 Black Star are releasing their new album through an alternative distribution platform
28:14 Pusha T and JAY-Z have released their latest collaboration
32:37 Both JAY-Z and Pusha-T are using new flows on Neck & Wrist
35:55 JAY-Z raps about what his position in Hip-Hop would be if Biggie was still alive
38:18 JAY-Z dissed Faizon Love on Neck & Wrist
40:00 JAY-Z is the king of sneak disses. Decoding some of his subliminal lines and listing his many targets
1:20:39 ScHoolboy Q shows his growth as a man on his new Soccer Dad song
1:30:20 Kidd Creole from Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five is convicted of manslaughter
1:32:05 New music of the week from Big K.R.I.T., Smoke DZA, Wiz Khalifa & Girl Talk, Vince Staples, Quelle Chris, Termanology & Paul Wall, Method Man, Redman & KRS-One, and more.

Apr 11, 202201:43:22
The 2022 Grammy Awards Failed Hip-Hop
Apr 04, 202201:13:28
Reviewing Benny The Butcher's Tana Talk 4 Song By Song

Reviewing Benny The Butcher's Tana Talk 4 Song By Song

Benny The Butcher continues his hot streak, with the release Tana Talk 4. We review the album, song by song, in addition to discussing Joell Ortiz and Kxng Crooked's The Rise & Fall of Slaughterhouse and Fly Anakin's Frank on this week's episode of AFH's What's The Headline.

2:40 Benny The Butcher has released his Tana Talk 4 album
4:30 Was Johnny P’s Caddy the best way to kick off the album’s promo cycle?
6:26 What makes Benny The Butcher’s Tana Talk series different from his other music
13:50 Johnny P’s Caddy was a surprising way to start the album
18:25 Alchemist is at the top of his game as a producer on Johnny P’s Caddy
21:25 Back 2x - Daringer and Beat Butcha are 2 of Hip-Hop’s most prolific producers
24:00 Stove God Cooks has become a strong addition to Griselda
26:30 Benny The Butcher believes he is a top 10 MC
29:22 Benny The Butcher speaks on how real he is on Super Plug, produced by The Alchemist
32:44 Weekend In The Perry’s - Benny The Butcher says he is Westside Gunn’s best investment. Is it true?
38:44 Benny The Butcher has made a sequel to Biggie’s classic with Ten More Crack Commandments
43:00 A list of Benny The Butcher’s 10 crack commandments
49:10 Tyson vs. Ali showcases Benny The Butcher and Conway The Machine as 2 of Hip-Hop’s best MCs
55:15 Uncle Bun features Benny The Butcher and 38 Spesh on a Daringer production
56:57 Thowy’s Revenge finds Benny The Butcher rapping as fast as we’ve ever heard him flow
1:01:34 Benny The Butcher discusses the consequences of hustling on Billy Joe
1:03:44 Guerrero features Benny The Butcher and Westside Gunn, with Benny saluting a key founder of Death Row Records
1:06:40 Bust A Brick Nick offers another top shelf Alchemist production, with Benny making a reference to his recent shooting
1:08:48 Mr. Chow Hall closes out Tana Talk 4
1:10:34 How would Tana Talk 4 change if Johnny P’s Caddy was the album’s last song
1:12:12 How does Tana Talk 4 compare to the rest of Benny The Butcher’s catalog
1:15:00 Is Tana Talk 4 the best album of 2022 so far
1:16:17 Joell Ortiz and Kxng Crooked have released The Rise And Fall Of Slaughterhouse, an album that details all of their grievances with the group
1:31:41 Fly Anakin’s Frank is one of the best Rap albums of 2022 so far

Mar 15, 202201:37:19
The Rise & Fall Of Slaughterhouse: A Timeline

The Rise & Fall Of Slaughterhouse: A Timeline

Last week, Joe Budden and Royce 5'9 had a heated public exchange with Joell Ortiz. On this week's episode of AFH's What's The Headline, we provide an in-depth timeline of the rise and fall of Slaughterhouse.

