AFH Ambrosia for Heads

Playlists

Donna Summer Tribute Playlist

Donna Summer Tribute Playlist

Rest in peace to the Queen of Disco, Donna Summer. While she wasn't hip-hop, her musical influence was felt in hip-hop, most notably as the underpinning to Digital Underground's Freaks of the Industry. As seems to be the case with all of our musical legends, she was taken too soon... Read more
May 17, 2012 Audio, Playlists
Mother’s Day Playlist

Mother’s Day Playlist

Shout out to all the mamas out there. Here's a playlist for you. Happy Mother's Day from Ambrosia For Heads. Related: Hip-Hop & Love Playlist Mamas by Parfit on Grooveshark... Read more
May 13, 2012 Audio, Playlists
We asked the AFH community who the best rap group of all time was and (not surprisingly) the response was strong and varied. Here’s a playlist featuring music from (almost) all of the groups mentioned. (Playlist)

We asked the AFH community who the best rap group of all time was and (not surprisingly) the response was strong and varied. Here’s a playlist featuring music from (almost) all of the groups mentioned. (Playlist)

You'll hear 32 groups including Wu-Tang Clan, Public Enemy, EPMD, Tha Dogg Pound, ATCQ, De La Soul, Run-D.M.C., The Beastie Boys, The Pharcyde, Jedi Mind Tricks, Mobb Deep, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Whodini, Eric B & Rakim, NWA, Black Star, Slaughterhouse and MANY MORE. You can listen to the whole thing below.... Read more
May 12, 2012 Audio, Playlists
Scarface kicks off the first playlist in our new Living Legends series dedicating to celebrating Hip-Hop icons that have not received their proper shine lately. You can listen to a playlist that highlights 2 decades of Scarface music below (Playlist)

Scarface kicks off the first playlist in our new Living Legends series dedicating to celebrating Hip-Hop icons that have not received their proper shine lately. You can listen to a playlist that highlights 2 decades of Scarface music below (Playlist)

The loss of MCA was a reminder of how much love we show to fallen hip-hop legends. It's time to show some to the LIVING Legends too. We're kicking off a new series of playlists where we celebrate those hip-hop icons still with us (especially those who may not have... Read more
May 11, 2012 Audio, Playlists, Throwback
Old School Hip-Hop playlist featuring The Beastie Boys, Run-DMC, Whodini, Kool Moe Dee, Slick Rick, Biz Markie, The Fat Boys, LL Cool J and more (Playlist)

Old School Hip-Hop playlist featuring The Beastie Boys, Run-DMC, Whodini, Kool Moe Dee, Slick Rick, Biz Markie, The Fat Boys, LL Cool J and more (Playlist)

Why so serious? As I've listened to Licensed to Ill over the last 24 hours, it reminded me how much the subject matter of rap music has changed. Back in the day of The Beastie Boys, even the most serious rappers still had a sense of humor. In the spirit... Read more
May 5, 2012 Audio, Playlists, Throwback
Just Blaze – Hard Knock Life Interview (Video) + A Playlist of His Classics

Just Blaze – Hard Knock Life Interview (Video) + A Playlist of His Classics

The mighty Just Blaze often is overlooked in discussions about the best hip-hop producers but he has been behind the boards for classic upon classic upon classic. Hard Knock TV sat down with the legendary producer for a lengthy interview. Just talks about working with Jay Electronica, Joe Budden and... Read more
May 3, 2012 Audio, Playlists, Video
May is here but before we get too deep into it, here’s a playlist of some of the dope music that dropped in April. You’ll hear new music from Kendrick Lamar & Dr. Dre, Big K.R.I.T., Sheek Louch & Ghostface, Curren$y, Lupe Fiasco, Aesop Rock, A$AP Rocky, Jay Rock, Tha Dogg Pound, Jadakiss, Nas and more.

May is here but before we get too deep into it, here’s a playlist of some of the dope music that dropped in April. You’ll hear new music from Kendrick Lamar & Dr. Dre, Big K.R.I.T., Sheek Louch & Ghostface, Curren$y, Lupe Fiasco, Aesop Rock, A$AP Rocky, Jay Rock, Tha Dogg Pound, Jadakiss, Nas and more.

