def squad ArchivesAmbrosia For Heads

Redman’s New Verse Reminds He’s A Top Storyteller

Despite going over eight years without a new album, Redman stays incredibly active. During 2023, the Def Squad MC showered fans with a series of great video freestyles to top-notch beats. He also paid a Def Jam Records homage to a Slick Rick catalog classic and put in work with... Read more

March 7, 2024 Audio

Erick Sermon Is Releasing A Dynamic Duos Album

This weekend, Erick Sermon released the first single of a long-anticipated album, Dynamic Duos. On Friday (February 9), E-Double released "Back 2 The Party." The song features a legendary duo, Salt-n-Pepa. Sermon orchestrates a song that is co-produced by his longtime Def Squad affiliate Rockwilder (with Erick). What's more, the... Read more

February 10, 2024 Fresh, News, Trending Stories

Treach Names His Top 5 MCs From New Jersey

On the most recent episode of Drink Champs, Naughty By Nature's Treach appeared as the guest. The Grammy Award-winning veteran MC discussed over three hours worth of topics. Last year, the NBN co-founder vented frustrations about Top 5 lists and their impact on Hip-Hop. “I don’t think a lot of... Read more

November 19, 2023 Trending Stories, Video

Redman Has Released A Series Of Freestyles Over Hip-Hop Classics

Next month will make it eight years since Redman released an album. However, as the Def Squad MC plugs away at Muddy Waters Too and Blackout! 3 with Method Man, he frequently gives his devoted fan-base new music. In 2023, Reggie Noble has teamed with Royce 5'9, Logic, Tony Touch,... Read more

October 17, 2023 Video

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

August 17, 2023 Exclusive, Food for Thought, Hip-Hop's 50th Anniversary

Redman Remakes A Slick Rick Classic For A New Adventure

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

August 5, 2023 Audio

Redman, Erick Sermon & Keith Murray Show How Def Their Squad Is

The Def Squad has been going strong for over 30 years. As Hip-Hop celebrates its 50th anniversary, the three-MC core of Erick Sermon, Redman, and Keith Murray showed up in style at the 2023 BET Awards. Erick Sermon kicked off the medley performing his 2001 solo song "Music" from his album of the same... Read more

June 25, 2023 TV, TV/Film, Video

Redman & Royce 5’9 Put Weak Rappers On Notice

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

March 31, 2023 Audio

Redman Keeps It All The Way Real On A New Song With Logic

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

February 25, 2023 Audio

Erick Sermon Reveals He’s Overcome An Opioid Addiction

One of Hip-Hop's most beloved multi-threats has opened up about his personal life. Erick Sermon revealed this weekend that he is seven months clean from opioid addiction. The EPMD and Def Squad co-founder has not previously shared that he was addicted to painkillers. On Instagram, E-Double shared the news, along... Read more

January 7, 2023 Lifestyle, News

Keith Murray Details His Alleged Affair With Foxy Brown While She Dated Kurupt

In late 1999, Kurupt released one of the most inflammatory diss songs of that period. "Calling Out Names," an unlisted bonus song from Tha Streetz Iz A Mutha, was a scathing diss by Tha Dogg Pound MC aimed at DMX, Ja Rule, and Irv Gotti—while making disparaging remarks about The... Read more

December 29, 2022 Video

Erick Sermon Confirms The Passing Of Hurricane G

UPDATE: On Monday, November 7, The New York Post reported that according to family members, Hurricane G had been battling cancer. “My mom has stage 4 lung cancer,” Gloria's daughter Lexus previously announced via social media. “I don’t know how many of you understand what that means but even after... Read more

November 7, 2022 News

Redman Explains Why He Used To Keep A Tissue In His Nose

Redman is known for keeping it real. The New Jersey veteran MC/producer/DJ had a moment over 20 years with arguably the most memorable MTV Cribs episode. Reggie Noble invited audiences into his modest Staten Island, New York home—complete with a box of dollar bills, fish sticks in the freezer, and... Read more

July 11, 2022 Video

Method Man & Redman Reunite To Show Hip-Hop Is Alright

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 and listen... Read more

November 20, 2021 Audio

Redman & Method Man Are Making Blackout 3

Last night (April 20), Method Man and Redman proved to be the big dogs of Verzuz, with one of the most anticipated displays since the platform's creation. The performance was part concert, part competition. Two of Hip-Hop's closest figures made all who tuned in feel their chemistry as they ran... Read more

April 21, 2021 Video

Method Man & Redman Join Gang Starr For A Remix That Stands Up For Real Hip-Hop

On November 1, Gang Starr released its first album in more than 16 years. DJ Premier carefully crafted sounds around some previously unreleased vocals from Guru. In the autumn, Heads got two singles before One Of The Best Yet, the album which was later named to Ambrosia For Heads' Best... Read more

January 30, 2020 Audio

Redman Samples “Da Rockwilder” & M.O.P. Adlibs To Make A New Banger (Audio)

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So…let Ambrosia For Heads 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 its ever been. Not only are we able to... Read more

January 10, 2020 Audio

Redman Has Been Volunteering At Music Festivals Undercover. Here’s Why (Video)

One of the most iconic moments of Redman's career is his episode of MTV Cribs. At the top of the millennium, Reggie Noble brought cameras to his Staten Island, New York residence (which he still owns). On a show known for grandeur and decadence, Funk Doc's crib featured a DJ... Read more

December 15, 2019 Video

Redman Explains Why He’s The 11th Member Of Wu-Tang Clan (Video)

Redman and Method Man have one of the strongest bonds in Hip-Hop. The pair toured together during the mid-1990s, organized by their then-label, Def Jam Records. Out of that orchestrated chemistry, a relationship grew that led to two albums, a theatrical film, and hundreds of concert appearances. However, Redman's history... Read more

December 11, 2019 Video

RJ Payne Say He’s The New Def Squad As He Spits Heat Beside Erick Sermon (Video)

RJ Payne is one of the anticipated artists on Benny's Black Soprano Family imprint. From Philadelphia, Pennsylvania the onetime star of the Battle Rap circuit (then known as "Reignman") has fed the masses with an onslaught of releases in his If C*caine Could Talk series. Before formally inking with Benny... Read more

August 9, 2019 Video

EPMD Are Working On A New Album & It’s Big Business (Video)

Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith are back to work more than 30 years since the release of EPMD's debut album, Strictly Business. At Long Island, New York's Def Squad Studios, speaking to AFH TV, Erick and Parrish dropped some new information about the duo's upcoming eighth album, said to be titled... Read more

May 28, 2019 Interview, News, Video

Erick Sermon, Styles P & AZ Team Up To Save The Rap Game (Audio)

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So…let Ambrosia For Heads 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... Read more

April 28, 2019 Audio

Erick Sermon Has Released A New Album Filled With All-Stars. Listen Here (Audio)

Erick Sermon has just released his eighth solo album, Vernia. Earlier this month, at Long Island, New York's Def Squad Studios, the Green-Eyed Bandit extensively details his LP featuring Raekwon, N.O.R.E., Too Short, Devin The Dude, No Malice, Big K.R.I.T., Pharrell, Styles P, AZ, Shaquille O'Neal, Xzibit, Keith Murray, and... Read more

April 19, 2019 Interview, News, Video

Erick Sermon, Raekwon & N.O.R.E. Remind MCs They Fathered Their Styles (Audio)

After nearly 18 months of anticipation, Erick Sermon is releasing his eighth solo album later this week. On April 19, The Green-Eyed Bandit will drop Vernia, named after the legendary Brentwood, Long Island MC/producer's late grandmother. Following February's "That Girl," featuring Big K.R.I.T., Erick is unleashing a new single. This... Read more

April 15, 2019 Audio

Erick Sermon Is Back To Give Rap What It’s Been Missing With His New Song

Erick Sermon sometimes gets more credit for his production than his rhymes. However, for more than 30 years, the double-threat has penned some lyrics that are forever tattooed on the Hip-Hop consciousness. That has been true with EPMD, Def Squad, and alone. The MC who once proclaimed "I wish music... Read more

March 18, 2019 Audio

First Method Man Rapped To A Trap Beat, Now It’s Redman’s Turn (Video)

UPDATE: Redman has released the "Trap House" music video, featuring Kazzie: ORIGINAL FEBRUARY 6 STORY: In late 2018, Method Man tried his hand at a different kind of sound than typically associated with Wu-Tang Clan's Iron Lung MC. From his recently-released Meth Lab Season 2: The Lithium project, "Killing... Read more

February 28, 2019 Audio, Video

Erick Sermon & Big K.R.I.T. Join Forces To Celebrate Southern Women (Audio)

Erick Sermon's eighth solo studio album Vernia has been in the works for more than a year. The Hip-Hop legend drops off a new single to whet fans appetite on the LP that they pre-funded. "That Girl" is a strong release from the EPMD MC/producer and celebrates women of the... Read more

February 14, 2019 Audio

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

February 14, 2019 Lifestyle, Video

Keith Murray & Mr. Cheeks Make New Squad Rules On A Lost Boyz Sequel

Over 20 years ago, South Jamaica Queens Rap ensemble, Lost Boyz, gained traction both in New York City and on the FM waves with their 1995 debut single, "Lifestyles Of The Rich & Shameless." After inking a deal with Uptown Records, the foursome found more acclaim as they made their... Read more

February 9, 2019 Audio

Method Man & Redman Have Nothing To Prove But Still Go For Broke

Last Friday (December 14), Method Man released his Meth Lab Season 2: The Lithium. The Wu-Tang Clan MC's latest catalog addition involves Raekwon, Snoop Dogg, N.O.R.E., and Cappadonna among a cast of hungry up-and-coming MCs from Staten Island, New York. That ensemble includes Mr. Meth's longtime protege Streetlife, as well... Read more

December 18, 2018 Video

LL Cool J, DMX, Redman & Method Man Explain The Real Definition Of A Freestyle

Twenty-one years ago this month, LL Cool J released his "4, 3, 2, 1" single. Not unlike "I Shot Ya" two years prior, one of the most respected figures in Rap recruited a team of ferocious MCs to share the mic. In addition to Canibus, whose early career appearance and... Read more

December 16, 2018 Throwback, Throwback, Video

Sean Price Teamed With Mic Handz In His Last Days. Listen To The Music They Made (Video)

UPDATE: Mic Handz' video to "Conceit," featuring Sean Price: ORIGINAL OCTOBER 27 STORY: "More than three years since he passed away, Sean Price's legacy burns bright. Last year, Duck Down Music and Sean's wife Bernadette released Imperius Rex, an album that was selected among Ambrosia For Heads' best of 2017.... Read more

October 27, 2018 Audio, Video

Redman Tears It Up With Another Headbanger (Video)

Redman is on a hot streak right now. The Newark, New Jersey-born MC may not have major label backing anymore, but he does not need it. Funk Doc is proceeding with the release of Muddy Waters Too as a flagship artist should. He has been dropping new tracks for the... Read more

October 5, 2018 Video

Redman’s New Song Is His Best Yet From Muddy Waters Too. He Tears It Up (Audio)

Since his Whut? Thee Album debut (released 26 years ago this week), Redman has dropped two handfuls of LPs, often every two or three years. Even before offering up 2015's Mudface, Reggie Noble kept fans on the edge of their seat with one of his most anticipated releases ever, Muddy Waters... Read more

September 25, 2018 Audio

K-Solo Discusses The Day He Says Redman Shot At Him Multiple Times (Video)

K-Solo was one of the first Hit-Squad MCs that Parrish Smith put down with EPMD. The Long Island, New York rapper has been quite forthcoming in recent years about the early days of Erick and Parrish's pioneering Hip-Hop crew. While he has not enjoyed nearly as fruitful a career as... Read more

September 13, 2018 Video

Redman Brings 1990 Hip-Hop To The Present & It Sounds So Beautiful (Video)

Late last week, Redman released his latest single, "1990 NOW." In the song, Reggie Noble delights in making the kind of Hip-Hop that influenced him to grab the microphone, and tell millions of fans when it was "Time 4 Sumaksion." The Newark, New Jersey star MC has commanded the masses... Read more

August 28, 2018 Video

Erick Sermon Previews His Next Album With A Verse That’s As Hard As His Beats (Video)

In addition to new EPMD sneakers, Erick Sermon has been busy promoting his eighth solo album. Now titled Vernia (after being previously called Go), the fan-funded LP promises involvement from AZ, Big K.R.I.T., Xzibit, Too Short, Styles P, and others. At the top of the year, the Long Island legend... Read more

August 27, 2018 Video

Das EFX Say Fu-Schnickens Stole Their Style & Explain How (Video)

Das EFX was one of the most original Hip-Hop groups of the 1990s. Krazy Drazy and Skoob’s rough and rugged look, animated flows, and especially their “iggity” cadence and stutter-style delivery caught the attention of music fans worldwide. While their unique “sewa'” style nabbed them accolades and a sizeable record... Read more

August 26, 2018 Video

Redman Releases A New Song That Sounds Like 1990 In All The Best Ways (Audio)

Redman's "Muddy Waters Too Movement" continues. Funk Doc is gearing up for the long-awaited sequel to his 1996 landmark third LP. Following the recent video drops "Ya!" and "I Love Hip Hop," the promotional push for the upcoming album continues with "1990 NOW." This Gilla House Records single, produced by... Read more

August 24, 2018 Audio

Queens, NY Has Named August 19 “Ralph McDaniels Day” (Videos)

Today (August 19) will forever be Ralph McDaniels Day in the borough of Queens, New York. The confirmation was made this evening, during Uncle Ralph's second 35th-anniversary celebration for Video Music Box. A free event took place at Jamaica, Queens' Roy Wilkins Park, and Ambrosia For Heads was on hand... Read more

August 19, 2018 Exclusive, Video

Keith Murray Takes The Beat He Lost To JAY-Z And Makes It His Own Def Jam (Audio)

Long Island, New York’s DJ Gumba has been bringing the best out of the Keith Murray lately. While the whole Def Squad seems reinvigorated in 2018, Murray has been consistently smashing classic beats nearly every month since January. It seems that Gumba picks crucial tracks he thinks Murray would kill,... Read more

August 18, 2018 Audio

Erick Sermon & Parrish Smith Are Still In Business. They Have An EPMD Sneaker (Video)

More than 30 years ago, Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith formed EPMD. From dropping some of the most influential tracks in Hip-Hop history to surviving periods of breakup, the E and P are still together, still in business, and currently celebrating their 30-year anniversary in style. The Brentwood, Long Island... Read more

August 14, 2018 Fresh, Lifestyle, News, Video

Redman Gets The Party Started For His Muddy Waters Sequel In His Latest Video

Despite having almost 30 years in the Rap game under his belt, Redman maintains his star-power by approaching his projects with a rookie-like energy. Through staying active and enthusiastic, the Funk Doc has shown his witty wordplay to a new generation of fans—despite just a few projects in recent years.... Read more

July 25, 2018 Video

Finding The GOAT Group: Method Man & Redman vs. Gang Starr. 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

July 20, 2018 Best Hip-Hop Group, Finding the GOAT

Finding The GOAT Group: EPMD vs. Eric B. & Rakim. 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

July 13, 2018 Best Hip-Hop Group, Finding the GOAT

Redman’s Muddy Waters Too Is Coming. This New Song Will Make You Say YA! (Audio)

In late June, Redman surprised fans when he released an a la carte video called "I Love Hip-Hop." The Def Squad MC was straightforward about the culture and genre that propelled him from a hungry battle rapper running with Biz Markie to a headlining star the last 25-plus years. That... Read more

July 13, 2018 Audio

Redman Releases A Song That Reminds Us Why We All Love Hip-Hop (Video)

Since the 1990s Redman has been able to remain one of the most consistent MCs. While many who hit their peak at a young age and understandably decline over the years, the New Jersey native's been able to remain a force to be reckoned with, both through his catalog and the... Read more

June 22, 2018 Audio, Video

Method Man Is In Johnny Blaze Mode On A Hot Beat By Rockwilder. Protect Ya Neck (Audio)

Erick Sermon's Def Squad label has revitalized in 2018. After a successful crowd-sourcing campaign to fund a new album and new label, The Green Eyed-Bandit has been giving fans plenty. The studio and label now offer some heat from one of E's longest-running collaborators: Method Man. Notably, "Who I'm Iz... Read more

June 15, 2018 Audio

New Def Squad Artist Elijah The Young Prophit Flips EPMD To Make It His Thing (Video)

Erick Sermon is not only a legendary producer and MC, but he’s also one of Hip-Hop's most gifted talent scouts. E-Double mentored Redman and Keith Murray while having early hands in the careers of Rick Ross, K-Solo, and Das-EFX. Def Squad Records and the Green-Eyed Bandit are once again ready... Read more

May 22, 2018 Ready Or Not

Finding The GOAT Group: EPMD vs. Beastie Boys. 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

April 11, 2018 Best Hip-Hop Group, Finding the GOAT