1:00 The members of Slaughterhouse are in a war of words with one another 3:00 Why Slaughterhouse is so loved by so many 9:40 The rise and fall of Slaughterhouse: a timeline 10:00 Where Joell Ortiz, Crooked I, Royce da 5’9 and Joe Budden were in their careers right before the formation of Slaughterhouse 12:33 The origin story of Slaughterhouse 23:30 How a song launched Slaughterhouse the group and then an album 25:15 The state of Hip-Hop in 2009 when Slaughterhouse was formed 32:44 Slaughterhouse signs with Shady Records in 2011 38:11 Shady Records puts Slaughterhouse on Hip-Hop’s biggest stage during the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards 40:32 Slaughterhouse goes mainstream in 2012 and it does not connect with their fans 45:30 Slaughterhouse and TDE have BET Cyphers in 2013, and all eyes are on who is the best crew 51:20 In 2014, Slaughterhouse release their House Rules mixtape and record an un-released album that is rumored to be their best 54:22 Joe Budden releases an entire song about Eminem in 2015 1:01:28 Joe Budden delivers a savage review of Eminem’s Revival album on Everyday Struggle, and it creates division within Slaughterhouse and Shady Records 1:06:43 Eminem begins releases a song dissing Joe Budden 1:09:20 Joe Budden is publicly saying he is retired as a rapper, in 2017 and beyond 1:11:30 Kxng Crooked releases a statement saying he is no longer a part of Slaughterhouse, in April 2017 1:14:00 Royce details the status of Slaughterhouse, and speaks about them in the past tense 1:17:40 Eminem releases Kamikaze, an album filled with Joe Budden disses 1:22:50 Joe Budden says that is a better rapper than Eminem and details his grievances with Em 1:32:20 Joe Budden releases a trailer for a conversation between him and Crooked, but the full interview is never released 1:44:50 Eminem releases a song featuring Joell Ortiz, Kxng Crooked and Royce 5’9, with a line that may be dissing Budden 1:46:20 Joell Ortiz and Kxng Crooked release a project together called H.A.R.D. 1:49:11 In February 2022, Joell Ortiz and Kxng Crooked announce their album, The Rise and Fall of Slaughterhouse, and release 2 songs detailing why they believe the group has broken up 1:33:55 On March 4, 2022, Royce 5’9, Joell Ortiz and Joe Budden had a public conversation that became extremely heated 1:59:14 Joe Budden says that while he was publicly stating he was retired, behind the scenes he was telling the members of Slaughterhouse that he would reunite with them if they got out of their Shady Records agreement 2:02:48 Most of Slaughterhouse’s disagreements have been about business 2:06:42 Royce and Joe Budden laugh about Joell Ortiz’s song “Shake Dat Je’llo” 2:09:40 Joell Ortiz joins the call and it becomes heated, with Joell and Royce both accusing each other of lying 2:10:40 Their biggest disagreement is about a Slaughterhouse record deal that is currently on the table 2:13:30 Royce 5’9 and Joe Budden say the person who procured the record deal for the group is shady 2:14:50 Joell calls out Royce and Joe for having this discussion publicly, instead of behind the scenes with the group 2:15:28 Joe Budden calls Joell Ortiz a f’ing liar 2:20:48 Joe Budden tells Joell that Budden is bigger than anything Joell has going on 2:26:54 This is where their conversation escalates, becomes super ugly and abruptly ends 2:30:00 Is this war of words real or orchestrated for publicity Joe Budden, Royce 5’9 And Joell Ortiz Argue About Slaughterhouse & It Ends Badly: https://ambrosiaforheads.com/2022/03/joe-budden-royce-59-joell-ortiz-argument-video/ Ambrosia For Heads Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1Ssx21OFFRNJMMvlG2xeWV?si=DW9psDeWS4qa9UsItVq9pA Official Site: http://ambrosiaforheads.com/
Mar 07, 202202:38:46
Dr. Dre Stood For Hip-Hop While Eminem Kneeled For Justice

Dr. Dre Stood For Hip-Hop While Eminem Kneeled For Justice

Dr. Dre led one of the greatest halftime performances in Super Bowl history. On this week's episode of What's The Headline, we unpack the symbolism and references in a show that included Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, 50 Cent and Anderson .Paak. We also discuss Snoop's new album and his purchase of Death Row Records.  

0:00 Intro
2:14 Where does the Dr. Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar and Mary J. Blige halftime show rank among halftime shows?
4:25 A history of Hip-Hop performances at the Super Bowl
11:00 Reviewing the Dr. Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar and Mary J. Blige halftime performance song by song
19:40 50 Cent makes a surprise appearance
23:00 Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg did not perform any songs from The Chronic or Doggystyle
27:12 Mary J. Blige gave a standout performance
28:45 Kendrick Lamar’s performance was filled with symbolism
35:00 Eminem closes his performance by taking a knee for justice
42:50 Dr. Dre paid tribute to Tupac
44:40 There was Crip-walking on the Super Bowl halftime stage
47:40 Was this the best Super Bowl halftime performance of all-time?
49:34 Snoop Dogg is the new owner of Death Row Records
54:42 Snoop Dogg released a new album called Bacc On Death Row
59:53 Mary J. Blige released her Good Morning Gorgeous album
1:01:35 Kanye West has gone on a social media frenzy
1:06:55 Questlove has been nominated for an Oscar
1:07:43 Lupe Fiasco is releasing some of the leaked songs from Food & Liquor  
1:09:30 New music of the week from Fatlip, Blu, GBA, Hermlock Ernst & Ras Kass as well as Nana 

Feb 14, 202201:14:08
 Wu-Tang An American Saga Fact vs Fiction

Wu-Tang An American Saga Fact vs Fiction

The Wu-Tang: An American Saga TV series depicts that origin story of the Wu-Tang Clan. The show's creators call it "historical fiction." On this week's episode of What's The Headline, we look at many of the show's biggest moments, and explain what's fact and what's fiction. Do not watch or read ahead, if you have not watched Wu-Tang: An American Sagaand do not want some of the plot points to be revealed.    

