Jake Paine

Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Iconic Rammellzee & K-Rob “Beat Bop” Artwork Gets New Life (Audio)

The iconic painter Jean-Michel Basquiat was among many things, a B-boy. The New York City-based artist ran in the same circles as Fab 5 Freddy as well as Andy Warhol before his tragic 1988 death. One of the Brooklyn, New Yorker's enduring works was designing the cover art to (and... Read more

September 29, 2015 Throwback

Hip-Hop’s DJ Pioneers Come Together For Universal Zulu Nation 42nd Anniversary

This November marks the 42nd anniversary of the Universal Zulu Nation. The organization, made famous by Hip-Hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa has upheld the tenants of the culture in five decades. Formed in the Bronx, New York, the group has grown globally to include the likes of Ice-T, 9th Wonder, and... Read more

September 29, 2015 News

Talib Kweli Was Critical to Soundbombing. He & 9th Wonder Are Making Their Own Compilation.

In establishing Rawkus Records mission, vision, and range, Talib Kweli was highly integral to celebrated compilation series like Soundbombing and Lyricist Lounge. A decade after breaking from Rawkus, Talib teamed with former label-mate Pharoahe Monch as well as 9th Wonder to form Indie 500. The Hip-Hop triumvirate aims to really... Read more

September 28, 2015 Audio, News

What Makes A Hip-Hop Album A Classic? (Editorial)

In all genres of music, the term "classic" prompts debate. Cultural conservatives argue it is used too freely, and often stamped on works of art prematurely. On the other hand, liberally-minded art patrons maintain that placing restrictions on calling an item classic misses the point entirely. Especially with so much... Read more

September 19, 2015 Food for Thought

Anderson .Paak Is On A Tear. He Transitions From Dr. Dre To Asher Roth Seamlessly (Audio)

Dr. Dre's Compton formally introduces a number of new artists with an array of talents. Along with longtime independent artist King Mez and Dallas, Texas' Justus, Anderson .Paak may be the biggest standout. With a versatile ability to rap, sing, and play multiple instruments, Anderson—who hails from the same Oxnard,... Read more

September 16, 2015 Audio

Kurtis Blow Recalls Opening For Bob Marley In Reggae Star’s Last Concerts (Audio)

Although the Sugarhill Gang had one of Hip-Hop's first massive hits in 1979's "Rapper's Delight," Kurtis Blow was among the genre's first stars. The Harlem, New York MC had Rap's first gold album, and was a critical messenger of the music from the 1970s into the mid-1980s. Afforded early star... Read more

September 16, 2015 Throwback

It’s Been 19 Years Since We Lost Tupac Shakur. Re-Live His Brilliance (Audio)

Nineteen years ago today (September 13, 1996), Tupac Amaru Shakur was pronounced dead in a Las Vegas, Nevada hospital. In his final year of life, 'Pac transcended from incarcerated poet to Rap's reigning superstar. In his wake, the MC left some of the most dramatic, fiery, and profound music and... Read more

September 13, 2015 Throwback

Rest In Peace To Hip-Hop Pioneer & Kurtis Blow Affiliate Kool DJ AJ

On Kurtis Blow's seminal 1984 album Ego Trip, he made a cult-favored jam in "AJ Scratch." Featuring his crisp scratches and personal story, that song's namesake, Kool DJ AJ, has passed away. In addition to his longtime role as Blow's DJ, Kool DJ AJ is known for his work behind... Read more

September 9, 2015 News

DJ Premier Releases The First Single With His Band, The BADDER (Video)

2015 began with an announcement that Hip-Hop turntablist/production legend DJ Premier was heading up a new band. Soon after, the collective did a stint of dates in Asia, followed by some American appearances. After just rehearsal footage, Preemo shares the first video single from the crew (known as The BADDER).... Read more

September 8, 2015 Video

Space Out To A Parliament-Funkadelic Mind-Melting Journey (Mix)

With N.W.A. and Dr. Dre celebrating the mass attention in the Straight Outta Compton (and just Compton) renaissance, with about one of Dre's leading inspirations? In addition to heavy influence from Curtis Mayfield, David Axelrod, and Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band, Dre's career has been molded... Read more

September 6, 2015 Mixes, Throwback

Your Old Droog & Problemz Rock A Freestyle With Lots Of Replay Value (Video)

