def jam Archives

Fabolous’ New Visual Recreates “Juice” and Guess Who’s Bishop? (Video)

After a series of weekly freestyles, and a comprehensive throwback mixtape alongside DJ Clue, Fabolous is back to work. The Def Jam/Desert Storm MC returns to promoting his The Young O.G. Project. For "Gone For The Winter," Fab' continues a popular trend of honoring 1990s films through contemporary music culture.... Read more

August 10, 2015 The Bridge, Video

RZA Says That Raekwon’s Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… Made It Possible For Rick Ross To Be Cool

Hip-Hop has a long discography when it comes to albums themed around hustling. Iconic releases such as Jay Z's Reasonable Doubt, E-40's Federal, The Clipse's Lord Willin', and Young Jeezy's Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101 are etched in the face of Rap history. However, 20 years past its birthday,... Read more

August 5, 2015 News

10 Years Later, Young Jeezy Says The Cover Of Thug Motivation 101 Was All Real (Video)

Today (July 26), Young Jeezy's major label debut album, Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101 turned 10 years old. The Atlanta, Georgia platinum, #1 artist celebrated with a hometown concert last night (July 25) at the Fox Theatre. There, Jeezy reunited with Boyz N Da Hood, the Bad Boy South-backed... Read more

July 26, 2015 Throwback

Remember When Jayo Felony, Method Man & DMX Made A Cross-Country Def Jam Hit Together? (Video)

While ONYX and 50 Cent are two of Jam Master Jay's star proteges—even if the latter found his success beyond JMJ Records, there is another artist he ushered in that is often overlooked. Jayo Felony became one of San Diego, California's first national Rap stars. Signed amidst the height of... Read more

July 23, 2015 Do Remember, Throwback

Warren G & Nate Dogg Found Fame Reworking ’80s Grooves. So Why Not An Encore? (Audio)

In 1994, Warren G & Nate Dogg brought the other gifted components of 213 to the forefront with "Regulate." On Warren's Def Jam Records debut, and Death Row Records' Above The Rim soundtrack (Nate's label), the song reverberated in some stylish G-Funk storytelling. With its pounding bassline, weed-scented coolness, and smooth Rap-meets-R&B... Read more

July 9, 2015 Audio, The Bridge

August Alsina Looks At What Hip-Hop Is Really About At Its Core (Video)

Even though August Alsina is not a traditional MC, Hip-Hop is a big part of his music. The Def Jam Records-backed singer follows up 2014's Testimony with "Hip-Hop," a single focused on the way things were when they were at their best. Nostalgic, intimate, and easy to relate to, the... Read more

June 29, 2015 Video

Big Sean, Chris Brown & Ty Dolla $ign Recreate The Opening Credits To “Martin” (Video)

Big Sean's "Play No Games" is a 1990s experience by design. The Dark Sky Paradise single heavily-samples Guy's "Piece Of My Love." So for the video to the Chris Brown and Ty Dolla $ign-assisted jam, Sean Don stays in that realm. The video calls back to "Martin." Martin Lawrence's FOX... Read more

June 29, 2015 The Bridge, Video

LL Cool J Classics Are Mixed While He’s Interviewed…by Marley Marl (Audio)

LL Cool J and Marley Marl go back. These two Queens, New York icons crossed paths in the late-1980s, when LL Cool J was widely touted as one of Hip-Hop's finest MCs, and Marley Marl was the go-to producer. From mixes of "Jinglin' Baby," to "Around The Way Girl," these... Read more

June 25, 2015 Audio

Ghostface Killah & Vince Staples Get The Money and Never Have To Run (Audio)

Approaching next month's Twelve More Reasons To Die, Ghostface Killah and Adrian Younge share a third glimpse from the RZA-backed Soul Temple sequel. With some of the dirtiest drums heard as of late, G.F.K. makes "Get The Money" sound oh so literal. This is "Heist Rap," as Adrian and Starks... Read more

June 22, 2015 Audio

Big Sean’s Powerful New Video Shows How One Person Can Change the World (Video)

Big Sean's Dark Sky Paradise continues to be a highlight within the 2015 album landscape. With catchy anthems, thematic singles, and signature wordplay-driven cuts, there's more. "One Man Can Change The World" is the pensive ambition. The song, a Getting Out Our Dreams ensemble, with Kanye West and John Legend,... Read more

June 19, 2015 Video

Ludacris Has A Dope & Duplicitous Visual For Grass Is Always Greener (Video)

From springtime's Ludaversal, "Grass Is Always Greener" is one of the album's highlights. In an LP that strips down some of Luda's fame and fortune and gets back to the heart of why he raps, this song chronicles the tightrope that is celebrity, and happiness. For the visual, Ludacris seems... Read more

June 12, 2015 Video

Method Man Gets 100% Real About His Album, The Media & Why He No Longer Curses on Songs (Interview)