0:00 Intro
5:48 Our personal interactions with members of the Wu-Tang Clan
8:20 Determining fact vs. fiction on Wu-Tang: An American Saga
8:35 Did Ghostface Killah and Raekwon really originally hate each other?
12:38 Did Raekwon and Power really shoot up Ghostface Killah’s apartment?
16:05 Was there really a fight during the filming of the Protect Ya Neck video?
21:40 Did Method Man, Inspectah Deck, and others witness a man wrongfully killed by the police?
25:00 Did RZA really shoot a man and faces charges for attempted murder? Hear RZA speak in his own words.
32:52 Was U-God arrested the night Wu-Tang Clan auditioned and performed for Loud Records?
35:48 Did Wu-Tang Clan really crash the Stretch Armstrong & Bobbito show to get them to play “Protect Ya Neck?”
39:27 Did a flood really destroy unreleased Wu-Tang Clan albums in RZA’s basement?
46:04 Did RZA really color-code the disks he kept full of Wu-Tang Clan beats?
49:20 Did Wu-Tang Clan really bum rush the stage at the Jack The Rapper convention?
53:18 Did Just-Ice confront RZA backstage when they were on tour together?  
56:28 Did Ghostface Killah really have a child with RZA’s sister?  

Feb 07, 202201:04:44
J. Cole Is Using Features To Prove He Is The Best Rapper Alive

J. Cole Is Using Features To Prove He Is The Best Rapper Alive

J. Cole has been using guest verses to make the case that he is the best rapper alive. We discuss his greatest appearances, Snoop Dogg being back on Death Row Records, a new book about J. Dilla and more in this week's episode of AFH's What's The Headline.   

0:00 Intro
1:20 Benny The Butcher’s "Johnny P’s Caddy," featuring J. Cole, is a special moment for Hip-Hop
5:19 The meaning of Johnny P’s Caddy
6:55 J. Cole has been using feature verses to prove he is the best rapper alive
9:40 Who had the better verse on Johnny P’s Caddy between Benny The Butcher and J. Cole
10:07 Is J. Cole undefeated in his appearances as a featured MC on other rappers’ records
12:08 Reviewing J. Cole’s best feature verses
12:45 Royce 5'9's Boblo Boat featuring J. Cole
14:30 Jay Rock’s OSOM featuring J. Cole
16:56 Rapsody’s Sojourner featuring J. Cole
20:00 Moneybagg Yo’s Say Na featuring J. Cole
23:10 21 Savage’s A Lot featuring J. Cole
27:20 Big K.R.I.T.’s Prove It featuring J. Cole
30:37 Gang Starr’s Family And Loyalty featuring J. Cole
31:37 Benny The Butcher’s Johnny P’s Caddy featuring J. Cole
35:04 What is J. Cole’s best feature verse
36:13 Which rappers are the best at guest verses
40:55 The one MC who defeated J. Cole on a song
43:53 Rap lyrics are being used as evidence in criminal trials
51:40 Dan Charnas has written the definitive biography on J. Dilla
59:40 Benny The Butcher is releasing Tana Talk 4 1:00:24 Kanye West is releasing Donda 2, executive produced by Future
1:02:15 Kendrick Lamar is releasing a new song in the next 2 weeks
1:03:05 Is Snoop Dogg back on Death Row Records
1:11:20 New music coming from Big K.R.I.T., Cypress Hill and Cormega
1:15:55 New music of the week  

Jan 31, 202201:19:40
The 10 MCs Who Will Take Over Hip-Hop In The 2020s

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

A new crop of MCs is emerging to take the throne from Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole and Drake. We name the 10 best rappers of the Now School. On episode #73 of the What's The Headline podcast, we also discuss Pete Rock not being paid for his work on Illmatic, Kool Moe Dee's resurfaced report card grading MCs from the 80s and 90s and more.

0:00 Intro
5:02 There is a new generation of MCs emerging to take over the 2020s
9:20 The top MCs of the 2010s
12:43 The differences between traditional Rap and melodic Rap
17:30 The criteria for choosing the top MCs of the 2020s
18:10 The best rappers of the 2020s
18:14 J.I.D.
23:46 Jack Harlow
27:32 Lute
31:57 Mach-Hommy
36:10 Russ
42:37 Your Old Droog
45:01 Nick Grant
46:20 Boldy James
48:49 Cordae
51:53: Megan Thee Stallion
54:49 Cardi B
58:02 Reason
1:00:18 Isaiah Rashad
1:04:05 Why Da Baby and Lil Baby aren’t being considered
1:06:48 Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine and Benny The Butcher (Griselda)
1:10:35 Westside Boogie
1:11:40 Buddy
1:13:23 Saba
1:14:36 The Top 10 MCs of the Now School
1:18:18 Kool Moe Dee graded the top MCs of the 80s and 90s
1:26:49 Pete Rock says he has not been paid for his work on Illmatic; who’s to blame?
1:32:25 Kanye West spills the details about his divorce on a new song with The Game
1:34:50 Tupac affiliate CPO Boss Hogg has passed away
1:36:40 New music of the week from Nicholas Craven and Evidence, Camp Lo, Cainaan and Masta Ace, and more.

