def jam Archives

Ludacris Goes Beast Mode On Ludaversal (Audio)

Ludacris just tweeted out a link to another song off his upcoming Ludaversal album, which is set to drop on Def Jam/DTP on March 31. The new track, "Beast Mode", isn't as fast-paced or bouncy as the previously released "Call Ya Bluff", but it confirms that Luda is definitely returning... Read more

March 9, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Nas vs. Ghostface Killah…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 9, 2015 Fresh

Big Sean’s Dark Sky Paradise Is #1 On The Charts. The Samples Played A Role (Mix)

More than five years in the making, Big Sean grabbed #1 album honors this past week with his third studio LP, Dark Sky Paradise. The G.O.O.D. Music/Def Jam Records star is bidding for a permanent place at Rap's upper echelon, and this album—boasting production from Kanye West, DJ Mustard, Mike... Read more

March 9, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Black Thought vs. Beanie Sigel…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

March 5, 2015 Fresh

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Erick Sermon vs. Trugoy…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

March 4, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Chuck D vs. Lord Finesse…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

March 2, 2015 Throwback

Ludacris’ Ludaversal Might Have The Coolest Album Cover Of The Last Year

For all of his bragging on his raps, did you know Ludacris still (often) drives the same exact car he owned when he first broke through? The 1993 Acura Legend sedan is actually Chris Bridges' first car, before a career that would yield multi-platinum albums, recurring film franchise roles, and... Read more

March 2, 2015 Fresh

Kanye West Asks For Help On His Seventh Album Title & Releases Artwork

The cat is out of the bag...or in other words, "Mike Douglas out the car now." After a one-month media cycle, Kanye West has finally released the most pertinent detail surrounding his seventh solo album—its title. So Help Me God, will reportedly be the Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam Records superstar's release name.... Read more

March 1, 2015 News

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): T.I. vs. Ludacris…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

February 27, 2015 Fresh

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Big K.R.I.T. vs. ScHoolboy Q…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

February 26, 2015 Fresh

Redman, Talib Kweli and Wrekonize Bring a Slice of Pardise on a Super Soulful Track (Audio)

In terms of star power and interesting, thought-out collaborators DJ EFN's Another Time (March 3) rivals albums by Funkmaster Flex, DJ Clue, and DJ Khaled—just see the tracklist. Heads delight, as "Paradise" unites Redman with Talib Kweli, joined by ¡Mayday!'s Wrekonize. The three MCs describe idyllic places, from romantic partners,... Read more

February 26, 2015 Audio

Kenny G & Warren G Regulate A Mash-Up For Latenight TV…And It Grooves (Video)

Warren G's smooth attitude and penchant for humor has made him something of a media darling. The 213 co-founder has traveled a long way from producing for Mista Grimm, and made his way into a frequent source of humor for "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" to VICE, and Funny Or Die. The... Read more

February 24, 2015 Video

Kanye West Says His Next Album Returns To Music, Opens Up About Class, Religion & Dame Dash (Video)

A lover of surprises, Kanye West popped in on The Breakfast Club this morning (February 20), and the superstar sat in the hot seat for nearly an hour. In a particularly light mood (especially compared to his November 2013 visit), 'Ye takes any and all questions—including some penetrating inquiries from... Read more

February 20, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Common vs. Method Man…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

February 20, 2015 Fresh

Here’s the Inside Story of the Making of LL Cool J’s Classic Rock the Bells (Video)

In Ambrosia For Heads' ongoing GOAT ballot series to determine Hip-Hop's Greatest Of All Time MC, LL Cool J is facing off with Run (of Run-DMC) in Round 2. In this search to let fans decide the real winner, it is actually 30 years removed from a rivalry between the... Read more

February 19, 2015 Throwback

Rick Rubin Goes From Boom-Bap To Dance-Hop, Turning His Attentions To GoldLink

T La Rock. Run-DMC. LL Cool J. Beastie Boys. Public Enemy. Geto Boys... For more than 30 years, Rick Rubin has stood on the cutting edge, in Hip-Hop alone. The Def Jam Records co-founder can spot a humongous talent wave out in the ocean, from Rock & Roll to Metal... Read more

February 17, 2015 News

Black Thought Says The Roots Are Free Agents. Will They Go Independent?