Appearing on DJ Eclipse's "Rap Is Outta Control" show, Your Old Droog and Problemz brought their A-game. In the show (also featuring J57 and Karla Keys), records are often played that not only advance the culture forward, but live up to the standard of "dope" established decades ago. The lyrical... Read more

September 6, 2015 Video

RBX Reveals He Was The First To Leave Death Row & The First To Sign With Aftermath (Video)

"The Narrator" RBX is one of Rap's most distinct voices. While the MC has only one Top 200 album (1995's The RBX Files, a #62 debut), he is widely recognized for his appearances on widely-considered classics. From The Chronic to Doggystyle to The Marshall Mathers LP, the Long Beach, California... Read more

September 1, 2015 Video

1986 Was A Good Year… In Big K.R.I.T.’s Life & In His Garage (Audio)

Today (August 26), Big K.R.I.T. turns 29 years old. Born in 1986, the Meridian, Mississippi MC/producer named Justin Scott has risen to the top of the creative ranks in Hip-Hop since his mid-twenties. The Cinematic Entertainment artist was surprised with a special birthday present: a Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The white... Read more

August 26, 2015 Audio

25 Years After a Presumed Career-Ending Accident, The D.O.C.’s Voice Is Returning (Audio)

One of Hip-Hop's most tragic "what if's" surrounds Dallas, Texas MC The D.O.C. A onetime Ruthless Records artist, the rapper born Tracy Curry came into the music industry as a protege of Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, and N.W.A. His 1989 album No One Can Do It Better is widely revered as... Read more

August 22, 2015 Audio

The Group Behind One of Hip-Hop’s Most Famous Samples Announces New Music 35 Years Later…

From The Fugees' multi-platinum album The Score to Spike Lee's joints Crooklyn and 25th Hour, Heads have heard Cymande. The British-based Funk band pulled from across oceans, cultures and continents to build a band that would help define the sound of Hip-Hop, thanks to creating some of the most seminal breaks... Read more

August 21, 2015 News

DJ Soko’s Domino Effect Aligns Nicely With Guilty Simpson, Apollo Brown & More (Album Stream)

Detroit, Michigan native DJ Soko has been putting in work for years. Just under five years ago, the turntablist DJ joined forces with Apollo Brown and Journalist 103 to form The Left. The trio released Gas Mask, an early and important on the then-fledgling Mello Music Group—with Kool G Rap... Read more

August 21, 2015 Audio

Rare 25-Year Old N.W.A. Photos & Collectibles Resurface, Care of a Longterm Fan (Interview)

Only now, in 2015, is N.W.A. a group that can test the waters of the digital era. It's been nearly 25 years since the group existed, and more than that since it had its famous five member lineup including Ice Cube. In 1988, there were no blogs, no streams, no... Read more

August 17, 2015 Food for Thought, Throwback

Straight Outta Compton Got Ya Craving An Electro-Rap Vibe? One Of Dre’s Partners Delivers (Mix)

Whether you watch Breakin' or you listen to The Chronic, you've heard the work of Chris "The Glove" Taylor. As moviegoers catch Straight Outta Compton to catch glimpses of Dr. Dre and DJ Yella in Los Angeles, California's early 1980s Electro-Rap scene, The Glove was at the forefront. Ice-T's first... Read more

August 14, 2015 Mixes, Throwback

DJ Premier & DJ Eclipse Honor Sean Price With A 3 Hour Tribute (Mix)

It has been almost one week since Sean Price left a permanent hole in the Hip-Hop culture he loved. Those who knew Sean and his music can agree that nothing has been the same. However, the out-pour of love, remembrance, and attention to Boot Camp Clik enforcer's compound bars, dry... Read more

August 14, 2015 Mixes

Eligh Attacks 808 Drums With Dazzling Lyricism In A Creative Uprising (Video Premiere)

Today (August 14), Eligh released 80 HRTZ, his latest album in an extensive solo and collaborative catalog. The Los Angeles, California native MC/producer and founding member of the Living Legends, G&E (The Grouch & Eligh), and 3 Melancholy Gypsies. Since the mid-1990s tape culture, Eligh has risen the ranks to... Read more

