AFH Ambrosia for Heads

Skillz Raps Up Hip-Hop’s Golden Age With A Tribute To H.E.R.

For over 20 years, MC/DJ/academic Skillz helped Hip-Hop process its yearly legacy through his Rap Up verses, which typically arrive in late December or early January. In a milestone year, Hip-Hop's 50th anniversary, the Richmond, Virginia veteran takes it a step further, with a song produced by The Roots. Skillz... Read more

Skillz Has Released His 20th & Final Rap Up

In recent years, Skillz continues to diversify. The Virginia mainstay has expanded from elite lyricist (and longtime ghostwriter) to DJ. He maintains a role in academia, working with the University Of Richmond faculty. During the 25 years since From Where???, the MC created Hip-Hop Confessions, building a platform for peers... Read more

Skillz Raps Up 2019 & He Does It With 20/20 Vision (Audio)

For many Hip-Hop Heads, New Years is not a holiday without Mad Skillz. The Richmond, Virginia veteran MC (and DJ) closes the book on 2019 with a tradition that nearly goes back to Y2K. The "2019 Rap Up" is here, just ahead of many fans' celebrations, reflection, and ringing in... Read more

It’s Official! February 13 Is Mad Skillz Day

Twenty-three years ago this week (February 13, 1996), rapper Mad Skillz released his debut album, From Where???. The Big Beat/Atlantic Records title referenced the fact that the artist born Shaqwan Donnie Lewis represented Richmond, Virginia. That city was a new source of talent in the eyes and ears of many Rap... Read more

It’s A Rap. Skillz Calls It Like It Was In 2018 (Audio)

Honoring a tradition that is nearly 20 years old, Skillz sums up the year that was with a rap. Long before any ball drops commemorating the arrival of 2019, the Virginia veteran MC (and DJ) makes sense of a complicated year in Hip-Hop and the world at large. The song... Read more

Skillz Is Back And He’s Bringing Mad FUNK (Video)

It's been four years since Skillz (aka Mad Skillz) has dropped a project, but that doesn't mean that the renowned MC/DJ has not been active. Late last year, it was announced that he’d be an artist-in-residence at the University of Richmond (near where he grew up) starting this year. It's... Read more

Uncle Murda Rates Skillz’ Diss A 1 Out Of 10. So How Does His Response Measure Up? (Audio)

Last week (January 3), veteran Virginia lyricist Skillz dropped a significant and scathing diss towards Brooklyn, New York MC Uncle Murda. The impetus was a two-year-old dispute surrounding the concept of "Year End Raps." Skillz alleged that in late 2015, Murda (who now uses the name "Lenny Grant" on records)... Read more

Skillz Sets Off 2018 By Dissing Uncle Murda For Copying His Rap Up Concept (Audio)

For Hip-Hop Heads, the last days of the year have long belonged to an annual Skillz song. For nearly two decades, the Virginia MC, DJ, and the University Of Richmond's Artist In Residence has deftly created his "Year End Rap" at the close of the calendar. Many followers of the... Read more

Skillz Releases His 2017 Rap Up & It’s An Epic End To A Crazy Year (Audio)

As years come to a close, no Hip-Hop tradition has become more anticipated that Skillz's annual Rap Up. After much cajoling, the VA MC has released his 2017 installment, and it does not disappoint. More than just a summary of the year's events, Skillz's song often provides much needed reminders... Read more

Skillz Becomes Artist In Residence At University Of Richmond

When he named his 1996 debut From Where???, Mad Skillz knew he was putting his city of Richmond, Virginia on the Hip-Hop map. More than 20 years later, following acclaimed work with J Dilla, The Beatnuts, Large Professor, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and others, Skillz is one of his city and... Read more

Skillz’s 2016 Rap Up Reminds Us Of The Year’s Highs, Lows & Reasons To Stay Woke (Audio)

2016 is coming to a close. Years from now, how will we, the people, remember such an expansive year in Hip-Hop music, news, and culture? This year, some of the biggest MCs in the genre released new albums. Several of these efforts came in short notice, challenging new distribution platforms... Read more

Skillz’s Rap Up Masterfully Covers The Good, The Bad & The Ugly Of 2015 (Audio)

Like clockwork, Skillz serves up his annual summary of the year that was, with a masterful rap. There is nothing like his blow by blow rhyme to remind us all of the good, bad and often bizarre happenings of 2015. In his latest installment, Skillz covers seemingly everything that dominated... Read more

