Jake Paine

Between Jay Rock & Ice Cube, King Harris II Has Serious Westside Connections (Audio)

From Snoop Dogg to Daz Dillinger, Ice Cube to Del The Funky Homosapien, Hip-Hop has some crafty cousins that prove that dope rhymes can be part of a family tree. The latest example, as it were, comes from Jay Rock and cousin King Harris II. The artist formerly known as... Read more

April 11, 2016 Audio

Kareem “Biggs” Burke Reveals Roc-A-Fella Secrets Regarding Big L, Scarface & Ma$e

Roc-A-Fella Records' 1990s and early 2000s' reign is credited to three businessmen. While Jay Z has become one of, if not the biggest artists in Hip-Hop history, Dame Dash is one of the highest profile Rap executives. Third owner of the original Roc, Kareem "Biggs" Burke was (and remains) less in... Read more

April 9, 2016 Audio

KRS-One Responds To MC Shan’s Battle Bars With A Brutal Diss Record (Audio)

For one week now, MC Shan has asked for a proper battle with KRS-One. Thirty years removed from the genesis of "The Bridge Wars," Shan revealed some bars he had for Kris last week. This morning, the onetime Juice Crew MC released an acapella verse that pulled no punches in... Read more

April 8, 2016 Audio

Diamond D & O.C.’s Freestyle Makes D.I.T.C. Say “Yo, That’s That ish” (Audio)

Diggin' In The Crates, better known as D.I.T.C., has been a unit for more than 20 years. However, since the 2000s, the New York City producer and MC collective has been building individual careers, including Fat Joe's platinum rise, a slew of O.C. cult-championed LPs, and the ongoing celebration of... Read more

April 8, 2016 Audio

Chance the Rapper’s “Day One” Angels Keep Him Grounded & Surrounded (Video)

2015 Chance The Rapper single "Angels" has truly taken flight. Featuring fellow Chicago, Illinois MC Saba, the uplifting song gives thanks to the loved ones that serve as spiritual protectors around us, despite the vast temptations and treacherous possibilities. Chance's verses examine the challenges of being a young father trying... Read more

April 8, 2016 Video

The Ugly Details Of Ice Cube & Common’s Beef Show Just How Far They’ve Come

Last week, Ice Cube and Common released "Real People." The Barbershop: The Next Cut soundtrack inclusion may be promotional for the film both MC/actors star in, but the lyrics and theme of the song suggest much more. The collaboration follows a mid-1990s beef that saw both parties release dis' records... Read more

March 30, 2016 Food for Thought

MC Eiht & Spice 1 Strike Gold On Alchemist Production (Audio)

MC Eiht and Spice 1 made two albums together in the 2000s. The Pioneers and Keep It Gangsta were unified fronts after years of the two Cali kings working together on one another's albums. While Eiht and Spice always spit with weathered wisdom and street conviction, production has not always... Read more

March 29, 2016 Audio

Bumpy Knuckles Warns That Another Industry Shakedown Is Coming

Sixteen years ago this June, Bumpy Knuckles released Industry Shakedown. The Long Island, Njakew York MC/producer previously known as Freddie Foxxx had not released an album since 1989's Freddie Foxxx Is Here and vented his frustrations on the music industry on this grassroots album. Featuring production from DJ Premier, Pete... Read more

March 29, 2016 News

J. Prince & Bun B Discuss Rap-A-Lot Records Ties To Death Row & Beyonce (Video)

2016 marks 30 years since James "J." Prince launched Rap-A-Lot Records. The Houston, Texas-based independent label would go on to achieve #1 albums, numerous platinum plaques, and a hand in the careers of artists ranging from Scarface to Drake, Tha Outlawz to Trae Tha Truth. The label's founder is notoriously... Read more

March 28, 2016 Video

Nas & Large Professor Still Barbeque 25 Years Later, With One Lyric Change (Video)

This month, Nas hosted a 2016 South By Southwest event called "Live At The BBQ." The same night Nasir Jones premiered his collaborator with J Dilla, he invited mentor Large Professor to the stage. Large Pro and his early '90s group Main Source would introduce Nas to the ears of... Read more

March 28, 2016 Video

Meet The Secret Weapon To Hits By Nas, Eric B. & Rakim & Main Source (Audio)