Jan 22, 202201:42:34
The Best Hip-Hop Albums & Biggest Stories Of 2021

The Best Hip-Hop Albums & Biggest Stories Of 2021

We discuss 2021's biggest Hip-Hop stories and best Rap album on this week's episode of AFH's What's The Headline:

0:00 Intro
1:48 The biggest Hip-Hop stories of 2021 (Impact)
2:45 Busta Rhymes tore down the stage at the VMAs with an iconic performance
9:40 Hip-Hop will take over the 2022 Super Bowl halftime show with Dr. Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar and Mary J. Blige
12:39 Hip-Hop owned the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame with the induction of LL Cool J and JAY-Z
17:08 Dr. Dre made a major comeback a year after his brain aneurysm
22:22 Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Three 6 Mafia came to blows on the Verzuz stage
28:45 Big Daddy Kane Verzuz KRS-One was filled with behind the scenes tension
32:38 The LOX and Dipset took Verzuz to a new level with their performance and competitiveness
37:37 Drake and Kanye West feuded all year, openly and secretly
47:00 Kanye West gave Drink Champs the most riveting interview of the year
49:48 Hip-Hop lost DMX, Biz Markie, Shock G, Black Rob, Kangol Kid and many others
1:00:30 The biggest Hip-Hop stories of 2021 (ambrosiaforheads.com traffic)
1:07:30 The biggest Hip-Hop stories of 2021 (What’s The Headline podcast)
1:08:10 Royce 5’9, Lupe Fiasco and Mickey Factz had the best war of words of the year
1:09:20 Mickey Factz released the best diss record of the year with WRAiTH
1:11:00 AFH interviewed AZ, Joell Ortiz, Evidence, Skyzoo, Kurupt, Mickey Factz, Blu and more
1:13:17 The best Hip-Hop albums of 2021
1:14:20 Mach-Hommy - Pray For Haiti
1:15:27 Skyzoo - All The Brilliant Things
1:18:32 Lute - Gold Mouf 1:21:45 J. Cole - The Off-Season
1:25:30 Evidence - The Unlearning, Vol. 1
1:29:30 Westside Gunn - Hermes 8 Sides A & B
1:31:07 Dr. Dre - The Contract
1:13:23 Nas - King’s Disease 2
1:36:10 Stalley & Apollo Brown - Blacklight
1:38:55 Russ - Chomp 2
1:41:03 Khrysis - The Hour Of Khrysis
1:42:24 Armand Hammer & The Alchemist - Haram
1:43:50 Benny The Butcher - The Plugs I Met 2
1:45:00 Breeze Brewin & Juggaknots - Hindsight
1:47:20 Honorable Mentions
1:51:11 Big Sean joined Drink Champs and spoke in detail about his grievances with Kanye West
1:58:23 New music of the week from The Cool Kids & Larry June, Alchemist & Boldy James, and RZA & the Flatbush Zombies

Dec 20, 202102:03:16
Drake Dissed Kanye West Throughout Their Concert

Drake Dissed Kanye West Throughout Their Concert

Kanye West and Drake did a concert together last week. The world believed they had made peace, but Drake performed several songs in his set that contained Kanye disses. We break down the history of their feud and the lyrics of the songs Drake used to publicly wage warfare against Kanye, on this week's episode of Ambrosia For Heads' What's The Headline:   

0:00 Intro 1:10 Drake and Kanye West have been fixated with each other for years
2:50 Kanye West and Drake did a massive joint concert last week
7:10 Rap-A-Lot founder J. Prince brokered the recent peace between Drake and Kanye, after years of feuding
12:25 Pusha-T and Drake have were beefing with each other, and Kanye was involved
15:30 Pusha-T revealed to the world that Drake had a son, in a diss record
16:59 J. Prince put a stop to the war of words between Pusha-T, Kanye and Drake in 2018
19:00 The highlights of the Kanye West and Drake concert that were covered by the media
27:38 The history of Kanye West and Drake’s 11-year beef
35:20 Kanye West describes the kind of psychological warfare Drake wages  
39:00 Drake is the king of sneak disses
41:30 Kanye West used his concert with Drake to perform a number of his greatest hits
42:30 Drake performed 12 songs; why did he choose these records out of his massive catalog
44:20 Drake dissed Kanye West throughout his entire set
45:00 How Drake used his 12-song set to wage warfare against Kanye
1:19:30 RIP Greg Tate
1:22:10 Dr. Dre has new music coming this week
1:23:50 Russ released Chomp 2, one of the best Hip-Hop albums of the year  

Dec 13, 202101:33:39
Breaking Down Three 6 Mafia Verzuz Bone Thugs-n-Harmony

Breaking Down Three 6 Mafia Verzuz Bone Thugs-n-Harmony

The fight between Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Three 6 Mafia was one of the biggest stories of the week, but their ability to move past it, given their history, is an even bigger story. We discuss that, the premiere party for You Are Now Watching Video Music Box--Nas' documentary on Ralph McDaniels--and more on episode 70 of Ambrosia For Heads' What's The Headline:


0:00 Intro
6:50 The expectations going into the Three 6 Mafia and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony Verzuz  
11:50 Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Three 6 Mafia have had longstanding tension between them
16:40 The similarities between Three 6 Mafia and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony
25:10 Other Verzuz battles where there could have been fights
29:00 DJ Paul and Gangsta Boo did something during the Bone performance that might have set Bizzy Bone off
31:20 Recapping the fight between Bone Thugs-n-Harmony and Three 6 Mafia blow by blow
40:30 Was this fight a publicity stunt?
47:10 DJ Paul discusses how he feels about Bone Thugs-n-Harmony after the fight
48:00 Bizzy Bone explains the fight and what led up to it
53:30 How this fight will impact the Verzuz brand long term
54:40 The bigger story than the fight is Bone Thugs-n-Harmony and Three 6 Mafia’s ability to get past it
55:50 Highlights from the Three 6 Mafia and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony Verzuz
1:00:00 Who won the Verzuz
1:02:50 Remembering Virgil Abloh
1:08:00 Recapping the premiere party for You Are Now Watching Video Music Box, Nas’ directorial debut celebrating Ralph McDaniels
1:12:40 New music of the week from Nick Grant, Reef The Lost Cauze, Wu-Tang Clan affiliate Remedy, Mach-Hommy, and Page Kennedy.