In a recording career that's nearly 25 years long, The Roots have really dealt with only two labels: Geffen Records and Def Jam Records. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Hip-Hop band has released 11 studio albums, along with handfuls of EPs, collaborative works, and side projects dating back to 1993's Organix. After... Read more

February 17, 2015 News

Inspiration Is The Theme Behind Big Sean, Kanye West & John Legend’s Next Hit (Audio)

Things may look pretty easy for Big Sean these days. The G.O.O.D. Music/Def Jam sensation is living the good life, running at the top, with more industry movers and shakers in his corner than ever before. However, Sean is from Detroit, Michigan, and not so many years removed from just... Read more

February 17, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): DMX vs. Fabolous…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

February 12, 2015 Fresh

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Lil’ Kim vs. Ghostface Killah…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

February 10, 2015 Fresh

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Ol’ Dirty Bastard vs. Redman…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

February 6, 2015 Throwback

Vince Staples Holds Open The Screen Door & Welcomes Us Into His World (Video)

Vince Staples made a big dent in 2014. His Def Jam Records debut, Hell Can Wait, was a critical and fan favorite of the year, as the Long Beach, California MC added to the emerging youthful narratives from his close associates Odd Future and Mac Miller. "Screen Door" was a... Read more

February 5, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Joe Budden vs. Jay Rock…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

February 4, 2015 Fresh

Did DJ Mustard Just Give Rihanna, Kanye West & Paul McCartney’s Single The Boost It Needed? (Audio)

Despite all of its star-power, "FourFiveSecond," Rihanna's single, featuring Kanye West and Paul McCartney hasn't really been the sort of impact Heads may be used to from a RiRi opening look. Especially given that Unapologetic was three years ago, this is big stuff. Moreover, the single pushes Rihanna's booming vocals,... Read more

February 4, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Cam’ron vs. Jadakiss…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

February 3, 2015 Fresh

Kanye West, Paul McCartney & Rihanna Go The Old Fashioned Portrait Route (Video)

For their superstar-stacked collaboration, "FourFiveSeconds," Rihanna, Paul McCartney, and Kanye West aimed to support it with a straightforward visual. Shot in black & white by Inez & Vinoodh, the video shows the trio as themselves—not overly styled or choreographed. The song also is stripped from big production or Power Pop... Read more

February 3, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): LL Cool J vs. Run…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

January 27, 2015 Throwback

The Beatles’ Paul McCartney To Co-Produce Kanye West’s Seventh LP? An Insider Says So…

Thirteen months since Q-Tip and Rick Rubin were slated to produce "the bulk" of Kanye West's seventh solo album, a follow-up to 2013's Yeezus, a new iconic name enters the fold. Paul McCartney, of The Beatles, Wings, and nothing short of a legendary solo career is the latest name attributed... Read more

January 25, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Tupac vs. Big Boi…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

January 23, 2015 Fresh

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

January 22, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Kanye West vs. Ja Rule…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

January 21, 2015 Fresh

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Drake vs. Big Sean…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

January 20, 2015 Fresh

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Nas vs. Big L…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

January 19, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Jay-Z vs. AZ…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

January 13, 2015 Fresh

Finding The GOAT (Round 1): Logic vs. Action Bronson…Who You Got?

We have almost 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... Read more

January 5, 2015 Fresh

When Stitched Together, Ludacris’ Ludaverses Is A Sharp Reminder Of Lyrical Prowess (Audio)

For several weeks now, Ludacris has been dropping little tidbits of promotion. "Ludaverses" have been one and two-minute drops of the Atlanta, Georgia mainstay freestyling with tracks. On their own, these nuggets spoke to core DTP fans, especially those wanting to see the Def Jam Records superstar free from concept... Read more

January 2, 2015 Audio, Fresh

Late Producer of Run-D.M.C., Whodini & The Fat Boys Honored by DJ Eclipse Mix (Audio)

Over the Christmas holiday, Non-Phixion member and Halftime Radio Show DJ/host DJ Eclipse paid homage to Larry Smith, the iconic bassist and Hip-Hop producer who died earlier this month (December 18). Smith is remembered for helping cultivate the sound of the mid-1980s, through work with Whodini, Run-DMC, The Fat Boys,... Read more

December 29, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

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

December 28, 2014 Throwback

The-Dream’s New Single Finally Comes To Fruition (Audio)

For more than a decade, The-Dream has brought musical ideas to life in a major way. The Def Jam Records star had a low-key 2014, but starting in the last few days, serviced an unpublicized single, "Fruition," to several key radio markets. With the warm, alluring melody of the song... Read more

