def squad Archives

This Is What It Sounds Like When Eminem & Redman Catch Up & Make Plans (Audio)

Yesterday (November 8), Redman was a guest on Lord Sear's Shade 45 show. Unexpectedly, the Sirius XM station's founder, Eminem, called in. The onetime "Off The Wall" collaborators caught up publicly, but in a way that seemed totally authentic to a Marshall Mathers and Reggie Noble phone-call. Em' even called... Read more

November 10, 2015 Audio

Public Enemy’s It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back vs. EPMD’s Strictly Business. Which Is Better?

One year ago, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: who is the greatest MC of all time? “Finding The GOAT MC” lasted between September 2014 and May 2015, engaging millions of readers and ultimately producing its winner, as... Read more

October 21, 2015 Finding the GOAT

Redman Still Has The Lyrical Dope That’s Got Heads Fiendin’ (Video)

Whether Redman was paying homage to The Blues Brothers, tormenting his upper class neighbors, or going out to eat with the Def Squad '79-style, Reggie Noble's music videos are etched in the minds of many Heads. Five years removed from an album, the Brick City MC has not put out... Read more

October 16, 2015 Video

So So Def…Redman Delivers One of The Best Cyphers in Years! (Video)

It has been almost five years since Redman released an album. However, that does not mean that the Funk Doc cannot steal the show on prime-time TV. Red' lit up the 2015 BET Hip Hop Awards cyphers with a Def Squad appearance (flanked by his mentor Erick Sermon and longtime... Read more

October 13, 2015 Video

Keith Murray Apologizes For His Poor Battle Against Fredro Starr & Says He Was on Meds (Video)

Earlier this week, Keith Murray and Fredro Starr battled at Brooklyn, New York’s Milk River. The battle was over a year in the making, having already been postponed once. When the event finally did take place, fans were incensed by what they viewed as a completely one-sided performance, in favor... Read more

October 11, 2015 Video

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

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

October 10, 2015 Fresh

Redman, Keith Murray & Erick Sermon Have a Hip Hop Awards Cypher

The BET Hip Hop Awards are taking place tonight (10/9) in Atlanta, and will air on Tuesday, October 13 at 8pm. This year's event is once again being hosted by Uncle Snoop Dogg, and Scarface will be presented the "I Am Hip Hop" Award, honoring his 25-year legacy. As always,... Read more

October 9, 2015 Video

Finding the GOAT Album: Beastie Boys’ Licensed To Ill vs. EPMD’s Strictly Business. Which Is Better?

One year ago, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: who is the greatest MC of all time? “Finding The GOAT MC” lasted between September 2014 and May 2015, engaging millions of readers and ultimately producing its winner, as... Read more

October 8, 2015 Finding the GOAT

Fredro Starr Dismantles Keith Murray In Their Battle & They Nearly Come To Blows (Video)

After more than a year of hype, promotion, and anticipation, Keith Murray and Fredro Starr finally battled. Yesterday, the October 4 battle at Brooklyn, New York's Milk River saw the two 1990s major label stars from their crews (Def Squad and ONYX, respectively) square off in a crowded boxing ring.... Read more

October 5, 2015 Video

Redman, Method Man & Erick Sermon Still Love Working Together. It Shows. (Video)

For more than 20 years, Erick Sermon, Redman, and Method Man have displayed their strong chemistry—in various combinations. Through all of that time, no matter the changing trends and attitudes of Hip-Hop, these men were always a beacon of fun-loving music-making. It's all about skills, jokes, and upstaging each other... Read more

September 25, 2015 Video

Keith Murray & Fredro Starr’s MC Battle Is Back On The Books (Video)

UPDATE: In the summer of 2014, it was announced that veteran 1990s MCs Keith Murray (Def Squad/UnderGods) and Fredro Starr (ONYX) would face off in a competitive battle. After the event was promoted, it postponed. More than one year after it was first reported, the match-up is back on. Next... Read more

September 15, 2015 Video

Eric B. & Rakim’s Follow The Leader vs. EPMD’s Unfinished Business. What’s Better?

