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Kool Herc Knights DJ Scratch As A “Grandmaster” (Video)

DJ Kool Herc is credited with pioneering Hip-Hop music, through extending the break-beats during his early 1970s DJ sets. The Jamaican born man also known as Clive Campbell has made limited music over the 43 years since August 11, 1973 (the date honored in many circles as Hip-Hop's birthday). However,... Read more

Parrish Smith Has Hit Squad Heat On A New Solo Single (Audio)

Parrish Smith (aka PMD) has been building a solo career for more than 22 years. Whenever legendary group EPMD was on hiatus, both Parrish and partner Erick Sermon struck with side projects. Three albums, starting with 1994's Shadé Business showed just was PMD was able to do on his own,... Read more

Rakim Opens Up About Rivalries With Big Daddy Kane, KRS-One, EPMD & More

Although he is revered as one of, if not the greatest, MCs of all time–Rakim typically shuns the spotlight. Even as rumors (and anonymously reported denials) linger about an Eric B. & Rakim reunion and corresponding tour, the 30-year professional musician has not come forward to confirm or waive off reports.... Read more

EPMD Take Care Of Business At The Roots Picnic In New York (Video)

This afternoon (October 2), EPMD took the stage at The Roots Picnic in New York and absolutely crushed it. Erick Sermon jokingly remarked that he was only 27 years, while simultaneously noting that he and Parrish Smith had been rocking mics for nearly 30 years. Both their experience and their... Read more

Da Brat Claims She & JD Are The 2016 EPMD. So Wat ‘Cha Sayin’? (Audio)

Da Brat and her mentor Jermaine Dupri are hard at work on the first collaborative mixtape of their career. The two So So Def Records MCs who have worked together for more than 22 years will title the work Business As Usual. Referencing EPMD in that act alone is not... Read more

EPMD Knew They Had Customers In ’88. In 2016, People Are Still Buying In (Audio)

In the ears of many, EPMD's debut Strictly Business is a 1980s Hip-Hop masterpiece. Erick Sermon and Parrish "PMD" Smith merged to exude a style, sound, and attitude in the genre that has withstood nearly 28 years since. Released on Fresh/Sleeping Bag Records, the independent album  from the Long Island, New... Read more

Redman Details The Violent Split of Hit Squad & The Origins of Def Squad (Video)

Redman's connection to Erick Sermon is deep. The two started working together more than 25 years ago, after Sermon met Red when Red was DJ'ing for Lords Of The Underground. "I knew there was something spectacular about him. Right off the bat. The next day, we talked. And within the... Read more

Redman Discusses His Battle Rap Days Spent Rolling With Biz Markie (Video)

To the Hip-Hop record-buying community, Redman's career would largely take shape in 1990, care of EPMD's Business As Usual album. On a Top 40 LP (Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith's first with Def Jam Records), Reggie Noble appeared twice, including single "Hardcore." However, that is not where the Newark, New Jersey... Read more

Redman Gets Real About How EPMD Saved Him From the Streets (Video)

Newark, New Jersey and Redman are synonymous in the minds of most Heads. The Grammy-winning rapper and Brick City native born Reginald Noble has made a career for himself as one of the most distinctive, creative spitters to ever pick up a mic, but his set of circumstances could just... Read more

Black Thought’s Fresh Freestyle Serves The Good Food To Expect At The Roots Picnic NYC (Video)

This past Saturday (June 4), the ninth annual Roots Picnic took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Hosts The Roots played alongside Pop-R&B superstar Usher, while other feature performers included Future, DMX, Swizz Beatz, Anderson .Paak and The Free Nationals, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Kaytranada, Lil Dicky, Migos, Tish Hyman, Willow Smith, and... Read more

EPMD Has Upcoming Album Business. PMD Clarifies Production Roles (Audio)

This summer, EPMD is going on Ice-T's the Art Of Rhyme Tour. The Long Island, New York duo of Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith will join Public Enemy, Mobb Deep, Naughty By Nature, and others for eight dates across the United States. However, when the gold-certified union gets off the... Read more