December 22, 2014 Audio, Fresh

LL Cool J & Canibus Squash Beef After More Than 17 Years (Video)

Very few things in 2014 Hip-Hop culture are the same as they were in 1997. However, for the first time in more than 17 years, Heads can say that LL Cool J and Canibus are cool. At the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York last night (December 19), LL Cool... Read more

December 20, 2014 Fresh, Video

Rest In Peace Larry Smith, Run-DMC & Whodini’s Iconic Producer

Hip-Hop has lost another pioneer. Yesterday (December 18), iconic producer and songwriter Larry Smith has been confirmed dead. Smith, who was 63 at the time of his death, produced early records for the likes of Run-DMC, Whodini, Jimmy Spicer, and Kurtis Blow. Smith's death comes more than six years following... Read more

December 19, 2014 Featured-homepage, Fresh, Throwback

A Long Way Away From 21st & Lewis, How Does Warren G Regulate Today? (Video)

It has been more than 20 years since Warren G & Nate Dogg released "Regulate" in the film, Above The Rim. The storytelling track on a funktafied Michael McDonald sample gave a proper stepping out for Warren and Nate, after some strong assistance a year prior on their 213 homie,... Read more

December 17, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

YG Displays His 2015 Flow Without Any Distractions (Video)

Often times, YG videos are driven to show the city of Compton, the place that's played such a strong role on the CTE/Def Jam artist's mixtapes, and especially his My Krazy Life debut. After nailing down 2014 as best he could, the California MC wants new things for 2015. From... Read more

December 16, 2014 Fresh, Video

Asher Roth Lyrically Bugs Out On Some Cutting Edge Nottz Production (Video)

Asher Roth's 2014 has been experimental, as has been the case surrounding the last three years of the Bucks County, Pennsylvania native MC. However, it also seems that the now-Def Jam-inked artist has really carved his way back into bending bars, witty wordplay, and thoughtful theses on things. This is... Read more

December 15, 2014 Fresh, Video

Big K.R.I.T. & Raphael Saadiq Time Travel Back To Soul Food Dinners (Video)

From Cadillactica, "Soul Food" is an evocative center-piece. Produced by Raphael Saadiq, the veteran crooner's transcending soulful sound colors the way for Big K.R.I.T.'s strong commentary on the changing times, and how that has effected family, love, and togetherness. For the video, symbols of simpler times are captured, from long... Read more

December 12, 2014 Fresh, Video

Cam’ron Announces Purple Haze 2, Plans To Retire Afterwards

Based on who you ask, Cam'ron's late 2004 album, Purple Haze, is the Harlem, New York MC's best work. The second of Cam's two Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam releases, this gold-certified album featured the Diplomats' General in top lyrical form. Beyond his emerging Dipset collective, the LP featured Roc label-mates Kanye West,... Read more

December 11, 2014 Fresh

Do Remember: Beanie Sigel, Grand Puba & Sadat X’s Bread & Butter (Audio)

With Beanie Sigel currently in our hearts and on our minds, this week's "Do Remember" seemed fitting to dedicate to the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania MC born Dwight Grant. Following two Top 5 charting albums (2000's The Truth, 2001's The Reason, respectively), Beanie Sigel took a break from the catalog. A gold-certified... Read more

December 11, 2014 Audio, Throwback

Ludacris Slows Things Down & Joins John Legend In A Personal Revelation (Audio)

Ludacris is not an artist typically associated with being highly-personal. The Atlanta, Georgia superstar has built a career by making smash hits for the club and radio, and executing thoughtful concept albums that rely more on theme than revelation. After taking a hiatus from making a body of solo work,... Read more

December 10, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Fabolous’ Lituation Is Inspired By A Great King Of New York Scene (Video)

From The Notorious B.I.G. to Schoolly D, Abel Ferrara's 1990 film, King Of New York, had a profound impact on Hip-Hop. The New Line Cinema picture starring Christopher Walken, Laurence Fishburne, and Wesley Snipes captured a style, grit, and era in New York City. In making his The Young O.G.... Read more

December 10, 2014 Fresh, Video

LL Cool J Refutes Battling Jay Z, Talks 2 Types Of Album Styles & Some Amazing Rumors (Audio)

The Combat Jack Show has left Hip-Hop journalism better than they found it in 2014. In the closing weeks of the year, the show invited LL Cool J for what immediately feels like one of the finest sit-downs. At nearly two hours, LL turns towards his devout Hip-Hop fans, his... Read more

December 9, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback