“Finding the GOAT Group,” the fourth installment of Ambrosia For Heads’ annual competition series features Hip-Hop’s greatest collectives vying for the #1 spot. Sixty-two groups have been pre-selected by a panel of experts, and one slot will be reserved for a wild-card entry (which has been determined), including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no deserving band of MCs and DJs is neglected. The 2018 contest consists of seven rounds, NCAA basketball-tournament style, leading to a Top 32, then the Sweet 16 and so on, until one winner is determined. For each match-up, two groups are pitted against one another with a ballot to decide which one advances to the next round. Though there will be an enormous amount of debate in comments, on social media, in barbershops and text messages, which we encourage, only votes cast in the official ballot count.

The Wu-Tang Clan and Cypress Hill ran in the same circles. These cross-country entities supported one another back in the day, with Muggs producing acts in the Wu family tree, plus RZA and GZA helping the Soul Assassins on early albums. Later, in the 2000s, Muggs and GZA made an LP together. In Round 3 of “Finding The GOAT Group” however, it is no fun or friendliness. Only one crew can step into the Elite. As both collectives have soundly beaten opponents, these 25-plus-year entities square up for this exciting rumble. Make sure you vote.

Wu-Tang Clan

(defeated M.O.P. in Round 2, 92% to 8%)
(defeated Heltah Skeltah in Round 1, 89% to 11%)

The name Wu-Tang Clan is synonymous with legendary Hip-Hop groups. RZA, GZA, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Raekwon The Chef, Ghostface Killah, Masta Killa, U-God, Inspectah Deck, and Method Man created a musical brand as strong as any in the last 25 years. Since formation, Wu has stood for power in numbers and featuring many styles in one place. The collective’s 1993 debut album, Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) never cracked the Top 40, and somehow challenged the mainstream understanding of rugged, unconventional Rap music from a very raw place. The Loud Records LP also served as a launchpad for every artist in the group, collectively and individually over the next decade. The Clan has unified for at least seven other albums in the last 25 years, and countless compilations, side projects, and factional lineups on a la carte songs. Witty Unpredictable Talent And Natural Game is an acronym that lived up, as recently as October, Wu still forms like Voltron to attack microphones and feeble-minded peers. The 2004 death of O.D.B., internal legal battles, and so many obstacles that only Wu seems to face cannot stop these swordsmen, who have pierced the consciousness for decades and sliced through the Rap landscape.

Cypress Hill

(defeated Naughty By Nature in Round 2, 66% to 34%)
(defeated Das EFX in Round 1, 80% to 20%)

South Gate, California’s Cypress Hill formed in 1988 and released their acclaimed self-titled debut in 1991. The group, eventually comprised of DJ Muggs, Sen Dog, high-pitched front-man B-Real, and later, percussionist Eric Bobo, blended a hybrid of Funk, Rock, and Hip-Hop straight out the gate, combining Beastie Boys-rooted routines with Latino attitude. Undoubtedly, Cypress Hill’s style and influence are throughout today’s music. The group’s 1993 sophomore album, Black Sunday, topped the charts, also prompting the first of three Grammy nominations. With four platinum (two multi) and one gold album under their belt, these four are kings of the Hill. The first album in nearly a decade, Elephants on Acid, is due out later this year, adding to 30 years of smoke-filled Funk.

Here Are The 16 Hip-Hop Groups Competing To Be Named The Best Of All-Time

So who is the better Hip-Hop group? Make sure you vote above.