heavy d ArchivesAmbrosia For Heads

Heavy D’s Impact On Hip-Hop Cannot Be Overstated

There have been a number of valiant attempts to highlight some of the most significant Hip-Hop moments, milestones and people of the last half century. The 2023 Grammy Awards dedicated nearly 15 minutes to an epic tribute featuring performances by Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five, Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J,... Read more

July 22, 2023 Food for Thought

Pete Rock & Funkmaster Flex Are Battling Over The Future Of NY Hip-Hop

In the last week, a battle has been going on surrounding Hip-Hop radio in New York. The series of events began with an Instagram Live monologue from Conway The Machine, one of Rap's most promising and acclaimed MCs as of late. The Machine vented frustrations with media gatekeepers, especially on the radio.... Read more

July 19, 2022 Video

Funkmaster Flex Accuses Pete Rock Of Snitching On C.L. Smooth

Earlier this week, Conway The Machine criticized New York City DJs in an Instagram Live video. In particular, the Griselda lyricist and Drumwork Records founder knocked DJ Suss One and Funkmaster Flex by name for their failure to support Hip-Hop music like his—despite being reported fans. As Funk Flex responded... Read more

July 15, 2022 Fresh, News

Many Of Hip-Hop’s Greatest Rappers Name Their Top 5 MCs

Note: Jadakiss recently appeared on ESPN’s Jalen & Jacoby podcast and was asked who his top 5 Hip-Hop groups of all-time were. This article has been updated below with his response, as well as The Game’s top 5 LA Rap albums. A few days ago, during a podcast appearance, Ice... Read more

July 12, 2022 Video

Pete Rock Has Music With Heavy D That He’s Thinking About Releasing

Pete Rock is a living legend in Hip-Hop. Throughout the last 30 years, Pete has fed a dedicated fan-base with material from his duo with C.L. Smooth, solo albums, remixes, DJ sets, plenty of collaborative albums, and production work. However, like J Dilla, Madlib, Ayatollah, and others, Pete Rock has... Read more

April 16, 2019 Video

Teddy Riley Reveals Some Of Heavy D’s Biggest Hits Were Meant For Wreckx-N-Effect

UPDATE: Teddy Riley's full Red Bull Music Academy Festival lecture video with Jeff "Chairman" Mao: ORIGINAL MAY 15 POST: Earlier this month, artist/producer Teddy Riley appeared before a live New York City audience as part of the Red Bull Music Academy speaker series. There, the Harlem, New Yorker spoke about... Read more

May 15, 2017 Throwback

Finding The GOAT Producer (The Final Battle): DJ Premier vs. J Dilla. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer,” the third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no... Read more

March 7, 2017 Finding the GOAT

DJ Premier & J Dilla Are The Finalists In The Finding The GOAT Producer Competition

Today (March 6), Round 4 voting closed for “Finding The GOAT Producer.” This competition, launched in early January, beginning with 32 producers (including two Wild Card inductees into the bracket). The 32 eventually became a pack of 16, then an Elite 8, next a Final 4, and now presents its... Read more

March 6, 2017 Finding the GOAT

Finding The GOAT Producer: Pete Rock vs. DJ Premier. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer,” the third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no... Read more

March 3, 2017 Finding the GOAT

Finding The GOAT Producer: Pete Rock vs. Kanye West. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer,” the third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no... Read more

February 24, 2017 Finding the GOAT

Finding The GOAT Producer: J Dilla vs. A Tribe Called Quest. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer,” the third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no... Read more

February 22, 2017 Finding the GOAT

Finding The GOAT Producer: Pete Rock vs. D.I.T.C. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer," the third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no... Read more

February 8, 2017 Finding the GOAT

Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth Approved This Best-Of Mix & You Will Too (Audio)

Not many groups (in any genre) can warrant a "Best Of" off of just two albums and an EP. Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth are a clear exception. Between 1991 and 1994, the New York City Hip-Hop duo released just a few handfuls of songs. That material left a lasting... Read more

August 30, 2016 Mixes, Throwback, Throwback

Andre Harrell Explains How Heavy D Became The Foundation For Uptown Records (Video)

While record labels like Def Jam and Bad Boy are often celebrated for their contributions to music, and rightly so, the company that bridged the two is often overlooked. Uptown Records was founded in 1986 by Andre Harrell, one half of the Rap group Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, and... Read more

July 31, 2016 Video

Reminisce Over Pete Rock & CL Smooth 24 Years After Mecca & The Soul Brother (Video)

Today (June 9), Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth's full-length debut, Mecca & The Soul Brother turns 24 years old. The Elektra Records album would represent a zenith for the pair of MC/producers from above the Bronx (Mount Vernon and New Rochelle, New York respectively). The LP included one of Hip-Hop's... Read more

