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The 25 Most Important Rap Albums Of Hip-Hop’s First 50 Years

Over the years, countless music lists have laid out the "Greatest" of a particular category–album, artist, song, etc. These lists often cite vague criteria and then lay out what they claim to be objective rankings. But, they are subjective. At Ambrosia For Heads, we have generally provided opportunities for the people... Read more

The Top MCs Of The 80s & 90s Were Graded By Kool Moe Dee

Kool Moe Dee cemented a reputation during the 1980s as one of Hip-Hop's elite MCs who said what he felt without concern. After putting in work with The Treacherous Three group, Moe Doe pivoted to the scene as a feared battle rapper. He took on Busy Bee at the Harlem... Read more

1984 Was The Year That Changed Everything For Hip-Hop

Hip-Hop Heads regularly debate the culture and music's greatest years. There are usual and deserving suspects, of course. However, Ambrosia For Heads' What's The Headline podcast is launching a series where we make a case for those years—and some others too. As we currently live in what some consider Orwellian times, 1984... Read more

Is Ice Cube Still True To The Game?

Less than three weeks before the upcoming election, Ice Cube made his way into the news through politics. On October 13, one of Donald Trump's advisors, Katrina Pierson, revealed online that Cube was working with the current administration's "platinum plan." She praised the MC-turned-mogul's actions and cooperation: Shoutout to @icecube... Read more

Watch The Beastie Boys’ Documentary Celebrating 25 Years Of Ill Communication

Following the release of the Beastie Boys Book in late 2018, Michael Diamond (aka Mike D) and Adam Horovitz (aka Ad-Rock) have been in the public eye. Since the book hit store shelves, the two MC/producers expounded on the Beasties' bitter split with Def Jam, the group very nearly calling... Read more

The Beastie Boys Book Is Nominated For AudioBook Of The Year

In late 2018, Michael Diamond and Adam Horovitz published The Beastie Boys Book. Mike D and Ad-Rock penned a group memoir to tell the story of the iconic trio that transcended the Rap, Hip-Hop, and Punk Rock genres. The Penguin Books text also memorialized Adam Yauch. The rapper/producer also known... Read more

Ad-Rock Opens Up About The Beastie Boys’ Bitter Split From Def Jam

Last month Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz and Michael "Mike D" Diamond published The Beastie Boys Book. The memoir of the band chronicles 35 years of music-making, friendship, and being part of multiple cultural melting pots in Downtown New York City, Los Angeles, and places and spaces in between. A highlight in... Read more

The Beastie Boys Explain Why They Were Nearly Done After Licensed To Ill

The Beastie Boys are a Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame inducted group recognized for fusing Hip-Hop, Punk Rock, and Electronic music. Between the early 1980s and the early 2010s, the trio of Adam "MCA" Yauch, Michael "Mike D" Diamond, and Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz released eight studio albums. Exactly half... Read more

Finding The GOAT Group: EPMD vs. Beastie Boys. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Group,” the fourth installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest collectives vying for the #1 spot. Sixty-two groups have been pre-selected by a panel of experts, and one slot will be reserved for a wild-card entry, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to... Read more

Delicious Vinyl Co-Founder & Hit Producer Matt Dike Has Passed Away At Age 55

UPDATE: While the news of Matt Dike's death was revealed to the public yesterday (March 13), the music executive, producer, and DJ is confirmed to have died in mid-January. A report in The Los Angeles Times, which claims Dike was 56 (other sources, including Delicious Vinyl's obituary, suggest he was... Read more

Beastie Boys’ Ad-Rock Takes The Side Of The Women Accusing His Father Of Sexual Assault

Earlier today, Def Jam Records co-founder Russell Simmons announced that he will be stepping down from his current companies. The move comes after two accusers went public with accounts of sexual assault and rape in 1991. The same day, one of Simmons' most successful acts from his Def Jam days... Read more

M.O.P.’s Fame & Heltah Skeltah’s Rock Join A Band For A Menacing Beastie Boys Cover (Video)

On his landmark album 1999 Black on Both Sides, Mos Def (nka Yasiin Bey) staked the claim for “Rock n Roll” being Black Music. “Elvis Presley ain’t got no soul,” he declared, but Little Richard, Bo Diddley, Albert King and “James Brown like to rock and roll.” To close, Mos shouted... Read more

Watch 40 Years Of Hip-Hop History In 4 Minutes In A Mind-Blowing Mashup (Video)

