AFH Ambrosia for Heads

Archives

Alchemist Names His Top 5 Producers

Alchemist has had a busy 2023. The acclaimed producer (and MC/DJ) has released albums alongside Larry June, Earl Sweatshirt, and MIKE and Wiki—along with fresh solo material. Amid the prolific year, Al spoke to Genius' Andres Tardio to list his Top 5 Hip-Hop producers—including one of his mentors. Along the... Read more

Ghostface Killah & Westside Gunn Give Golden Age Raps To DJ Muggs

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So…let Ambrosia For Heads sift through it for you and only supply you with that great stuff. Despite the reports, Hip-Hop is alive and well and, in many ways, it’s better than it’s ever been. Not only can we go back... Read more

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

Latinos Have Played A Critical Role In Hip-Hop History. There’s No Debate

Last Friday (August 26) Fat Joe posted a video online that celebrated the contributions of Latino Hip-Hop pioneers. The slideshow acknowledged figures ranging from the Cold Crush Brothers' DJ Charlie Chase to DJ Disco Wiz to early producer/musician Pumpkin to The Fearless Four's Master O.C. and Tito. With the video,... Read more

Scarface & Freddie Gibbs Blackout On A DJ Muggs Beat For The Streets

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So…let Ambrosia For Heads sift through it for you and only supply you with that great stuff. Despite the reports, Hip-Hop is alive and well and, in many ways, it’s better than it’s ever been. Not only can we go back... Read more

Method Man & Slick Rick Wreck A DJ Muggs Beat

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So…let Ambrosia For Heads sift through it for you and only supply you with that great stuff. Despite the reports, Hip-Hop is alive and well and, in many ways, it’s better than it’s ever been. Not only can we go back... Read more

Cypress Hill’s Sen Dog Has Been Hospitalized With An Emergency

Cypress Hill's Sen Dog has been a staple in the Los Angeles, California-based Hip-Hop collective for more than 30 years. In addition to his role in the Grammy-nominated group, Sen has been a lead vocalist for Rock and Metal bands SX-10 and Powerflo. Cypress Hill has revealed that the artist... Read more

Cypress Hill Recruited Black Milk To Make Their Best Album In Years

This weekend (March 18), Cypress Hill released its tenth album, Back In Black (embedded below). The 10-track self-released LP is produced by a noteworthy guest in the mix, Black Milk. The Detroit, Michigan native producer/MC/musician steps in to assist a collective that dates back more than 30 years, having previously... Read more

Pharoahe Monch Explains The Hidden Meanings In His New Album

Three weeks ago (January 22), Pharoahe Monch released his first album in nearly seven years. The Queens, New York veteran MC/producer partnered with esteemed guitarist Marcus Machado and Grammy-winning drummer Daru Jones as Th1rt3en. The band, involving two overlapping musicians from Pete Rock's The Soul Brothers collective, has been releasing... Read more

Pharoahe Monch Delivers The Long-Awaited Album Alongside His Band Th1rt3en

In the last week, 2021's Hip-Hop release calendar got an exciting jump-start. Pharoahe Monch treated fans with his first album in more than six-and-a-half years. Since that time, the Queens, New York lyricist and producer had described a dark, Hard Rock-influenced album. In 2021, that presumed material surfaced alongside Monch's... Read more

Cypress Hill Tour Manager Dan McKay Applies His DIY Punk Background To Rap Legends

It is important to draw a line in the sand when aiming to be ahead of your time. For Dan McKay, the hardworking tour manager behind Cypress Hill, he saw how becoming a well-oiled machine was key to becoming the "King James" of touring Hip-Hop talent. Getting his start as... Read more

DJ Muggs Details Returning To Hip-Hop & Why He’s Putting Out More Music Than Ever (Audio)

DJ Muggs has enjoyed a celebrated 30-year career as a member of Cypress Hill and a tenure as a solo artist. On top of Cypress’ catalog, his Soul Assassins compilations and Vs. series are considered staples by many Hip-Hop Heads. In the 2000s, however, the Queens, New York native pivoted... Read more

Talib Kweli & B-Real Discuss People Of Color Being Blocked Out Of Legal Cannabis

B-Real is the latest guest on People's Party With Talib Kweli. There, the member of Cypress Hill and Prophets Of Rage tells the co-founder of Black Star and Reflection Eternal about the origins of his groups. The Los Angeles, California native breaks down Cypress' distinction among the the handful of... Read more

In 2000, M.O.P. Went Hunting For CD Bootleggers To Mash Out (Video)

M.O.P. released their debut LP 25 years ago with To The Death. While the Select Records drop remains discussed by Rap purists, Lil Fame and Billy Danze seemed to widen their reach with every album since, culminating with Y2K's fourth effort, Warriorz. The Mash Out Posse's fourth and most commercially successful... Read more

Kool Keith, B-Real & Joell Ortiz Show MCs How To Level Up (Audio Premiere)

Next month (July 12), veteran MC innovator Kool Keith will see the release of his latest album, simply titled KEITH. Produced entirely by The Beatnuts' Psycho Les, KEITH will feature appearances by Houston's Paul Wall, Cypress Hill front-man B-Real, and Crooklyn Dodger lyrical slugger, Jeru The Damaja. Following last month's... Read more

B-Real & Brady Watt Add Some Dr. Dre & DJ Premier To Cypress Hill’s Biggest Hits

Renowned bass player, producer, and member of DJ Premier's Badder Band Brady Watt has been bringing his groove to video lately, linking up with MCs and singers for a series of videos he's calling "Bass & Bars." Each entry has Watt laying down a bassline for a guest to recite... Read more

Kool Keith Has A New Album Coming. He Turns To B-Real For The 1st Single

In the last 20 years, Kool Keith has become one of Hip-Hop's most prolific MCs. The co-founder of the Ultramagnetic MC's has a career that spans more than 35 years in Rap. However, the Bronx, New Yorker has never slowed his roll. Instead, the advanced lyricist has created characters, groups,... Read more

B-Real Details How He Developed 1 Of Hip-Hop’s Most Distinctive Voices (Video)

Guru famously proclaimed "It's mostly the voice" on a Gang Starr song of the same name. Like the late, great Keith Elam, Cypress Hill and Prophets Of Rage member B-Real has one of the most recognizable voices in music. The Los Angeles, California veteran raps with clarity and a nasal... Read more

Cypress Hill Is The 1st Latino Hip-Hop Group On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame

Just moments ago, it was announced that Cypress Hill is the latest Hip-Hop act headed to the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. The group formed by B-Real, DJ Muggs, and Sen Dog (that has since added percussionist Eric Bobo) once made an anthem about what it takes to be a "Superstar."... Read more

Cypress Hill’s Entire Next Album Will Be Produced By Black Milk (Video)

In 2018, Cypress Hill released its ninth album (and first in eight years) with Elephants On Acid. The effort was fully produced by DJ Muggs, who co-founded the group. On 2010's Rise Up, Muggs largely stepped aside on the boards to B-Real, as well as a cast including Pete Rock,... Read more

DJ Muggs Aims To Make Sure All Hip-Hop Heads Know Mach-Hommy’s Name (Audio)

Mach-Hommy may not be a widely-known name outside of a hardcore corner within the Hip-Hop scene, but for those who do know it, it's hears as something like a myth. His reputation is that of a secret weapon for producers who favor dusty samples, like Alchemist or Knxwledge. He made... Read more

Mike Tyson Says He Had His Best Fight Ever When He Was High

Mike Tyson is the latest guest on B-Real's The Smokebox. Iron Mike is joined by former NFL offensive tackle and fellow Brooklyn, New Yorker, Eben Britton. Sitting in the smoky ride with Cypress Hill's front-man, Mike Tyson details his relationship with cannabis, which goes back to 1970s Brownsville, Brooklyn. Mike says... Read more

Alchemist Tells B-Real About Just How Much His Time With Cypress Hill Shaped Him

B-Real can get some interviews on his Smokebox TV that go beyond typical taped conversations. Beyond the obvious reasons included in the title, "Dr. Greenthumb" asks great questions and seems engaged in wanting to understand his guests' story. The Cypress Hill MC's latest episode with Alchemist does not disappoint. In... Read more

Cypress Hill Recall Filming A Video With Ice Cube & Tim Dog On The Same Set (Video)

It's been nearly a decade since Cypress Hill released a group studio album, but that changed late last month with their new LP Elephants On Acid. That effort restores the production to DJ Muggs, a welcomed shift both for the group and its legions of fans. In honor of the project,... Read more

Xzibit Recalls Moving To LA Alone As A Teen & The Likwit Crew Taking Him In (Video)

Falling on Halloween yesterday, the team of Xzibit, B-Real, and Demrick released the second installment in their Serial Killers series since 2015's The Murder Show with the seven-tracked, Day Of The Dead. In promotion of the freshly released project, Xzibit sat down with Adam22, aka Adam Grandmaison, of the No... Read more