You can listen to the whole thing below. Related: AFH Best New Hip-Hop of March 2012 (Playlist)... Read more
May 1, 2012 Audio, Playlists
Here are 2 playlists of hip-hop from the 80’s and 90’s and the 80’s R&B originals that inspired them (Playlist)

Here are 2 playlists of hip-hop from the 80’s and 90’s and the 80’s R&B originals that inspired them (Playlist)

Learning recently that Nas had been thinking about rocking over the Juicy sample on Illmatic before Biggie did it on Ready To Die reminded me how much hip-hop is built on smoothed out 80's R&B. So, this week here are 2 playlists. The first is full of smoothed out R&B... Read more
April 21, 2012 Audio, Playlists
DJ Premier GURU tribute mix (Playlist)

DJ Premier GURU tribute mix (Playlist)

Today marks the 2-year anniversary of the day we lost Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal (better known as GURU from Gang Starr). As we do on these days, rather than mourn the loss, we celebrate the LIFE through the music. No better way to do that than through the tribute playlist... Read more
April 19, 2012 Audio, Playlists
Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg perform at Coachella 2012 with Eminem, 50 Cent, Kendrick Lamar, Wiz Khalifa and 2Pac’s Hologram

Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg perform at Coachella 2012 with Eminem, 50 Cent, Kendrick Lamar, Wiz Khalifa and 2Pac’s Hologram

The performance with 2Pac's hologram got all the shine earlier today, but from the looks of it, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg all around shut it down last night at Coachella. In addition to the 2Pac hologram, Eminem, 50 Cent, Wiz Khalifa and Kendrick Lamar all shared the stage with... Read more
April 16, 2012 Playlists, Video
Rap music started with 2 turntables and a microphone, no doubt, but there’s something special when a dope MC’s voice combines with other instruments. Here’s a playlist of 13 songs that feature some if not all live instrumentation on the track–maybe drums, a bass line, horns or all the above (Playlist)

Rap music started with 2 turntables and a microphone, no doubt, but there’s something special when a dope MC’s voice combines with other instruments. Here’s a playlist of 13 songs that feature some if not all live instrumentation on the track–maybe drums, a bass line, horns or all the above (Playlist)

You'll hear music from DJ Quik, Eazy-E, Elzhi, Big KRIT, The Roots, De La Soul, Jay-Z, A Tribe Called Quest, Mos Def, Grand Puba, The Pharcyde and 2Pac. You can listen to the whole thing below. Sit back and experience hip-hop Live & Direct.... Read more
April 7, 2012 Audio, Playlists
Here’s a back in the day playlist of 80’s hip-hop classics from Melle Mel, Rakim, MC Lyte, Big Daddy Kane, LL Cool J, Slick Rick, Kurtis Blow, Whodini and more (Playlist)

Here’s a back in the day playlist of 80’s hip-hop classics from Melle Mel, Rakim, MC Lyte, Big Daddy Kane, LL Cool J, Slick Rick, Kurtis Blow, Whodini and more (Playlist)

This back in the day playlist was inspired by hearing Nas talk about his love for 80's hip-hop legends like Melle Mel, Kurtis Blow, KRS-One, Slick Rick, Rakim and others. In addition to those MCs, you'll hear tracks from The Fat Boys, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, LL... Read more
March 31, 2012 Audio, Playlists, Throwback
Here are two tributes to Eazy-E to celebrate his music and life on the 17th anniversary of his passing.

Here are two tributes to Eazy-E to celebrate his music and life on the 17th anniversary of his passing.

Today marks the 17th anniversary of the untimely passing of Eazy-E. As has become customary for anniversaries of the passing of hip-hop legends, Mister Cee did a tribute mix that was radio-friendly. Given how "colorful" Eazy's lyrics tended to be, we decided to do a playlist of his raps that... Read more
March 26, 2012 Audio, Mixes, Playlists
Reflections on Trayvon Martin (Playlist) and a petition to prosecute his killer.

Reflections on Trayvon Martin (Playlist) and a petition to prosecute his killer.

I've been searching for a song to capture my feelings around the senseless killing of Trayvon Martin and lack of prosecution of his killer but I haven't found one. It's probably because I have a multitude of emotions ranging from rage to sorrow to reflection. Here are some songs that... Read more
March 24, 2012 Audio, Food for Thought, Playlists
Here’s a playlist featuring some of the best new songs from March. You’ll hear new music from Nas, J. Cole, Curren$y, Stalley, Action Bronson, Pharoahe Monch, Wiz Khalifa, DJ Premier & Bumpy Knuckles, Big K.R.I.T., REKS, Ab-Soul, Murs, Sheek Louch & Ghostface Killah and more. You can listen to the whole thing below.

Here’s a playlist featuring some of the best new songs from March. You’ll hear new music from Nas, J. Cole, Curren$y, Stalley, Action Bronson, Pharoahe Monch, Wiz Khalifa, DJ Premier & Bumpy Knuckles, Big K.R.I.T., REKS, Ab-Soul, Murs, Sheek Louch & Ghostface Killah and more. You can listen to the whole thing below.

There's even some soul music from Melanie Fiona and Sleepy Brown.   Previously: AFH Best of February 2012 Playlist... Read more
March 24, 2012 Audio, Playlists
The latest installment of our Producer Series features classic cuts produced by Large Professor. Click below to listen to the playlist.

The latest installment of our Producer Series features classic cuts produced by Large Professor. Click below to listen to the playlist.

Seeing vintage footage of Large Professor at Nas' SXSW show reminded us that we had not done an installment in our Producer Series in a while and, more importantly, we had not done one featuring the music of Large Professor, one of the all-time greats. Below is a playlist of... Read more
March 19, 2012 Audio, Playlists, Throwback
Erick Sermon tells the stories behind many of his classic tracks to Complex

Erick Sermon tells the stories behind many of his classic tracks to Complex

Here's another dope profile by Complex where they have a legendary producer break down the story behind his tracks. They've done DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Organized Noize and others. This time, it's Erick Sermon's term. Check out what the Green Eyed Bandit has to say about his classic records. Below... Read more
March 16, 2012 Food for Thought, Playlists
Biggie Smalls is the illest…Here are some vintage interviews of The Notorious BIG and a playlist of some of his classic music. Check out both below.

Biggie Smalls is the illest…Here are some vintage interviews of The Notorious BIG and a playlist of some of his classic music. Check out both below.

March 9th. It's been 15 years since we lost Big. Biggie Smalls. The Notorious BIG. I've been thinking about what to do to CELEBRATE HIS LIFE on this date for quite some time. Of course I was thinking a playlist (and you can find that below), but it didn't seem... Read more
March 9, 2012 Audio, Playlists, Video
Miami (Bass) vs. Los Angeles (G-Funk) (Playlist)

Miami (Bass) vs. Los Angeles (G-Funk) (Playlist)

5 on 5.  Miami vs. LA.  Big game today between the Lakers and Heat.  As you wait for the game (or not) here are 2 playlists featuring 5 back in the day songs each that represent the distinctive sound generated in hip-hop from each locale.  For Miami, it was the... Read more
March 4, 2012 Audio, Playlists, Throwback
There is often a lot of backlash when R&B infiltrates hip-hop but what about when hip-hop infiltrates R&B (and not just featured verses)? Here’s a playlist of some dope R&B and soul (Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, TLC, Aaliyah and more) made by some of hip-hop’s finest producers. You’ll hear music produced by Madlib, DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Dr. Dre, J Dilla, The Ummah, Kay Gee, Organized Noize, The Neptunes, Kanye West and more. Click below to listen.

There is often a lot of backlash when R&B infiltrates hip-hop but what about when hip-hop infiltrates R&B (and not just featured verses)? Here’s a playlist of some dope R&B and soul (Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, TLC, Aaliyah and more) made by some of hip-hop’s finest producers. You’ll hear music produced by Madlib, DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Dr. Dre, J Dilla, The Ummah, Kay Gee, Organized Noize, The Neptunes, Kanye West and more. Click below to listen.

Tracklist and production credits are below. Hip-Hop and R&B by Parfit on Grooveshark Here's the tracklist: My Soul Ain't For Sale - Raheem Devaughn (Prod. DJ Jazzy Jeff) The Healer - Erykah Badu (Prod. Madlib) Devil's Pie - D'Angelo(Prod. DJ Premier) Waterfalls - TLC (Prod. Organized Noize) Bullshittin' (Remix) -... Read more
March 3, 2012 Audio, Playlists
February may be the shortest month of the year but it has not been short on hot joints this year. Here’s a playlist of some of the best hip-hop to drop this month. You’ll hear music from J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Big K.R.I.T., Jadakiss, Ghostface Killah & Sheek Louch, Curren$y, Slaughterhouse, Action Bronson, Stalley, Planet Asia, Bumpy Knuckles and more. Click below to listen.

February may be the shortest month of the year but it has not been short on hot joints this year. Here’s a playlist of some of the best hip-hop to drop this month. You’ll hear music from J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Big K.R.I.T., Jadakiss, Ghostface Killah & Sheek Louch, Curren$y, Slaughterhouse, Action Bronson, Stalley, Planet Asia, Bumpy Knuckles and more. Click below to listen.

... Read more
February 26, 2012 Audio, Playlists
Here’s a President’s Day playlist featuring music about the presidents most discussed in hip-hop: Dead Presidents. You’ll hear music from 2Pac, DJ Quik, Jay-Z, Nas, Biggie, Wu-Tang Clan, Scarface, Eric B & Rakim, Kanye West, Zion I, J Cole and more. You can listen to the whole playlist below.

Here’s a President’s Day playlist featuring music about the presidents most discussed in hip-hop: Dead Presidents. You’ll hear music from 2Pac, DJ Quik, Jay-Z, Nas, Biggie, Wu-Tang Clan, Scarface, Eric B & Rakim, Kanye West, Zion I, J Cole and more. You can listen to the whole playlist below.

Dead Presidents by Parfit on Grooveshark... Read more
February 20, 2012 Audio, Playlists
Big L Classic Freestyles

Big L Classic Freestyles

Today marks the 13th anniversary of the untimely passing of Big L. In celebration of his life, here are 2 of his classic freestyles. Also, click here to download Mister Cee's Big L tribute mix. BIG L REST IN PEACE.... Read more
February 15, 2012 Audio, Playlists
Here’s a Valentine’s Day Playlist for Lover’s of Hip-Hop (Audio)

Here’s a Valentine’s Day Playlist for Lover’s of Hip-Hop (Audio)

Like most relationships, the one between Hip-Hop & Love is complicated. Here's a playlist showing its many sides. You'll find music from Common, Mos Def, Dead Prez, The Roots, OutKast, Snoop Dogg, Murs, A Tribe Called Quest, Pharoahe Monch, Slum Village, Heavy D, Method Man, Biggie and many more. Some... Read more
February 14, 2012 Audio, Playlists
Rest in peace to the incomparable Whitney Houston. Here’s a playlist celebrating one of the finest voices to ever grace the planet.

Rest in peace to the incomparable Whitney Houston. Here’s a playlist celebrating one of the finest voices to ever grace the planet.

Whitney Houston by Parfit on Grooveshark... Read more
February 11, 2012 Audio, Playlists
J Dilla Tributes – Donuts (as performed by the Stray Phrases jazz band) + J Dilla Playlist + Big Dilla Mixtape ft Big Pun over J Dilla Beats

J Dilla Tributes – Donuts (as performed by the Stray Phrases jazz band) + J Dilla Playlist + Big Dilla Mixtape ft Big Pun over J Dilla Beats

And, let's not forget that today was also J Dilla's birthday. Here's a triple tribute to one of the greatest hip-hop producers of all time. Below you'll find an incredible live jazz band version of Donuts, our playlist of J Dilla produced tracks and a link to a project featuring... Read more
February 7, 2012 Audio, Mixes, Playlists
Here’s a video playlist some classic hip-hop commercials (Video)

Here’s a video playlist some classic hip-hop commercials (Video)

Commercials are always a big part of Super Bowl Sunday. With that in mind, here's a video playlist of some vintage hip-hop commercials. You'll hear verses from Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Large Professor, Grand Puba, Biggie, Snoop, 2Pac, Warren G, 50 Cent, Jay-Z, Wu-Tang, Ice Cube, EPMD, Geto Boys... Read more
February 5, 2012 Audio, Playlists, Throwback, Video
Here’s a back in the day (mostly) video playlist of joints from the late 80’s and early 90’s. You’ll hear songs from Chubb Rock, Eric B. and Rakim, Queen Latifah, Kwame, Arrested Development, Naughty By Nature, Salt N Pepa, Digable Planets, Brand Nubian and D-Nice. This one is comfort food. Just press play, sit back and marinate.

Here’s a back in the day (mostly) video playlist of joints from the late 80’s and early 90’s. You’ll hear songs from Chubb Rock, Eric B. and Rakim, Queen Latifah, Kwame, Arrested Development, Naughty By Nature, Salt N Pepa, Digable Planets, Brand Nubian and D-Nice. This one is comfort food. Just press play, sit back and marinate.

... Read more
February 4, 2012 Audio, Playlists, Throwback, Video
J Dilla – Clap Your Hands Freestyle

J Dilla – Clap Your Hands Freestyle

Here's a previously unreleased freestyle from the great J Dilla on one of his patented tracks. Damn, I miss that KNOCK. Check out Clap Your Hands. If you need some more Dilla, check out our Dilla playlist here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KtY5L9G7mA&feature=player_embedded... Read more
February 3, 2012 Audio, Playlists, Video
Organized Noize Tells All: The Stories Behind Their Classic Records

Organized Noize Tells All: The Stories Behind Their Classic Records

Complex has been doing an incredible series where they interview legendary producers and have them break down their classic songs track for track. In the past, they've done DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Diamond D and others. The latest is Organized Noize, the production team behind some of best joints by... Read more
February 2, 2012 Audio, Food for Thought, Playlists, Throwback
Erick Sermon Performs What Happened (Video)

Erick Sermon Performs What Happened (Video)

Salute to the Green Eyed Bandit, Erick Sermon. He seems to be well down the road to recovery after suffering a heart attack a few months ago. In fact, he recently made his first public performance. Click below to see him rip his song What Happened, in the studio with... Read more
January 30, 2012 Playlists, Throwback, Video
Super Soul Sunday (Playlist)

Super Soul Sunday (Playlist)

Having withdrawal from the NFL playoffs? Here's a Super Soul Sunday playlist to ease the pain. If names like Roy Ayers, Earth, Wind & Fire, Herbie Hancock, George Benson, The Brothers Johnson and Stevie Wonder mean anything to you or you just like good, soulful music, this one's for you.... Read more
January 29, 2012 Audio, Playlists, Throwback
The first month of 2012 is almost in the books. Here’s a playlist of some of the better music to drop in January 2012. You’ll hear music from Schoolboy Q, Rapper Big Pooh, Curren$y, Jay-Z (and Blue Ivy Carter), Common & Drake, Scolla, Logic, Rick Ross, Stalley, Saigon and more. You can listen below.

The first month of 2012 is almost in the books. Here’s a playlist of some of the better music to drop in January 2012. You’ll hear music from Schoolboy Q, Rapper Big Pooh, Curren$y, Jay-Z (and Blue Ivy Carter), Common & Drake, Scolla, Logic, Rick Ross, Stalley, Saigon and more. You can listen below.

... Read more
January 28, 2012 Playlists, Video
Here’s an MLK day playlist featuring music from Common, Talib Kweli, Kendrick Lamar, Big K.R.I.T., Nas and more (Playlist)

Here’s an MLK day playlist featuring music from Common, Talib Kweli, Kendrick Lamar, Big K.R.I.T., Nas and more (Playlist)

Happy MLK day. MUCH has changed since the 60's when Dr. King led a peaceful revolution for justice and equality, but the beautiful struggle continues. We are in complex times. The nation has a black president, a reality that likely would not have materialized had it not been for the... Read more
January 16, 2012 Audio, Food for Thought, Playlists
Bring That Funk Back (Playlist)

Bring That Funk Back (Playlist)

Here's an old school playlist of songs from the 70's and 80's that influenced a lot of the funk in hip-hip.  If you like music from Dr. Dre, DJ Quik, Erick Sermon or just appreciate some of that rich back in the day goodness, this one's for you.  You'll find... Read more
January 14, 2012 Audio, Playlists, Throwback
Cinematic Soul Playlist

Cinematic Soul Playlist

Hip-hop has long been influenced by the cinematic soul of the 70's. Whether you're a fan of Big K.R.I.T. or Biz Markie, UGK or Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre or Just Blaze...you can hear the influence of music from films like Shaft, Super Fly, The Mack, The Payback. Here's a playlist... Read more
January 7, 2012 Audio, Playlists, Throwback
J Dilla Rebirth of Detroit Chuck Inglish x Boldy James Studio Session (Video)

J Dilla Rebirth of Detroit Chuck Inglish x Boldy James Studio Session (Video)