June 9, 2016 Do Remember

Heavy D Tells Some Untold Stories About Cutting Classic Records & Self-Love (Video)

November will mark the fifth anniversary of Heavy D's death, a loss which continues to elicit pangs of grief throughout the Hip-Hop community. The money earnin' Mount Vernon native made his indelible mark as a Jamaican-born MC whose contributions in the late '80s and early '90s with Heavy D &... Read more

March 11, 2016 Video

Andre Harrell Recounts the “Ghetto Fabulous” History of Uptown Records (Video)

The name Andre Harrell might not be as well-known as Russell Simmons, Master P, Birdman or Puff Daddy, but he is responsible for one of the most important record labels in Hip-Hop and Soul history. Uptown Records was the home to Mary J. Blige, Jodeci, Heavy D, Al B. Sure,... Read more

August 20, 2015 Video

This Heavy D Performance Was In A Vault For 30 Years…Until Now (Video)

Today (May 24) is Heavy D's birthday. The MC/producer/singer born Dwight Myers would have been 48 years old. Sadly, family, friends, and Hip-Hop Heads worldwide lost "the overweight lover" on November 8, 2011 to a pulmonary embolism. Just one month prior to his death, Hev' reunited with Heavy D &... Read more

May 24, 2015 Exclusive, Video

Finding The GOAT: Heavy D vs. Trugoy…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

October 20, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

EDO.G, Grap Luva & Rob-O Pay Tribute to Pete Rock & Heavy D in the Video for Living Legend (Video)

G. Dot & Born have assembled Grap Luva (Pete Rock's brother), Rob-O and EDO.G on Living Legend, a song that pays tribute to Pete Rock. In the video, they also pay their respects to Heavy D before launching into visuals filled with vintage footage of Soul Brother #1. Check out... Read more

January 19, 2014 Video

Mister Cee Pays Tribute to Heavy D with a Mix (Audio)

Rest in peace to Heavy D who passed away 2 years ago today. Mister Cee paid tribute to the Overweight Lover with a mix which you can stream and download below. Related: A mix and video playlist to celebrate the life of Heavy D (Mixtape & Video Playlist)... Read more

November 8, 2013 Throwback

AFH: For the Love of Hip-Hop (Playlist)

We do it all for the love, y'all...the love of hip-hop. On this Valentine's Day, here's a playlist celebrating the many expressions of love in hip-hop. You'll hear music from Nas, OutKast, A Tribe Called Quest, The Roots, Method Man, Slum Village, Heavy D, Mos Def, UGK and more. Check... Read more

February 14, 2013 Audio, Playlists

DJ Dallas Green Presents…Old School Hooky Party Part 2 (Mixtape)

Here's a TREMENDOUS mix of 80's and early 90's hip-hop and R&B from DJ Dallas Green. You'll hear music from LL Cool J, Whodini, Heavy D, Chubb Rock, Big Daddy Kane, Jade, Levert, Al B. Sure, Keith Sweat, Guy, BBD and more. You can listen to and download the entire... Read more

December 11, 2012 Throwback

Happy Thanksgiving from AFH (Playlist)

Happy Thanksgiving to all the Heads out there. Here's a mini-playlist celebrating BIG appetites. Related: A video playlist celebrating the one and only Heavy D (Video)... Read more

November 22, 2012 Audio, Playlists, Throwback, Video

A mix and video playlist to celebrate the life of Heavy D (Mixtape & Video Playlist)

Today marks the 1-year anniversary of the day we lost Heavy D. As has become customary on the anniversary of these losses, Mister Cee did a tribute mix celebrating the life and music of the Overweight Lover. You can listen to and download the mix (props to 2DBZ) and also... Read more

November 8, 2012 Audio, Mixes, Playlists, Throwback, Video

Here’s a back in the day (mostly) video playlist to get you through the day. You’ll hear music from Redman, Grand Puba, The Roots, Chubb Rock, Mobb Deep, Heavy D, The Beatnuts and more (Video Playlist)

Just press play, sit back and take a journey back to the 90's. Related: Back in the Day 80's Hip-Hop Playlist (Audio)... Read more

June 20, 2012 Playlists, Throwback, Video

Nas discusses Heavy D’s role in producing The Don (Video)

The late, great Heavy D is listed as a producer on Nas' blazing hot new single The Don. Nas spoke to MTV about Heavy's contribution to the track. Check out the interview clip below. Previously: Heavy D Tribute Video Playlist... Read more

March 21, 2012 Video

Here’s a new single from Nasty Nas. Check out The Don, produced by the late great Heavy D, Salaam Remi and Da Internz.