Dec 06, 202101:23:10
The Biggest Rap Snubs By The 2022 Grammys

The Biggest Rap Snubs By The 2022 Grammys

The 2022 Grammy nominations have arrived, and the year’s best album wasn’t even nominated. Here are the biggest misses and predictions for the winners. On this week's episode of AFH's What's The Headline, we discuss all of the Rap categories, make our picks and predict who will win the awards. This installment was recorded prior to the death of Virgil Abloh. AFH's offers its condolences to his friends and family, and there is a tribute to him on ambrosiaforheads.com.

0:00 Intro
6:20The 2022 Grammy nominations have been announced
7:00 The biggest Hip-Hop snubs by the 2022 Grammy nominations
20:58 Certain artists were placed in the wrong Grammy categories
23:20 J. Cole is getting much deserved recognition from the Recording Academy
25:38 The 2022 nominees for Best Rap Performance; AFH’s picks and predictions of the winner
33:12 The 2022 nominees for Best Melodic Rap Performance; AFH’s picks and predictions of the winner
37:10 The 2022 nominees for Best Rap Song; AFH’s picks and predictions of the winner
41:45 The 2022 nominees for Best Rap Album; AFH’s picks and predictions of the winner
51:40 Kanye West’s Donda is a contender for the 2022 Album Of The Year Grammy
1:00:10 Kanye West’s extensive history with the Grammy Awards
1:06:38 November was National Hip-Hop Month
1:11:00 The legacy of Young Dolph
1:16:19 New music of the week by Apollo Brown & Stalley, Freddie Gibbs & Jadakiss, Redman & Method Man, and CRIMEAPPLE.

Nov 29, 202101:20:27
Joell Ortiz Shows Why He Is 1 Of Hip-Hop’s Realest MCs

Joell Ortiz Shows Why He Is 1 Of Hip-Hop’s Realest MCs

Joell Ortiz joins episode 68 of AFH's What's The Headline. He discusses his new album The Autograph, his top 5 Brooklyn MCs, using one of his songs as his wedding vows and more.  

0:00 Intro
1:00 The partnership Joell Ortiz has with Mello Music Group
3:00 How Joell Ortiz approaches storytelling in his music
4:50 Joell Ortiz was competing with JAY-Z when he first started
7:00 Joell Ortiz names his top 5 Brooklyn MCs
8:25 It’s becoming cool again to listen to great Hip-Hop
9:47 Joell Ortiz speaks about always striving for new heights
14:20 Joell Ortiz on how Stretch Armstrong changed his life
17:05 What Joell Ortiz would change about leaving Aftermath Entertainment
19:40 On being born to be an MC
20:45 Joell Ortiz on the benefits of keeping a low profile
23:55 The story behind Slaughterhouse’s “I Will” with Eminem
26:25 Joell Ortiz on creating his first Hip-Hop love song
29:00 On using his song “Lifeline” as his wedding vows
32:20 Joell Ortiz on how he uses music as therapy
36:40 The power of revealing secrets through music
38:52 Joell Ortiz on working with Cyhi The Prynce and their similarities
43:20 Why Joell Ortiz made a song about growing older
49:00 Why Joell Ortiz is always making new music  

Press photograph by Photo Rob

Nov 22, 202151:02
What The Media Didn't Cover From Kanye West’s Drink Champs

What The Media Didn't Cover From Kanye West’s Drink Champs

Kanye West's appearance on Drink Champs has become one of the biggest Hip-Hop moments of 2021. On this week's episode of AFH's What's The Headline, we discuss why, after years of being dismissed as crazy, the world is listening to Ye again.  

0:00 Intro
1:30 The Kanye West Drink Champs interview is one of the biggest Hip-Hop events of the year
2:40 The early media coverage of the Kanye West interview focused on click bait topics
9:50 Breaking down Ambrosia For Heads’ approach to reporting Hip-Hop news
14:26 Why What’s The Headline did not cover part 1 of the Kanye West Drink Champs interview
20:40 It was no coincidence that Kanye opened up on Drink Champs
22:40 Kanye has had other great interviews that have been overshadowed by negative headlines
24:00 People have used Kanye’s mental illness to inappropriately dismiss everything he says
30:15 Ye says Talib Kweli, Big Sean, John Legend and others betrayed him
33:40 Kanye West says Black people are born into a vote
38:50 Ye breaks down the forces exerting control over people
40:40 Does Kanye undermine himself with some of his own statements?
41:50 What Kanye West and Elon Musk have in common?
43:30 Kanye West speaks in detail about Black empowerment 49:50 Ye speaks about why the term “rapper” has become derogatory
51:50 Kanye West says artists have a responsibility to make redemptive music
54:43 How Kanye West and Drake should settle their beef?
1:05:09 How this interview will change the perception of Kanye West’s Donda album  
1:08:22 Is Kanye West’s Drink Champs appearance the best interview of 2021?
1:12:16 Why are people responding differently to this Kanye West interview than they have in the past?
1:19:00 Benny The Butcher has signed a deal with Def Jam Records
1:26:46 Snoop Dogg wants to run Death Row Records
1:31:50 Three 6 Mafia will face Bone Thugs-N-Harmony on Verzuz
1:33:00 UTFO’s Kangol Kid has stage 4 colon cancer
1:34:15 New music from Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak / Silk Sonic, Joell Otiz, Malik Moses, Your Old Droog, J-Tek, and more.

