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Snoop Doggy Dogg’s Doggystyle vs. Main Source’s Breaking Atoms. 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

All Aboard For Large Professor’s Latest Visual To A Locomotive Jam (Video)

Large Professor's latest album, Re: Living is a rich album. The 25-plus-year veteran makes good on his reputation for complex arrangements and thoughtful rhymes. "New Train, Ole Route" is one of those moments, which actually owns Extra P's formula. Still immortalized through work on multiple early 1990s albums, Large Pro'... Read more

Imagine Pete Rock & Large Professor DJ’ing, While D’Angelo is on the Phone. Q-Tip Made It Happen. (Audio)

On the latest edition of Q-Tip's Abstract Radio show, he treats fans to a mind-blowing experience. He is joined by Pete Rock and Large Professor in the studio, and the collective serves up a smorgasbord of classic break beats, anchored by a healthy dose of James Brown. Before that, Tip... Read more

Large Professor Chats with Ali Shaheed Muhammad & Teaches Hip-Hop History Lesson (Audio)

In 2014, Large Professor - the legendary Queens, New York producer who has worked with Eric B. & Rakim (while he was still in high school, no less), Nas, Busta Rhymes, Joell Ortiz, Public Enemy, and dozens more - visited hosts Frannie Kelly and A Tribe Called Quest's Ali Shaheed... Read more

Relive The First Time Main Source, Nas, Akinyele & Fatal Performed Live At The BBQ (Video)

Is there a Hip-Hop album cut more definitive than Main Source's "Live At The BBQ"? The 1991 Breaking Atoms track would be an introduction to not only Nas, not only Akinyele, but also MC-turned-producer Joe Fatal. Large Professor's bars were especially lethal on a song that has become an important... Read more

Do Remember: Main Source’s Just A Friendly Game Of Baseball (by Rob Swift)

In honor of the upcoming Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival, Ambrosia For Heads asked living turntable legend Rob Swift to do our weekly Do Remember piece. From Scratch (alongside his X-Ecutioners band-mates), to becoming a New School professor, to an ESPN post, the Queens, New York native has brought Hip-Hop and DJ'ing... Read more

Large Professor Names His Top 5 Producers & Details Rakim’s Recording Process (Video)

Large Professor recently released his new album titled Re: Living. He joined the Sway in the Morning show to discuss the album and his career, generally. The conversation between Extra P and Sway begins on the subject of P's new album. He explains that after touring, he returned to Queens... Read more

Large Professor Details His Role in Bringing Nas to the World on In the Scrolls (Video)

Though Large Professor brought the world Main Source, his solo works and countless classic productions for others, his greatest contribution likely will always be considered his role in bringing Nas to the world. As Heads know, Large Pro was one of the first to put Nasir Jones on a high... Read more

This Large Professor Mix Celebrates The Explosiveness Of Rap’s Mad Scientist (Mix)

Tomorrow (June 9), Large Professor is releasing his fifth solo album, RE: Living Legend. The Queens, New York iconic MC/producer/DJ is more than 25 years deep in making monumental Hip-Hop albums. As a high school student, the Extra P studied under the late, great Paul C., various techniques of sampling,... Read more

CZARFACE & A Self-Help Guru Aim To Improve YOUR Life Through Hip-Hop (Video)

It's been nearly two years since Inspectah Deck officially announced that a second CZARFACE album was in the works. Ramping up for this month's release, Esoteric participated in a hilarious parody of a late night TV paid program. CZARFACE's Eso' sits down with infomercial entrepreneur and author Michael Alden for... Read more

Stretch Armstrong & Bobbito Brought Their Vibes To HOT 97 In ’96 (Mix)

Throughout the 1990s, DJ Stretch Armstrong & Bobbito The Barber shaped radio weekly. In doing so, from Columbia University's WKCR FM signal, the pair would help introduce those within frequency range to Nas, Big L, Mobb Deep, Cenubites (Kool Keith, Godfather Don and Percee P), and plenty of other legendary... Read more

