D.I.T.C. Archives

The LOX & Termanology Have Dreams Like Biggie, But Keep It Grimy (Audio )

The LOX were present in the last days of Biggie Smalls. Before he left the world mourning his personality, rhyme skills, and giving heart, Christopher Wallace helped clear a path for Jadakiss, Styles P, and Sheek Louch to succeed. At the time, they were his hopeful label-mates at Bad Boy... Read more

October 7, 2016 Audio

Diamond D Puts His Rap Skills Back In Front Alongside D.I.T.C. Brother A.G. (Audio)

Diamond D once proclaimed he was "the best producer on the mic." Even in his own D.I.T.C. crew, the Bronx, New York native is brothers with producing/rapping double-threats like Lord Finesse and Showbiz. While Show ceased rapping on Showbiz & A.G.'s Runaway Slave album, Finesse has also scaled back his rhyming to... Read more

September 21, 2016 Audio

Vinnie Paz Is Releasing A New Album To Fill A Void In Hip-Hop (Video)

Always one to embrace and shine light on the roots of Hip-Hop culture, Vinnie Paz has enlisted Diggin' In The Crates' very own Buckwild on his new single, "The Void." The single presents a hard percussion-driven beat that brings back the classic D.I.T.C. sound while fitting Vinnie's aggressive delivery perfectly.... Read more

September 12, 2016 Video

Fat Joe, O.C., & A.G. Go Diggin’ With Substance On A Showbiz Beat (Audio)

Earlier this year, the Diggin' In The Crates collective released a compilation album surrounding their new Bronx, New York recording studio. With all living members involved more (17 years after the death of Big L), the LP also showcased some new producers down with D.I.T.C. On "It's Cold Outside (Remix),"... Read more

September 4, 2016 Audio

Elzhi & O.C. Are Underground MC Legends. They Sound Great Together (Audio)

Although they run in different circles, Elzhi and O.C. are two highly-skilled MCs who have a lot in common. Over the years, both the Detroit, Michigan native and the Brooklyn, New Yorker have complicated histories with celebrated crews (Slum Village and D.I.T.C., respectively). Both lyricist have history with storied record... Read more

July 5, 2016 Audio

This Notorious B.I.G. & Lord Finesse Cypher Will BLOW YOUR MIND (Video)

The Notorious B.I.G. (a/k/a Biggie Smalls) is revered as one of Hip-Hop's greatest MCs. The Brooklyn, New Yorker beautifully inserted wit, wordplay, and lots of self-confidence into his most memorable rhymes. Somebody who started out just a couple years before Biggie was Bronx, New Yorker Lord Finesse. The MC/DJ/producer who... Read more

June 20, 2016 Throwback

D.I.T.C. Goes Diggin’ In The Crates For Rare Photos & Footage (Video)

The Diggin' In The Crates crew has released its second completely crew-inclusive album in 16 years. That LP, D.I.T.C. Studios celebrates the newly-opened Bronx, New York recording studio where Showbiz, Lord Finesse, and Buckwild regularly craft dusty tracks. Also home to O.C., A.G., Diamond D, and Fat Joe, the legendary... Read more

June 20, 2016 Video

Stretch & Bobbito Recall Expectations Around Nas’ Illmatic Release (Audio)

Last night (June 13), Stretch Armstrong & Bobbito The Barber returned to radio, in a new way. The legendary New York City duo conducted two hours of live radio via Samsung 837 approximately 26 years after the pair began with a historic eight-year run at Columbia University's WKCR 89.9FM radio... Read more

June 14, 2016 Audio, Throwback

REKS Gets A D.I.T.C. Beat Care Of Buckwild & Digs In (Video)

Lawrence, Massachusetts MC REKS has worked with some of Hip-Hop's most celebrated producers. From DJ Premier to Large Professor, Pete Rock to Alchemist, the ShowOff/Brick Records MC has had access to the kind of beats that has peers could dream of. "Jump Shots" is a single, produced by D.I.T.C.'s Buckwild.... Read more