Nov 15, 202101:37:45
JAY-Z & LL Cool J Took Over The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame

JAY-Z & LL Cool J Took Over The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame

Hip-Hop took over the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this year, with the induction of JAY-Z and LL Cool J. We discuss their legendary careers, MF DOOM, Nas' upcoming documentary on Video Music Box and one of the best new music weeks of the year for Hip-Hop, on episode 66 of AFH's What's The Headline.  

0:00 Intro 1:55 Hip-Hop’s place in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame
5:35 JAY-Z and LL Cool J are Hip-Hop’s 2021 inductees into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame
6:00 Is LL Cool J the most under-respected Hip-Hop artist of all-time
8:10 Remembering the impact of LL Cool J’s legendary career 8:46 He bursts onto the scene with Krush Groove
12:23 LL Cool J was the first Rap artist to make a major comeback
17:00 LL was one of the first Hip-Hop artists to go from music to Hollywood
19:00 LL Cool J brought his early collaborators with him to the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame ceremony
20:00 Dr. Dre gave LL Cool J an amazing induction speech
23:50 Hip-Hop brought 2 billionaires, a living legend and a former President of the United States to the 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame stage
24:30 Dr. Dre and LL Cool J have a lot of unreleased music together
26:20 Dr. Dre is entering a new chapter in life and his career
29:50 Barack Obama and Dave Chappelle inducted JAY-Z into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
31:51 Remembering the impact of JAY-Z’s historic Hip-Hop career
33:00 JAY-Z, Nas and Biggie competed for to be Hip-Hop’s King Of New York in the '90s
34:20 JAY-Z was Hip-Hop’s King Of New York in the 2000s
39:30 JAY-Z is one of only 2 MCs who have at least 4 classic albums apiece
42:15 JAY-Z is moving to a place where his business moves might eclipse his musical accomplishments
47:06 JAY-Z played a significant role in getting Barack Obama elected president
51:45 JAY-Z thanked Rakim, KRS-One, Chuck D, Big Daddy Kane and LL Cool J in his acceptance speech
56:28 Similarities between JAY-Z and LL Cool J
1:03:38 Reflecting on MF DOOM a year after his passing
1:07:06 The Harder They Fall soundtrack features new music from JAY-Z, Lauryn Hill, Ceelo Green, Seal and more
1:09:58 Nas is producing a documentary on Ralph McDaniels and Video Music Box
1:15:45 Damian Lillard had a standout freestyle where he talks about not joining a dream team
1:17:44 Ghostface Killah celebrates the 25th anniversary of his Ironman album
1:21:00 A$AP Rocky released Live.Love.ASAP on streaming platforms for its 10th anniversary
1:26:50 Snoop Dogg and Freeway lost close family members this week
1:28:42 New music from Planet Asia, J-Live (on DSPs), Ransom & Rome Streetz, Stalley and Apollo Brown, Reason, Big Sean & Hit-Boy, YG and more.

Nov 01, 202101:43:33
AZ Details The Making Of Doe Or Die 2

AZ Details The Making Of Doe Or Die 2

AZ has released Doe Or Die 2, an album that was nearly 10 years in the making. AZ join's AFH's What's The Headline to discuss the album, his biggest musical influences, and what he's learned over his 25+ year career.  

0:00 Intro 1:15 AZ names his biggest Soul music influences
2:39 AZ details how he developed his Rap style
3:31 AZ names the 7 MCs who influenced him the most
4:50 AZ speaks on how life in New York has changed since the release of Doe Or Die
7:20 How AZ has changed his lifestyle to be healthier
9:35 AZ weighs in on the Big Daddy Kane and KRS-One Verzuz 10:40 Why he decided to have Idris Elba open Doe Or Die 2
11:40 What AZ still wants to accomplish in his career
14:17 The responsibility and benefits that come with owning his own record label
15:25 What he looks for in artists he would sign to his label
16:00 Working with Lil Wayne, Conway The Machine and The Alchemist on Doe Or Die 2’s “Ritual”
19:03 Why AZ wanted Rick Ross on Doe or Die 2
20:11 How AZ selected the other MCs he featured on Doe Or Die 2
20:58 Featured verses that launched MCs careers
22:15 Not realizing the impact of Nas' Illmatic while recording it
22:50 The musical chemistry between AZ and Pete Rock
23:40 How he became AZ the Visualiza 24:26 AZ reflects on reuniting with The Firm and Dr. Dre on Nas’ “Full Circle” from King’s Disease
27:30 Why it took many years to make Doe Or Die 2
30:30 What AZ from 2021 will tell AZ from 1996
31:15 The pros and cons of keeping up with the music scene
33:10 Why it was more pressure to make Doe Or Die than making Doe Or Die 2 33:50 AZ’s book and his plans for 2022 and beyond