August 14, 2015 Video

Ice Cube & MC Ren Explain Why Rap Groups Are Hard To Sustain

This week, Straight Outta Compton opens to theaters. Presumably, millions of movie-goers will see Hollywood's take on the formation, rise, and eventual break-up of one of Hip-Hop's most influential and iconic groups: N.W.A. While the surviving members of N.W.A. (Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, DJ Yella, and MC Ren) all participated... Read more

August 11, 2015 Fresh

Souls Of Mischief’s Opio & Free The Robots Recorded An LP In A Redwoods Forest. Hear Some (Audio Premiere)

Earlier this year, Souls Of Mischief/Hieroglyphics MC Opio and producer Free The Robots teamed for The Subconscious Mind EP, including "Let The Bass Go." Moving forward, the Oakland, California veteran and the accomplished producer (Capital STEEZ, Nocando, Busdriver) merge towards Sempervirens (September 18). The duo recorded this full-length in a California... Read more

August 10, 2015 Audio, Exclusive, Fresh

SKAM2? Made A Tribe Called Quest’s Beats, Rhymes & Life Artwork. He Remixes It For Deadpool

Back in 1996, Miami, Florida native MC/illustrator SKAM2? made one of Hip-Hop's most iconic covers: A Tribe Called Quest's Beats, Rhymes & Life. A chance meeting with Q-Tip prompted SKAM to lace the artwork for the would-be platinum-certified album on Jive Records. At the time, as an MC living in... Read more

August 9, 2015 Audio, Fresh

Sean Price Passes Away At Age 43. Rest In Peace.

The Hip-Hop and music community is saddened to learn that Sean Price has died. The MC formerly known as Ruck reportedly passed away this morning (August 8) at his home in Brooklyn, New York. Details are emerging, but the 43 year-old Price was found unconscious in his sleep. Cause of... Read more

August 8, 2015 News

Slick Rick Joins Dynas & Tony Galvin For Some Animated Storytelling (Video Premiere)

In late April, South Florida MC Dynas teamed with timeless lyricist Slick Rick to release "Who U?" In the Tony Galvin-produced collaboration, MC Ricky D found great synergy (and equally "great Miami adventures") with his latest rhyme-partner—who previously worked with storied labels like Rawkus and BBE Records. Now the "Who... Read more

August 6, 2015 Video

Mr. Serv-On Says He, Master P & 1990s No Limit Soldiers Will Tour Together

Between 1996 and 2002, No Limit Records released a number of platinum, gold, and chart-topping albums. Master P's label, featuring a number of home-grown talents (TRU, Mr. Serv-On, Mia X, Skull Duggery) would sprout to include Snoop Dogg, Mystikal, and Young Bleed. Launched in 1991, the label would be instrumental... Read more

July 26, 2015 News, Throwback

Sean Price Confirms Upcoming Album Entirely Produced By M.O.P.’s Lil Fame (Audio)

Brownsville, Brooklyn is a legendary Hip-Hop locale. The same streets that raised Mike Tyson have afforded Rap music some of its most rugged sounds, courtesy of M.O.P., Heltah Skeltah, and Smoothe Da Hustler, among others. In the mid-1990s, both Mash Out and Heltah were working with fellow Brooklynites Da Beatminerz,... Read more

July 25, 2015 News

Pete Rock Reminisces Over “T.R.O.Y.” & Getting Emotional Hearing Tom Scott’s Sample (Audio)

One year ago, Pete Rock appeared on NPR's "Microphone Check" to discuss his catalog, remixes, and James Brown influence. At the midpoint of 2015, the Chocolate Boy Wonder (as he's been deemed) has a fresh batch of Petestrumentals available, care of Tucson, Arizona-based Mello Music Group. An MC/producer who got... Read more

July 22, 2015 Audio

Skyzoo Discusses His New Album and the Changing Landscape of Brooklyn (Interview)

2015 is a monumental year for Skyzoo. While the journey extends back longer, it has been a decade since much of the Rap consciousness first heard the smooth cadence from the Brooklyn, New York MC. In that span, Sky' has released and appeared on handfuls of acclaimed and charting albums.... Read more

June 26, 2015 Exclusive, Food for Thought

Imagine Classic Rap Records In A Vinyl Jukebox? It’s Happening (Video)

Regardless of whether it's a cocktail lounge or a dive-bar, jukeboxes have been a staple of nightlife for more than 80 years. Like a DJ or a curated playlist, these public vending machines are great ways to expose yourself and others to new music, while hearing exactly the music you... Read more

