birthday ArchivesAmbrosia For Heads

Celebrate Hip-Hop’s Birthday In A BIG Way With These 40 Mixes

Earlier this week, on August 11, Hip-Hop celebrated its 49th birthday. Now deemed a holiday, August 11 honors the 1973 date that DJ Kool Herc and his sister Cynthia Campbell hosted a Back To School Jam at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue's rec center in New York's Bronx borough. Approaching 50 years... Read more

August 13, 2022 Mixes

Happy Birthday To Big Daddy Kane. Ever Hear His “Raw” Remix With Kool G Rap?

Today (September 10) marks Big Daddy Kane's birthday. Commanding audiences far and wide since he was a teenager, the now 51-year-old living legend continues to be among the culture's best performers. From collaborations with Ghostface Killah and Joell Ortiz, as well as new freestyles, King Asiatic continues to add to... Read more

September 10, 2019 Audio, Throwback, Throwback

Pharoahe Monch & Lil Fame Team Up To Make A Record Executive Pay (Video)

Pharoahe Monch is wrapping up 2018 in a big way, and just in time to celebrate his birthday (October 31). This past September, Pharoahe Monch sat down with Take It Personal Radio for a tribute episode dedicated to the Queens MC in which he revealed the release of his latest... Read more

October 31, 2018 Video

Happy Birthday Big Daddy Kane. King Asiatic Turns 50 Years Old (Video)

Earlier this year, LL Cool J and Rakim both celebrated their 50th birthdays. Today (September 10), another game-changing lyricist joins the party. Big Daddy Kane (aka Antonio Hardy) turns 50. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of Long Live The Kane. At 50, Kane's longevity is cemented. In terms... Read more

September 10, 2018 Fresh, Mixes

Happy Birthday Rakim. The God MC Turns 50 Years Old (Video)

It is a milestone month for legendary MCs. On January 14, LL Cool J celebrated his 50th birthday. Two weeks to the day after, Rakim also reaches this important mark. Fifty years ago today (January 28, 1968), the master lyricist was born William Michael Griffin, Jr. in New York, and... Read more

January 28, 2018 Fresh, Video

Happy 50th Birthday To LL Cool J. Celebrate The Original G.O.A.T. (Video)

Today marks the 50th birthday of James Todd Smith, best known as beloved Queens, New York MC, LL Cool J. Born January 14, 1968, "Ladies Love Cool James" has always had an undeniable impact in Hip-Hop. As an adolescent, LL Cool J reportedly recorded his own demos using a mixer... Read more

January 14, 2018 Fresh

The Game Releases A Grown Man Freestyle On His 38th Birthday (Audio)

Eleven years ago, The Game scored one of the most circulated hits of his career with "It's Okay (One Blood)." Featuring Junior Reid, the song cleared the table on a number of issues surrounding Jayceon Taylor's mid-2000s standing. He addressed his newfound distance with mentor Dr. Dre after just one... Read more

November 29, 2017 Audio

On Big L’s 43rd Birthday, This Freestyle Shows Why His Rhymes Are Immortal (Video)

May 30 marks the birthday of Lamont "Big L" Coleman. The Harlem, New Yorker was born 43 years ago today. While he died more than 18 years ago, at a time when many believe his career was reaching its next level, the member of D.I.T.C. and Children Of The Corn... Read more

May 30, 2017 Throwback

Here’s The Musical Life Of Ghostface Killah Told In 2 Minutes (Video)

Today (May 9) is the 47th birthday of Ghostface Killah. For just over half of his life (dating back to 1993), the Staten Island, New Yorker has been widely revered as one of the most original, convention-defying lyricists in Hip-Hop. In that esteemed catalog are more than two handfuls of... Read more

May 9, 2017 Video

Taylor Bennett Makes A Birthday Song For Chance That Moves His Brother To Tears (Audio)

Today (April 16) is Chance The Rapper's 24th birthday. Presumably, "Lil Chano" may be celebrating his big day with family. The MC's younger brother, Taylor Bennett made some of the festivities public with his own song, "Only Brother (A Special Remix)." Reworking some of Chance's 2016 cut "D.R.A.M. Sings Special,"... Read more