Anton Pukshansky is a name that likely appears in your music library—even if you don't know it. Born in Russia, raised in New York City, the producer, engineer, bassist, and keyboardist would work on heralded albums including Nas' Illmatic, Eric B. & Rakim's Let The Rhythm Hit 'Em, Kool G Rap &... Read more

March 26, 2016 Audio

Prodigy Gives Away An Album Bundle Featuring Ghostface, Slick Rick, KRS-One & DJ Premier

Two weeks after Prodigy released the first R.I.P. album bundle, he completes the trilogy with his third and final installment. R.I.P. 3 features major Hip-Hop influences upon Mobb Deep such as KRS-One and Slick Rick, as well as peers ranging from Wu-Tang Clan's Raekwon and Ghostface Killah, to Alchemist, Cormega,... Read more

March 25, 2016 Fresh

This Journalist Who Was Encouraged By Eazy-E Releases A Book Comparing Hip-Hop & Chess

From the Wu-Tang Clan to Wale, Fresh to Dilated Peoples, Hip-Hop's music, film, and lifestyle maintain strong ties to chess. The 64 squares relate to many aspects of life. Northern California veteran author, speaker, scholar, and music journalist Adisa "The Bishop" Banjoko has made a career out tying Hip-Hop, chess,... Read more

March 25, 2016 Food for Thought, Lifestyle

A Tribe Called Quest Hit ’90s TV With An Amazing “Rhime” Routine (Audio)

This week, Hip-Hop and music-lovers are deeply mourning the loss of Phife Dawg. At 45 years old, the man born Malik Taylor died from complications due to diabetes on March 22. For more than 25 years, the Queens, New York MC and co-founder of A Tribe Called Quest impressed lyric... Read more

March 24, 2016 Do Remember

Rakim May Be The God MC But He’s A Devil On The Turntables. This. Is. Hip-Hop (Video)

If you read ego trip's Book Of Rap Lists, and bluntly speaking, all Heads should, page 52 has a great list of MCs with supreme DJ skills. Rakim, often revered as one of—if not thee greatest rapper—proves himself to be one such double-threat. Recently, the Long Island, New York legend... Read more

March 24, 2016 Video

How Organized Noize Created The Atlanta Hip-Hop Sound With Outkast & Goodie Mob

In looking at Rap superstars, their producers are never far behind in recognition. Rick Rubin was the musical architect that would have a hand in the success of Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J, and Beastie Boys. Dr. Dre's "Midas Touch" with N.W.A., Snoop Dogg (and to a lesser extent) Tupac cleared... Read more

March 23, 2016 Food for Thought

Action Bronson & Meyhem Lauren Heat Up A DJ Shadow Beat (Audio)

Last week (March 15) marked five years since Action Bronson formally introduced himself with the self-released Dr. Lecter album. On that celebrated LP, Bam Bam also brought his Outdoorsmen crew along with him. "Chuck Person" and "Bag Of Money" would shine a light on one member in particular: Meyhem Lauren.... Read more

March 23, 2016 Audio

Rittz Threatens Extinction To Competition In This Haunting Single (Audio)

Rittz has been one of the stars of the expanded Strange Music label. The Gwinnett County, Georgia MC is six weeks away from his third album on Tech N9ne's label, Top Of The Line (May 6). First single "Ghost Story" is a great illustration of the versatile Slumerican affiliate's proven... Read more

March 22, 2016 Audio

Ras Kass Plans “Soul On Ice 2,” Featuring Unreleased Songs (Video)

This year marks the 20th anniversary since Ras Kass' debut album, Soul On Ice. The native of both Carson, California would ink a contract with Priority Records to release what some still consider his greatest lyrical work—and a benchmark of intellectual songwriting. In the time since, Razzy Kazzy has released... Read more

March 22, 2016 News, Video

New Jack City Turns 35. These Secrets We Learned From The Writer Will Blow Your Mind

UPDATE: Since this article was published, Barry Michael Cooper passed away on January 22, 2025. He would have been 68 at the time of this publishing. Twenty five years ago this month, New Jack City opened to the public. The film, starring Wesley Snipes, Allen Payne, Ice-T, and Chris Rock,... Read more