It ain't nothin' like Hip-Hop music...Over the last 40 years, there have been few forces in pop culture with more impact than Hip-Hop. Like Rock & Roll before it, the music and lifestyle shaped an entire generation and has had untold influence around the world. The Rub: The History of... Read more

KRS-One Apologizes For Naming The Wrong Beastie Boy In A Tribute To Hip-Hop’s Fallen MCs

In the last week, lyrical legend KRS-One excited fans with the latest sneak attack release, The World Is Mind. Just over 30 years after Criminal Minded, this self-released album had many praising the latest body of work from the South Bronx representative. However, as fans delved into the album (available... Read more

Listen To The Sure Shot Verse From MCA’s Career Through Large Professor’s Remix (Video)

Five years ago today (May 4, 2012), the world was shocked to learn about the death of Adam "MCA" Yauch. It is a loss that Hip-Hop is very much still mourning. The co-founder of the Beastie Boys impacted lives on and off the microphone, across mediums. However, from Tibetan Freedom... Read more

Finding The GOAT Producer: DJ Premier vs. Rick Rubin. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer,” the third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no... Read more

Finding The GOAT Producer: Marley Marl vs. Rick Rubin. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer” begins. The third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no deserving... Read more

2016’s Boldest & Most Important Political Statements In Hip-Hop & Beyond

2016 has been a rough year. From seemingly endless celebrity deaths to a political campaign unlike any other to racial tensions dominating headlines, these last 12 months have been riddled with great sorrow. But as history continues to remind us, out of great pain comes great resilience, and actors, athletes,... Read more

This Documentary On Sampling Highlights Some Rap Classics (Video)

A documentary on the evolution of music production has been airing this fall. Soundbreaking on PBS examines what music producers do, how the craft and technology has advanced, and the impact some men and women have had on superstars in Pop, Rock & Roll, Soul, and Hip-Hop. Episode 6 of... Read more

Beastie Boys’ Ad-Rock Challenges New Yorkers & The World To Stand Up Against Hate (Video)

Since the election of Donald Trump as the 45th president of the United States, there has been a spike in hate crimes against various groups, including Muslims, Blacks, Jews, members of the LGBTQ community and more. In fact, more than 800 incidents have taken place across the country, and no... Read more

Brooklyn Is Uniting To Stand Up Against Hate After Swastikas Painted At MCA’s Park

When a Brooklyn, New York park was named in the honor of Beastie Boys co-founder Adam "MCA" Yauch, it was an apparent act of love and respect. Yesterday (November 18), that same space—Adam Yauch Park was vandalized in the name of hate. Culprits defaced the property with antisemitic painting, including... Read more

Russell Simmons Crowns Def Jam’s Greatest Album & His Favorite Artist (Video)

Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin began releasing Def Jam Records singles in 1984. Started in a New York University dorm room (occupied by Rubin), the company would expand to become a reported $115 million property by the late 1990s. From original flagship artist LL Cool J, Def Jam would play... Read more

Mike D Weighs In On Best Beastie Boys MC & Overcoming “Brass Monkey” Hate (Audio)

The Beastie Boys' Mike D was a guest on actor Michael Rapaport's podcast show this week, which taped before a live New York City audience. The man born Michael Diamond discussed Hip-Hop at length, ranging from Drake's groundbreaking response to Meek Mill this summer, to why he feels Busta Rhymes... Read more

These Pictures Show Where Iconic Hip-Hop Album Covers Were Photographed

Earlier this year, Mass Appeal put together an amazing gallery of pictures that showed the locations where some of the most iconic album covers in Hip-Hop were photographed. That collection showed the real-life settings for the artwork for Nas' Illmatic, Ice Cube's Amerikkka's Most Wanted, LL Cool J's Bad and... Read more

This DJ’s Dedication To Jam Master Jay & MCA Rocks To The Heavens (Mix)

Today (October 30) marks the 13th anniversary of the day Jam Master Jay (a/k/a Jason Mizell) was murdered. The iconic Run-D.M.C. co-founder profoundly influenced Hip-Hop's sound, turntable techniques, and fashion—in addition to helping along the careers of ONYX, 50 Cent, and even Jayo Felony. In the 13 years without Jay,... Read more

The Beastie Boys Open Up Their Oscilloscope Studio To NYU Students

In the 2000s, the Beastie Boys opened their own New York City recording studio. Oscilloscope Laboratories, as its known, is a full service Canal Street studio, with its office and production company launched by the late Adam "MCA" Yauch. As profiled in The New York Times one year after the... Read more

De La Soul’s 3 Feet High And Rising vs. Beastie Boys’ Paul’s Boutique. Which Is Better?