April 16, 2017 Audio

Celebrate DJ Premier’s Birthday With A 5 Minute Megamix Of His Greatest Hits (Audio)

Today marks the birthday of one of Hip-Hop's most beloved figures. DJ Premier turns 51 years old on March 21. For nearly 30 years, the Prairie View, Texas native-turned-bona fide New York musician has been making Heads nod, along with causing their faces to scrunch up, and air-scratch with their... Read more

March 21, 2017 Audio, Mixes

Celebrate Redman’s Birthday With This Rare 1995 Funk Doc Prescription (Audio)

Today (April 17) is Reggie Noble's birthday. The man better known as Redman has been giving Hip-Hop Heads quote-worthy verses, one-of-a-kind charisma, and sheer originality for more than 25 years. In all of that time, he has been one tough mudder on the mic. In 1995, Funk Doc was in... Read more

April 17, 2016 Throwback

It’s DOOM’s Day. Celebrate The Masked Villain’s Birthday With This Mega Mix (Audio)

Happy Birthday to DOOM. The masked villain turns 45 years young today (1/9). While he's been relatively quiet over the last year, he ended 2015 with a bang, collaborating with PRhyme (DJ Premier & Royce Da 5'9") and Phonte on "Highs & Lows." He also put out a video promising... Read more

January 9, 2016 Mixes

Chris Rivers Writes A Moving Letter To His Father, Big Pun, On His Birthday

Happy Birthday to Big Pun. The lyrical Bronx Bomber would have been 44 years old, yesterday (11/10). In the past year, Chris Rivers, Pun's son, has broken out and established himself as one of Hip-Hop's most promising MCs. While he has established his identity as his own man, shedding the... Read more

November 11, 2015 Fresh

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

September 11, 2015 Mixes

Happy 40th Birthday To 50 Cent. Play His Definitive Street LP (Album Stream)

Today (July 6), 50 Cent turns 40 years old. The Queens, New York superstar born Curtis Jackson may have broken through later in his life than some peers, however as an MC, an investor, and a record executive, Fif' has blessed the last 13 years with an edge that massively shaped Hip-Hop's... Read more

July 6, 2015 Throwback

Happy Birthday Tupac. Watch One of His Earliest TV Interviews (Video)

Happy birthday to Tupac, who would have been 44 years old today. To celebrate his life, here's a look back at one of his earliest TV interviews. Shortly after the release of his film Juice, Pac paid a visit to the set of BET's Video LP. He discusses his complexity... Read more

June 16, 2015 Throwback

Happy Birthday Ice Cube. May It Be A Good Day…

Today (June 15), MC/actor Ice Cube turns 46 years old. As he gears up for the Straight Outta Compton N.W.A. biopic (August 14), an on-stage reunion with MC Ren and DJ Yella, and a Barbershop 3 costarring Common, it seems safe to say it will be a good year for... Read more

June 15, 2015 Fresh

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

April 9, 2015 Mixes

Happy 50th Birthday to Dr. Dre. Celebrate the O.G. with This Mix (Audio)

Happy Birthday to Dr. Dre who turned 50 years young today (2/18). The first 50 years were quite a ride for Andre Young. The Doc has been behind some of the most influential artists in Hip-Hop--all Hip-Hop--from N.W.A., to Snoop Dogg, to 2Pac, to Eminem, to 50 Cent, to Game... Read more

February 18, 2015 Audio

Frank Ocean Sings a Beautiful Version of At Your Best on Aaliyah’s Birthday (Audio)

Happy Birthday to Aaliyah. The talented and beautiful singer and actor would have been 36 years old yesterday (1/16). To celebrate her lasting legacy, Frank Ocean has released an amazing cover of "At Your Best." The song, which was originally written and performed by the Isley Brothers in 1976 as... Read more

January 17, 2015 Audio

Happy Birthday to Pharoahe Monch. Here’s a Celebratory Mix of His Music (Audio)