EPMD, Public Enemy, Mobb Deep, Naughty By Nature & More Announce Tour

In 2015, Ice-T launched the Art Of Rap Tour. Taking its name from Ice's acclaimed Hip-Hop documentary, the summer tour featured Rakim, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Doug E. Fresh & Slick Rick, and a number of other acts. For 2016, the O.G. is keeping The Art Of Rap Tour strong. Several '15... Read more

The Clothing Line That Sparked A Cultural Revolution Is Coming Back But It Needs Your Help

UPDATE: The Kickstarter campaign to re-launch the AACA brand ends at 9AM EST tomorrow (April 18). The campaign is seeking to raise $100K, and is currently at $84,253. To donate, click here. Before Phat Farm, FUBU, Rocawear or any of the other iconic urban fashion wear brands, there was an... Read more

Dot Demo Turns A Careful Whisper Into A Crazy Freestyle (Video)

Dot Demo is one to watch. With influences like Big Pun, Nas, Jay Z and J Dilla, the Bronx, NY MC has high standards and high expectations. He recently hit Statik Selektah’s Show Off Radio and wrecked a couple of beats, turning a careful whisper into a crazy freestyle. Dot... Read more

EPMD Are Working On New Music & Hope To Do A Mega 25-Year Anniversary Tour

Last week, EPMD celebrated the 25th anniversary of the release of their album, Business As Usual. The vaunted duo of Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith recently spoke with Billboard about the album, as well as some exciting things they are working on, presently. While albums like Strictly Business and Unfinished... Read more

Redman Performs Mudface Songs For The 1st Time & Adds Some Classics (Video)

Redman recently promoted his Mudface album with an appearance on Sway's Universe. There, the Newark, New Jersey MC connected with Sway, Brick City homie Heather B, and Tracy G for some "very original" interview questions, and an in-studio performance that had the hosts rockin'. The segment begins with Redman breaking... Read more

Public Enemy’s It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back vs. EPMD’s Strictly Business. 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

These 1980s Hip-Hop Albums Reach Round 2, With One Battle Left To Be Decided

Last month, Ambrosia For Heads returned to "Finding The GOAT," our annual voting series that polls readers and fans to determine the Greatest Of All-Time. Following 2014-2015's quest to use votes to determine the GOAT MC, we are asking readers to determine the greatest of all-time Hip-Hop album. “Finding The... Read more

Finding the GOAT Album: Beastie Boys’ Licensed To Ill vs. EPMD’s Strictly Business. 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

Eric B. & Rakim’s Follow The Leader vs. EPMD’s Unfinished Business. What’s 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

Erick Sermon, Joell Ortiz & Sheek Louch Offer Hard Lessons From Concrete Places (Video)

In late April, Erick Sermon premiered "Make Room," a crosstown New York City verbal essay featuring Joell Ortiz and Sheek Louch. The song offers some hard advice to a host of people simply doin' it wrong. For the just-released visual, E-Double, Donnie G., and Yoawa certify themselves in the company... Read more

Redman, Method Man & Erick Sermon Always Deliver in The Clutch (Audio)

In the canon of Hip-Hop mentors, Erick Sermon is top-rank. The Brentwood, Long Island, New Yorker (with partner PMD) brought in Redman, Das EFX, K-Solo, Keith Solo, and the earliest days of Rick Ross. The EPMD MC/producer has an ear for talent. While he mentored Red' and Keith in Def... Read more

Chuck Chillout Spins De La Soul, Gang Starr, MC Lyte & EPMD in a 1988 Mix (Audio)

The late Mr. Magic is widely considered one of Hip-Hop's greatest radio mix-masters. DJ Marley Marl's mentor dropped the needle on seminal records in the late 1970s, throughout the 1980s, and the early 1990s, helping give many Heads would-be classic songs that he personally deemed important. The same week boogieknight... Read more

Erick Sermon Makes Room For Joell Ortiz & Sheek Louch on One Star-Studded Track (Audio)

Erick Sermon has been teasing the arrival of a new album for several months, but the moment is almost here. On a recent interview with Sway, E-Double said fans could expect ESP to arrive in June, and listed off a host of guest MCs featured on the album, including Method... Read more