One year ago, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: who is the greatest MC of all time? “Finding The GOAT MC” lasted between September 2014 and May 2015, engaging millions of readers and ultimately producing its winner, as... Read more

These 1980s Hip-Hop Albums Reach Round 2, With One Battle Left To Be Decided

Last month, Ambrosia For Heads returned to "Finding The GOAT," our annual voting series that polls readers and fans to determine the Greatest Of All-Time. Following 2014-2015's quest to use votes to determine the GOAT MC, we are asking readers to determine the greatest of all-time Hip-Hop album. “Finding The... Read more

Finding the GOAT Album: Beastie Boys’ Licensed To Ill vs. EPMD’s Strictly Business. Which Is Better?

One year ago, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: who is the greatest MC of all time? “Finding The GOAT MC” lasted between September 2014 and May 2015, engaging millions of readers and ultimately producing its winner, as... Read more

DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince’s He’s The DJ, I’m The Rapper vs. Beastie Boys’ Paul’s Boutique. Which is Better?

One year ago, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: who is the greatest MC of all time? “Finding The GOAT MC” lasted between September 2014 and May 2015, engaging millions of readers and ultimately producing its winner, as... Read more

Beastie Boys Share How Paul’s Boutique Might Have Gotten a Record Company Exec Fired (Video)

Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz and Michael "Mike D" Diamond recently sat down with New Zealand radio personality Zane Lowe for an intimate conversation about Beastie Boys history in celebration of the 26th anniversary of their album Paul's Boutique, and even more poignantly, the conversation took place on August 5, which would... Read more

What If A Classic Silent Film Was Re-Scored By A Master DJ? (Video)

Before technology brought sound to film, Hollywood still made blockbusters. The "Silent Film" era produced stars like Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Harold Lloyd. While Chaplin's facial expressions made him a sympathetic "tramp," Keaton maintained a trademark deadpan in action sequences. Lloyd was something of a Jackie Chan of the... Read more

DMC Attributes Run-DMC’s “Downfall” to Negative Music, Urges Rick Ross To Own His Past (Audio)

As Hip-Hop continues to rapidly evolve, many of the messages being delivered to its fans today may raise a few eyebrows. This week's The Library Podcast hosted by Tim Einenkel, features pioneering Rap star DMC. Speaking about contemporary Rap music as well as his own catalog with Run-DMC, the Queens,... Read more

Ad-Rock Describes Post-Beastie Boys Life, New Film With Ben Stiller

In a recent interview with GQ magazine, Adam “Ad-Rock” Horovitz sat down to reflect on his past as a member of Beastie Boys as well as to give insight on what the future holds for his entertainment career now that the legendary Hip-Hop trio has not only put their founder... Read more

Beastie Boys’ Licensed To Ill Album Certified Diamond By The RIAA, A 1980s Rap First!

Nearly 30 years old, the Beastie Boys' 1986 debut album, Licensed To Ill has sold 10 million copies. Officially certified diamond status, the Def Jam Records release (the only the Beasties recorded for Russell Simmons & Rick Rubin's then-label)—this is the first for the 30-plus year-old label. Jay Z, DMX,... Read more

Rick Rubin Reveals His Insider Stories Behind Songs He Produced

In recent years, RapGenius has been the go-to website to decipher your favorite Rap lyrics, but it often works best when the artists themselves log on to give their insight. Artists who have created verified accounts to do this include Nas, Kendrick Lamar, GZA, Common, Joey Bada$$, and many more,... Read more

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): MCA vs. Slick Rick…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). We are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

The Beastie Boys & Nas Unearth A 5 Year-Old Visual That Hasn’t Aged A Day (Video)

It was a major affair back in 2009 when the Beastie Boys and Nas released the spiking commentary track "Too Many Rappers." The Def Jam superstars of 1986 teamed with the critical label acquisition of 2006 in a song that was appropriate for the times. Released on vinyl, and also... Read more

Revisit The Mind-Melting Beastie Boys VHS Classic, Skills To Pay The Bills (Video)

Often living in the shadow of other Beastie Boys releases, Check Your Head is an excellent progression for the New York City trio. The April, 1992 Capitol Records release maintained a chunk of the sampling and technical advancements made on 1989's Paul's Boutique, but also welcomed some of the group's... Read more

Rick Rubin Returns to the Dorm Room Where Def Jam Was Founded for the First Time in 30 Years (Video)

In a year of tributes to Def Jam, celebrating its 30th Anniversary, this might just be the best. Rolling Stone followed Rick Rubin to the NYU dorm room where he started the legendary record label and had not returned to since. Rather than just interviewing Rubin, RS used the journey... Read more

Finding The GOAT: MC Lyte vs. MCA…Who You Got?

As we continue the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time), we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups in a sequence not... Read more

Rick Rubin & Russell Simmons Remember The Beastie Boys’ Beginnings (Video)

In the second (of four) installment of the 30th anniversary Def Jam Records vignettes, Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin sit down to remember Adam "MCA" Yauch. Interestingly enough, in recalling the pre-Licensed To Ill days of the New York City trio, Rick Rubin served as the Beasties' DJ, before DJ... Read more

R.I.P. To Joan Rivers. Remember Her Partying With The Beastie Boys? (Video)

This week, pop culture lost an icon in Joan Rivers. Known for self-deprecating humor, as well as a fearless comedic critique of her peers, the 81 year-old Brooklyn, New Yorker died yesterday (September 4) after complications from a heart attack and subsequent coma. In the late 1980s, Rivers hosted a... Read more

What If ALL Of Beastie Boys’ Paul’s Boutique Was A Video? (Video)

File this under: "What Makes The Internet Amazing: August 2014." Twenty five years later, so much can be said about The Beastie Boys' sophomore album, Paul's Boutique. The Def Jam Records departure found the Downtown/Brooklyn, New York trio out west, living in a Hollywood hills estate, eating fast food burgers... Read more

Beastie Boy Ad-Rock Remixes Canal By Harlem’s Emerging Crew Ratking (Audio)

Harlem, New York's Ratking is one of the Hip-Hop group's thriving in 2014, beneath the mainstream radar. The trio of Wiki, Hak, and Sporting Life have risen through the ranks throughout the last two years, dating back to the Wiki93 EP. The group balances an appreciation for the '90s' rawness,... Read more

Mike D Of The Beastie Boys Talks The Making Of Sabotage With Spike Jonze & More (Video)

Continuing his conversation with Vanity Fair and following his thoughts on the Tupac and Biggie Smalls feud, Mike D of the Beastie Boys dives into the evolution of Hip-Hop from the 80's into the 90's including the influence of The Arsenio Hall Show, Grunge music, and marijuana culture. He later... Read more

Mike D Speaks on the Evolution of Violence in Hip-Hop Fueled by the Death Row vs. Bad Boy Feud (Video)

In a recent sit down with Vanity Fair Magazine, Mike D of The Beastie Boys discusses how the Death Row versus Bad Boy feud changed the course of Hip-Hop for all artists, including himself, as they had to learn to navigate in a culture of escalating violence. In part one... Read more

Alex Trebek Recites Cypress Hill & The Beastie Boys. He Will Keep the Day Job…(Video)

Earlier in the year, a clip of Jeopardy's Alex Trebek reciting lyrics from Biggie, Dr. Dre, The Beastie Boys and Public Enemy provided a minute and change of comic relief. Apparently, the show's producers have a dark sense of humor because they've once again given him a Rap category, forcing... Read more

Harlem Fashion, Beastie Boys & Arsenio Hall Profiled In Part Two Of The Tanning Of America (Video)

Following yesterday's (February 25) full stream of part one (of four), called "Word Is Bond," from Steve Stoute's The Tanning Of America documentary series on VH1, part two (titled "Fight The Power") is now available. This chapter highlights Hip-Hop's ushering in of The Beastie Boys, a landmark group for being... Read more

What is a Hilarious Game Show Clip? Alex Trebek Doing Biggie & Dr. Dre Raps on Jeopardy. Seeing is Believing (Video)

This week on "Jeopardy," Hip-Hop lyrics were a trivia category. The contestants' knowledge may not impress you, but listening to famed host Alex Trebek stiffly rapping lyrics from Biggie, Dr. Dre, The Beastie Boys and Public Enemy is a hilarious way to spend a minute of your time. Is Mary... Read more