Oct 26, 202137:13
Scoring KRS-One Verzuz Big Daddy Kane Round By Round

Scoring KRS-One Verzuz Big Daddy Kane Round By Round

Big Daddy Kane and KRS-One have wanted to battle each other for decades. They finally got the chance on Verzuz, Hip-Hop's biggest stage. We score the battle, round by round, on episode 64 of AFH's What's The Headline:

0:00 Intro
1:10 KRS-One and Big Daddy Kane battled on Verzuz
7:50 Big Daddy Kane has wanted to battle KRS-One for decades
9:45 Strategy played a big part in this Verzuz
12:30 Big Daddy Kane Verzuz KRS-One was long a boxing match between fighters with completely different styles
14:50 Scoring KRS-One Verzuz Big Daddy Kane round by round
14:55 Round 1: KRS-One - “Criminal Minded” vs. Big Daddy Kane - “Just Rhymin’ With Biz”
18:25 Round 2: KRS-One - “I’m Still #1” vs. Big Daddy Kane - “Nuff Respect”
21:05 Round 3: KRS-One - “MCs Act Like They Don’t Know” vs. Big Daddy Kane - “Young, Gifted & Black”
22:48 Round 4: KRS-One - “The MC” and “Outta Here” vs. Big Daddy Kane - “Rap Summary”
25:04 Round 5: KRS-One - “Jack of Spades” vs. Big Daddy Kane - “Set It Off”
27:18 Round 6: KRS-One - “My Philosophy” vs. Big Daddy - Kane “Mortal Combat”
29:00 Round 7: KRS-One - “Super Ho” and “Jimmy” vs. Big Daddy Kane - “I Get The Job Done”
32:37 Round 8: KRS-One - “Part Time Suckas” vs. Big Daddy Kane - “Pimpin’ Ain’t Easy ft Nice & Smooth”
35:25 Round 9: KRS-One - “Black Cop” and “Take It Easy ft Mad Lion” vs. Big Daddy Kane - “Raw”
38:00 Round 10: KRS-One - Freestyle vs. Big Daddy Kane - Freestyle
41:35 Round 11: KRS-One - “Represent The Real Hip-Hop ft Das EFX” vs. Big Daddy Kane - Freestyle and “Smooth Operator”
45:00 Round 12: KRS-One - “Step Into A World” vs. Big Daddy Kane - “Wrath Of Kane”
48:35 Round 13: KRS-One - “South Bronx” vs. Big Daddy Kane - “Ain’t No Half Steppin’”
50:41 Round 14: KRS-One - “Sound of Da Police” vs. Big Daddy Kane - “Platinum Plus” (Big L)
53:36 Round 15: KRS-One - “Poetry” and “Love’s Gonna Getcha” vs. Big Daddy Kane - Freestyle
56:27 Round 16: KRS-One - Freestyle vs. Big Daddy Kane - Freestyle and “Another Victory”
58:45 Round 17: KRS-One - “The Bridge Is Over” vs. Big Daddy Kane - “The Symphony" ft Masta Ace & Craig G
1:05:25 Round 18: KRS-One - Freestyle vs. Big Daddy Kane - “Warm It Up Kane”
1:09:08 Round 19: KRS-One - “9mm Goes Bang,” “Ah Yeah,” “Self-Destruction” and “Mad Izm”
1:16:44 And the winner is…

Oct 18, 202101:28:14
Dr. Dre Has Broken Pop Culture Barriers Once Again

Dr. Dre Has Broken Pop Culture Barriers Once Again

KRS-One and Big Daddy Kane are the next participants to do battle on Verzuz. Dr. Dre is taking over the Super Bowl halftime performance with Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar and Mary J. Blige. We discuss this and more on episode 63 of AFH's What's The Headline:  

0:00 Intro
4:50 J. Cole brought bars to Brooklyn with The Off Season Tour
15:55 Big Daddy Kane and KRS-One will be the next to battle on Verzuz
17:50 Did the people want Big Daddy Kane Verzuz Rakim  22:10: Who was your first favorite rapper
25:40 Does Big Daddy Kane have a deep enough catalog to battle KRS-One?
31:25 What are Big Daddy Kane and KRS-One’s top 5 records
35:50 What each of KRS-One and Big Daddy Kane needs to do to win their Verzuz
46:20 Who will win Big Daddy Kane Verzuz KRS-One
49:00 Other artists who should face off on Verzuz
53:40 Dr. Dre, Eminen, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar and Mary J. Blige will be the halftime performers for the Super Bowls
54:10 Super Bowl LVI will be Dre Day and Hip-Hop is celebrating
59:15 A history and timeline of Hip-Hop Super Bowl performers
1:04:20 Dr. Dre has set new boundaries for Hip-Hop and Pop culture before
1:08:00 Will Dr. Dre release a new album after the Super Bowl
1:10:00 What songs Mary J. Blige will perform at the Super Bowl
1:11:10 JAY-Z’s role in making this historic Super Bowl halftime show happen
1:15:00 Will JAY-Z be a surprise performer at the Super Bowl LVI halftime
1:17:15 Is this Super Bowl halftime just a reflection of where culture is now
1:20:50 Rap City is returning for one night only
1:25:00 New music of the week— Meek Mill, Andy Mineo, D Smoke, Wale & J. Cole, Solemn Brigham, Maticulous, Neek The Exotic & Large Professor, and more  