Did You Know Erick Sermon Could Have Signed Biggie? The Green Eyed Bandit Speaks (Video)

2015 is shaping up to be a big year for Erick Sermon. The Green Eyed bandit has launched a new collection of Hip-Hop rugs called Def Rugs, and is releasing ESP, his first album since 2004's Chilltown, New York, in June. E Double sat down with Sway and covered a... Read more

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

This Throwback Hip-Hop VIDEO Mix Will Blow Your Mind (Video)

Here's an absolutely devastating throwback Hip-Hop video mix from UK DJ E Double D. The mix and song selection, from the late 80s and early 90s, would be enough but, the added layer of overlaying visuals takes it to a completely different level. E Double pulls out clips featuring Eric... Read more

Ever Hear Rick Ross’ First Appearance On Wax, Alongside Erick Sermon? (Audio)

A lot went into Rick Ross' career in the lead-up to 2006 platinum single, "Hustlin'." Many Heads know that the Miami, Florida-based MC was one of the strong developing acts at Slip-N-Slide Records (a system responsible for Plies, Pitbull, plus Trina and Trick Daddy). Other Heads know that Ross had... Read more

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

Erick Sermon Is Bringing Hip-Hop To Your Home With Def Rugs

Always about his business, EPMD MC Erick Sermon has started a new venture that has been turning heads: Def Rugs. Def Rugs is a carpet business that makes Hip-Hop logos into rugs that make for great pieces of home décor. In a recent interview with HipHopDX, Sermon and his business... Read more

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

There’s Not Much To Show For K-Solo’s Time On Death Row…Except This Rare Freestyle With Kurupt (Audio)

By mid-1996, Suge Knight's record label started calling themselves "The New & Untouchable Death Row Records." From 12" singles to posters, the branding was widespread—especially on the label's (first, of way too many) Greatest Hits compilations. Inside the double-album compilation's inserts, Heads saw the expanded roster of the reigning Rap... Read more

DMC, Chuck D, PMD, MC Serch & Terminator X Come Together With An Edge (Video)

Twenty five Januaries ago, in 1990...could you have imagined Darryl "DMC" McDaniels, Chuck D, Parrish "PMD" Smith, MC Serch, and Terminator X together? The thought alone drains boombox D-batteries, and makes speakers shudder. In 2015, these things are not only possible, but able to be captured on video. "Hellraisers" is... Read more

Erick Sermon Speaks Openly About Earnings, Helping Create Atlanta’s Scene (Video)

Erick Sermon does not do a ton of interviews. However, when the EPMD and Def Squad co-founder speaks, he's never big on canned, diplomatic answers. E-Dub opens up in a major way when speaking with This Is 50's Jack Thriller. The Brentwood, Long Island MC/producer breaks down his 2000s-era comeback... Read more

Erick Sermon Is Back To Giving Fans Some Green-Eyed Inspiration (Audio)

Erick Sermon stayed largely quiet in 2014. The EPMD co-founder did play Mass Appeal's Rhythm Roulette, but the Long Island legend largely shunned output this year. In the last two weeks of the year, that suddenly changed with "One Shot." Almost 30 years deep in the game, E-Double offers up... Read more

DJ Premier Mixes Up A Special Set For Def Jam’s 30th Anniversary (Audio)

In his career, neither DJ Premier nor his group Gang Starr were ever signed to Def Jam Records. However, the HeadQCourterz Studios producer has worked with an arsenal of Def Jam's talent over the years, ranging from Jay Z and Method Man, Ludacris to Kanye West, to Teflon and WC.... Read more

Finding The GOAT: Biz Markie vs. Erick Sermon…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

Finding The GOAT: The D.O.C. vs. Redman…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

Finding the GOAT: Grand Puba vs. PMD (Parrish Smith)…Who You Got?