Props: 2DBZ.... Read more

March 15, 2012 Audio

Here’s a Valentine’s Day Playlist for Lover’s of Hip-Hop (Audio)

Like most relationships, the one between Hip-Hop & Love is complicated. Here's a playlist showing its many sides. You'll find music from Common, Mos Def, Dead Prez, The Roots, OutKast, Snoop Dogg, Murs, A Tribe Called Quest, Pharoahe Monch, Slum Village, Heavy D, Method Man, Biggie and many more. Some... Read more

February 14, 2012 Audio, Playlists

Ed Lover – Yo! MTV Raps Old School Mix (Mixtape)

Yo! MTV Raps is making a return for 1 night only tonight at midnight on MTV2, right after the Sucker Free Awards. To commemorate the event, Ed Lover got on the wheels at New York's Hot 97 to do an old school mix of music from the Yo! era (Nice... Read more

December 4, 2011 Audio, Mixes, Throwback

The 14th most important hip-hop record label of all time might be the most controversial on the list…

...but not because they didn't put out dope music. #14 Uptown Records Uptown Records did not make its mark with rap music, though it was founded by former rapper Andre Harrell (one half of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde) and was home to some significant rappers. Uptown Records was extremely... Read more

November 28, 2011 Food for Thought, Playlists, Throwback, Video

DJ Premier – Heavy D Tribute Mix

A legend pays his respects to a legend. Here's DJ Premier's Heavy D Tribute Mix. The first 10 minutes are tributes from Heavy's friends and then Premier does his thing with Heavy D's hits. Check it out. Also, click here for our Heavy D tribute video playlist. Click here to... Read more

November 13, 2011 Audio, Mixes

DJ Quik – Heavy Mr. Big Stuff (Heavy D Tribute)

The outpouring of love for Heavy D continues. Here's an incredibly funky tribute song from DJ Quik, who wrote a verse that vividly describes the greatness of the Overweight Lover. Check out Heavy Mr. Big Stuff. Click here to download.... Read more

November 11, 2011 Audio

Heavy D – Nothin’ But Love (Statik Selektah T.R.O.Y./Blend Remix)

Statik Selektah did a ridiculously dope tribute remix to Heavy D's Nothin' But Love. He blends Hev's vocals with the track from T.R.O.Y. and a couple other classic hip-hop cuts. Check it out. Also, click here for our Heavy D tribute playlist. Click here to download.... Read more

November 10, 2011 Audio

?uestlove speaks on Heavy D

Here's a brilliant article by ?uestlove on his relationship with Heavy D. Read all the way to the end. The build up is long, but the payoff is worth it. People forget. In addition to his hits (click here for our Heavy D tribute playlist), Hev was one of the... Read more

November 9, 2011 Food for Thought

RIP to the Overweight Lover Heavy D. He was Hip-Hop’s original BIG man. Here’s a tribute playlist featuring some of his many hits.

We wish you a peaceful journey. Also, here was his incredible performance at the BET Hip-Hop Awards just last month.... Read more

November 8, 2011 Playlists, Throwback

Here’s an incredible video mix of 80’s R&B and Hip-Hop classics from M*Knight. You’ll hear music from Heavy D, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, Shelia E, Bobby Brown, Guy, Rene & Angela, De La Soul, Cherrelle and Alexander O’Neal, Cameo, Klymaxx, Michael Jackson…If this was just an audio mix it would be crazy. The fact that it’s a video mix too makes it straight bananas.

Here's a really incredible 80's video mix that was done by M*Knight. It's a great way to get the weekend going. It was done some time ago, but the music is timeless. You'll hear music from Heavy D, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, Shelia E, Bobby Brown, Guy,... Read more

October 28, 2011 Audio, Video

Ever see Rhyme & Reason? After nearly 15 years it still stands as one of the best films ever on hip-hop. Watch the whole movie here.

It takes a comprehensive look at hip-hop THE CULTURE through the words of some of the best rappers to advance it: Nas, Biggie, Pac, KRS-One, Q-Tip, RZA, Ice-T, MC Eiht, Pharcyde, Lauryn Hill, Dr. Dre...It doesn't stop.... Read more

March 6, 2011 TV/Film, Video

When’s the last time you heard a rap with no curses that wasn’t the “clean” version? Check out Lo Fi Love by Theo Martins.

He talks about Africa, family, faith and real life concerns without coming across as preachy. The verse and the track are on point. It's a rare and good look. It's hard to believe but there used to be a time when cursing in hip-hop was rare...No judgments, just food for... Read more

January 27, 2011 Audio, The Bridge