Listen to the Best Hip-Hop of April 2015 in One Playlist (Audio)

The month of April 2015 in Hip-Hop brought some welcomed surprises. A slew of artists released high quality freestyles over classic 90s beats, including Fabolous, Jadakiss, Styles P and Lloyd Banks, to name a few. Raekwon laid the groundwork for his F.I.L.A. (Fly International Luxurious Art) album, with releases featuring... Read more

Capone-N-Noreaga Reunite With Tragedy Khadafi, Penalty Records For 5th Album

In 2010, Capone-N-Noreaga were out to recapture the magic of their 1997 debut, The War Report. '10's The War Report 2: Report The War boasted Raekwon's executive production (and Ice H20 label backing), along with beats by Alchemist, and appearances by Busta Rhymes. However, five years later, it seems that... Read more

Large Professor Is So Consistent For Pensive Lyrics & Thick Tracks (Audio)

While Large Professor is forever associated with dope beats, the Flushing, Queens producer first gained mainstream recognition as a phenomenal MC. Although Large Pro's cadence and rhyme style is forever stuck to the streets, his themes and verses are colorful musings about his life and the world around him. In... Read more

Did You Know DJ Premier & Large Professor Share A Birthday? DJ Eclipse Does (Mix)

While DJ Premier  remixed plenty of classic artists spanning three decades and nearly every genre, when it came to Gang Starr, remixes weren't typically the move—especially by another beat-maker. There were some exceptions however, and one trusted person who remixed one particular rare a la carte 1992 single ("Gotta Get... Read more

88-Keys Has Helped Shape Sounds For Q-Tip, Kanye West & Black Star, Here’s His Story (Audio)

Whether he's breaking ground with artists like Theophilus London with "Can't Stop," putting heat down for Jay Z & Kanye West's Watch The Throne album or helping architect songs that remain heavy in conversation after more than 15 years (see: Black Star "Thieves In The Night") 88-Keys' production credits make him... Read more

A New Mix Comes To Light Of A Stellar Large Professor & MF Grimm Collabo (Audio)

Back in 2006, St. Louis, Missouri producer DJ Crucial released an album, Test Presses & Dub Plates that did not get the shine it deserved. The compilation-style album included strong guest-work from MF DOOM, MC Eiht, Slug, and others. One cut included was "United," from Large Professor and MF Grimm.... Read more

Ghostface Killah & Raekwon Perform Daytona 500 at Vice’s 20th Anniversary Party (Video)

It's been a big couple of days for Wu-Tang Clan fans. Yesterday (1/25), Ghostface Killah celebrated the 15th anniversary of his Supreme Clientele album and, over the weekend, Raekwon and Ghostface premiered the trailer for The Purple Tape Files, a forthcoming documentary on the making of The Chef's Only Built... Read more

Blu, Skyzoo & Kool G Rap Get Remixed By Large Professor, Diamond D & More (Album Stream)

Coalmine Records loves a remix. The Brooklyn, New York-based independent label mined their catalog, including joints from Blu, Heltah Skeltah, El Da Sensei, Guilty Simpson, Kool G Rap, Royce Da 5'9", Skillz, and more, and issued up some new remixes. The handiwork on the flips comes from the heralded likes... Read more

Blu & Large Professor Come Together For That Signature Extra P Remix (Audio)

Back in 2012, Blu teamed up with W.A.R. Media's Mela Machinko for a Coalmine Records single, "Kiss The Sky." Johnson Barnes was in his pocket, and dropped some smooth stream of consciousness on a chopped down beat that paid homage to '70s Soul and scratch DJs at once. Nearly three... Read more

Large Professor, Diamond D, Nottz & Black Milk Rework Diamond District’s LP (Album Stream)

In October, Diamond District delivered another potent album in March On Washington. An ode to their home city, Oddisee, yU, and X.O. maintained their level of range and consistentcy on the Mello Music Group release. Two months later, it's the Redux. Mello's in-house squad of Apollo Brown, Quelle Chris, and... Read more