House Shoes Offers A Free-Form Mix Featuring Skillz, Wu-Tang Clan & Ohio Players (Mix)

Detroit, Michigan-to-Los Angeles, California DJ mainstay House Shoes is as versatile as they come. The longtime right-hand man to J Dilla kicks off a new series with Dublab called "Magic." Last month's inaugural edition features House Shoes pullin' out cuts new and old, ranging from Kendrick Lamar and D'Angelo, to... Read more

Skillz’ Storytelling Is Vivid On This Bigger Than Life Track By BINK! (Audio)

A master of freestyles and concept tracks, sometimes it can be easy to overlook Skillz (f/k/a Mad Skillz) straightforward songs. However, one fast revisit of From Where??? and it's apparent that the Richmond, Virginia MC has many clubs in his bag of tricks. Currently doing a European arena run (as... Read more

A Year Isn’t A Year Until Skillz’ Wraps It Up With His Rap. 2014, Salute! (Audio)

In less than 48 hours, 2014 is in the bag. Even though he reportedly swore he wouldn't do it anymore a few years back, Skillz pleased the people with a signature "Rap Up." For 2-0-1-4, the Virginia MC chronicles everything, from the lighter hearted (Rick Ross' weight loss, Pharrell's takeover,... Read more

All Skillz’s Favorite Rappers Are Dead and Hip-Hop is Not the Same (Audio)

Skillz's new song "All My Favorite Rappers Are Dead" is more than an ode to Hip-Hop's fallen soldiers. Instead, it's a longing for the days of yore when Rap meant something to him. He misses "'89 Rakim," the "early Ice Cube," the Kanye with "no fame" and so much more... Read more

Skillz Shuts Down The Competition With A Freestyle WHILE DJ’ing (Video)

Most Heads know that Skillz is a microphone monster. But did you know that the Virginia native is a sharp DJ too? After years of rolling with DJ Jazzy Jeff on the road, the onetime Rawkus Records artist returns to Sway In The Morning for a second straight day. After... Read more

Skillz Is A Supafriendz Alum & Freestyle Legend, So Sway Had To Put Him On The Spot (Video)

Back in those days when he was From Where???, (Mad) Skillz belonged to the Supafriendz, a Virginia massive including Danja Mowf, Lonnie B, and Kalonji The Immortal. This posse got some of its biggest exposure thanks to the aforementioned 1996 album, and a few compilations and singles. However, freestyle enthusiasts... Read more

DJ Jazzy Jeff & Skillz Kick Off Vinyl Destination Season 2 (Video)

DJ Jazzy Jeff is a true turntablism ambassador. The Philadelphia DJ/producer is a non-stop touring artist, with his show partner/MC, Skillz. Jeff documented his travels, with A Touch Of Jazz, in Vinyl Destination over the last two years. Cut into seasons, these lengthy vignettes are expanding into a second run.... Read more

What Was Your Most Memorable Sports Moment in 2013? Skillz Recaps the Year in Sports…in Verse (Video)

Skillz has a tradition of recapping the year in rhyme. This year, he does a sports edition and it's all there...the Super Bowl blackout, the Heat championship, Lance Armstrong, the Red Sox, Kobe, Tiger and much more--all set to images that will take you right back to the moment. Check... Read more

Skillz Speaks on Kendrick’s “Control” Freestyle (Video)

Although the initial tidal wave of Kendrick Lamar’s “Control” verse seems to be dying down, opinions about what has taken place in Hip-Hop over the past 11-12 days are still surfing through conversations everywhere. In a recent interview with Revolt TV, Skillz (still known to some of the Heads as... Read more

Skillz – I’m Outchea

Here's a new video from Skillz. Check out "I'm Outchea." Related: Skillz discuss how his journey in hip-hop began (Video)... Read more

Skillz – 2012 Rap-Up

Here's Skillz's 2012 Annual Rap-Up where he recaps the year in pop culture, in a rhyme. 2012 has been an eventful year. Check it out below. Related: AFH Best Hip-Hop Videos of 2012 and AFH Best Mixtapes of 2012... Read more

Skillz – Tryin’ to Get By ft Carmael

Here's a hot new joint from the homie Skillz. Check out Tryin' to Get By featuring Carmael. Related: Skillz – Maybe I Don’t Know Her ft A206J... Read more

