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DMX Is Mentoring Quadir Lateef. This Ruff Ryders MC Absolutely Stunts On The Mic. (Video)

Ruff Ryders Entertainment may not get the comparable mentions of a Roc-A-Fella or G-Unit, but they should. The label launched as an offshoot of the party promoting by the Dean siblings in the late 1980s would be responsible for an artist with five consecutive #1 albums in DMX. Moreover, the... Read more

The LOX’s “What Else You Need To Know” May Be Their Realest Song Yet (Video)

Last month, The LOX released their first album together in 16 years. While the trio of Jadakiss, Styles P and Sheek Louch have been mainstays on the scene since their debut, through EPs, mixtapes and guest appearances, the announcement of the new LP, Filthy America...It's Beautiful, set the Hip-Hop world... Read more

Finding The GOAT Producer: Swizz Beatz vs. Timbaland. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer” begins. The third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no deserving... Read more

Swizz Beatz Says He & DMX Are Seriously Working & He “Can’t Wait” To Release The Music (Video)

2017 marks five years since DMX has released an album. Swizz Beatz has been involved in all seven of Dark Man X's albums, and his eighth will be no exception. Appearing on DJ Whoo Kid's Whoolywood Shuffle show on Shade 45, Swizzy confirmed collaborations coming forth between he and the... Read more

Cassidy’s Initials Are B.A.R.S. & He Freestyles Into 2017 With Some Of His Best (Video)

Philly veteran MC Cassidy has been unusually quiet lately. Save for a Team Backpack Cypher alongside Ghostface Killah and Twista, the onetime Ruff Ryders member crept slow through 2016. That appears not to be the case for 2017. In the closing hours of the last year, the Brotherly Love lyricist... Read more

The LOX Were Courted By Suge & Death Row. They Explain Why They Passed (Video)

This month, The LOX shocked Heads with the announcement of a partnership with Jay Z and Roc Nation. That news broke December 1, with an album  coming just over two weeks later. The D-Block/Roc-backed Filthy America...It's Beautiful marked the Yonkers, New York trio's first full-length album in more than 16... Read more

Busta Rhymes Unleashes The Dragon On A Fiery Swizz Beatz Track (Audio)

Last month, Busta Rhymes made key contributions to A Tribe Called Quest's We got it from Here...Thank You 4 Your service album. In an usually slow five year period for Bussa' Bus, the veteran MC currently thrives through features and compilation work. His skills have never wavered, even if it's... Read more

DMX Made Flesh Of My Flesh, Blood Of My Blood Because Of A $1 Million Wager

In the span of seven months, DMX released two albums which combined went platinum seven times. It was 1998, and the Yonkers, New York rapper was taking the industry by storm, establishing himself as a domineering presence with uncompromising virility. First with May's It's Dark and Hell Is Hot and... Read more

Murda Mook Smothers The Mic In This Head-Hunting 9 Minute Freestyle (Video)

Murda Mook can downright destroy microphones when asked. The Harlem, New Yorker and onetime Ruff Ryders member is nice with the ring of Battle Rap. However, without an opponent, the MC that's worked with Sean Price and LL Cool J is simply a standout lyricist. Appearing alongside Funkmaster Flex at... Read more

DMX Joins Puff Daddy & Bad Boy Family Reunion Tour For Remaining Dates

With at least more than eight US concert dates remaining, Puff Daddy has upped the ante on his Bad Boy Family Reunion Tour. The label's founder and CEO added DMX to the list of headliners this week. Besides Puff, the artists on the tour include Ma$e, The LOX, Faith Evans,... Read more

Beanie Sigel Confirms A Collaborative Project With Jadakiss

In 2001, Jadakiss and Beanie Sigel were two of the most exciting new solo artists in Rap music. While Jada' had been on wax since 1994 with the LOX, Sigel was becoming Jay Z's most exciting protege on the Roc-A-Fella Records roster. They had even appeared together on 1998's "Reservoir... Read more

DMX Says He Won Every Battle With Jay Z. Who Won The War? (Video)