Happy Birthday to Pharoahe Monch who turned 42 on Halloween. To celebrate the date, OkayPlayer commissioned DJ Raydar Ellis to put together a mix of Monch's music. Ellis dug deep in the crates pulling out gems from Pharoahe's solo career, his days with Organized Konfusion, featured appearances and more. Check... Read more

November 1, 2014 Audio

Drake Celebrates His Birthday By Releasing 3 New Songs (Audio)

Drake has been celebrating his 28th birthday this weekend (10/24) and he's bringing his fans in on the party by releasing three brand new songs--one turn up, one mid-tempo and one ballad. The tracks are provided by longtime collaborators Boi-1da and 40. Check out "6 God," "How Bout Now" and... Read more

October 25, 2014 Audio

Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, Monie Love & Kwame Celebrate AJ Calloway’s Birthday (Video)

On air personality AJ Calloway (106 & Park, Extra) celebrated his 40th birthday in epic fashion during his #lovelivelifeweekend in Martha's Vineyard. During an 80's themed party Saturday night at the Dreamland club in Oak Bluffs, MA, he was treated to performances from Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, Monie Love... Read more

August 31, 2014 Video

Happy Birthday to Bob Marley. Here’s a Mix Celebrating His Life & Legacy (Audio)

Happy Birthday to Bob Marley who would have celebrated his 69th birthday today. Here's a tribute mix from Mister Cee celebrating the life and legacy of one of the world's biggest icons. It includes music from Marley, as well as name checks from some of the Hip-Hop artists he's influenced.... Read more

February 6, 2014 Audio

Happy Birthday to the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, The Incomparable Mary J. Blige (Video Playlist)

What's the 1/11? Mary J. Blige's birthday...and what better way to celebrate her than through her music? It's easy to forget how many hits she has but it's kinda RIDICULOUS. Here's a video playlist so you can Reminisce. Related: Here’s a playlist celebrating the legendary career of Mary J. Blige... Read more

January 11, 2014 Playlists, Video

Happy 50th Birthday Whitney Houston (Playlist)

Happy Birthday to the incomparable Whitney Houston. The Voice would have been 50 years old today. Here's a playlist of just a few of the many gifts she left with us. Related: Robert Glasper – Calls ft Jill Scott (Audio) Whitney Houston by Parfit on Grooveshark... Read more

August 9, 2013 Playlists

Notorious B.I.G. Tribute Mix (Audio)

Salute to Biggie Smalls. He would have been 41 today. To celebrate his life, Mister Cee did a Notorious B.I.G. tribute mix. You can listen to it below. Related: DJ Finesse – B.I.G. over Premier (Biggie Tribute Blend Mix)... Read more

May 21, 2013 Audio

Happy Birthday Michael Jackson – Mister Cee Tribute Mix (Mixtape)

Happy birthday to the King of Pop. As has become his custom on meaningful dates for fallen legends, Mister Cee did a tribute mix. You can listen to the whole thing below. Related: DJ Jazzy Jeff's Micheal Jackson Tribute (Mixtape)... Read more

August 29, 2012 Audio

Happy Birthday GURU (Video Playlist)

Happy birthday to GURU who would have been 51 today. Here's a (mostly) video playlist celebrating a life of Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal. Related: DJ Premier GURU Tribute Mix (Audio)... Read more

July 17, 2012 Playlists, Video

Happy Birthday 2Pac (Video Playlist)

Happy birthday to the immortal outlaw Tupac Shakur, who would have been 41 today. Here's a video playlist celebrating the born day of a true icon. Related: 2Pac Hologram performs at Coachella (Video) and Kendrick Lamar discusses what 2Pac meant to him (Video)... Read more

June 16, 2012 Playlists, Video

Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes Birthday Tribute (Playlist)

Happy Birthday to Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes. We miss you. Here's a playlist celebrating her life. Related: Aaliyah Tribute Video Playlist Birthday by Parfit on Grooveshark... Read more

May 27, 2012 Audio, Playlists