One year ago, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop's most hotly-contested questions: who is the greatest MC of all time? "Finding The GOAT MC" lasted between September 2014 and May 2015, engaging millions of readers and ultimately producing its winner, as... Read more

September 14, 2015 Finding the GOAT

Method Man & Redman Bring That Straight Gutta Chemistry To Life (Video)

One of the center pieces of Method Man's just-released Meth Lab project is "Straight Gutta." The Redman-assisted song continues two decades of raspy-voiced, "elevated" chemistry between Red & Meth, beyond their own highly-established brand. Joined by Meth's longtime protege Streetlife, as well as his latest act Hanz On, the four... Read more

August 24, 2015 Video

Erick Sermon, Joell Ortiz & Sheek Louch Offer Hard Lessons From Concrete Places (Video)

In late April, Erick Sermon premiered "Make Room," a crosstown New York City verbal essay featuring Joell Ortiz and Sheek Louch. The song offers some hard advice to a host of people simply doin' it wrong. For the just-released visual, E-Double, Donnie G., and Yoawa certify themselves in the company... Read more

July 19, 2015 Video

Redman, Method Man & Erick Sermon Always Deliver in The Clutch (Audio)

In the canon of Hip-Hop mentors, Erick Sermon is top-rank. The Brentwood, Long Island, New Yorker (with partner PMD) brought in Redman, Das EFX, K-Solo, Keith Solo, and the earliest days of Rick Ross. The EPMD MC/producer has an ear for talent. While he mentored Red' and Keith in Def... Read more

July 17, 2015 Audio

Method Man & Redman Are Back And Keeping It Straight Gutter (Audio)

Whether as individuals, or as a team, Method Man and Redman have become stars, almost by accident. The Staten Island-Newark tandem is as talented as they come in Hip-Hop, but neither the Wu-Tang Clan MC or the Def Squad lyricist ever seemed to tailor their theses to the mainstream. Instead,... Read more

July 16, 2015 Audio

Redman & Erick Sermon Re-Team To Make An Anthem For Deebo Tactics (Video)

Redman knows what really goes on. The Brick City MC releases a new video, clowning at misfortunes of those who get stuck-up in today's dog-eat-dog world. "Somebody Got Robbed" is that gutter Reggie Noble, where the song moves and grooves, but still bases itself on Everyman experiences. Even mentioning Nia... Read more

July 1, 2015 Video

Keith Murray, Joell Ortiz, Chris Rivers & SKAM2? Vow No Sleep Til’ Success (Audio)

It can be incredibly easy to set a goal for yourself, and rest once you've achieved it. However, the music industry does not sleep—nor can many of those we live in it. Joell Ortiz has a group personally handled by one of the biggest personalities in all of music. Keith... Read more

May 7, 2015 Audio

Redman Reflects On MTV Cribs and What It Said About Who He Is

Whether you're a Def Squad Head or a lover of pranksters, Redman's episode of "MTV: Cribs" is that of legend. At a time when celebrities—especially rappers were showing gold-leaf wallpaper, infinity pools, personal chefs and garages that looked like Italian car dealerships, Reggie Noble was the antithesis. In year 2001,... Read more

May 6, 2015 Throwback, TV

Erick Sermon Makes Room For Joell Ortiz & Sheek Louch on One Star-Studded Track (Audio)

Erick Sermon has been teasing the arrival of a new album for several months, but the moment is almost here. On a recent interview with Sway, E-Double said fans could expect ESP to arrive in June, and listed off a host of guest MCs featured on the album, including Method... Read more

April 30, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 5): The Notorious B.I.G. vs. Redman…Who You Got?

With just 11 MCs remaining we have reached the critical Round 5 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). Now, only five match-up’s—all running this week—separate Round 5 from the final six MCs, including Round 4 bye winner Big Daddy Kane. Since the elimination,... Read more

April 30, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 4): Big Daddy Kane vs. Erick Sermon…Who You Got?