Cookin’ Soul Adds Some BOOM BAP to Kool G. Rap, Large Professor & Big Noyd’s Naturally Born (Audio)

Nearly two years ago, Kool G. Rap, Large Professor and Big Noyd released "Naturally Born" as part of Coalmine Records' Unearthed compilation. The track, which was produced by Ayatollah, featured a soulful sample and strong verses from each of the veteran wordsmiths. Now, Cookin' Soul, the production duo known for... Read more

Finding The GOAT: Guru vs. Large Professor…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

One Of Cormega’s Philosophies Comes To Life With Large Professor & Maya Azucena (Video)

On this year's critically-acclaimed Mega Philosophy album by Cormega, one of the highlights is "Rise." With a chorus by songstress Maya Azucena, the Large Professor-produced (with additional input by Cormega) track has a Worldly feel to it. It should, as the record sprinkles universal hope on the people across the... Read more

Large Professor Releases a Tribute to Nas on His Birthday (Audio)

The connection between Nas and Large Professor spans decades. Extra P introduced Nas to the world via Nas' mind-bending guest verse on Live at the BBQ and then shepherded much of Esco's debut album, Illmatic. Today (9/14) is Nas birthday and his mentor saw fit to release a tribute celebrating... Read more

Celebrate A Humble Genius, With A 3-Hour 1989-1999 Large Professor Mix (Audio)

Like many great artists, Large Professor is somewhat of a Hip-Hop recluse. He's never hard to find (especially if you're a Head who regularly attends NYC Rap concerts), but the man also known as "Extra P" is quick to dodge the spotlight, and take long breaks from releasing (or even... Read more

The O.G. Turntablist/Producer DJ Scratch Remixes Nas’ It Ain’t Hard To Tell (Audio)

Back in 1994, DJ Scratch was relatively quiet. Transitioning from his run as EPMD's DJ, the New Yorker was gearing up to work closely with Busta Rhymes on establishing a sound for the Leaders Of The New School front-man's next wave, Flipmode Squad. Heads in '94 did hear Scratch however,... Read more

Cormega Calls Out The Industry Over A Smooth Large Professor Beat (Audio)

If anybody can be skeptical of record industry tactics, it's Queens veteran Cormega. "'Mega Montana" famously turned down a management offer from Steve Stoute, costing him a founder's spot in The Firm. When Nas, AZ, and Foxy Brown inked a mid-90s deal with Interscope/Aftermath, Cormega was abruptly replaced by The... Read more

Cormega’s Releases Raekwon-Assisted Honorable, Mega Philosophy Album To Be Produced Entirely By Large Professor (Audio)

With the release of "Honorable" (embedded below), it's been confirmed that Cormega's upcoming album, Mega Philosophy, will release on July 22. The Queens MC, and former late '90s Def Jam Records hopeful confirmed the news this week, with sites including Ambrosia For Heads. Black Rob, Nature, AZ, Redman, Styles P, Raekwon,... Read more

Close Out The Nas’ Illmatic Celebrations With DJ Moneyshot’s Amazing Sample-Sourced Mega Mix (Mixtape)

In one week, it'll be May, and much of the April coverage celebrating the 20th anniversary of one of Hip-Hop's hallmarks, Nas' Illmatic, will seem out of vogue, or passé, while other things are highlighted. Before the calendars change, Solid Steel's DJ Moneyshot, who has previously re-considered and extensively examined... Read more

Nas Discusses His First Trip to the Studio in 1989 (Video)

Here's a look at a 20-year old Nas (1994) discussing his first trip to the recording studio in 1989, with his pops, Olu Dara. He also speaks on meeting Large Professor and MC Serch, and the impact they had on his career. The celebration of 20 years of Illmatic continues...Check... Read more