March 22, 2016 Food for Thought

Too Short Gives Some Real Game To 2 Young Boys With Questions (Video)

Too Short has been giving up "game" for nearly 35 years. Songs like "Gettin' It," "The Ghetto," and "So You Want To Be A Gangster" educated audiences on the thrills and perils of a life in the underworld. However, while many of Too Short's tales are freaky, he still shows... Read more

March 21, 2016 Video

Joell Ortiz & Chris Rivers Studied The ’90s To Blaze Mics In 2016 (Audio)

Last week, Joell Ortiz and producer Domingo released That's Hip-Hop. As the Slaughterhous vet told Ambrosia For Heads, the project is about keeping purebred Rap in the front of the consumer consciousness. In the post-release single "Say What I Want," Ortiz is joined by Bronx, New York MC Chris Rivers... Read more

March 21, 2016 Audio

Fat Joe, Lord Finesse & Diamond D Keep That Crate Chemistry Strong (Audio)

Every Monday of 2016, D.I.T.C. has blessed Heads with new tracks. Today (March 21), the Diggin' In The Crates crew may have unleashed the best yet. "Rock S**t" marks the lyrical return of Lord Finesse, whose witty and confident punchline-driven flow would be the blueprint for his star pupil, the... Read more

March 21, 2016 Audio

Prodigy Releases Another Free Album Bundle Featuring Jay Electronica, 50 Cent & Bun B

One week to the day after Prodigy released the first R.I.P. album bundle, he follows with the second of three installments. R.I.P. 2 features the Mobb Deep co-founder working with the likes of 50 Cent, Jay Electronica, Bun B, Styles P, Killer Mike, and the late Chinx, among others. Besides... Read more

March 18, 2016 Fresh

Ghostface Killah Keeps O.D.B.’s Raw Spirit Alive In His Stage Show (Video)

Last night (March 17), Wu-Tang Clan co-founder Ghostface Killah performed live in Austin, Texas as part of 2016 South By Southwest. There, Ambrosia For Heads captured the Staten Island, New York veteran MC paying tribute to his late band-mate with a performance of "Shimmy Shimmy Ya." G.F.K. teamed with the... Read more

March 18, 2016 Exclusive, Video

Eric B. Defends His Legacy & Claims His Credit In History (Audio)

Eric B. may be one of the most misunderstood figures in Hip-Hop. An Elmhurst Queens, New York native, Eric Barrier formed one of the genre's most technically advanced groups in Eric B. & Rakim. Furthermore, the DJ/producer established a brand in Rap music that not only pivoted towards the materialism... Read more

March 16, 2016 Audio

Phonte Explains Why Big Daddy Kane Is The Reason He Became An MC (Audio)

Phonte is the latest guest on The Cipher Show Podcast. For episode #146, the Greensboro, North Carolina native MC/singer spoke about the evolution of his career. A founder of Little Brother and Foreign Exchange, "Tigallo" had an hour-and-a-half discussion with Shawn Setaro on topics ranging from his "Percy Miracles" character,... Read more

March 15, 2016 Audio

Watch Nate Dogg Freestyle A Hook & See Why He Will Forever Regulate (Video)

Five years ago today (March 15, 2011), the world lost Nate Dogg. The four-time Grammy-nominated hit-maker and founding member of 213 injected a Gospel Soul sensibility into Hip-Hop through three solo albums, a group record, and hits for Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, Tupac, Ludacris, Mos Def, Eminem, and... Read more

March 15, 2016 Throwback

Royce 5’9″ Explains Choosing To Sign With Tommy Boy Instead Of Dr. Dre (Video)

Royce 5'9" released his first gold album, care of Bad Meets Evil's Hell: The Sequel. The 2011 album released on Eminem's Shady Records, which is part of the same Interscope umbrella that includes Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment, and previously, 50 Cent's G-Unit Records. Notably, while Royce is signed to Shady/Interscope... Read more

March 10, 2016 Video

Joell Ortiz Speaks About Never Dumbing Down His Sound & Standing Up For Hip-Hop (Interview)

In the last 15 years, Joell Ortiz has climbed from a Brooklyn, New York MC releasing 12" Rawkus Records singles to the top of the Pop charts. The pride of the Cooper Houses projects still dazzles with his flow and exudes the highest love for Hip-Hop culture in his art... Read more