Ambrosia For Heads is proud to present 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

Def Jam is Celebrating Its 30th Anniversary with a Mega Concert of Artists Old and New

2014 marks the 30th anniversary of Def Jam Recordings, the record company many would argue was the most important in cementing Hip-Hop's legacy. Def Jam has been celebrating the landmark milestone throughout the year with re-releases, box sets and more. Today, they've announced they will be throwing a mega concert... Read more

Here’s an Incredible 80’s Hip-Hop Mix From DJ Vadim (Audio)

Here's a wide-ranging and incredibly dope mix of 80's Hip-Hop from DJ Vadim. Focusing primarily on artists from the mid to late 80's, the mix includes Run-D.M.C., The Fat Boys, MC Lyte, Sir Mix-a-Lot, Slick Rick, N.W.A., Biz Markie, Public Enemy, Eric B & Rakim, LL Cool J, Boogie Down... Read more

Fashawn & Wrekonize Pay Respects To EPMD’s Headbanger & Lyrically Leave Lumps (Audio)

From Warren G, to Tha Dogg Pound, to Beanie Sigel & Memphis Bleek, EPMD made records that made MCs feel compelled to cover throughout the ages. Erick Sermon and Parish Smith remain giants in the lyrical and production circles of Hip-Hop. The duo's impact (through on-again, off-again status) is galactic,... Read more

The O.G. Turntablist/Producer DJ Scratch Remixes Nas’ It Ain’t Hard To Tell (Audio)

Back in 1994, DJ Scratch was relatively quiet. Transitioning from his run as EPMD's DJ, the New Yorker was gearing up to work closely with Busta Rhymes on establishing a sound for the Leaders Of The New School front-man's next wave, Flipmode Squad. Heads in '94 did hear Scratch however,... Read more

DJ Scratch Goes Into The Crates With An All-45 James Brown Mix (Mixtape)

In one of the cooler reveals in Hip-Hop as of late, it turns out that J. Period was not alone in honoring James Brown this week. As the True Elements DJ went in on #The Legend Of James Of Brown, EPMD/Flipmode Squad alum DJ Scratch offered up a companion mix,... Read more

EPMD’s Green-Eyed Bandit Erick Sermon Freaks Some Sheena Easton When He Plays Rhythm Roulette (Video)

Erick Sermon isn't an artist who is always running for the spotlight in the digital age. The EPMD co-founder and producer/MC double-threat stays busy at his craft, and does interviews, releases songs and videos as he feels necessary. However, Mass Appeal got the Brentwood, Long Island Def Squad delegate to... Read more

DJ Cash Money & DJ Scratch Rock The Bells, With Some Biz Markie Hilarity (Video)

Although he made one classic Hip-Hop single, Philadelphia's DJ Cash Money is a turntable innovator to the highest degree. Along with DJ Jazzy Jeff, DJ Spinbad, and DJ Code Money, Cash ushered in a Philly dominance in the scratching and mixing in the mid-late 1980s that's still up there with... Read more

Jam Master Jay Would Be 49 Years Old This Week. See His Son & DJ Scratch Pay Tribute (Video)

Yesterday (January 21) was Jam Master Jay's birthday. The late DJ/founding member of Run-DMC would have been 49 years old—which is a reminder of just what kind of turntable prodigy he was. In memory of JMJ, his son TJ Mizell (who is a rising sensation behind the wheels of steel... Read more

DJ Scratch Lets Fuse Dig In The Crates (Video)

DJ Scratch is one of the more versatile, yet under-sung producers in Hip-Hop. A major DJ component in the late '80s-through-'90s iteration of EPMD, Scratch was a turntablism award-winner who learned under Jam Master Jay, before tackling production. In the 2000s, Scratch produced hits for Busta Rhymes, 50 Cent, and... Read more

EPMD’s DJ Scratch Speaks About His Friend and Mentor Jam Master Jay (Video)

Rest in Peace to Jam Master Jay who we lost 11 years ago today. Jay was a friend and mentor to EPMD's DJ Scratch while Run-D.M.C. and EPMD toured together. Scratch recently sat down to discuss their friendship and how Jay looked out for him in the beginning of Scratch's... Read more

EPMD & Redman Perform Headbanger at the 2013 Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival (Video)

The first time I heard EPMD's Headbanger was the first the first time I heard Redman and his verse DESTROYED me. The 3 united for a performance of the epic posse cut at the 2013 Brooklyn Hip-Hop festival. All that was missing was K-Solo...Check out the video. Related: Redman Performs... Read more