Here’s Footage from 1994 of Nas, Q-Tip, Pete Rock, Premier & Large Professor Discussing Illmatic (Video)

Remember that iconic shot of Nas, DJ Premier, Q-Tip, Pete Rock and Large Professor in the studio together? Here's footage from that day, as well as each discussing the making of Illmatic in 1994. Check out these historic visuals as we celebrate today's 20th anniversary of the release of Illmatic.... Read more

Watch FUSE’s Making Of Nas’ Illmatic 3-Part Special, With Interviews With Large Professor, Pete Rock & DJ Premier (Video)

Has any Hip-Hop album gotten as much attention at the 20-year mark as Nas' Illmatic has this month? The Columbia/Sony Records debut, the subject of Illmatic XX, a reissue with a plethora of dope bonus material (freestyles, demo recordings, remixes, photos, liner notes), is just in everybody's spotlight. One such... Read more

Memory Lane: Noah Uman & Making Nas’ Illmatic XX & The Hip-Hop Reissue (Food For Thought Interview)

With some competition, in the 12 month radius of its release alone, Nas' Illmatic is commonly argued as Hip-Hop's greatest album. The debut from the Queensbridge MC was made in a place and time where the genre of Rap and the album format was changing shape. Surrounded by a council... Read more

You Think You’ve Heard All The Versions Of Nas’ It Ain’t To Tell? Think Again (Audio)

Next week's release of Illmatic XX, a compilation re-releasing Nas' 1994 debut album with some additional freestyles, remixes, and songs recorded during the 1992-1994 sessions which missed the initial Columbia/Sony/RuffHouse release is gearing up. Some Heads, who had bootlegs, mixtapes, and a savvy Internet finger may claim they've heard everything.... Read more

Check Out This Tender Hip-Hop Moment That Will Make You Smile (Video)

Family is an important part of Hip-Hop. So is having fun. Large Professor this video from Brooklyn Bowl of he and his daughter vibin' out to DJ Premier on the wheels of steel (playing some Run-DMC and some Big L). If this don't bring a smile, check your pulse... #FunFact:... Read more

Nas Strolls Down Memory Lane, Talking The Legendary Producers Who Backed Him Early, With Zane Lowe

Illmatic XX has Nas really looking in his rearview. The sometimes reclusive Queensbridge MC is completely open in looking at the formation of his most celebrated album. Zane Lowe, who is getting unrivaled access to guys like Eminem, Jay Z, and Kanye West, sits down with Nasir on his audio... Read more

Nas & Large Professor’s Remix Of It Ain’t Hard To Tell Gets Another Afterlife (Audio)

For the second time in the 2000s, Columbia/Sony Records is releasing the remix to Nas' "It Ain't Hard To Tell" to CD. Many Heads know that Large Professor, who produced the original sophomore single to Nas' Illmatic debut (released four months prior to the LP), made an alternate version of... Read more

Nas’ 20th Anniversary Edition Of Illmatic, Includes Rare Q-Tip Remix, Freestyles & More

In April of 2014, one of Hip-Hop's true classics turns 20 years old. Nas' 1994 debut Illmatic will blow out its candles in style, as the Columbia/Ruffhouse Records release gets an expanded edition, confirmed today via iTunes, courtesy of 2DopeBoyz. Like the 10th anniversary version (which felt like it came... Read more

Organized Konfusion To Celebrate 20th Anniversary Of Stress: The Extinction Agenda With O.C. & Large Professor

In August of 1994, Pharoahe Monch and Prince Poetry released their second of three albums as Organized Konfusion. The Queens, New Yorkers followed their self-titled 1991 LP with a sophomore joint featuring involvement from Q-Tip, O.C., Buckwild, and a young producer entering the scene named Rockwilder. Within five years the... Read more

Got BARS? These MC’s Do. Here Are The Best Freestyles of 2013 (Video)