Oct 04, 202101:37:13
The Fugees Put Aside Their Differences To Settle The Score

The Fugees Put Aside Their Differences To Settle The Score

After saying it would never happen, The Fugees have reunited…and it may just be the beginning. We discuss that, J. Cole's new "Heaven's EP" single, Ja Rule's Verzuz, new music from Westside Gunn and Blu, and more on this week's episode of Ambrosia For Heads' What's The Headline:  

0:00 Intro
1:00 The Fugees have reunited to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their album The Score
2:30 Why 25th anniversaries matter more than others
8:40 How The Fugees went from near bust to being one of the biggest artists in music
15:40 Is the excitement around their reunion about The Fugees or Lauryn Hill
19:50 Why The Fugees broke up and the personal differences they had to overcome to reunite
33:15 What motivated The Fugees to reunite now
41:40 This may be the beginning of a new chapter for The Fugeest
43:10 J. Cole stakes his claim as Hip-Hop’s best MC on “Heaven’s EP”
43:40 J. Cole is very intentional about releasing singles outside of albums
48:15 Why J. Cole released “Heaven’s EP” now
49:30 Is J. Cole using this single to remind the Grammy Awards about The Off-Season album
52:50 J. Cole says he represents intelligent people who grew up harshly
55:00 J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar and Drake all question themselves but in different ways  
58:20 Is J. Cole the best MC between him, Kendrick Lamar and Drake
1:00:48 J. Cole is the Tim Duncan of Hip-Hop
1:03:15 J. Cole is able to do anything Kendrick Lamar and Drake can but doesn’t get the props for it
1:04:57 Drake tells J. Cole he is one of the greatest rappers to touch a mic
1:07:26 Ja Rule is getting his flowers after his Verzuz with Fat Joe
1:07:40 50 Cent killed Ja Rule, using Ja Rule’s hit-making formula
1:10:00 Why does Hip-Hop tear down its biggest stars
1:19:00 Styles P says part of his Verzuz strategy was influenced by Tekashi 6ix9ine
1:20:27 Benny The Butcher’s collaboration with Drake has leaked
1:23:20 Westside Gunn has released 2 of 2021’s best albums, with his HWH8 series  

Sep 27, 202101:29:33
Andre 3000 Has The Best Verse Of 2021

Andre 3000 Has The Best Verse Of 2021

Andre 3000's has made the best verse of 2021, and one of the finest of his career, and it may never be officially released. We discuss that, Common's new album, and more on episode 61 of AFH's What's The Headline:

0:00 Intro 1:09 Drake has the best first week sales of 2021, with Certified Lover Boy
1:40 Which album between Certified Lover Boy and Kanye West’s Donda will better stand the test of time
11:40 The critical reception for Drake’s Certified Lover Boy has been mixed
13:20 Why Drake dissed Swizz Beatz on Certified Lover Boy’s “You Only Live Twice”
15:00 Was Swizz Beatz upset with Drake for not accepting an offer to battle Kanye West on Verzus
16:54 Who would win Kanye West Verzuz Drake
20:48 The reception to Kanye West’s Donda is becoming more favorable over time
24:10 Kanye West’s “Life Of The Party” featuring Andre 3000 was removed from Donda
27:00 Andre 3000’s “Life Of The Party” performance is the best verse of 2021
28:50 Unpacking Andre 3000’s “Life Of The Party” verse
36:23 Kanye West’s verse on “Life Of The Party” is filled with controversy
41:00 Who between Andre and Kanye caused “Life Of The Party” to be removed from Donda
42:24 Will “Life Of The Party” ever be officially released
47:00 Common re-established his MC roots with one of the year’s best freestyles
52:00 Should artists market their albums before they have been released in the era of streaming
56:30 What is Hip-Hop’s best outlet for freestyles in 2021
1:00:22 Reviewing Common’s new A Beautiful Revolution, Pt. 2 album
1:11:59 Will Common when a Tony award to complete his EGOT
1:13:47 Has Common’s Hip-Hop credibility been diminished over the years
1:19:40 Afrika Bambaataa will face trial for alleged sexual assault
1:29:04 Freddie Gibbs attacks Kendrick Lamar, BET and the Grammy Awards on his "Champagne Poetry" freestyle
1:32:30 Kendrick Lamar has a new verse on Baby Keem’s “range brothers”
1:37:20 AZ has released his Doe Or Die 2 album
1:39:20 Blackalicious’ Gift Of Gab’s posthumous album Finding Inspiration Somehow has been released
1:42:40 New music from Damu The Fudgemunk, Bronze Nazareth, and Wiki

Sep 13, 202101:47:52