Rebirth of Detroit an album featuring previously unreleased music from the late great J Dilla will be dropping later this year. Here's a behind the scenes video of The Cool Kids' Chuck Inglish in the studio laying down some verses on one of the tracks and spending some time with... Read more
January 2, 2012 Playlists, Video
Check out our 175+ song playlist of the best hip-hop 2011 had to offer (in chronological order). You’ll hear music from Kendrick Lamar, DJ Quik, Pete Rock and Smiff N Wessun, XV, Action Bronson, Common, Curren$y, The Roots, Saigon, Bumpy Knuckles, Big K.R.I.T., Bun B, Asher Roth, Phonte, Reks, Raekwon, Stalley, Pusha T, Wale, Zion I, Smoke DZA, Busta Rhymes, J. Cole, Jean Grae, Statik Selektah, Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Yelawolf, Pharoahe Monch and far too many other great artists to name.

Check out our 175+ song playlist of the best hip-hop 2011 had to offer (in chronological order). You’ll hear music from Kendrick Lamar, DJ Quik, Pete Rock and Smiff N Wessun, XV, Action Bronson, Common, Curren$y, The Roots, Saigon, Bumpy Knuckles, Big K.R.I.T., Bun B, Asher Roth, Phonte, Reks, Raekwon, Stalley, Pusha T, Wale, Zion I, Smoke DZA, Busta Rhymes, J. Cole, Jean Grae, Statik Selektah, Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Yelawolf, Pharoahe Monch and far too many other great artists to name.

The music speaks for itself. Press play and let it ride or click here to see the playlist and pick your own order. Either way, enjoy the good notes of 2011.... Read more
December 31, 2011 Audio, Food for Thought, Playlists, Video
Hip-Hop Christmas Playlist

Hip-Hop Christmas Playlist

Here's a Hip-Hop Christmas playlist. Merry Christmas from AFH.... Read more
December 24, 2011 Audio, Playlists, Video
Was there ever any question that Def Jam Recordings would be the #1 most important hip-hop record label of all time??? Here’s a 30-song playlist of music from some of the legendary Def Jam artists: LL, Public Enemy, The Beastie Boys, Redman, Method Man and more.

Was there ever any question that Def Jam Recordings would be the #1 most important hip-hop record label of all time??? Here’s a 30-song playlist of music from some of the legendary Def Jam artists: LL, Public Enemy, The Beastie Boys, Redman, Method Man and more.

Before record labels were considered “the enemy” their brands actually meant something. Artists dreamed of being on the same label as the MCs they grew up idolizing and some labels had such credibility fans would buy the record just because it was on that label. We decided to look at... Read more
December 19, 2011 Audio, Food for Thought, Playlists, Throwback, Video
Death Row Records was the most feared record label in the music industry. They are the 2nd most important hip-hop record label of all time. For the full scoop on Death Row and a video playlist of its classics, click here.

Death Row Records was the most feared record label in the music industry. They are the 2nd most important hip-hop record label of all time. For the full scoop on Death Row and a video playlist of its classics, click here.

#2 Death Row Records The history of Death Row Records reads like a season of The Sopranos. Suge Knight was the Godfather figure who rose to power as quickly as anyone ever in entertainment, and he ruled with an iron fist once he got to the top. The label was... Read more
December 15, 2011 Food for Thought, Playlists, Throwback, Video
Bad Boy Records made the East Coast relevant again in rap music, making it the 3rd most important hip-hop record label in history.

Bad Boy Records made the East Coast relevant again in rap music, making it the 3rd most important hip-hop record label in history.

#3 Bad Boy Records While East Coast Rap music was never dead, there is no question that from mid-1992 to mid-1994 commercial hip-hop was dominated by the West Coast, primarily by Death Row Records. It was not until Sean "Diddy" Combs was fired from Uptown Records and decided to launch... Read more
December 15, 2011 Food for Thought, Playlists, Video
Sugar Hill Records introduced hip-hop to most of the world. Nuff said. They are the 4th most important hip-hop record label of all time.

Sugar Hill Records introduced hip-hop to most of the world. Nuff said. They are the 4th most important hip-hop record label of all time.

#4 Sugar Hill Records Much has been written about the allegedly shady past of Sugar Hill Records and the lack of credibility of the Sugar Hill Gang (many of Big Bank Hank's rhymes were actually bitten from Grandmaster Caz). Regardless, it cannot be denied that most people had never even... Read more
December 14, 2011 Audio, Food for Thought, Playlists, Throwback, Video
Tommy Boy kicks off the Top 5 as the 5th most important hip-hop record label of all time.

Tommy Boy kicks off the Top 5 as the 5th most important hip-hop record label of all time.

#5 Tommy Boy Records More than any other hip-hop record label on this countdown, Tommy Boy Records is noteworthy not for impressive stats or significant accomplishments of individual artists, but for the overall breadth and impact of its entire catalog. For more than 20 years, the label released hip-hop records... Read more
December 13, 2011 Food for Thought, Playlists, Throwback, Video
Hip-Hop may never have been anything more than a fad without Profile Records, the 6th most important hip-hop record label of all time.

Hip-Hop may never have been anything more than a fad without Profile Records, the 6th most important hip-hop record label of all time.

#6 Profile Records Founded in 1981 by Steve Plotnicki and Cory Robbins, Profile Records was the first label to establish hip-hop with the mainstream as an enduring genre. There had been some hit singles, previously, but Profile was the first record label to have a rap album certified gold (500,000+... Read more
December 12, 2011 Food for Thought, Playlists, Throwback, Video
Ruthless Records re-defined the boundaries of rap music, making them the 7th most important hip-hop record label of all time. Click here to read more about Ruthless and to hear a playlist of some of its key artists: NWA, Eazy-E, The D.O.C., Bone Thugs N Harmony and more.

Ruthless Records re-defined the boundaries of rap music, making them the 7th most important hip-hop record label of all time. Click here to read more about Ruthless and to hear a playlist of some of its key artists: NWA, Eazy-E, The D.O.C., Bone Thugs N Harmony and more.

#7 Ruthless Records Ruthless Records, founded by Eric "Eazy-E" Wright and Jerry Heller, in 1987 re-defined rap music in several ways. The label was the first to put the West Coast on the map as a force to be respected in hip-hop. Before Ruthless, there were outliers like Ice-T, but... Read more
December 9, 2011 Audio, Food for Thought, Playlists, Throwback, Video
Cash Money Records comes in as the 8th most important hip-hop record label of all time. It’s getting serious.

Cash Money Records comes in as the 8th most important hip-hop record label of all time. It’s getting serious.

#8 Cash Money Records As we discussed in our entries about #16 Rap-A-Lot Records and #12 No Limit Records, the South currently runs hip-hop (and has for at least the last 5 years) and Cash Money is by far the most successful hip-hop record label to come out of the... Read more
December 8, 2011 Food for Thought, Playlists, Video
Roc-A-Fella Records is the 9th most important hip-hop record label of all time, and not just because of arguably the greatest rapper of all time…

Roc-A-Fella Records is the 9th most important hip-hop record label of all time, and not just because of arguably the greatest rapper of all time…

...though he is a big part of it. #8 Roc-A-Fella Records EVERYONE knows that Roc-A-Fella records was the home to Jay-Z. He, along with his partners Damon Dash and Kareem "Biggs" Burke, founded the label back in1996 and Jay-Z repped the label as hard as any artist ever has represented... Read more
December 7, 2011 Food for Thought, Playlists, Video
Aftermath Entertainment kicks off the Top 10 as the 10th most important hip-hop record label of all time.

Aftermath Entertainment kicks off the Top 10 as the 10th most important hip-hop record label of all time.

#10 Aftermath Entertainment In 1996, Dr. Dre was wounded from his departure from Death Row Records. He had virtually given up everything (ownership of his masters, future revenues and equity interest) to extricate himself from the madness that had swallowed up Death Row, not the least of which was the... Read more
December 5, 2011 Food for Thought, Playlists, Video
Here’s a (mostly) video playlist celebrating the nearly 20-year career of The Legendary Roots Crew

Here’s a (mostly) video playlist celebrating the nearly 20-year career of The Legendary Roots Crew

The Legendary Roots Crew's new album, undun, drops on 12/6.  Although they have been around for nearly 20 years, it still seems very likely their best material is still ahead of them...and that's saying a lot because their past material is DAMN GOOD.  In anticipation of the new album, here's... Read more
December 3, 2011 Playlists, Video
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