June 8, 2016 Video

Showbiz Recounts The Trauma Of Seeing Big L Moments After He Was Killed

Big L would make one of his first album appearances care of 1992's "Represent" on Showbiz & A.G.'s Runaway Slave album. Appearing alongside Show, A.G., Deshawn, and mentor Lord Finesse, Lamont Coleman proved to be an unsigned, teenage MC with great promise. Three years later, on Big L's 1995 debut... Read more

May 11, 2016 Throwback

Diamond D & O.C.’s Freestyle Makes D.I.T.C. Say “Yo, That’s That ish” (Audio)

Diggin' In The Crates, better known as D.I.T.C., has been a unit for more than 20 years. However, since the 2000s, the New York City producer and MC collective has been building individual careers, including Fat Joe's platinum rise, a slew of O.C. cult-championed LPs, and the ongoing celebration of... Read more

April 8, 2016 Audio

Miilkbone Kept It Real With Something Big L, Jay Z & Logic Could Feel (Video)

Perth Amboy, New Jersey's claim to Hip-Hop fame lies in Miilkbone. Fans of 1990s Hip-Hop may recall the Naughty By Nature affiliate for his Capitol Records debut, Da' Miilkrate. With production by N.B.N.'s KayGee as well as Nick Wiz (Cella Dwellas, Rakim, Skillz), the major label album struck the Rap... Read more

March 31, 2016 Do Remember

Fat Joe, Lord Finesse & Diamond D Keep That Crate Chemistry Strong (Audio)

Every Monday of 2016, D.I.T.C. has blessed Heads with new tracks. Today (March 21), the Diggin' In The Crates crew may have unleashed the best yet. "Rock S**t" marks the lyrical return of Lord Finesse, whose witty and confident punchline-driven flow would be the blueprint for his star pupil, the... Read more

March 21, 2016 Audio

Many Have Never Seen Mos Def’s First Music Video. Here It Is.

The mighty Mos Def (n/k/a Yasiin Bey) has a Hip-Hop career that spans well over 20 years. The Brooklyn, New York MC burst on the scene care of major appearances alongside De La Soul, Da Bush Babees, and DJ Honda—but he had his own thing brewing, even before Rawkus Records... Read more

March 13, 2016 Throwback

Listen To The Best Hip-Hop of February (& January) 2016 In One Playlist (Audio)

The month of February brought many surprises in Hip-Hop. DJ Premier partnered with ambient songstress Yuna, for some boom bap vibe music. Blu rocked on a 45 King track reminiscent of "Hard Knock Life." Kendrick Lamar and Ice Cube got funky with Funkadelic. The Game waxed poetic with nothing but... Read more

March 7, 2016 Audio

Ras Kass Entered At The Top Of His Game With This Diamond D Remix (Video)

Twenty years ago, Ras Kass debuted with Soul On Ice. In the two years prior, the Carson, California MC has appeared on the Street Fighter soundtrack (alongside Ahmad and Saafir), as well as Coolio's smash album, Gangsta's Paradise. However, the public had not gotten a true dose of the dense... Read more

March 3, 2016 Do Remember

D.I.T.C.’s O.C. Rhymes About What’s Really Important in Life…& What’s Not (Audio)

"Champagne wishes and caviar dreams" has become a popular phrase for the rags to riches motif found in a lot of music, particularly Hip-Hop. Originating as the catchphrase of the television series Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous, which ran from 1984 to 1995, the saying has been featured in... Read more

February 29, 2016 Audio

Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth Are Back In The Studio, Together

It has been more than a decade since Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth released music together. The early 1990s Elektra Records duo released a handful of songs since 1994's The Main Ingredient. While the Mount Vernon and New Rochelle, New Yorkers have been guarded about adding to their celebrated catalog... Read more

February 26, 2016 News

Fugees Producer Salaam Remi Explains How They Went From Underground MCs To Global Superstars

Twenty years ago, The Fugees released The Score. The February 13, 1996 album transformed the trio of Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Pras from New Jersey Underground Hip-Hop hopefuls to cultural icons. The RuffHouse/Sony Records album would go six-times platinum in the United States alone, and eventually pivot to everything... Read more

February 15, 2016 Food for Thought, Throwback

A.G. Goes 16 & Out Over A Monster Lord Finesse Beat (Audio)