Royce Da 5’9″, Skillz & Diamond D – One For the Money

Here's a new banger from the collective of Royce Da 5'9", Skillz and Diamond D (who still has the same buttery flow). Check out One for the Money. Related: Diamond D breaks down the stories behind his classic tracks... Read more

Skillz – Good Evening

Here's a new one from Skillz over Mac Miller's Good Evening track. Check it out below. Related: Skillz talks about his earliest musical influences (Video) [caption id="attachment_10781" align="alignnone" width="500" caption="Skillz - Good Evening"][/caption] Here's the Mac Miller joint. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ST4HeGPuw8Y... Read more

Here’s an in-depth interview of Skillz where he talks about his earliest musical influences and experiences with hip-hop. Check it out below.

Skillz's first music he ever bought was DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince's Girls of the World Ain't Nothing But Trouble. Fast forward several years later and he is now touring the world with the legendary. Skillz is living proof that talent, drive and hard work makes dreams come... Read more

Skillz – Maybe I Don’t Know Her ft A206J

Here's a meditative new song from Skillz. He reflects on a relationship gone bad. Check out Maybe I Don't Know Her. Props to 2DopeBoyz on the find.    ... Read more

Skillz – 2011 Wrap Up

Meant to post this Skillz 2011 wrap up a couple of days ago but it slipped through the cracks. It seems fitting as the last of our 2011-related posts anyway. If you missed it, this is vintage Skillz. If you heard it before, it's worth another listen. Check it out... Read more

Who was your first favorite rapper? We asked Big Daddy Kane, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Kendrick Lamar, Murs, Statik Selektah, Freddie Gibbs, 9th Wonder, Stic Man, Skyzoo, Chuuwee, Skillz, tabi Bonney and more. The answers ranged from EPMD to 2Pac and everything in between. Check out who was you favorite rapper’s favorite rapper.

Where It All Began (Part 3) - Who Was Your First Favorite Rapper? Click here for parts 1 and 2 of Where It Began where many of the same stars discuss the first piece of music they ever bought and who first exposed them to hip-hop.... Read more

What’s the first piece of music you ever bought with your own money? We asked that same question to Big Daddy Kane, DJ Jazzy Jeff, 9th Wonder, Murs, Kendrick Lamar, XV, Statik Selektah, Fashawn, tabi Bonney, Serius Jones, Rapsody, Skillz and Stic Man. Watch below to see what they had to say. Many of their answers will surprise you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr9U_LKvko0 Also, if you missed it, check out Part 1 of Where It All Began where Stic Man, Murs, Skyzoo, DJ Jazz Jeff, Kendrick Lamar and more talk about who first turned them on to hip-hop. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztoUtSAtz74... Read more

Here’s a sneak preview for our new documentary Where It All Began which takes a look at the journey to hip-hop by Big Daddy Kane, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Kendrick Lamar, Freddie Gibbs, Stic Man (from Dead Prez), Skillz, XV, Statik Selektah, Termanology, Murs, J-Live, The Kid Daytona, Termanology, Chuuwee, 9th Wonder and many more.

Every journey has a beginning. Ambrosia For Heads' documentary Where It All Began is a look at the journey to hip-hop by many of its current stars, rising stars and reigning legends.  For the next several weeks, starting next week, Ambrosia For Heads will show you where the love for... Read more

Here are some of the best of the 2011 BET Hip-Hop Awards Cyphers. These include, Big K.R.I.T., Kendrick Lamar, TechN9ne, Machine Gun Kelly, B.o.B., Busta Rhymes, Ludacris, Skillz, Blind Fury and of course Shady 2.0. Click below to check them out.

Who had the best verse? Big K.R.I.T., TechN9ne, Machine Gun Kelly, Kendrick Lamar and B.o.B. Reek Da Villain, 2 Chainz, Busta Rhymes and Ludacris Lady of Rage, Blind Fury, Dom Kennedy and Skillz Yelawolf, Joe Budden, Crooked I, Joell Ortiz, Royce Da 5'9" and Eminem Click here for the rest... Read more

This video does a good job of showing how DJ Jazzy Jeff and Skillz get down when they throw a party (but the mixtape is even better).