We have now reached the critical Round 4 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 21 MCs remaining (with the largest winning margin, Rakim receives a bye for the round), things are really coming down to 10 match-ups, leading AFH’s bracket-style series towards... Read more

April 21, 2015 Throwback

Ever Hear Rick Ross’ First Appearance On Wax, Alongside Erick Sermon? (Audio)

A lot went into Rick Ross' career in the lead-up to 2006 platinum single, "Hustlin'." Many Heads know that the Miami, Florida-based MC was one of the strong developing acts at Slip-N-Slide Records (a system responsible for Plies, Pitbull, plus Trina and Trick Daddy). Other Heads know that Ross had... Read more

April 19, 2015 Throwback

Redman, Talib Kweli & Wrekonize Celebrate a Night In Paradise (Video)

One of the strongest moments from DJ EFN's amazing Another Time album, is "Paradise." The moment links Redman, Talib Kweli, and ¡Mayday!'s Wrekonize. All three MCs are known for big body bars, but the record notably takes aim at the nightlife and club crowd, with a surprising smoothness. In the... Read more

April 17, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 4): LL Cool J vs. Redman…Who You Got?

We have now reached the critical Round 4 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 21 MCs remaining (with the largest winning margin, Rakim receives a bye for the round), things are really coming down to 10 match-ups, leading AFH’s bracket-style series towards... Read more

April 15, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Redman vs. Phife Dawg…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into... Read more

April 1, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Dr. Dre vs. Erick Sermon…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into... Read more

March 18, 2015 Throwback

Ever See This Classic Redman & Keith Murray Freestyle From the Mid-90s? (Video)

Back in the mid-90s, few crews were more formidable than Def Squad. The collective featured the fierce MC skills of Erick Sermon, Redman and Keith Murray and Sermon's signature thumping beats. After releasing solo albums in Murray's The Most Beautifullest Thing in the World, Sermon's Double or Nothing and Red's... Read more

March 14, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Erick Sermon vs. Trugoy…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). We are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

March 4, 2015 Throwback

Redman, Talib Kweli and Wrekonize Bring a Slice of Pardise on a Super Soulful Track (Audio)

In terms of star power and interesting, thought-out collaborators DJ EFN's Another Time (March 3) rivals albums by Funkmaster Flex, DJ Clue, and DJ Khaled—just see the tracklist. Heads delight, as "Paradise" unites Redman with Talib Kweli, joined by ¡Mayday!'s Wrekonize. The three MCs describe idyllic places, from romantic partners,... Read more

February 26, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Ol’ Dirty Bastard vs. Redman…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). We are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

February 6, 2015 Throwback

Erick Sermon Speaks Openly About Earnings, Helping Create Atlanta’s Scene (Video)

Erick Sermon does not do a ton of interviews. However, when the EPMD and Def Squad co-founder speaks, he's never big on canned, diplomatic answers. E-Dub opens up in a major way when speaking with This Is 50's Jack Thriller. The Brentwood, Long Island MC/producer breaks down his 2000s-era comeback... Read more

January 13, 2015 Throwback

Erick Sermon Is Back To Giving Fans Some Green-Eyed Inspiration (Audio)

Erick Sermon stayed largely quiet in 2014. The EPMD co-founder did play Mass Appeal's Rhythm Roulette, but the Long Island legend largely shunned output this year. In the last two weeks of the year, that suddenly changed with "One Shot." Almost 30 years deep in the game, E-Double offers up... Read more

December 15, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Finding The GOAT: Biz Markie vs. Erick Sermon…Who You Got?

As we continue the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time), we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups in a sequence not... Read more

October 7, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Keith Murray Talks His Career, With Crooked I & Wale Joining Sway’s Party (Video)

Keith Murray can be a movie. Just like he is on his heralded Jive (and later, Def Jam) Records albums, the Central Islip MC is animated as ever. On a recent Sway In The Morning episode (also featuring Crooked I), the Def Squad MC opines on the greatest Rap record... Read more

October 6, 2014 Fresh, Video

Finding The GOAT: The D.O.C. vs. Redman…Who You Got?