March 8, 2016 Food for Thought

Rhymefest Details Third Album & Updates On Reconnecting With His Father

One year ago, Chicago, Illinois MC/writer/politician Rhymefest began screening documentary film In My Father's House. The work looked at Che Smith's father, who was estranged for much of the artist's life due to homelessness and alcoholism. In the film, the Grammy Award-winning artist (who, since filming, has added an Oscar... Read more

March 8, 2016 Food for Thought

Chris Rock & Ice-T Discuss Making “New Jack City” On Its 25th Anniversary (Audio)

Twenty five years ago tomorrow (March 8, 1991) New Jack City was released to theaters. Largely conceived and written by Barry Michael Cooper, and directed by Mario Van Peebles, the film starring Wesley Snipes would live well beyond its impressive theatrical run. A quarter century later, the Warner Bros. movie... Read more

March 7, 2016 Audio, TV/Film

Ras Kass Entered At The Top Of His Game With This Diamond D Remix (Video)

Twenty years ago, Ras Kass debuted with Soul On Ice. In the two years prior, the Carson, California MC has appeared on the Street Fighter soundtrack (alongside Ahmad and Saafir), as well as Coolio's smash album, Gangsta's Paradise. However, the public had not gotten a true dose of the dense... Read more

March 3, 2016 Do Remember

Cormega & Gunplay Flow Together Like Guns & Butter (Audio)

Cormega is known for his laid back delivery. While he can spit his words quickly, the Queensbridge veteran never needs to raise his voice to drive a point home. Maybach Music Group's Gunplay is a bit different. The Miami, Florida MC is one who amplifies tracks with his raw emotion,... Read more

February 29, 2016 Audio

This Documentary Treats Masta Ace’s “Disposable Arts” Like The Masterpiece It Is (Video Premiere)

Fifteen years ago this October, Masta Ace released his sophomore solo album, Disposable Arts. The Jcor Records release marked the Brooklyn, New York MC's first album after a six-year period. While signed to Big Beat/Atlantic Records, the Masta Ace Incorporated alum aimed to return to his solo catalog. The recordings... Read more

February 27, 2016 Exclusive, TV/Film, Video

Royce 5’9″ Is Releasing a New Solo Album & It’s His Best Work Ever. This Video Shows It.

Royce 5'9" (as it is now officially stylized) is releasing his sixth solo album, Layers, on April 15, 2016, his first in nearly 5 years. Distributed through his own Bad Half Entertainment, the Mr. Porter and Royce executive-produced LP delves deeply into the many sides of the Detroit, Michigan veteran... Read more

February 26, 2016 Exclusive, Food for Thought, Video

Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth Are Back In The Studio, Together

It has been more than a decade since Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth released music together. The early 1990s Elektra Records duo released a handful of songs since 1994's The Main Ingredient. While the Mount Vernon and New Rochelle, New Yorkers have been guarded about adding to their celebrated catalog... Read more

February 26, 2016 News

K-Def Takes His Rhythm Roulette Experiment To An Early ’90s-Sounding Paradise (Video)

K-Def has been making great Hip-Hop music for 25 years and counting. The New Jersey native just released two albums in The Way It Was and The Unpredictable Gemini. With lots to promote, the Redefinition Records honcho is the latest participant in Mass Appeal's Rhythm Roulette. Hitting up Jersey City's... Read more

February 24, 2016 Video

Black Sheep Dres & A Tribe Called Quest’s Jarobi Aim To Take Hip-Hop “Higher” (Video)

In 2012, Black Sheep Dres (as he is now known) and A Tribe Called Quest co-founder Jarobi released the debut project from their unit, evitaN. At The Speed Of Life was a prime offering for the two New York MC vets. Joined by everybody from Mobb Deep's Havoc to Bootsy... Read more

February 24, 2016 Video

Rick Rubin Shares Memories Of His First Time Ever Recording With LL Cool J

LL Cool J's career is greatly owed to Rick Rubin, at least his discovery. And perhaps Rick Rubin's own success is largely owed to the gravitas of LL Cool J. The breakthrough Def Jam Records artist would be one of the earliest label acts, on the fledgling imprint launched by... Read more