Cypress Hill Are Ready To Tell Their Story On THEIR Terms & They Need Help (Video)

Less than one month ago, Cypress Hill released its first album in eight years. With live musicians, recording sessions in Egypt, and years of cultivation, Elephants On Acid puts the production reigns back in group co-founder DJ Muggs' hands. The results are a psychedelic-drenched affair from B-Real, Sen Dog, Eric... Read more

Roc Marciano Unleashes The 1st Video From His DJ Muggs-Produced Album

Although from different decades, both DJ Muggs and Roc Marciano are already legends in the game. Regardless, neither is one to rest on their laurels. The Los Angeles, California-based producer and Long Island, New Yorker are doing some of the best work of their careers in 2018. In fact, both... Read more

Cypress Hill Says DJ Muggs Is Dead In Their Weirdest Video Ever

Cypress Hill will release their long-awaited Elephants On Acid album in less than five weeks (September 28). The first C.H. LP in nearly a decade puts founding group member DJ Muggs back at the production controls. Based on this month's first video single "Band Of Gypsies," and some early accounts... Read more

Finding The GOAT Group: Wu-Tang Clan vs. Cypress Hill. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Group,” the fourth installment of Ambrosia For Heads’ annual competition 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 (which has been determined), including the possibility for... Read more

Ab-Soul Exhales A Dope Verse In A Hot Box Collaboration With B-Real (Video)

B-Real has kept himself current over the years with his Smokebox web series and by keeping his finger on the pulse. He continues to work with young and up-and-coming artists year and year out. And as of 2017, he is in three super-groups, which include Cypress Hill, Serial Killers, and... Read more

DOOM & DJ Muggs Assassinate Kanye West In Their Latest Video

Artistically, DJ Muggs pulls no punches. The Cypress Hill co-founder is known for a raw and uncompromising style. His brand is Soul Assassins, and from GZA to Sick Jacken, Ill Bill to Planet Asia, he historically aligns with MCs that are not afraid to speak their mind on the microphone.... Read more

B-Real’s Next Solo Album Will Be Produced By Scott Storch

Things are ramping up in the Cypress Hill camp. Tomorrow, DJ Muggs is releasing Dia Del Asesinato, his latest Soul Assassins creation. Meanwhile, last week, C.H. gave fans the first real taste of next month's Elephants On Acid album. The psychedelic video single "Band Of Gypsies" shows the crew with... Read more

Here Are The 16 Hip-Hop Groups Competing To Be Named The Best Of All-Time

“Finding the GOAT Group,” the fourth installment of Ambrosia For Heads’ annual competition series features Hip-Hop’s greatest collectives vying for the #1 spot. Sixty-two groups were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and one slot was reserved for a wild-card entry, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no... Read more

Cypress Hill Are Releasing Their 1st Album In 8 Years. The 1st Video Is A Trip.

It has been eight years since Cypress Hill's last album, Rise Up. That 2010 effort marked a transitional period for B-Real, Sen Dog, DJ Muggs, and percussionist Eric Bobo. While Muggs co-produced two songs on the Priority Records LP, the Hill welcomed in outside sound providers ranging from Pete Rock... Read more

With Black Sunday, Cypress Hill Brought The Influence Of Latinos In Hip-Hop To The Masses (Video)

In 1993, California was the epicenter of Hip-Hop. Artists such as Snoop Dogg, Tupac Shakur, Ice Cube, and Dr. Dre were the faces of West Coast Gangsta Rap boom, which was winning in the mainstream. Plus, Cali’s prominent street gang culture and urban lifestyle had an emerging presence in Hollywood... Read more

Finding The GOAT Group: Cypress Hill vs. Naughty By Nature. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Group,” the fourth installment of Ambrosia For Heads’ annual competition 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 (which has been determined), including the possibility... Read more

DOOM & Kool G Rap Join Forces To Plot Weak MCs’ Demise (Audio)

In 1991, MF DOOM, Kool G Rap, and DJ Muggs were all making some serious noise in Hip-Hop. Of the three, G Rap was the decorated veteran. A product of Marley Marl and Mr. Magic's Juice Crew and down with Eric B. & Rakim's possé, the Queens, New Yorker had... Read more

Cypress Hill Will Be Rap Superstars On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame

As the first Latino Hip-Hop group to sell a platinum record, Cypress Hill reigns supreme as a record-breaking, history-setting Rap group already. The Los Angeles crew was nominated for Best Rap Performance by a Group or Duo at the Grammys in three consecutive years, beginning in 1994 for "Insane in the... Read more

DOOM, DJ Muggs & Freddie Gibbs Serve Eye For An Eye Justice To Real-Life Killers (Video)

Last week, DJ Muggs and DOOM announced plans for a fast-track collaborative project simply titled Muggs x DOOM due this Friday (June 29). With that word came first single "Death Wish," which features Freddie Gibbs (the same Friday that he released his self-titled album). Approaching release date, the trio unleashes... Read more

DJ Muggs & DOOM Tease Their Upcoming EP With A Banger Featuring Freddie Gibbs (Audio)

When it comes to collaboration tracks and albums with artists, there is a high percentage rate that Heads will get a quality product when DJ Muggs, MF DOOM, or Freddie Gibbs are involved in the effort. The stakes have been raised even more for a hardcore rapper's delight as these three... Read more

Finding The GOAT Group: Cypress Hill vs. Das EFX. 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

Keith Murray Kills This Freestyle Over A Classic Cypress Hill Instrumental (Audio)

Keith Murray seems to be up to something. The Def Squad MC has released a few freestyles in 2018. With DJ Gumba beside him, Keith did a rendition of Eric B. & Rakim's "I Ain't No Joke." After tackling one of Hip-Hop's most beloved 1980s records, Murray and Gumba go... Read more

B-Real & Everlast Reunite On A New Song To Show They Can Still Shake ‘Em Up (Audio)

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So…let AFH fight through it for you and only supply you with that great stuff. Despite the reports, Hip-Hop is alive and well and, in many ways, is better than it’s ever been. Not only are we able to go back and listen... Read more

DJ Muggs Lays Down One Wild Beat For Meyhem Lauren & Then Directs The Video

DJ Muggs & Meyhem Lauren's Gems From The Equinox is one of the most exciting Soul Assassins releases in years. The Cypress Hill co-founder and the Outdoorsmen MC linked up for 11 hardcore Hip-Hop tracks about stylin' on lesser rappers, "Rotten Apple" imagery, and respecting the G-Code. The album opens... Read more

Sean Price’s Eternal Talent Shines On A Track By Cypress Hill’s DJ Muggs (Video)

Through the later years of Sean Price's career, he became the consummate cleanup batter whenever he stepped to the mic on a track that featured multiple MCs. More times than not, "P!" figuratively smacked the beat out of the park with his gruff delivery, compound rhymes, and alliterative wordplay. Price... Read more

A Near 500-Song Mix Showcases The Magnificent History Of West Coast Hip-Hop (Audio)

West Coast Hip-Hop is incredible. So many of its pioneers are still making albums, doing shows, and adding to their legacy. As a tribute to the Left Coast immense contributions to Hip-Hop, Take It Personal Radio has compiled a four-part episode dedicated to gangsta and underground Rap classics from the... Read more

DJ Muggs Is Producing An Album For Action Bronson’s Day 1. The New Video Is Meyhem.

UPDATE: Following last week's debut single from Gems From The Equinox, DJ Muggs & Meyhem Lauren unleash "Murder Rap." With a beat that pounds the listener in the face, Cypress Hill's co-founder uses another MC to rhyme about "how he could just kill a man." With the second video, a... Read more

Chuck D, B-Real & Rage Against The Machine Get Radical For Freedom (Audio)

Approaching their self-titled full-length debut, Prophets Of Rage are armed with new music and plenty going on in the world, for material. "Radical Eyes" is the latest. With a funky nod similar to 1991 Public Enemy classic "By The Time I Get To Arizona," Chuck and company call for action. B-Real... Read more

Chuck D, B-Real & Rage Against The Machine Stand Up For Those In Poverty (Video)

Rap/Rock supergroup Prophets of Rage, a revolutionary assembly of Public Enemy, Cypress Hill and Rage Against the Machine members, just released the second video single to their self-titled debut, dropping in September. "Living On The 110," a poignant piece about homelessness, follows the Michael Moore directed video for "Unf*ck The... Read more

Cypress Hill To Hit The East Coast For Haunted Hill Mini-Tour

The group Cypress Hill is hard at work on its ninth album, Elephants On Acid. With DJ Muggs at the helm of production for the first time since 2004's Till Death Do Us Part. In preparation, B-Real, Sen Dog, Eric Bobo and Muggs announce the Haunted Hill mini-tour. The three-day... Read more