Lord Finesse has produced songs for The Notorious B.I.G., Dr. Dre, and much of Big L's discography. However, the Bronx, New York triple threat (MC/DJ/producer) is known for quality over quantity. "The Underboss" has been laying low behind the boards in 2016, but just opened the door to some Funk... Read more

February 15, 2016 Audio

A.G. Reveals All-Star Lineup For Next Solo LP & Discusses D.I.T.C. Reunion (Video Interview)

A.G. was one of the performers on hand at this past weekend's second annual J Dilla Weekend in Miami, Florida. Like fellow performers T3 (Slum Village), Black Thought, Royce Da 5'9, Diamond D, and honoree Pete Rock, Andre The Giant worked with Dilla before the producer/MC's February 10, 2006 death.... Read more

February 9, 2016 Exclusive, Food for Thought, Video

Showbiz & A.G. Bring O.C. Into The Fold To Weigh What Defines A “Classic” (Audio)

The D.I.T.C. collective has some plaques, courtesy of Big L's The Big Picture, Fat Joe's Don Cartagena, and the platinum Jealous Ones Still Envy albums. However, "classic" is never weighted in framed medal albums. Showbiz & A.G. and O.C. are two factions of the Diggin' In The Crates conglomerate who... Read more

February 1, 2016 Audio

Fat Joe, O.C. & A.G. Remind Listeners How Lethal D.I.T.C.’s Lineup Is (Audio)

The Diggin' In The Crates reunion is burning strong. After several new crew-thick songs in 2016, the fresh week yields something especially fresh from a D.I.T.C. trio. "Diggin' Number" takes Fat Joe, O.C., and A.G., and assigns them numbers on a knocking quick-strike. Like De La Soul's "Plug" numbers, the... Read more

January 25, 2016 Audio

Black Thought, Jay Electronica, & Bun B Added To 2016 J Dilla Weekend Lineup

There have been some major changes surrounding the 2016 J Dilla Weekend. The second annual event in Miami, Florida will take place February 5-7. The event, hosted by J Dilla's mother, Maureen "Ma Dukes" Yancey, features concert performances, art exhibits, panels, record swap meets, and more. The main venue for... Read more

January 25, 2016 News

O.C. Looks At A World Gone Wrong & Vents In The Best Way Possible (Audio)

Veteran D.I.T.C. artist O.C. is highly-respected for his crisp cadence and masterful way about rapping about life and art. Acclaimed albums like Word...Life, Trophies, Jewelz, and Starchild have honed in on O's experiences and vision, and done so eloquently. On the just-released "My City," the former Payday Records artist takes a more universal approach.... Read more

January 12, 2016 Audio

This Little Boy Blues Record Was A Seed Of Love For Some Brooklyn Rap Giants (Audio)

Little Boy Blues released a single album, 1968's In The Woodland Of Weir. The Psychedelic Garage Rock outfit fronted by "Little Boy Blue" Ray Levin, would eventually rise to open for the Rolling Stones, The Association, and Lovin' Spoonful. Formed four years before the Fontana Records LP, the band was... Read more

January 10, 2016 Sample Sundays

A.G. & Damu The Fudgemunk Escape To A Nostalgic Place On A K-Def Track (Audio)

For 25 years, A.G. has been delivering verses that are mental excursions. Showbiz & A.G.'s most lyrical half is a guest on the new album by New Jersey veteran producer K-Def (LL Cool J, Lords Of The Underground, DJ EFN). There, he is joined by producer/MC double-threat Damu The Fudgemunk... Read more

January 9, 2016 Audio

De La Soul Are Performing Together to Honor J Dilla During His Tribute Weekend

In late December, the second annual J Dilla Weekend was announced. The Miami, Florida event will take place the weekend of February 5-7, and will be hosted by Dilla's mother, Maureen "Ma Dukes" Yancey. With Slum Village, Royce Da 5'9", Rapsody & 9th Wonder, Blu & Exile, Chuck Strangers, A-F-R-O,... Read more

January 6, 2016 News

Fat Joe, Diamond D & A.G. Show They’re Still Diggin’ For Perfection (Audio)

2016 is off to a promising start for the storied collective known as Diggin' In The Crates. First, D.I.T.C.'s "underboss," Lord Finesse released a top-of-year DJ mix. Now, three members are back in action, together. Fat Joe and his onetime mentor, Diamond D join A.G. for "Make Em So Proud."... Read more

