AFH Ambrosia for Heads

Mixes

Celebrate Run The Jewels’ Tour With Music By Big Boi, Fashawn & TV On The Radio (Mixtape)

Run The Jewels are currently ruling the road. The duo of Killer Mike and El-P are taking the stage throughout October with their DJ, Trackstar The DJ, alongside proteges Boots and Cuz Lightyear, as well as Mass Appeal Records label-mates Fashawn. Appearing in Miami, Florida tonight (October 10), R.T.J. and... Read more

Listen to the Best Hip-Hop of September 2015 in One Playlist (Audio)

As the Fall set in, the hot Hip-Hop continued to flow. September brought not one, but two songs from the elusive DOOM, one of LL Cool J's strongest verses in years, a power collabo between Nas and Scarface, an unreleased track from Jay Electronica, Redman's release from his forthcoming album... Read more

Snoop Dogg Drops ‘Em & They’re All Hot In This ’70s & ’80s DJ Set (Video)

The same August 20 night that DJ Quik tore down a Los Angeles, California roller-disco party, Snoop Dogg jumped behind the wheels too. "DJ Snoopadelic," with 7 Days comrade Dam-Funk in tow as well as Tha Dogg Pound's Daz Dillinger, spun nearly an hour of relaxed, groovy joints. Snoop used... Read more

DJ Quik Pitches In On A Rolling Skate Party In This “Fonky” DJ Set (Video)

Before he was rapping and producing, DJ Quik was a top mixmaster from Compton, California. In the nearly 30 years since getting career launched, Heads have become well acquainted with the smooth (sometimes belligerent) raps from David Blake, and his funky grooves behind the boards. What not all get access... Read more

Dave East Is A Standout New Artist. With Nas, Pusha T & LOX, He Has an Army With Him (Mixtape)

Even before he was co-signed by Nas and Mass Appeal Records, Spanish Harlem's Dave East showed tremendous promise. An insightful street MC, Dave combines 2015's appreciation for grit with the present-day demand for intellectual verses. In an era when New York City is fast changing, East is a product of... Read more

Rubble Kings: The Mixtape Features The Sounds That Laid the Foundation for Hip-Hop (Audio)

This Summer, the documentary Rubble Kings took audiences deep inside the world of the gangs that ruled New York City from the late 1960s to the mid-70s. The film follows the story of Ghetto Brothers gang leader Benjy Melendez, and the critical role he played in negotiating a truce that... Read more

Run the Jewels’ Meow the Jewels Is Now Available for Free Download (Mixtape)

Last year, Run the Jewels' highly-anticipated album, Run the Jewels 2, was leaked on the internet. Not ones to cry over spilt milk, the duo of Killer Mike & El-P embraced it as a sign of the times and took charge. Rather than try to back the train back into... Read more

De La Soul’s Maseo Controls The Soul With An Amazing Free-Form Live DJ Set (Mix)

Listening to De La Soul is so much sweeter when you catch all the references—whether it's a sample, a vocal reworking, or a reference. Even when you don't know the specifics, it's usually worth seeking out the sources behind the music that's made by the legendary Long Island, New York... Read more

Here’s a DJ Gilles Peterson Mix of Roy Ayers’ Deep Cuts in Celebration of His 75th Birthday (Audio)

Happy Birthday to Roy Ayers. The legendary musician and composer turned 75 this week (9/10). With a career spanning 6 decades, Ayers has been heavily influential in Jazz, Soul, Funk and Hip-Hop. Perhaps the most recent example of just how deep his impact runs comes from the hugely successful N.W.A.... Read more

Imagine Pete Rock & Large Professor DJ’ing, While D’Angelo is on the Phone. Q-Tip Made It Happen. (Audio)

On the latest edition of Q-Tip's Abstract Radio show, he treats fans to a mind-blowing experience. He is joined by Pete Rock and Large Professor in the studio, and the collective serves up a smorgasbord of classic break beats, anchored by a healthy dose of James Brown. Before that, Tip... Read more

Listen to the Best Hip-Hop of August 2015 in 1 Playlist (Audio)

August 2015 was an incredibly complex month for Hip-Hop. On the one hand, it was filled with tragedy and will forever be remembered as the month when we lost the great Sean Price. On the other hand, the month also brought a new album from Method Man, the first album... Read more

DJ Spinna Recreates A 1980s Party Through Blending Breaks, Early Rap & Groove (Mix)

DJ Spinna is one of Hip-Hop's most versatile mixmasters. The Brooklyn, New York native has shined a light on House, Funk-Rock, and the all-encompassing genius of Stevie Wonder, while introducing The Jigmastas, Polyrhythm Addicts, as well as early works by MCs ranging from Eminem to J-Live, Thirstin Howl III to... Read more

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

Rick Ross Releases His Black Dollar Mixtape (Stream & Download)

Just three days ago, Rick Ross announced he was releasing a new project today (September 3). Since then, Ross has been on a tear, leaking new music and videos--sometimes both--each day. Now, Ross makes good on his word and drops the entire Black Dollar project for free. The mixtape showcases... Read more

Lupe Fiasco Surprises Fans With Free Mixtape, ‘Pharaoh Height 2/30’ (Mix)

Lupe Fiasco Heads rejoice...the Chicago MC has released a surprise free project and with it a nod to the fans who have been following him since 2006. Eleven years ago, he released a series of three mixtapes entitled Fahrenheit 1/15, the same year he released his Platinum-selling studio debut, Lupe... Read more

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

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

Prince Paul Slices Into A Stack Of Wax By Camp Lo, Inspectah Deck & Big L (Mix)

It's been since April that the devastating Prince Paul gave Heads another latest installment of It's Not The Size Of Your Mix, It's How You Use It. The free-form mix series by the Stetsasonic/Gravediggaz member returns, with #4. Clocking just under 40 minutes, this version finds the onetime Tommy Boy... Read more

Here’s a Playlist of the Best Hip-Hop of July 2015 (Audio)

July has traditionally been slow for Hip-Hop releases, but 2015 proved to be the exception. The month brought new music from a wide variety of artists and set the stage for a blockbuster August, with the return of Dr. Dre and Warren G. Here are the best Hip-Hop songs of... Read more

House Shoes Offers A Free-Form Mix Featuring Skillz, Wu-Tang Clan & Ohio Players (Mix)

Detroit, Michigan-to-Los Angeles, California DJ mainstay House Shoes is as versatile as they come. The longtime right-hand man to J Dilla kicks off a new series with Dublab called "Magic." Last month's inaugural edition features House Shoes pullin' out cuts new and old, ranging from Kendrick Lamar and D'Angelo, to... Read more

‘Mixography: The Collectives’ Kicks Off New Party Series With Volume I – Dungeon Family (Mixtape)

Beginning this Thursday (July 30), a new Hip-Hop party series kicks off at Manhattan's Le Poisson Rouge. The series, called Mixography, is launched by journalist, publicist and artist manager, Cali Green, and MC/DJ, and Blue Note Records affiliate Raydar Ellis. Raydar will live mix the events, while Cali hosts, with... Read more

DJ Erykah Badu Is The Healer. Here’s A Soul Mix Featuring James, Donny & Stevie (Audio)

Erykah Badu knows how to reach the people. As a singer, Badu has struck the hearts of many in three decades, with lyrics and sounds that touch the mind, heart, and soul of listeners. As a mixmaster, under the alter-ego DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown, Erykah does the same. Giving... Read more

What’s All the Fuss About With Jay Electronica? This Mix Says It All (Audio)

Over the years, Jay Electonica has become one of Hip-Hop's most enigmatic figures. With no albums and a paucity of unofficial mixtapes in his catalog, the elusive MC still manages to captivate fans, and figures like Diddy and Jay Z, with each mysterious release. And, the promise of his LP... Read more

Ohmega Watts Spins The Supremes, Chubb Rock & Lots Of Rare Disco-House Groove (Mix)

Ohmega Watts has been making noise in Hip-Hop for more than a decade. Part of the Lightheaded Crew, the Portland, Oregon-by way of-Brooklyn, New York MC/producer/DJ has worked with Lifesavas, Braille, Mars Ill, and other veterans of the independent scene. AFH has posted his Rap abilities, nearly five years ago.... Read more

What Would A Nas And AZ Album Sound Like? This Is The Closest You’ll Get (Mixtape)

Ever since the Firm disbanded in the late nineties, Heads have voiced a desire for an AZ/Nas collaboration album, though one has never materialized. However, a new mixtape has been released which may prove to be the next best thing. Thanks to DJ Rhude (who is also a contributing writer... Read more

Fabolous & DJ Clue Compile Friday Freestyles With Plenty Of Bonus Songs (Mixtape)

In the last five years, few high-profile MCs have used the free-mixtape format as effectively as Fabolous. He's gone retail too, but the Brooklyn, New York star is gifted in assembling material aimed at his core fans, in between his mainstream-tinged albums and features. Never one to shy away from... Read more

Black Thought & J.Period Honor James Brown Making A Tape, LIVE! (Mixtape)

When it comes to showmanship in Hip-Hop, The Roots' Black Thought is one of the greatest to ever do it. The South Philadelphia MC can rap, he can sing, and he can play with an ensemble—and he does it all, nightly on television. So much of Tariq Trotter's on-stage persona,... Read more

