elzhi Archives

Elzhi Keeps It So Real His Songs Are Like Journal Entries. (Audio)

Elzhi has built a formidable career off of just one solo album—and that was more than seven years ago. The onetime Slum Village member does this through making every verse count, independent of where those bars live. "P.S." is the latest check-in. Themed around a Matrix red-pill vs. blue-pill scenario,... Read more

October 13, 2015 Audio

On Its 10 Year Anniversary, Little Brother Remember The Minstrel Show With New Perspective

According to many Hip-Hop Heads, one of the most complete, cohesive Rap albums of the 2000s is Little Brother's The Minstrel Show. Released by Atlantic Records, the LP is a bittersweet moment for its makers and its legions of fans. Ten years ago yesterday (September 13, 2005), 9th Wonder, Phonte,... Read more

September 14, 2015 Throwback

Markis Precise’s Debut Features Elzhi, Fashawn, Brother Ali & Ras Kass (Album Stream)

Fresno, California producer/musician Markis Precise just released his debut album, The Feeling Of Flying. The Ineffable Music Group LP is no compilation, but a carefully-crafted album featuring a cross-section of lyricists including fellow Fresno native Fashawn, as well as Elzhi, Brother Ali, Ras Kass, Murs, Strong Arm Steady, and Oddisee,... Read more

August 7, 2015 Audio

Skyzoo & Elzhi Fold Hands & Dissect a Beat Together (Audio)

In the last five years (and truly, going back into the mid-2000s), Skyzoo and Elzhi are two of the most consistent do-it-yourself MCs. Brooklyn, New York—meets—Detroit, Michigan beyond Random Axe, as Sky' and El' freak "Hands Folded Together." The song features that linear, detailed imagery both rappers deliver regularly. The... Read more

June 16, 2015 Audio

Listen to the Best Hip-Hop of February 2015 All in One Playlist (Audio)

The month of February had less days, but it was not short on good music. The tight four weeks brought new songs from Kendrick Lamar, Ghostface Killah, Scarface, Method Man, Redman, Talib Kweli, Logic, Big K.R.I.T., Slum Village, Rah Digga, Action Bronson, Kanye West, Cannibal Ox, Drake, GZA, Fashawn, Nas,... Read more

March 4, 2015 Audio

Elzhi Offers Up His First Single In Ages. Emotional & Dilla-Related, It’s Worth The Wait (Audio)

There is less than a week left to the month of February. Whether it's been the frigid cold (for some), some depressing headlines, or just the new year's lull, it's a complicated month. Elzhi writes from the moment in "February." The Detroit, Michigan veteran leads into his true Preface follow-up,... Read more

February 24, 2015 Audio

Flip Flips Ill Beats With Elzhi, Edo. G, A.G. & Guilty Simpson Flipping Bars (Album Stream)

Australian producer Flip is the latest beat-maker from "down under" to distribute dope sounds with a plethora of his influences. On the just-released Ill Adrenaline Records (Neek The Exotic, The Legion, Confidence) effort Reflections. Included are respected vets such as A.G. (Showbiz & A.G.), Phat Kat, Kev Brown, Edo. G,... Read more

February 17, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): MF DOOM vs. Elzhi…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 16, 2015 Fresh

Phat Kat & Elzhi Keep The Chemistry Strong, Over A Flip Beat (Lyric Video)

Less than two months removed from their own "Detroit vs. Everybody" rendition, "All Madden" Phat Kat and Elzhi are back in action. Australian producer Flip brought the D-boys together for "Without Warning." A lyric video does the moment and the energy proud, with color, images, and style. Flip's LP, Reflections... Read more

January 21, 2015 Video

Phat Kat, Elzhi & Guilty Simpson Unite To Show It Really Is Detroit Vs. Everybody (Video)

In the wake of Eminem, Big Sean, Danny Brown, Royce Da 5'9," Trick-Trick and Dej Loaf's "Detroit vs. Everybody," other MCs from the cold D want in. Three artists who worked closely with the bulk of the new class, Phat Kat, Elzhi, and Guilty Simpson team up for "All Madden."... Read more

November 29, 2014 Fresh, Video

Finding The GOAT: Elzhi vs. Blu…Who You Got?