June 17, 2015 Throwback

David Banner & 9th Wonder Planning Death Of A Pop Star 2 (Interview)

Recently, Ambrosia For Heads spoke with David Banner. The Jackson, Mississippi native MC/producer/actor spoke about DJ EFN's Another Time album, particularly his "Warrior" verse. However, while speaking with AFH, the veteran Crooked Lettaz alum spoke about one of his most beloved works, 2010's Death Of A Pop Star LP, a... Read more

June 16, 2015 Exclusive, Food for Thought

Skyzoo’s “Music For My Friends” Documentary Opens Up His Circle (Video)

Now fully independent, Skyzoo's EMPIRE-distributed Music For My Friends arrives in less than two weeks. The June 23 album through his own First Generation Rich (FGR) company includes appearances from Jadakiss, Black Thought, and Bilal, among others. However, beyond just collabos, artwork, or titles, there is some very deep meaning... Read more

June 10, 2015 Video

Lost Ones: How A Flood Destroyed Inspectah Deck’s RZA-Produced Solo Debut (Video)

Listen to Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). Like, really listen hard. Then, listen to Wu-Tang Forever. All of it, both discs. Revisiting those 1990s Rap gems should not come as a menial task to many. However, the contents of those two Loud Records releases are rich soil for debate. Often... Read more

June 9, 2015 Food for Thought

DJ EFN Elevates DJ Albums & David Banner Explains One Potent Verse (Interview)

After 20 years of his life devoted to Hip-Hop music and culture, Miami, Florida-based DJ EFN stepped to the front with Another Time. Self-released, the studio album included more than 30 years of MC greats, spanning all regions, styles, and skill-sets. Scarface, Blu, Royce Da 5'9", Killer Mike, MC Eiht,... Read more

June 2, 2015 Food for Thought

Common’s Be Turns 10 Years Old Today. Is It The Definitive Comeback Album?

One decade ago today (May 24, 2005), Common released his sixth album, Be. Although Common was then already a Grammy Award-winning, gold-certified MC, he was in an odd place. Comm' Sense was 11 years removed from his brilliant grassroots Hip-Hop commentary sophomore, Resurrection. The Chicago, Illinois MC was also five... Read more

May 24, 2015 Food for Thought

At 15 Years Old, Eminem’s Marshall Mathers LP Still May Reign Supreme

The problem with an incredible work is often following it up. In Hip-Hop, for every Doggystyle, there's a Doggfather, for every Black Album, there's a Kingdom Come, and for every Stankonia, there's well,...wonder. Although he had been plugging away in Hip-Hop starting in the mid-1990s, Eminem skyrocketed to fame in... Read more

May 23, 2015 Food for Thought

For National Prevention Week, Watch This 1987 Run-DMC Anti-Drug PSA (Video)

Today (May 17) begins National Prevention Week, a seven-day annual event produced by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). With that in mind, Ambrosia For Heads is proud to shed light on not one, but two anti-drug PSA's this week that aired back in 1987, from two... Read more

May 17, 2015 Exclusive, Throwback

One 1990s NYC Underground Hip-Hop Outfit Drops First Visual In Years (Video)

For vinyl-buying fans of 1990s New York City street Rap, Tru Criminal Records was a trusted imprint. Whether the early days of Tonedeff or underground veteran F.T. (a/k/a Fuc That), the label believed in lesser-known acts, and gave them the shine to get heard. F.T.'s group, Street Smartz was a... Read more

May 3, 2015 Video

Mobb Deep’s Infamous 20 Years Later is Still 1 of Hip-Hop’s Grittiest Classics (Food For Thought)

In the late 1980s, artists like Just-Ice, ScHoolly D, the Geto Boys, N.W.A., Kool G Rap & DJ Polo, and Public Enemy started testing the power of their words, profane and dense alike. The human condition was explored, and Hip-Hop planted a flag in the ground that stated—to quote Ice... Read more

April 25, 2015 Food for Thought, Throwback

5 Years Ago Today We Lost Keith “Guru” Elam & Nothing Was The Same

April 19, 2010 was one of the most difficult days for Hip-Hop Heads. That day, after six weeks in a coma (announced February 28), Keith "Guru" Elam was confirmed dead in a Manhattan hospital. The Gang Starr founder went into cardiac arrest, following the coma in the midst of a... Read more