In 1999, Jay Z and DMX embarked (and majorly cashed in) on the Hard Knock Life Tour. Although Jay Z's album gave the tour its name, the lineup was a joint headliner of the Roc-A-Fella Records co-founder and DMX. Both artists had become the flagship acts at Def Jam Records... Read more

Ghostface Killah, Twista & Cassidy Smash A Cypher Like Legends (Video)

Ghostface Killah, Twista, and Cassidy represent three vastly differently Hip-Hop stories. However, they prove they can perform together with finesse. In the early 1990s, G.F.K. and Tung Twista each burst onto the scene with unconventional, highly-gravitational deliveries. While the Speedknot Mobstaz O.G. spit his bars with AK-47 precision and nimble... Read more

Swizz Beatz Reveals DMX Did Not Want To Do “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” (Video)

"Stop. Drop. Shut 'em down, open up shop." As Heads know, those words open "Ruff Ryders' Anthem," one of the biggest Hip-Hop anthems of all-time. However, the song almost didn't happen. As part of the new BET series Inside The Label, Swizz Beatz detailed the making of the song for... Read more

Scarface Has Seen Too Many Young Men Die. He Speaks Up (Audio)

Scarface takes his lyrics places others won't seem to go. The Geto Boy appears on Swizz Beatz' upcoming Choices & Changes album. After years of working with Ruff Ryders, Facemob connects with the superstar producer for "Sad News." The song traces Brad Jordan reading over another Black male dying at... Read more

DMX Bites Right Through The Flesh In New Single “Blood Red” (Audio)

During this morning's (June 28) Breakfast Club interview, DMX left Charlamagne Tha God and company with a premiere listen on single "Blood Red." Right on time, the Divine Beats-produced song hits the web just a few hours later. With its vicious title, the song is X's latest jagged bite into... Read more

DMX Breaks Down While Discussing How God Saved His Life (Video)

This morning (June 28), DMX was a guest on The Breakfast Club. The onetime superstar rapper spoke for more than an hour with Charlamagne Tha God, Angela Yee, and DJ Envy about a host of topics. At times drinking cognac straight from the bottle, the Yonkers, New York lyricist got... Read more

DMX & Styles P Ride Rough On A New Song That Takes No Prisoners (Audio)

Yesterday (June 4), DMX was one of the headlining acts at the 9th annual Roots Picnic in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Sharing the bill with fellow Ruff Ryders member Swizz Beatz (who appeared on stage during X's set), the Yonkers, New Yorker performed hits from the last 18 years of his illustrious... Read more

Swizz Beatz Says DMX Is “Clean, Focused” And Working With Dr. Dre & Kanye West

DMX, one of the biggest artists of the turn of the millennium, might be poised for an epic comeback. As fans know, Dark Man X has battled substance abuse and inner demons for a number of years since his meteoric ascent in 1998 and '99. According to Swizz Beatz, however,... Read more

KRS-One Sounds Off On Da Police As Swizz Beatz Nods To B.D.P. (Audio)

KRS-One proves to be the perfect MC for Swizz Beatz' massive remix for "Jason." The 2015 video single which originally featured Jadakiss gets Boogie Down Productions' "The Bridge Is Over" percussion, and a fiery Blastmasta Kris taking on the crimes of the police department in the 2010s. The MC who... Read more

DMX Producer Dame Grease Wants Guinness World Record For Most Songs In A Year

Producer Dame Grease has been instrumental to a number of platinum, and critically-acclaimed albums. The Harlem, New York native was critical to DMX's It's Dark And Hell Is Hot and The LOX's Money, Power, Respect, in addition to mentoring Max B. Having worked with Papoose, RiFF RaFF, and DMX in recent... Read more

Nas’ Illmatic vs. DMX’s It’s Dark And Hell Is Hot. 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

Sheek Louch Discusses Silverback Gorilla 2 & Talks Working With Biggie and DMX (Interview)

Whereas speaking to Jadakiss or Styles P is often a lower key experience, their LOX band-mate Sheek Louch is high-energy. The Yonkers, New York veteran MC did not equate himself to one of the most ferocious members of the animal kingdom by being docile. In the Tommy Boy Entertainment conference... Read more