From Groove Theory To Blackstreet, These Retro R&B Blends Welcome Summer (Mix)

In the 1990s, Hip-Hop and R&B flirted with each other in plenty of ways. The decade made an institution out of the cross-genre collaboration, making R&B albums all the more unpredictable, and Hip-Hop albums all the more versatile. Out of the decade, Mary J Blige, Jodeci, and R. Kelly were... Read more

The Luniz Still Got “5 On It”—Just A Little Early This Year (Mixtape)

Earlier this week, Oakland, California duo the Luniz announced they were reuniting after a more than 10-year hiatus. MCs Yukmouth and Numbskull wasted no time delivering on the promise, releasing a new mixtape today titled High Timez. As with their signature hit "I Got 5 On It," the mixtape is... Read more

Imagine Nas Over Some of Kanye West’s Hardest Beats…Now Take a Listen (Mixtape)

Over the years, while Nas has rocked over some classic beats, one of the few criticisms levied against the iconic MC has been his beat selection. With a catalog that sports classic tracks from DJ Premier, Large Professor, Pete Rock, Q-Tip, No I.D. and more, there have also been records... Read more

Celebrate the Incomparable Jill Scott’s Birthday With This Mix of Remixes & Covers (Audio)

Happy Birthday to the incomparable Jill Scott who celebrated her born day on April 4th. Since her voice is the gift that keeps on giving, it seemed only right to honor the occasion with her music. Last year, DJ Rahdu put together an amazing mix of remixes and covers by... Read more

DJ Kay Slay’s New Mixtape Features Big K.R.I.T., Freeway, Styles P, Raekwon & More (Mixtape)

After several hot leaks over the last few months, DJ Kay Slay releases his latest mixtape, The Industry Purge. The project features a host of guest MCs, including, Raekwon, Styles P, Big K.R.I.T., Jon Connor, Freeway, Lil Fame, Young Buck, Sheek Louch, Papoose, Chris Rivers, Locksmith, Troy Ave and more.... Read more

Ever Hear This Mix of Jay Z Mashups with Songs By Biggie, 50 Cent, Whodini, The D.O.C., Soul II Soul and More? (Mixtape)

Here's a look back at a mixtape of Jay Z mashups put together by DJ Lennox. He takes thirty of Jay's choicest vocals and seamlessly blends them with songs made by Biggie, 50 Cent, Justin Timberlake, Whodini, Afrika Bambaataa, Musiq Soulchild, The Beatles, The D.O.C., Busta Rhymes, Soul II Soul... Read more

Method Man, Snoop Dogg & Talib Kweli Signal More Game Of Thrones (Mixtape)

For the second consecutive year, HBO's "Game Of Thrones" is promoted via mixtape. Catch The Throne, Vol. 2 is a multi-genre set-up for Season 6, which hits the premium channel on April 12, 2015. All of the songs tie into themes regarding the blockbuster series, indicative of their titles. From... Read more

Happy Birthday Common. Celebrate with This Amazing Mixtape of Remixes (Audio)

Today (March 13), Common turns 43 years old. For nearly 25 of those years, the Chicago, Illinois MC, actor, and activist has kept Heads noddin'. 2015 appears to be the biggest professional calendar of Common's life, only in the first quarter. The onetime Relativity Records breakout, and former Source "Unsigned... Read more

Are You Really Ready for Some Super Dynamite Soul? DJ Cosmo Baker is on the Job (Mix)

In the DJ world, Cosmo Baker is a giant. Whether in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Philadelphia, or pretty much any part of the globe, Cos' can seemingly spin any genre, with style and finesse. Swinging through Drexel University's WKDU Eavesdrop Show, Baker brought nothing but a box of 7" 45's, and got... Read more

IamSU! Has A Lot Of Heavy Hitters In His Corner. Are All Eyes On Him As Next? (Mixtape)

Since his Top 50 Sincerely Yours debut album in 2014, IamSu!'s stock has been on smash. The HBK Gang front man continues to gather cosigns across the industry, with a sound, style, and energy all of his own. Just as he's done for more than five years though, the Northern... Read more

Cypress Hill’s B-Real Grows a New Mixtape with His Greenthumb (Mixtape)

B-Real has stayed active for more than twenty years. The charismatic Cypress Hill MC has carried on tradition solo and as part of groups like Serial Killers, where he was joined by Xzibit and Demrick. He's also become a colorful interviewer in his latter years. On his latest release, he... Read more

CyHi The Prynce Offers A Second Semester Of Black Hystori Teaching (Mixtape)

Approximately 350 days later, CyHi The Prynce follows up his Kanye West-executive produced Black Hystori Project with a second volume. Eleven tracks deep, Black Hystori Project Vol. 2 (a/k/a BHP2: N.A.A.C.P.) maintains the theme of the first free installment. This one welcomes even more notable sound-providers to the fold though,... Read more

DJ Nu-Mark Makes His Worlds Combine In This Dope Pharcyde Vs. Jurassic 5 Mash-Up (Mixtape)

DJ Nu-Mark's career has been tied into Jurassic 5 and The Pharcyde. Quite obviously, the producer/DJ was a founding member of the Unity Committee (later J5), and in recent years, he's been releasing some strong product with SlimKid3 (Tre Hardson), a founding member of The Pharcyde. Thereby, if anybody has... Read more

Your Old Droog Comes Out Of The Woodwork With A Free 11-Track Project (Mixtape)

As he gears up to hit the road with PRhyme and Boldy James, Your Old Droogs hits Heads off with a whole new project. Kinison, seemingly an ode to the late comedian/actor heard on the intro (Sam Kinison), is 11 tracks of all new music. Marco Polo, El RTNC, and... Read more

DJ P. Makes An All-Vinyl Mix With New Joints By Joey Bada$$, A.G., Quasimoto & Lord Finesse (Mixtape)

UPDATE: It turns out that this DJ P actually hails from Lyon, France—no relation to the Phoenix, Arizona-based DJ P below. However, this mix still beckons many listens and much enjoyment. DJ P. is an underground DJ legend. More than a decade ago, as DJ Z-Trip's partner, P. made Uneasy... Read more

Happy Birthday to DJ Jazzy Jeff. Celebrate with This Amazing Mix (Mixtape)

Happy Birthday to the incomparable DJ Jazzy Jeff who turned the tender young age of 50 today (1/22). If you've ever had the privilege of attending a set spun by Jeff, you know NOBODY goes harder or digs deeper in the crates than him. So, on his birthday, what better... Read more

Set The Winter To Music, With An Intricate Batch Of Khrysis Instrumentals (Mixtape)

For more than a decade, Khrysis got joints. Whether with the Away Team, Soul Council, or just showin' out with his Jamla squad, Khry' supplies beats that are big on nod factor. Highlights span Add-2 & Khrysis' "Death Of Chicago," Sean Price's "Onion Head," and Little Brother's "After The Party,"... Read more

Jay-Z’s Pre-Reasonable Doubt Demo Tape Surfaces, Ch-Check It Out (Audio)

Before he was regarded in Rap's most elite lyrical circles, and long before he was a sports agent, franchise owner, or mega-million executive, Jay-Z was just another rapper hungry for an opportunity. Before the Brooklyn, New Yorker would form his own Roc-A-Fella Records imprint with Dame Dash and Kareem Biggs,... Read more

Tony Touch Reaches Hip-Hop Tape #101 & Takes Naysayers To School (Mixtape)

Since the colored cassette tape shell days, Tony Touch has been servin' up the latest and the greatest Hip-Hop under his turntable style. The "Taino Turntable Terrorist" put early and everlasting emphasis on the freestyle, and made tapes, and later albums, that kept the color, originality, and improvisation of Hip-Hop... Read more

Nipsey Hussle Releases a New Mixtape Right Under the Wire. Get Your Mailbox Money (Mixtape)

Nipsey Hussle ends the year with a bang. He drops off his new Mailbox Money mixtape right under the wire. While he offered copies of his last mixtape, Crenshaw, for sale at $100 a pop (100 of which were purchased by Jay Z), he ups the ante with this one.... Read more

Stream and Download More Than 35 of the Best Mixtapes of 2014 (Mixtapes)

2014 was a year of incredibly diverse mixtape offerings. There were amazing blend projects like Yasiin Gaye which combined Mos and Marvin, beat-jacking tapes like Jon Connor's amazing takeover of Kanye West tracks, albums in disguise like Travi$ Scott's Days Before Rodeo, remix wonders like Soul Cookin's complete re-imagination of... Read more

Shabaam Sahdeeq’s New Collabo Project Includes Ras Kass, Rah Digga, Masta Ace & Harry Fraud (Mixtape)

Brooklyn, New York veteran MC Shabaam Sahdeeq has maintained an illustrious underground Hip-Hop career for more than 17 years. S-Dub, as he's also known, has combined Lyricist Lounge-tested MC wordplay with '80s and '90s BK imagery that made everybody from Sean Price to Ill Bill, Skyzoo to Kool G Rap... Read more

Black Moon’s Evil Dee Releases a Mixtape Of All New Material (Mixtape)

Straight out of Bushwick, Brooklyn, DJ Evil Dee has made some amazing Hip-Hop records. A onetime high school DJ phenom, this centerpiece of Da Beatminerz is mean on the mix, the drum machine, and diggin' in the crates. The sound-provider of Black Moon established Duck Down as a source of... Read more