January 4, 2016 Audio

This Feel-Good Lord Finesse Mix Is The Cure For The Post-Holiday Hangover

Let's face it, the first Monday of the new year can often be a drag. For many, this means (fully) back to work, often some challenging weather, and a long haul to the next reason to celebrate. The all knowing Lord Finesse seems to have forecast such a feeling. The... Read more

January 4, 2016 Mixes

Stream O.C.’s New EP, Chock Full Of Introspect & Precise Delivery (Audio)

O.C. is an MC whose biggest albums are not necessarily his best selling. While, the Brooklyn/Queens, New York representative's 1994 debut Word...Life is widely considered an incredible album, the Diggin' In The Crates member has made works to follow that have stood just as tall. Recently, O's Trophies effort with... Read more

December 10, 2015 Audio

Chris Rivers, Emilio Rojas & G. Fisher Are Lyrical Hitmen For Hire (Audio)

Three of Hip-Hop's hungriest, lyrically-leaning New York MCs come together on the appropriately-titled "Mercenaries." Emilio Rojas and Chris Rivers have been making noise for years, garnering excitement through freestyles, cyphers, guest appearances, and their own fully-produced songs. G. Fisher is the latest Diggin' In The Crates-cosigned MC to come forth,... Read more

December 10, 2015 Audio

Def Diggin’ It. Redman & Lord Finesse Kick A Freestyle Together (Audio)

Following last month's BET Hip Hop Awards Cypher, so many people are talking about Redman's freestyle skills. Tech N9ne told AFH this past week that Reggie Noble "murdered everything" in regards to the Beanie Sigel instrumental track, alongside Def Squad comrades Erick Sermon and Keith Murray, as well as DJ... Read more

November 22, 2015 Audio

Diamond D’s Forgotten Stunts, Blunts & Hip-Hop Video Features Bars & Quality Cameos

In 1992, Diamond D & The Psychotic Neurotics released debut album Stunts, Blunts and Hip Hop. The Chemistry/Mercury Records effort is remembered as a Rap classic, not only for its stellar production, but elite MC'ing. The album featured involvement from Brand Nubian, Large Professor, and Q-Tip, as well as Fatman... Read more

November 12, 2015 Do Remember

Raekwon’s Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… vs. O.C.’s Word…Life. 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

November 11, 2015 Finding the GOAT

Lauryn Hill’s The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill vs. Diamond D Stunts, Blunts & Hip Hop. 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

October 27, 2015 Finding the GOAT

DJ Premier Introduces A D.I.T.C. MC…With Scratches of DMX & Grand Puba on the Hook (Audio)

Over the last 25-plus years, DJ Premier may be one of Hip-Hop's most meaningful introducers of new artists. From Nas to Mobb Deep, Jeru The Damaja to Royce Da 5'9", Preemo's music finds the greatness in many MCs. Fisher is the latest D.I.T.C.-backed artist. Showbiz and company have yet another... Read more

September 30, 2015 Audio

Did You Know An Unsigned Eminem Slid Fat Joe Demo Tapes, More Than 6 Times?

As unsigned Eminem lived in New Jersey in the late 1990s. Running with Pacewon and The Outsidaz, doing 12" singles on small New York City independent labels, the Detroit, Michigan MC made a lot of impact trying to earn a lasting spot in the Hip-Hop/music industry. As fate would have... Read more

September 6, 2015 Fresh

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

August 13, 2015 Mixes

Buckwild Has A Gift In Producing Emerging MC Talent. So Meet DanO (Audio)

From Big L and O.C. to Meyhem Lauren and Beanie Sigel, Buckwild is gifted in helping artists assemble their debut projects. The Bronx, New York native and non-rapping member of D.I.T.C. is a master of combining sampling, melody, with a balance for streets and crossover airplay. A native of Lagos,... Read more

July 18, 2015 Audio

Travel Back To Big L, Cam’ron & Ma$e Freestyling on Stretch & Bobbito in 1996 (Audio)