Jadakiss Believes That Keeping It Real Has Led To His Mass Appeal (Video)

Even though the album is still less than a week old, Jadakiss has quickly proved that Top 5 Dead Or Alive will have no shortage of visuals. Following Friday's (November 20) "You Don't Eat," 'Kiss reappears with a video for the Young Buck-assisted "Realest In The Game." Still black-and-white, this... Read more

Jadakiss Explains What It Takes To Be Top 5 Dead Or Alive (Video)

Jadakiss' Top 5 Dead Or Alive releases today (November 20). The long-anticipated Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam Records album is a conversation piece for The LOX MC's own place in the game. With a plethora of peers on board, "You Don't Eat" is a song that's mostly about the skills and approach that... Read more

Jadakiss Brings Cameras To His Yonkers, New York Neighborhood (Video)

Jadakiss and The LOX helped make Yonkers, New York a Hip-Hop landmark. Along with their Ruff Ryders bandmates, especially DMX, the trio of MCs brought attention to the Westchester County city that was previously known for its size (the fourth largest population in the Empire State), and its Neil Simon... Read more

LL Cool J’s Mama Said Knock You Out vs. DMX’s It’s Dark And Hell Is Hot. 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

DMX May Truly Be Rakim’s Biggest Fan. Watch Them Meet To See Why (Video)

Two years ago, DMX and Rakim released collaborative single "Don't Call Me." The two storied New York City MCs worked together for the first time on the song, and had only ever met briefly before. Street Heat TV cameras recently caught the multi-platinum DMX in rare form when he encountered... Read more

Everybody Knows Jadakiss Is an Elite MC. But Did You Know He Can Windmill? (Video)

Jadakiss is often considered one of the greatest MCs in Hip-Hop. The self-proclaimed "Top 5, Dead Or Alive" got there by winning over the streets, the mainstream, and Hip-Hop Heads. As far as the third component, the Yonkers, New York lyricist is one himself. It's why Jada' has been puttin'... Read more

Jadakiss & Swizz Beatz Speak Directly To The Badges Of Brutality (Video)

Just days after "Jason" released to audio, Jadakiss and Swizz Beatz drop the visual. The track captures the suspense associated with the Friday The 13th slasher franchise, where Jason Vorhees attacked Camp Crystal Lake, again and again. In Jada' and Swizz's version, it's not at the movies. Instead, the two... Read more

Remember When Jayo Felony, Method Man & DMX Made A Cross-Country Def Jam Hit Together? (Video)

While ONYX and 50 Cent are two of Jam Master Jay's star proteges—even if the latter found his success beyond JMJ Records, there is another artist he ushered in that is often overlooked. Jayo Felony became one of San Diego, California's first national Rap stars. Signed amidst the height of... Read more

How Does DJ Premier Rock a Party in Russia? Like an OG…Watch His 90s Boiler Room Set (Video)

DJ Premier recently took his talents to Russia. While there, he produced a track with a local artist and rocked a Boiler Room party. For his hour-long DJ set, Preemo covered the full 90s Hip-Hop spectrum, spinning music by Biggie, Tha Luniz, Nas, Crooklyn Dodgers, Boogie Down Productions, Pete Rock... Read more

Mannie Fresh Recalls Big Tymin’ With First Check, DMX’s Dog Fancy (Video)

Mannie Fresh may be a lover of flaunting jewels, cars, and even helicopters on some of his album covers and in older videos. However, the New Orleans, Louisiana icon and Bounce music pioneer had some humble beginnings. In a particularly jovial mood, Mannie sat down with Montreality to discuss some... Read more

Finding The GOAT (Round 4): Eminem vs. DMX…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

Jadakiss Jacks Jay Z for Another Beat. What’s His Name? JADA…(Audio)