We had the opportunity to speak at length with Method Man to discuss his forthcoming new album, The Meth Lab, and more. The veteran MC had a lot on his mind and did not hesitate to touch on several issues with candor and depth. In addition to talking about his... Read more

June 11, 2015 Audio

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

May 23, 2015 Mixes

For National Prevention Week, Watch This 1987 Public Enemy Anti-Drug PSA (Video)

Beginning May 17, we are in the midst of National Prevention Week, a seven-day annual event produced by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). With that in mind, Ambrosia For Heads is proud to shed light on not one, but two anti-drug PSA's this week that aired briefly... Read more

May 20, 2015 Exclusive, Throwback

Vince Staples’ Long Beach Transforms Into A Metaphoric Apocalypse (Video)

Vince Staples has made several enduring videos already, in his short career. For the Snoh Aalegra-assisted "Senorita," the two No I.D. proteges raise the stakes like never before. The Summertime '06 (June 30) look feels like something out of a '90s Soundgarden visual—only its world is the Long Beach City.... Read more

May 13, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 6): Nas vs. Tupac…Who You Got?

UPDATE: THE POLL IS CLOSED. After an unfortunate event where certain people attempted to skew the results the first time, we are conducting a rematch between Nas and Tupac. With now only 5 MCs remaining, Round 6 is well under-way in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT... Read more

May 12, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 6): Nas vs. Tupac…Who You Got?

UPDATE: Due to attempts to tamper with the voting, this post has been updated with a new poll, which can be found here. With now only 5 MCs remaining, Round 6 is well under-way in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). The second of... Read more

May 8, 2015 Fresh

Redman Reflects On MTV Cribs and What It Said About Who He Is

Whether you're a Def Squad Head or a lover of pranksters, Redman's episode of "MTV: Cribs" is that of legend. At a time when celebrities—especially rappers were showing gold-leaf wallpaper, infinity pools, personal chefs and garages that looked like Italian car dealerships, Reggie Noble was the antithesis. In year 2001,... Read more

May 6, 2015 Throwback, TV

Finding The GOAT (Round 5): KRS-One vs. Nas…Who You Got?

With just 11 MCs remaining we have reached the critical Round 5 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). Now, only five match-up’s—all running this week—separate Round 5 from the final six MCs, including Round 4 bye winner Big Daddy Kane. Since the elimination,... Read more

May 1, 2015 Fresh

Finding The GOAT (Round 5): The Notorious B.I.G. vs. Redman…Who You Got?

With just 11 MCs remaining we have reached the critical Round 5 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). Now, only five match-up’s—all running this week—separate Round 5 from the final six MCs, including Round 4 bye winner Big Daddy Kane. Since the elimination,... Read more

April 30, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 4): Eminem vs. DMX…Who You Got?

We have now reached the critical Round 4 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 21 MCs remaining (with the largest winning margin, Rakim receives a bye for the round), things are really coming down to 10 match-ups, leading AFH’s bracket-style series towards... Read more

April 22, 2015 Fresh

Finding The GOAT (Round 4): Big Daddy Kane vs. Erick Sermon…Who You Got?

We have now reached the critical Round 4 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 21 MCs remaining (with the largest winning margin, Rakim receives a bye for the round), things are really coming down to 10 match-ups, leading AFH’s bracket-style series towards... Read more

April 21, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 4): Kendrick Lamar vs. Big K.R.I.T.…Who You Got?

We have now reached the critical Round 4 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 21 MCs remaining (with the largest winning margin, Rakim receives a bye for the round), things are really coming down to 10 match-ups, leading AFH’s bracket-style series towards... Read more

April 20, 2015 Fresh

Finding The GOAT (Round 4): Tupac vs. Scarface…Who You Got?

We have now reached the critical Round 4 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 21 MCs remaining (with the largest winning margin, Rakim receives a bye for the round), things are really coming down to 10 match-ups, leading AFH’s bracket-style series towards... Read more

April 17, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 4): LL Cool J vs. Redman…Who You Got?

We have now reached the critical Round 4 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 21 MCs remaining (with the largest winning margin, Rakim receives a bye for the round), things are really coming down to 10 match-ups, leading AFH’s bracket-style series towards... Read more

April 15, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 4): Busta Rhymes vs. Ludacris…Who You Got?

We have now reached the critical Round 4 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 21 MCs remaining (with the largest winning margin, Rakim receives a bye for the round), things are really coming down to 10 match-ups, leading AFH's bracket-style series towards... Read more

April 14, 2015 Fresh

Finding The GOAT (Round 4): Nas vs. Black Thought…Who You Got?