As we continue 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 in a sequence not... Read more

November 18, 2014 Fresh

A-Villa’s New Production LP Features Kool G Rap, AZ, Elzhi & Big K.R.I.T. (Album Stream)

A-Villa's Carry On Tradition releases today. Should you want to support the Chicago, Illinois-based producer's Closed Sessions release, he's offering up a free listen first. The LP calls in verses from veterans including Big K.R.I.T., Inspectah Deck, Cormega, Freeway, Kool G Rap, Joe Budden, AZ, Elzhi, Rapper Big Pooh, and... Read more

November 4, 2014 Audio, Fresh

BADBADNOTGOOD & Ghostface Killah Bring Elzhi Out For Gunshowers (Audio)

Ten years ago, would you ever imagine Ghostface Killah (then a key Def Jam acquisition) and Elzhi (then running with Slum Village) together? BADBADNOTGOOD & Ghost's Sour Soil makes that happen on "Gunshowers." This intricate instrumentation opens the gate for El' and Starks to bombard the microphone with sharp verbals,... Read more

October 17, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Here’s a Playlist of the Best Hip-Hop to Drop in September 2014 (Audio)

As we ease into October, here's a look back at some of the amazing music that came out in September 2014. You'll hear songs from DJ Quik, Nas, The Lox, Schoolboy Q, Common, Jay Electronica, MC Lyte, Childish Gambino, Raekwon, Logic, Rapsody, Yelawolf, Diamond D, Elzhi, Talib Kweli, Nature, Rick... Read more

October 7, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Playlists

When Diamond D Releases A New LP, It’s Kind Of A Big Deal. Check The Diam Piece (Album Stream)

This past week, Diamond D released his sixth solo album (fourth studio), The Diam Piece. The Empire-distributed LP from one of the keystones of the Diggin' In The Crates (D.I.T.C) family features Pete Rock, Talib Kweli, The Pharcyde, Tha Alkaholiks, Kurupt, Rapsody, Pharaohe Monch, Fat Joe and Freddie Foxxx, among... Read more

October 4, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Diamond D Seamlessly Teams With Elzhi, Talib Kweli & Skyzoo (Audio)

Diamond D laces the track from his just-released Diam Piece album. Although he doesn't rhyme on it, Diamond can surely relate to watching fickle fans, unprepared media, and pauper promoters that aren't treating art and the artists the way they ought to. Each MC takes the theme a little differently,... Read more

September 30, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Here’s a Playlist of the Best Hip-Hop of July 2014 (Audio)

July brought the heat in Hip-Hop, including new music from Jeezy & Jay Z, Black Thought, Raekwon, G-Unit, Rah Digga, Q-Tip, Cormega, Wale, "Your Old Droog," Elzhi, Chubb Rock, KRS-One, Big K.R.I.T., Wiz Khalifa, Common, Dilated Peoples, Souls of Mischief, Scarface and more. Check out a playlist of the Best... Read more

August 2, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Playlists

Elzhi Drops a Hot Verse in The Backroom. Prepare to Press Rewind (Video)

For more than a decade, in a storied Hip-Hop and 'dolo, Elzhi has been a lyrical force to be reckoned with. Almost exclusively an independent artist, the Detroit, Michigan MC was a welcomed guest to "106 & Park's" Backroom for a freestyle. Kicking those verbal smart-bombs that Elz' has been... Read more

July 13, 2014 Video

Here’s a Playlist of Some of the Best Hip-Hop to Drop in January 2014 (Audio)

Before we get too deep into February, here's a look back at some of the best Hip-Hop to drop in January 2014. After a slow start, we got new music from Phonte, Talib Kweli, Elzhi, Schoolboy Q, Yasiin Bey (pka Mos Def), Phife, Freddie Gibbs & Madlib, Pete Rock, Astro,... Read more

February 3, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Playlists

Talib Kweli, Phonte & Elzhi Come Together For Some Fly Wordplay On A Khrysis Beat (Audio)

In 2000s, some of the most elite MCs have come from three crews that run in the same circles. Reflection Eternal's Talib Kweli, Little Brother's Phonte, and Slum Village's Elzhi have all successfully built identities outside of the groups they came up in. Years later, after a bunch of overlapping... Read more

January 21, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Elzhi Recaps Things (Audio)

After going relatively quietly the last year and a half, Elzhi has been a tear lately—as he should. The interim (and deeply pivotal) Slum Village member achieved his funding goals ($25,000) for his Kickstarter project. As a result, the 500+ fans who made it happen (and more) will soon be... Read more

December 3, 2013 Audio, Fresh

AFH: Best Hip-Hop of November 2013 (Audio Playlist)

The year is winding down, no doubt, but the good music kept coming in November. Here's a playlist of the best Hip-Hop to drop last month, including songs from Busta Rhymes, Q-Tip, Joey Bada$$, Eminem, Masta Ace, Raekwon, Posdnuos, Rah Digga, Elzhi, Jay Z, Childish Gambino, Mac Miller, Jhene Aiko,... Read more

December 1, 2013 Audio, Featured-homepage, Playlists

Like Parker Lewis, Elzhi Can’t Lose (Audio)

A teen TV reference for the Heads who remember those old days of FOX ("In Living Color" / "True Colors" back-to-back). Anyway, it was five years ago that then-Slum Village member Elzhi teamed with Black Milk to make a 2008 contender for A.O.T.Y. in The Preface. Now solo-dolo, Elz is fund-raising... Read more

November 26, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Elzhi Delivers Under Pressure (Audio)

Here's 1 verse from a new song from Elzhi called Pressure. It will definitely leave you wanting more. Related: Elzhi performs Blue Widow in Poland (Video)... Read more

November 12, 2013 Audio

ElzHi Talks About His Earliest Hip-Hop Influences and More (Video)

You clearly hear the influence Nas had on ElzHi but would you believe Ice Cube was the MC who made him want to start rapping? Here's an in-depth interview of ElzHi from HardKnock TV that talks about his earliest experiences in hip-hop and much more. Related: Elzhi performs Blue Widow... Read more

March 4, 2013 Video

Elzhi performs in London (Video)

Here's some footage of Elzhi performing in London set to the sounds of Blue Widow. Check it out below. Related: Elzhi - Blue Widow (Video)... Read more

September 13, 2012 Video

ChrisCo – Straight Up ft Jon Connor & Elzhi (Prod. DJ Premier)

DJ Premier laced ChrisCo, Jon Connor and Elzhi with a dope track. This one sounds like it's straight from the 90's, complete with a jazz loop and Primo's signature drums and scratches. Dopeness. Check out Straight Up. Related: DJ Premier goes to work on the turntables (Video)... Read more

August 18, 2012 Audio

Elzhi – Blue Widow (Video)

Here's a new video for Elzhi's Blue Widow. Check it out below. Related: Elzhi - Out Da Box TV Interview (Video)... Read more

July 30, 2012 Video

eLZhi is back with a new gem. Check out Blue Widow (Audio)

Related: eLZhi - ElMatic (Mixtape)... Read more

July 9, 2012 Audio

Rap music started with 2 turntables and a microphone, no doubt, but there’s something special when a dope MC’s voice combines with other instruments. Here’s a playlist of 13 songs that feature some if not all live instrumentation on the track–maybe drums, a bass line, horns or all the above (Playlist)

You'll hear music from DJ Quik, Eazy-E, Elzhi, Big KRIT, The Roots, De La Soul, Jay-Z, A Tribe Called Quest, Mos Def, Grand Puba, The Pharcyde and 2Pac. You can listen to the whole thing below. Sit back and experience hip-hop Live & Direct.... Read more

April 7, 2012 Audio, Playlists

Ambrosia For Heads’ 2011 Best Hip-Hop Albums/Mixtapes of the Year: Here’s a look at our picks for the best of the best in 2011. You’ll find words on each as well as samples of the music. Tell us your picks for 2011.

It's that time of year again, when you're hit with a ton of year end, best of lists. We're going to keep it simple. We have 2 lists: best hip-hop albums/mixtapes of the year and songs of the year. First up, here are our picks for the best hip-hop albums/mixtapes... Read more

December 28, 2011 Audio, Food for Thought, Mixes, Video

ElzHi – Memory Lane (Video)

ElzHi dropped ElMatic, his mind-blowing ode to Nas' Illmatic, earlier in the year. It was definitely one of the best albums of the year. Here's the video for Memory Lane, from that project. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=V2vtiFZ7nrs... Read more

December 20, 2011 Video

M*Knight – KnightVision Vol 2 (Video Mix)

Here's another incredible video mix from M*Knight. This one features a lot of current music from Kendrick Lamar, ElZhi, Stalley, Dom Kennedy, David Dallas, Freddie Gibbs, Pac Div, Murs, tabi Bonney, Curren$y, J*Davey, Erykah Badu, Black Milk and more (see below for the full tracklist). Once again, it's a true... Read more

October 29, 2011 Audio, Video

ElzHi – Out Da Box TV Interview (Video)

Here's a very well done interview of ElzHi by Out Da Box TV. He discusses ElMatic, Slum Village, his early hip-hop influences and more. Check it out. Click here to listen to and download ElMatic, his mind-blowing retake on Illmatic. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fc8z5zsG7pY&feature=player_embedded... Read more

October 8, 2011 Video

DJ Premier Listens to ElMatic’s Remakes of His Tracks from Illmatic (Video)

Here's a really dope interview of DJ Premier where he listens to and discusses ElzHi's ElMatic tracks that were recreations of the tracks DJ Premier produced for Illmatic (New York State of Mind, Represent and Memory Lane). In addition to giving his thoughts on the ElMatic tracks, Primo gives some... Read more

September 16, 2011 Video

ElZhi – Interview (Video)

Here's a cool interview of ElZhi. He discusses ElMatic and J. Dilla, among other things. It's nicely shot, as well. Check it out. And, if you don't have ElMatic, click here to download one of the best rap albums of the year, so far. http://vimeo.com/28110073... Read more

August 29, 2011 Video

New Phonte featuring Elzhi and produced by 9th Wonder…Nuff said.. Check out Not Here Anymore.

Click here to download.... Read more

August 24, 2011 Audio

Here’s a mix of some new songs that have come out over the last few months. You’ll find music from Action Bronson, Big K.R.I.T., Yelawolf, Kendrick Lamar, Elzhi, Blu, Black Rob, Chuuwee, Consequence, Rapper Big Pooh, Jay Rock, Zion I & The Grouch, Ghostface Killah, MF Doom Rapsody and more.

This one starts off chill, builds to a crescendo then smooths out again at the end. Check it out. Ambrosia For Heads New Music Mix by Parfit... Read more

August 6, 2011 Audio

Here is a mix of the most underrated MCs of all time, according to YOU. You’ll find music from Black Thought, Phonte, Lauryn Hill, J-Live, Big Daddy Kane, Pharoahe Monch, Ras Kass, Big Pun, AZ, Devin the Dude, Big L, MF Doom, Guru, Blu, Kool G. Rap, Elzhi, Jean Grae, Ghostface Killah, Mos Def, Redman, Talib Kweli, MC Lyte, Common and more.

We asked. You answered. Check it out.... Read more

July 30, 2011 Audio

Elzhi – Footage of a performance of ElMatic in Toronto (Video)

As you probably know, Elzhi put out one of the dopest projects released so far this year. If you have not yet heard his Elmatic mixtape, where he remade Illmatic in its entirety with new verses, please download it as fast as possible here. Below is some footage of a... Read more

July 26, 2011 Video

Consequence, Rapper Big Pooh and Elzhi go in on a funky new joint.

This one is fire. Check out Crying Broke. Click here to download.... Read more

July 20, 2011 Audio

Here’s a mix of some of the better new hip-hop to drop over the last few months. You’ll find tracks from Big K.R.I.T., Elzhi, Chuuwee, Dom Kennedy, Pac Div, Ghost Wridah, Strong Arm Steady, EDO.G, XV, Rapper Big Pooh and others, including some double plays. Enjoy.

June 11, 2011 Audio

eLZhi’s ELmatic mixtape was easily one of the best of the year.

Check out his video for It Ain't Hard to Tell. And, if you're not up on Elzhi's mixtape yet, do yourself a favor and click here to download it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38HmE7fuE1w&feature=player_embedded... Read more

June 7, 2011 Video

Elzhi, Trick Trick and Ketchphrase put it DOWN for their hometown, with a big assist from a Black Milk track.

Check out My Detroit. Click here to download.... Read more

May 19, 2011 Audio

Last week Elzhi dropped his incredible tribute to Nas’ Illmatic. Here’s a cool video that tells how it went down.

Check it out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jl-T7RPUT6M&feature=player_embedded If you haven't downloaded ELmatic yet, click here. It's a monster.... Read more

May 16, 2011 Video

Would you believe it to be possible to have someone remake Illmatic and have it be INCREDIBLE?

That's exactly what Elzhi has done with ELmatic. Let's be clear. Illmatic is a one of a kind classic. BUT, Elzhi has written new rhymes for the songs and producer Will Sessions has updated the tracks, often with live instruments, and it is shockingly good (especially since I was fully... Read more

May 10, 2011 Audio, Mixes

eLZHI from Slum Village is back on the scene with a new release called Verbal Intercourse Pt. 2.

Check it out. Click here to download.... Read more

March 30, 2011 Audio

It ain't nothing like hip-hop music…watch Black Milk and eLZhi tear it down as they perform Deadly Medley.

This one is from Black Milk's stellar Album of the Year. http://www.vimeo.com/15640532... Read more

October 8, 2010 Video