Check out the video and the mixtape of their full set is below. http://vimeo.com/26028272 DJ Jazzy Jeff and Mad Skillz - Live in the mix Click here to download the mixtape of the full set.... Read more

Here’s some new Skillz. Check out the video for Enjoying the View.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gm6k9Onahko&feature=player_embedded... Read more

Skillz’ 2010 Rap Up is SICK. Ya boy covers everything from Drake to Antoine Dodson and everything in between.

Skillz continues to be slept on but dude is super-talented: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PWUXrX6eBE Click here to download.... Read more

You’ve seen the official Cyphers. Now check out Skillz’ version. You will not be disappointed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evGF596N1I4 If you like what you hear, check out Skillz' new mixtape with Jazzy Jeff.... Read more

Amp Fiddler, Detroit Legend & J Dilla Mentor, Has Passed Away

This morning (December 18), the music world has learned that Detroit, Michigan music pioneer Amp Fiddler has died at the age of 65. The artist, musician, and producer born Joseph Anthony Fiddler is known for his years as a member of both Parliament and Funkadelic, a collaborator of Prince, as... Read more

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

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

J. Dilla’s Life Story Has Been Told Like Never Before

February is widely celebrated among Hip-Hop Heads as a month dedicated to J Dilla. James Yancey was born February 7, 1974, and passed just after his 32nd birthday on February 10. Traditionally, there are concerts and events around the globe honoring the producer/MC who co-founded Slum Village, JayLib, J-88, The... Read more

Conway The Machine Collides With DJ Premier For Something That’s Nothin’ Less Than Dope

Last Friday (September 11), Conway The Machine released his third project of 2020. Following March's Alchemist-produced LULU and May's Ghost LTD-helmed No One Mourns The Wicked, the Buffalo, New Yorker steps forth with From A King To A God. In one of the busiest seasons in Hip-Hop history, Griselda continues the... Read more

T3 Shares Fantastic Memories Of Dilla & Slum Village On A Song That Features Baatin

Slum Village began out of a dream from three Pershing High School classmates living in the Constant Gardens section of Detroit, Michigan. J Dilla, Baatin, and T3 would organically garner attention in the mid-1990s. At the same time that Dilla (as "Jay Dee") was sought out to produce for A... Read more

Supernatural Details How Losing A Battle To Craig G Prepared Him To Defeat J.U.I.C.E.

MC Supernatural is widely recognized as one of the greatest improvisational freestyle rappers ever to pick up a microphone. Since he came on the scene in the early 1990s, the Marion, Indiana native has won epic battles, made music with some of Hip-Hop’s elite while living on both coasts, and... Read more

Wu-Tang Clan Will Celebrate The 25th Anniversary Of 36 Chambers With A Special Show

The 14th annual A3C Festival will commence in October and announced its headliners. The two-day Atlanta, Georgia festival selected Wu-Tang Clan to headline, bringing together the Shaolin group to perform their debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers just a month before it celebrates its 25th anniversary. The Diplomats will also... Read more

Michael Millions & His Virginia Crew Rework D’Angelo In A Way That Burns (Video)

Hip-Hop fans may be familiar with Nickelus F. He was an early Drake collaborator, he had a memorable BET "Freestyle Friday" run, and he has been a devoted representative of Richmond, Virginia. However, unless heads are familiar with Nickelus' albums, they may not be up on his crew, AGM (Associated... Read more

25 Years Ago, ONYX Knew Just How To Make Heads Back Up & Slam (Video)

On Friday (March 30), ONYX's debut album Bacdafucup turned 25 years old. The LP is quintessential Big Apple "tough-guy Rap" and perhaps one of the more hardcore Hip Hop albums of all-time. Back in 1991, the group sent a demo of some of their earliest music to Jam Master Jay,... Read more

Scarface Is Teaching High School Students About The Music Business

For more than 30 years, Scarface has recorded some of the most compelling Hip-Hop music in the genre. In 2018, Brad Jordan is passing on what he's learned and teaching some tricks of the music trade to students at Houston, Texas' Jack Yates High School. There, the multi-platinum member of... Read more

Murs Is Starting A Residency At Duke University (Video)

The long-term partnership between Los Angeles, California MC Murs and producer 9th Wonder is taking a new turn, as the self-described "Captain California" heads to Duke University to start a week-long residency as part of its African and African American Studies program. Finding himself in a college setting is not... Read more