The Children Of The Corn is a group shrouded in mystery. The Harlem, New York collective included four would-be major label lyricists in Big L, Ma$e, McGruff, and Cam'ron. However, many fans of those individuals are unfamiliar with the group that also included producer Digga (Jay Z, 50 Cent, Shyheim)... Read more

July 16, 2015 Throwback

KRS-One, Tragedy Khadafi & A.G. Call Politicians Modern Day Gangsters (Audio)

Since his days of running with the Juice Crew, Tragedy Khadafi has been the Intelligent Hoodlum. "Modern Day Gangsta," from Trag's upcoming summer album, is a clear extension of those days. The song unites the onetime Marley Marl protege with KRS-One and A.G. Each MC provides a rugged verbal essay... Read more

July 13, 2015 Audio

Cannibal Ox Make A Rare Visual…In Front Of Big L’s Harlem Mural (Video)

Part of Cannibal Ox's mystique surrounding The Cold Vein came in the fact that its presentation relied almost entirely on the music. Vast Aire, Vordul Mega, and then-producer El-P were not about the video components (just one, really), photo shoots, and over-the-top interviews. The Def Jux hallmark spoke for itself, and... Read more

July 8, 2015 Video

Stretch & Bobbito’s Highlight Reel Features Slick Rick, Big L & Mobb Deep (Mix)

Throughout the 1990s, Stretch Armstrong & Bobbito The Barber created a radio program that may as well have been the farm club to the Rap hall of fame. These two New York City DJs honored Hip-Hop 12" singles of the day, while welcoming would-be stars like Nas, Mobb Deep, Pharoahe... Read more

June 30, 2015 Throwback

Rapsody, Stacy Epps & Boog Brown Prove Diamond D Beats Are A Woman’s Best Friend (Video)

"Pump Ya Brakes" is another standout from Diamond D's 2014 album, The Diam Piece. On an upbeat composition, the Diggin' In The Crates producer/MC aligns Rapsody, Stacy Epps, and Boog Brown for a lyrical exhibition from some of the nicest in the game. North Carolina to Atlanta to New York... Read more

May 26, 2015 Video

The eMC Take It To Brazilian Streets With Diamond D Funk (Video)

If you listened to the theme of 2008's The Show, you know that The eMC is worldwide. Masta Ace, Wordsworth, and Stricklin are well-received overseas, given their energetic live shows and slick routines. For "The Monologue," the trio strolls up the narrow streets of Favela do Sussego, Grajau, São Paulo,... Read more

May 8, 2015 Video

Kurupt & Tha Alkaholiks Show Diamond D A West Coast Party (Video)

Celebrating all regions, eras, and styles, Diamond D's The Diam Piece continues to knock on doors, and knock in systems. In an onslaught of visuals, the Diggin' In The Crates co-founder heads to sunny California to link with longtime collaborators Tha Alkaholiks, and Kurupt. The video and the song ("We... Read more

April 22, 2015 Video

Diamond D Reveals He Was With Tupac the Night He Shot Two Cops; Recaps His Entire Career

The Combat Jack Show, fresh off of a groundbreaking interview with DJ Kool Herc, stays in the Bronx, New York mind-state, to interview Diamond D. Traditionally, the Diggin' In The Crates co-founder, onetime pupil to DJ Jazzy Jay, and mentor to Fat Joe is not that chatty. However, just like... Read more

April 14, 2015 Throwback

Masta Ace Hits The Pocket With Diamond D, Cutting In Some Classic Footage (Video)

Masta Ace and Diamond D are two the greatest Hip-Hop contributions from 1989. As Masta Ace hit with "Letter To Better," Raheem dropped "I'm The King," produced by the would-be Bronx O.G. For one of 2014's sweetest long-players, The Diam Piece, these longtime collaborators linked up again for "Ace Of... Read more

March 30, 2015 Video

Lord Finesse Digs In His Crates & Throws Down Rare Grooves (Mix)

This week (March 10), Lord Finesse is releasing The SP1200 Project: A Re-Awakening on Slice Of Splice Records. Dubspot knows how to honor the Underboss. With the site's in-depth audio interview, the publication commissioned the Bronx, New York legendary producer/DJ (and MC) to get behind the wheels and spin some... Read more

March 8, 2015 Throwback