Kiss the week goodbye, as Jadakiss hits Friday April 17 with not one, but two lyrical scribblings over Jay Z instrumentals. This time, Jada' takes the Swizz Beatz-helmed "Jigga My Nigga (What's My Name)" from the first (platinum-plus) Ruff Ryders compilation, which Jadakiss and The L.O.X. were a key part... Read more

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): DMX vs. Joe Budden…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

Audio Two’s Milk Dee Is Still Top Billin’, With Sean Price & Murda Mook (Audio)

Not only is Audio Two's 1987 "Top Billin'" a Rap/Hip-Hop classic, Milk Dee and Gizmo's moment in the sun remains an early and critical representation of Brooklyn, New York. From Big Daddy Kane to Jay Z, The Notorious B.I.G. to Foxy Brown, top billin' is a style, an attitude, and... Read more

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Busta Rhymes vs. Jadakiss…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

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): DMX vs. Fabolous…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

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Cam’ron vs. Jadakiss…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

The LOX’s We Are The Streets Turns 15 Years Old, Is It Their True Best Work?

In a weird twist of fate, the same Tuesday January 25, 2000 that Ghostface Killah released Supreme Clientele, The LOX released their own sophomore effort, We Are The Streets. Fifteen years ago, few could have thought that Wu-Block would ever be a thing, let alone that Ghost and Sheek Louch... Read more

DMX is Returning with a New Album…And It’s Coming Next Week

DMX has announced he's releasing his eighth studio album and it's coming next week (January 13th). After starting off at a torrid pace, releasing his first three albums in three months, X's output has slowed a bit over the years, with his last album, Undisputed, coming over two years ago.... Read more

Finding The GOAT: Eve vs. Cam’ron…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

Lil Wayne Puts The LOX In The Spotlight With His Carter 5 Latest Listen (Audio)

In the first 10 years of the current millennium, few artists kept the streets fed like Lil Wayne and The LOX (t/k/a D-Block). All '90s alums, Weezy, Jadakiss, Styles P, and Sheek Louch all got better, sharper, and more ferocious on the microphone. Along the way, while they ran in... Read more

Finding The GOAT: 50 Cent vs. DMX…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

For Jin, Looking Back Is Complicated In This Reflective Single With Hollis (Audio)

Following a mainstream hiatus, Jin (formerly of Ruff Ryders Entertainment) is back on the scene. Tried and true in the early 2000s Battle Rap culture, the MC known for knocking down one of Hip-Hop's racial barriers has depth to him too. "Complicated," featuring Macklemore's homie Hollis, is Jin revisiting the... Read more

The LOX Channel A Fellow Yonkers Legend Alongside Sevyn Streeter (Audio)

The LOX deliver a quintessential cut today (July 2). Jadakiss, Styles P, and Sheek Louch join buzzing songwriter/soloist Sevyn Streeter for "Remember." With Sevyn harping on Mary J. Blige's "You Remind Me" riffs, the trio recalls the wild late '90s, from late-night Tunnel runs, sidewalk hustling, and the unwavering fight... Read more

Shut ‘Em Down: DMX & George Zimmerman Boxing Match Canceled After Protest

Last week, it was announced that acquitted murderer George Zimmerman would battle rapper/actor DMX in the boxing ring for a three-round, refereed fight. X immediately hyped the event, forecasting that he would not only beat up the former Florida resident, but would urinate on the man responsible for the death... Read more

DMX Helps Omar Wilson Tell The World To Have A Little Faith (Audio)

If this were 1999, this would be one of the biggest hits on radio: homogenous R&B/Rap collaboration, melody, and hard-edged, personal revelations from Earl Simmons. Omar Wilson cranks out an inspirational, uplifting tune, while DMX gives it some texture talking about growing up too fast, and claiming that he wants... Read more

Eve Recalls Time With The Ruff Ryders & Dr. Dre With Peter Rosenberg (Video)

Philly's Eve has an interesting story. From the days of the Bullworth soundtrack, her career began with Dr. Dre on then-fledgling Aftermath Entertainment (I always thought that '97-'99 roster was the best). Then, Eve made history with DMX, Swizz Beatz and the Ruff Ryders, keeping her success in the Interscope... Read more