Will DMX’s Reunion With Def Jam Return Both To Glory?

This month DMX appeared on N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN’s Drink Champs for a second time. Since the Hip-Hop show’s inception, X has been a top draw for Drink Champs, sitting at the table and giving a real and raw interview to his past collaborator Noreaga back in episode 3. Great conversations with Puff Daddy, Dame Dash, and Lil Wayne have followed, but X helped kick in the door. The hosts say as much when X returns for episode 248—clocking in at nearly three hours long.

While at the table, X confirmed that members of Griselda, the late Pop Smoke, Snoop Dogg, Usher, Lil Wayne, Alicia Keys, and U2’s Bono are guests on his first album in more than five years. Apart from guests, X’s next album is slated to mark his return to Def Jam Records. Nearly 25 years ago, X—with JAY-Z, Ja Rule, and Foxy Brown helped galvanize a new act for the label founded by Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin. He joined with Redman and Method Man, veteran acts of the imprint, along with LL Cool J, who also returned to Def Jam in the last couple of years. There, X released five consecutive #1 LPs—all reaching platinum or better. Late during this period at Def Jam, with Jay at the helm, X left for Columbia/Sony—where he released material in the early 1990s. However, the chart-topping streak stopped, as did the platinum plaques.

DMX Punching Chris Lighty Drew Blood Money From His Album (Audio)

On the latest episode of Ambrosia For HeadsWhat’s The Headline podcast, there is a discussion of what a DMX and Def Jam reunion means for each. While DMX looks to restore his onetime superstar status within music, Def Jam has made a careful effort to get back in business with legacy acts like him, Public Enemy, and LL. Although the New York-based label, now part of Universal Music Group, has been behind releases from Kanye West, Justin Bieber, and Jhene Aiko its brand is one of hardcore, innovative Rap—something that DMX represents. Could this comeback be mutual?

Additionally, there is chatter about Lauryn Hill’s Miseducation of Lauryn Hill being diamond-certified, the passing of Fat Boys member Prince Markie Dee, and the alleged attempt on CyHi The Prynce’s life in Atlanta, Georgia. New music by Streetlife and Method Man, DJ Muggs, JAY-Z and Nipsey Hussle, and more is discussed.

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

Heads can catch recent AFH What’s The Headline interviews with Pharoahe Monch, Prince Paul & Don NewkirkStatik SelektahLyric JonesThe LOXMC EihtMobb Deep’s HavocDuckwrth, and Lord Finesse. All episodes of the show are available wherever you stream your pods.

Here Is What Else Is Happening Of Note:

Mark Morales, aka Prince Markie Dee of the Fat Boys, died on February 18 at 52. (Associated Press)

JAY-Z has sold 50% of Ace of Spades champagne to LVMH, owner of Dom Pérignon (New York Times)

CyHi The Prynce shares photos and accounts of a near-fatal crush following a violent attempt on his life (TMZ)

After nearly 30 years together, the Daft Punk duo of Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo has announced that they have split (Variety)

Approaching one year since his death, Fred The Godson gets a Bronx, New York street dedicated in his honor. (Complex)

#BonusBeat: Ambrosia For Heads’ official playlist, featuring new music from Phife Dawg, Redman, JAY-Z, Nipsey Hussle, Spillage Village, Dom Kennedy, Statik Selektah, Smino, Saba, AZ, Masego, J.I.D., Rapsody, Tobe Nwigwe, Royce 5’9, Black Thought, Busta Rhymes, Hit-Boy, Nana, Lyric Jones, Nas, Oddisee, Benny The Butcher, 2 Chainz, REASON, Jack Harlow, and others.