As we continue the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time), we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups in a sequence not... Read more

October 6, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Redman Does His Take On An Old DJ Quik Joint, And It Slaps! (Video)

Redman's mentor, Erick Sermon has long been a DJ Quik fan and collaborator. So Reggie Noble nods to David Blake, and borrows his "Pacific Coast Remix" track from 2005 Trauma, and slides so nicely into that Gangsta Funk. It's cool that Red' went into the bag and hopped on a... Read more

October 1, 2014 Fresh, Video

Redman Freestyles From The Streets Of Amsterdam At Midnight (Video)

Some things just make sense. For instance: Redman wandering the streets of Amsterdam in the middle of the night, kickin' raps, after he takes some rips. The master of the Gilla House throws high fives and meanders traffic circles as he kicks a pepped-up flow ["Outspoken"] freestyle reppin' his crew,... Read more

September 3, 2014 Fresh, Video

Fashawn & Wrekonize Pay Respects To EPMD’s Headbanger & Lyrically Leave Lumps (Audio)

From Warren G, to Tha Dogg Pound, to Beanie Sigel & Memphis Bleek, EPMD made records that made MCs feel compelled to cover throughout the ages. Erick Sermon and Parish Smith remain giants in the lyrical and production circles of Hip-Hop. The duo's impact (through on-again, off-again status) is galactic,... Read more

July 23, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Redman Raps From Under A Bridge, Rhyming To The Shaft Soundtrack (Video)

Redman visuals are always something truly unique. Brick City's finest is forever a cohesive balance of humor, arrogance, humility, and funk to make fans relate for over 22 years. The Rap peer of M.C. Hammer (considering their careers greatly overlap in eras) makes his own "Hammertime." Simple and straightforward, Reggie... Read more

April 26, 2014 Featured-homepage, Fresh, Video

EPMD’s Green-Eyed Bandit Erick Sermon Freaks Some Sheena Easton When He Plays Rhythm Roulette (Video)

Erick Sermon isn't an artist who is always running for the spotlight in the digital age. The EPMD co-founder and producer/MC double-threat stays busy at his craft, and does interviews, releases songs and videos as he feels necessary. However, Mass Appeal got the Brentwood, Long Island Def Squad delegate to... Read more

April 10, 2014 Fresh, Video

DJ SNS Liberates The Original Mixtape Version Of Biggie’s Who Shot Ya With A Keith Murray Verse (Audio)

It could be easily argued that the 1990s was the ultimate decade for mixtapes. Still on cassettes, New York masters like Kid Capri, Doo Wop, Tony Touch, DJ Clue, Ron G, Silva Surfa, Green Lantern, and a host of others competed with each other for the best exclusives, freestyles, strongest... Read more

March 17, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Are Method Man & Redman Still The Jewels Of Def Jam? Check Out Their South By Southwest Showcase (Video)

Redman released his first LP (Whut? Thee Album) on Def Jam Records 22 years ago. With Method Man's own Tical debut blessing "the house that Russell and Rick built" 20 years ago this November, the Def Squad/Wu-Tang Clan connection are the elder statesmen of the imprint no longer owned by... Read more

March 12, 2014 Fresh, Video

Keith Murray Is Trying Out A New Style While Still Reppin’ Def Squad. What Do You Think? (Audio)

Central Islip's finest, Keith Murray, is one versatile MC. Since the days of "Get Lifted" and "The Most Beautifullest Thing In This World," the Def Squad MC had an edgy delivery that combined extensive vocabulary, unique cadence, and an unwavering flow. What's more, even though Keith Murray was tearin' the... Read more

February 24, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Redman Drops Sampler To Muddy Waters 2 (Audio)

It's been over three years since Redman revealed he was planning Muddy Waters 2. The sequel to Reggie Noble's 1996 LP (and arguably his best) has been alluded to since. In a new video, Redman says that the project has become a mixtape, and like Nipsey Hussle or Lil' Kim,... Read more

December 5, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Here’s a new joint from 3/4 of Def Squad. Check out Look by Erick Sermon ft Redman and Method Man.

Also, if you missed our Erick Sermon playlist featuring tracks produced by the Green Eyed Bandit, click here. Click here to download.... Read more

August 7, 2011 Audio