April 19, 2015 Food for Thought, Throwback

Gang Starr’s Guru Lives In Spirit. Watch His New Music Video (Premiere)

This weekend (April 19) marks five years since the tragic passing of Keith "Guru" Elam. A founding member of Gang Starr, Guru is a Boston, Massachusetts-born MC known for his street-smart rhymes, raspy voice, and 20-plus-year quest to stylishly merge Hip-Hop with Jazz. In honor of Guru and the sad... Read more

April 17, 2015 Exclusive, Video

88-Keys Talks Accidental Technique, Aiming For Life-Changing Beats (Video Premiere)

The last in the four-part "Learn From Legends" video series (which all premiered on Ambrosia For Heads), producer Rodney Hazard sat in with Harlem-based producer/MC 88-Keys. With work back to the late 1990s, 88-Keys' story surrounds luminaries in every pocket of Hip-Hop, from Kanye West and Jay Z, to J-Live... Read more

March 30, 2015 Exclusive, Video

Bumpy Knuckles & Big Daddy Kane Scorch Mics Over An Oddisee Beat (Audio)

For Heads paying attention, Bumpy Knuckles' Soundcloud page is the place to be. The Long Island, New York MC/producer regularly shares gems from his 29 years of catalog. From circa the mid-2000s, Freddie Foxxx shares a track ("The Fires Gettin' High") he made with his longtime friend Big Daddy Kane.... Read more

March 27, 2015 Audio

Producer J-Zone Speaks on Classic Break Beats and How to Chop Samples (Video Premiere)

For more than 15 years, Queens, New York's J-Zone has had a career in music that is as unconventional as his sound. A lover of records, both old Funk, R&B, and other sources of breaks, as well as rugged Hip-Hop (Ultramagnetic MC's, Mob Style, C-Bo), Zone's entrance into the industry... Read more

March 23, 2015 Exclusive, Video

MC Eiht, Blu & Kam Come Together To Throw A Lyrical ‘W’ (Audio)

Growing up in the same backdrop of Los Angeles, California, MC Eiht, Kam, and Blu all illustrated the dichotomy of being a wordsmith and a gangsta rapper at the same time. For Eiht, those examples stem back to the mid-1980s in the rise of Comptons Most Wanted, reporting live about... Read more

March 20, 2015 Audio

With Millions Stuck On Her Words, Rapsody Commands The Moment (Video)

Rapsody fans know how important this week truly is. Appearing on Kendrick Lamar's record-breaking To Pimp A Butterfly as of its Monday sneak attack release, it is presumed that the Kooley High alum and Jamla Records artist is meeting many ears for the first time. However, for those who have... Read more

March 19, 2015 Video

Brownsville Ka Gives Hope a Spin In The Face Of Ill Street Blues (Video)

When its made well, music can be escape. However, nobody said that escape guarantees relief. Ka (a/k/a Brownsville Ka) has built a revived solo career (post-Natural Elements) in making sparse, insightful music that shows a New York City underbelly, far removed from the doormen, yellow cabs, and posh bakeries. In... Read more

March 19, 2015 Video

Prince Paul On Which Grammy Album He Got No Credit For, Magic Of Gravediggaz (Audio)

In Hip-Hop production, Prince Paul may be one of the quiet giants. Much like some of the music he's provided for himself and others, Paul Huston is whimsical, at times silly, and yet incredibly soulful. In a sentence filled with laughter and maybe some jokes of his own, the Long... Read more

March 19, 2015 Throwback

Big Shug & DJ Premier Wave The Gang Starr Flag In This Dedication To The Craft (Video)

Big Shug is more than 20 years strong in hittin' Heads off with straightforward, working man verses. The Boston, Massachusetts MC who was a member of Gang Starr prior to No More Mr. Nice Guy clearly put in his work. "I Bleed For This" focuses on that. With a slow and... Read more

March 17, 2015 Video

Lil Fame Talks Production Techniques, M.O.P. Beginnings and Biggie Smalls (Video Premiere)

Following last week's opening entry to the "Learn From The Legends" video series (Da Beatminerz), producer Rodney Hazard stays in Brooklyn, New York to talk to another 20-plus-year innovator in Lil Fame. These days, simply "Fame," the M.O.P. co-founding MC/producer has not only supplied some of his group's biggest hits,... Read more

March 16, 2015 Exclusive, Video