February 20, 2016 Throwback

DJ Premier Does For Yuna What He Did For D’Angelo. Made A Soul Classic (Audio)

Yuna has enjoyed an extensive career over the last decade, crossing over from Malaysian Pop into a flagship artist at the storied Verve Records imprint. She has worked with The Neptunes (both Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, individually), and Sa-Ra Creative Partners' Om'Mas Keith. On her new single "Places To... Read more

February 19, 2016 Audio

Krayzie Bone’s Top 3 MCs Defy The Typical “Best Rapper” List (Video)

Krayzie Bone has been a professional Hip-Hop artist for nearly 25 years. The Cleveland, Ohio native and founding member of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony recently did an interview with longtime group manager Steve Lobel for his new web series. Within, the multi-platinum MC broke down a few of his favorites, from songs... Read more

February 16, 2016 Video

Casual & Saafir Go From Legendary Battle Opponents To Key Collaborators (Audio Premiere)

Almost 22 years ago, Casual and Saafir went off the rails (and reels) in a 1994 Wake Up Show (Sway & King Tech) syndicated radio battle. At the time, Casual had just released his Jive Records debut, Fear Itself, which featured "the Saucee Nomad" on one particular track. Saafir, who had... Read more

February 16, 2016 Audio, Exclusive

Fugees Producer Salaam Remi Explains How They Went From Underground MCs To Global Superstars

Twenty years ago, The Fugees released The Score. The February 13, 1996 album transformed the trio of Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Pras from New Jersey Underground Hip-Hop hopefuls to cultural icons. The RuffHouse/Sony Records album would go six-times platinum in the United States alone, and eventually pivot to everything... Read more

February 15, 2016 Food for Thought, Throwback

Xzibit Moves Forward With Bars That Will Take Yiu Back (Audio)

Xzibit and Nottz go back. On the acclaimed 2000 LP Restless, the Virginia producer/MC shared a track with Dr. Dre in "U Know." Z-to-the-Z and Nottz Raw would work again on the first Serial Killers project a couple years ago. This time, the V-A to C-A link surrounds Los Angles,... Read more

February 14, 2016 Audio

Why Tupac’s “All Eyez On Me” Remains The First & Last Flawed Classic Album

Twenty years ago today (February 13, 1996), Tupac Shakur released what many would come to consider his magnum opus in All Eyez On Me. A Death Row Records double-album, the lone project 'Pac released at the label before his death is a sprawling ensemble of a man on a vendetta.... Read more

February 13, 2016 Food for Thought

Snoop Shows Why He’s The Boss Dogg on This 20-Minute 1996 Freestyle (Audio)

1996 was a tumultuous year for the artist known as Snoop Doggy Dogg. The Long Beach, California Rap superstar was acquitted for a murder trial that had started shortly after his skyrocketing fame. In the exhalation of that, he was soon faced with the murder of close friend and collaborator... Read more

February 11, 2016 Throwback

BJ The Chicago Kid & Kendrick Lamar Make A Timeless Hip-Hop Soul Ballad (Audio)

On several occasions, Kendrick Lamar and BJ The Chicago Kid have made powerful music together. Long before both artists had major label paperwork on the table, these two found an overlapping ability to uphold the bygone skills in a way the youth could easily digest. From BJ's upcoming In My... Read more

February 11, 2016 Audio

This Mobb Deep “Infamous”-Themed Mix Celebrates Havoc’s Visionary Sampling

Mobb Deep just announced a series of tour dates celebrating the 20th anniversary of their third album, Hell On Earth. As they do, the Beat Junkies' J. Rocc (whose logo plays off of the M-O-B-B) examines some of the key ingredients of the duo's sophomore LP, 1995's The Infamous. This... Read more

February 11, 2016 Mixes

Kool G Rap Flaunts His Signature Imagery & Wordplay In Another Key Feature (Video)

Kool G Rap is a master of taking a feature opportunity, and prying the track open. Throughout his career, on tracks by Mobb Deep, Akinyele, and The X-Ecutioners, the Corona, Queens MC is never afraid to assert his skills at the top of the bill. At the same time, from... Read more

February 11, 2016 Video