We have now reached the critical Round 4 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 21 MCs remaining (with the largest winning margin, Rakim receives a bye for the round), things are really coming down to 10 match-ups, leading AFH's bracket-style series towards... Read more

April 13, 2015 Fresh

Vince Staples’ Atypical Long Beach Upbringing Comes To Life In A Mini-Documentary (Video)

In the latest episode of "The Neighborhood," Complex zooms in on Long Beach, California lyricist Vincent Staples. The video takes the viewers on a casual stroll through the young MC's old stomping grounds and let's us get up close and personal with some of his childhood friends and family members.... Read more

April 7, 2015 Video

Jhene Aiko Re-Enacts Her Near Death Experience in the Visual for Eternal Sunshine (Video)

Singer-songwriter Jhene Aiko released a video for the single "Eternal Sunshine" off of her 2014 debut album Souled Out. The video captures her above while she exhibits her emotions when a car crash occurs in the background, as paramedics rush to the scene of what seems to be a tragedy. The R&B artist based... Read more

April 6, 2015 Video

Logic Squeezes Everything He Possibly Can Out Of This Freestyle Opportunity (Video)

Today's crop of artists really seem to love the moment. Logic is one of the nouveau stars who—no matter his place on the charts or the magazine covers, still hits the mic like he's fresh in the door. The Def Jam budding MC hit the BBC's Fire In The Booth... Read more

April 6, 2015 Video

Fabolous Flows Over a Wu-Tang Classic. It’s Not a Game (Audio)

When presented with a concept, Fabolous never falters. The Brooklyn, New York star follows up his freestyle rendition of Mobb Deep's "Shook Ones, Part 2," and stays in the mid-1990s zone. Here, he moves from Havoc's anthem to one of RZA's finest concoctions, in 1993's "Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing ta... Read more

April 4, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Slick Rick vs. Rakim…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, 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... Read more

April 3, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Game vs. Ludacris…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, 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... Read more

April 2, 2015 Fresh

Prince Paul Clarifies an MF DOOM Production Rumor, Revisits Prince Among Thieves (Audio)

Prince Paul is one of the more legendary producers of the last 30 years. Throughout that time, the Long Island, New York native has been involved with an extensive range of music, into Comedy and Spoken Word. His approaches have changed and pioneered the modern Rap sound, with the use... Read more

April 1, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Redman vs. Phife Dawg…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, 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... Read more

April 1, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Big K.R.I.T. vs. Action Bronson…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, 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... Read more

March 31, 2015 Fresh

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): DMX vs. Joe Budden…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, 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... Read more

March 30, 2015 Fresh

Ludacris’ Personal Revelations Come To Life With The Roots’ Support (Video)

Ludacris truly seems to have something special with Ludaversal (March 31). The DTP founder's most honest, most vulnerable, and most courageous album to date comes at a time when Heads may not be expecting it from him. After all, Luda' seemingly has it all already, after 15 years running things—different... Read more

March 27, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): LL Cool J vs. DMC…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, 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... Read more

March 26, 2015 Throwback

Ludacris Says Don’t Get It Confused, He Keeps It Realer Than Most Rappers (Video)

Although Heads are only learning it weeks before the album, Ludaversal (March 31) appears to be Ludacris' stripped down album. Like the 22 year-old "daily driver" Acura on the album cover, Ludacris seems to be all about being himself on his ninth Def Jam Records effort. Yesterday (March 24), Heads... Read more

March 25, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Method Man vs. Black Thought…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, 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... Read more

March 25, 2015 Fresh

Ludacris Deploys A Slow Flow To Talk About The Smoke & Mirrors Of The Rap Game (Audio)

Ludacris' ninth solo LP, Ludaversal (March 31) is one week away. Within the album, the Rap mainstay has one song that reflects on his journey, and the stresses that come with a sustainable career in the industry. Listening to a superstar whine might not be appealing or original in theory,... Read more

March 24, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Jay-Z vs. MF DOOM…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, 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... Read more

March 19, 2015 Fresh

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Dr. Dre vs. Erick Sermon…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, 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... Read more

March 18, 2015 Throwback

Ludacris, Big K.R.I.T. & Mike WiLL Make Another One For The Trunk (Audio)

While Ludacris put his first car and oft-daily driver 1993 Acura Legend on the cover of Ludaversal (which has since been altered for some reason), don't get it confused. The Disturbing Tha Peace founder, and longtime Def Jam Records superstar has a garage that looks like a baseball roster. In... Read more

March 17, 2015 Audio

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

March 16, 2015 News, Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Kanye West vs. Mos Def…Who You Got

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, 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... Read more

March 16, 2015 Fresh

Big K.R.I.T. Gets Autobiographical About His Struggle To Climb Mt. Olympus (Audio)

Big K.R.I.T. is five years in on a journey to his own private "Mount Olympus." However, for the Merdian, Mississippi native, the journey goes back a long ways before 2010's Kritzwuzhere. On "K.R.I.T. 4eva (Chapter One)," the MC/producer channels the hunger—literally "a sandwich a day" as he recalls Greyhound bus... Read more

March 13, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): KRS-One vs. Chuck D…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, 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... Read more

March 11, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Busta Rhymes vs. Jadakiss…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, 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... Read more

March 10, 2015 Fresh