There are few things more satisfying in Hip-Hop than a killer verse. It's why Kendrick Lamar shook up the Internet for 3 weeks (an eternity these days) with his Control verse...and then again with his BET Cypher. We've assembled a collection of the best freestyles (mostly "writtens") of 2013. Check... Read more

This Week in Hip-Hop Video Featured Snoop, Jay Z, N.O.R.E., Young Buck & Game, Alchemist & Evidence, Large Professor, Kanye West, Pharrell and Lots More Dope Footage (Video Playlist)

This week was active in Hip-Hop video. So much so that you might have missed an incredible mini-documentary on Jay-Z's Black Album, N.O.R.E. talking about his first ever rap battle, new music from Large Professor, new videos from Snoop and Fat Joe and more. Click below to catch up on... Read more

Large Professor Showcases One Of His Dopest New Beats With Timeless Truth On Wavelength (Video)

From Akinyele to Nas, REKS to Rob Swift, Large Professor helps cultivate lasting talents in Hip-Hop. From his own Queens borough, Extra P provides a scorching track, and some assistance on the chorus for Timeless Truth's "Wavelength." The pair of Solace & Oprime39 have a cool, throwback style that goes... Read more

Stream Marco Polo’s PA 2: The Director’s Cut Which Features an All-Star Roster of 90’s Legends (Album Stream)

Marco Polo's new album PA 2: The Director's Cut plays like an all-star compilation of ridiculously dope tracks from 90's legends, including Talib Kweli, Masta Ace, Inspectah Deck, Organized Konfusion, Jean Grae, Posdnuos, Styles P, Alchemist, MC Eiht, King Tee, Large Professor and many more. The album hits stores on... Read more

AFH: Best Hip-Hop of October 2013 (Playlist)

Here's a look back at some of the Hip-Hop highlights from October. You'll hear new music from Eminem & Kendrick Lamar, Scarface, Jadakiss, Meek Mill, J. Cole, Dead Prez, Tha Dogg Pound, Common, Ab-Soul, Jay Rock, Large Professor, Childish Gambino, Rapsody, Crooked I, Jean Grae, Game and many, many more.... Read more

Large Professor, O.C., Inspectah Deck & Tragedy Khadafi Team Up On Marco Polo’s Astonishing (Audio)

Could you imagine this between 1993 and 1998? Large Professor (Main Source), Inspectah Deck (Wu-Tang Clan), Tragedy Khadafi (Capone-N-Noreaga fam), and O.C. (Diggin' In The Crates) on one song? Well, in 2013, Canadian producer Marco Polo hooks it up. From his PA 2: The Director's Cut album coming next month,... Read more

Reap The Naturaw Gets Heat From Large Professor On The Wild Wild (Video)

The great Hip-Hop producers always seem to have a soft-spot for the hardcore storytellers. While not lyricists by some technical standards, Brooklyn duo Group Home was worthy of some of DJ Premier's finest creations on their Livin' Proof 1995 debut album. RZA looked out for Wu Killa Bees such as... Read more

Members Of Ultramagnetic MCs & Main Source Remember The Late Paul C.

For those that don't know, one of Hip-Hop's unseen hands in the late 1980s was a Queens, New York engineer/producer named Paul "C" McKasty. Large Professor, who came up with Paul (both with works uncredited) on albums by Eric B. & Rakim and Kool G. Rap & DJ Polo, named... Read more

B-1 – Hands of Time (Video) (Prod. Large Professor)

Ever heard of B-1? Despite being one of the first artists signed to Rawkus Records, sporting a flow reminiscent of OC and working with legends like Large Professor, the Queens MC is still a relative unknown. Here's a video for a previously unreleased jewel he created with Large Professor. Check... Read more

Mayer Hawthorne – Her Favorite Song (Remix) ft Large Professor

Large Professor blesses singer Mayer Hawthorne with a vintage Extra P verse on the remix to Hawthorne's bluesy and soulful Her Favorite Song. Check it out below. Related: Large Professor Gives the Inside Story on Jay-Z’s Takeover (Video)... Read more