j-live ArchivesAmbrosia For Heads

J-Live Details Making A Pete Rock-Produced Gem From The Best Part

In 2001, J-Live released his debut album, The Best Part. The LP, originally intended for release at Payday/London Records, was among a group of projects halted after the label experienced a merger and distribution. "We ended up having to redo a lot of stuff. They used to call it 'The... Read more

April 28, 2024 Exclusive, Throwback, Trending Stories

Heavily-Sampled Artist Bernard Wright Has Passed Away At Age 58

UPDATE: Following Bernard Wright's death, Roberta Flack issued a statement. In a tweet that mourned Wright, it confirmed he was the "Killing Me Softly With His Song" singer's godson and former music director. Other sources, including a 1997 New York Times article, had claimed that Wright was Flack's son. Flack... Read more

May 26, 2022 News

JAY-Z & LL Cool J Brought A President & $3 Billion To The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame

On Saturday (October 30), LL Cool J and JAY-Z were formally inducted into Cleveland, Ohio's Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. While Hip-Hop artists have been entering the Hall for over a decade now, 2021's celebration was truly a standout moment for the culture. As Dave Chappelle suggested while inducting... Read more

November 2, 2021 Video

Rob Swift & Mista Sinista Reappear With A New Single From Their Latest Group (Audio)

Rob Swift and Mista Sinista are two of the most respected artists in Turntablism. Onetime members of the legendary X-Ecutioners crew (aka The X-Men), these two New Yorkers established a name for themselves within the culture alongside the late Roc Raida, Total Eclipse, DJ Boogie Blind, and DJ Precision. The... Read more

November 6, 2019 Audio

In 2008, Posdnuos, Oddisee, & J-Live Came Together To Upgrade Hip-Hop

Twenty years ago, MC/producer/DJ J-Live was putting the finishing touches on his debut album, The Best Part. During that time, the talented artist was heard on DJ Premier's New York Reality Check 101 compilation. The Brooklyn, New York-based English teacher was also putting in acclaimed work with Prince Paul and... Read more

January 17, 2019 Do Remember

J-Live Is Making Hip-Hop Great Again With A Song About Hate (Lyric Video)

The triple threat MC/DJ/producer J-Live has demonstrated that he loves concept. The Atlanta, Georgia-based New Yorker's last album, 2015's How Much Water used H20 as a theme throughout, complemented by liquid lyricism and pitter-pattering beats. Justice Allah's biggest single of 2018, "Hating," is both conceptual and topical. In the lyric... Read more

October 13, 2018 Video

J-Live Unleashes A Rapping & Scratching Routine With A Motown Classic (Audio)

J-Live is a true Hip-Hop multi-threat. He raps, he DJs, he produces, he runs a label, and he does so much more. The Brooklyn, New Yorker (who now calls Georgia home) sometimes demonstrates several talents at once. For those who have not seen a J show, they get a taste... Read more

August 27, 2018 Audio

Prince Paul And Dan The Automator’s Handsome Boy Modeling School Lessons Still Apply (Video)

In the late 1990s, Hip-Hop was taking itself a bit too seriously—at least in the eyes of two highly-accomplished producers. An era remembered for its high-profile beefs, Champagne-poppin', and colorful and shiny videos was rich fodder for some veterans who wanted to jerk the steering wheel with creativity in mind.... Read more

August 16, 2018 Do Remember

15 Years Later, J-Live Reflects On His Gripping 9/11 Commentary On “Satisfied”

Today marks the 15th anniversary of September 11, 2001. Within hours 2,996 people lost their lives that tragic day, as a result of four plane hijackings and subsequent crashes in New York, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia. For all who lived through it, the events and their impact continue... Read more

September 11, 2016 Throwback, Throwback

Finding The GOAT: Nas’ Stillmatic vs. J-Live’s The Best Part. 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

January 12, 2016 Finding the GOAT

J-Live Quenches The Thirst For Substantial Rap (Album Stream)

J-Live has released his eighth album, How Much Is Water?. The Brooklyn, New York native, now based in Atlanta, Georgia offers up the goodies for free. Like water, his 10 track Mortier Music Group effort is there for the taking. On the Bandcamp page (with several packages available), it is... Read more

November 17, 2015 Audio

J-Live Strips Away The Insult In “Ya Mama So Black,” And It’s No Joke. (Audio)

J-Live is a proven master of concept. The Brooklyn, New York native keeps finding new ground to make complex commentary about the things Heads hold dear. Twenty-three years after The Pharcyde and J-Swift made "Ya Mama," J-Live takes a deeper look at one particular mom "snap." "Ya Momma So Black"... Read more

October 19, 2015 Audio

J-Live Says Biters & Posers Won’t Feel This But Hip-Hop Junkies Will. Can You Dig It? (Audio)

As a completely independent artist, J-Live stays quite busy. The Brooklyn, New York native follows this month's "You're The One" with a new album on the way. How Much Is Water is coming October 23 on Justice's Mortier Music imprint. "Feel This" is the first delivery, a song that serves... Read more

September 11, 2015 Audio

J-Live Freestyles Heat While Scratching A Loop On The Turntables (Audio)

Throughout his 20-year career, J-Live has been a triple threat. The MC, DJ, and producer named his label (for a while in the 2000s, at least) after his vast gifts. In the live show, and at select times on albums, the Brooklyn, New Yorker stood behind the turntables and kicked... Read more

September 1, 2015 Audio

Kool Keith & J-Live Make An Unlikely Pair. But They Are Great Travel Companions (Audio)

Mello Music Group's L'Orange is a quiet threat. The French producer chops down samples and breathes new life into dusty grooves. Pensive MCs, whether Blu or Gift Of Gab, thrive on his sonic textures. "The Traveler" extends L'Orange's collaborative history with Kool Keith, and welcomes J-Live to the fold. Two... Read more

June 22, 2015 Audio

15 Amazing Hip-Hop Albums From 2015, So Far (Video)

2015 is not even at its halfway mark, and already has proven to arguably be even more exciting than last year. Seemingly, we are living in the era of surprise. Drake dropped If You're Reading This It's Too Late on a whim, Kendrick Lamar advanced the release of To Pimp... Read more

June 1, 2015 Food for Thought, Video

J-Live Heads West for Some Sun and FUNK…and He Pays It Forward (Video)

J-Live is an oft unheralded underground king. Justice Allah was once a school teacher and now, he saves his lessons for lesser rappers. The NYC born and bred MC headed out West for his latest visual, "Pay It Forward." In addition to taking in some sun, he seems to have... Read more

March 7, 2015 Video

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

J-Live Salutes All The O.G. Mixtape DJs On Impacting His Direction (Audio)

J-Live is a lover of concept. A DJ (and producer, and MC), the triple-threat honors the DJ, which predates the MC, on "Red & The Kid." The song title is a tribute to DJ Red Alert and Kid Capri (as forever attached thanks to Greg Nice's booming voice). Justice recalls... Read more

February 18, 2015 Audio

J-Live Finds The Smoothest Way To Say That He’s Out Of Eff’s To Give (Audio)

Like Eminem's first Aftermath Entertainment single, J-Live "just don't give a fuck." The Brooklyn, New York triple-threat released a new track today saying as much. However, in the case of Justice Allah, the track is about all the judges, perhaps in his personal life or in his musical life. He's... Read more

February 11, 2015 Audio

Do Remember: Haze Presents…NY Reality Check 101 (Mixed By DJ Premier)

This week, it was announced that 2015 will see the release of DJ Premier's first solo album, Last Session @320. The album and its title are an homage to the closing of HeadQCourterz Studios (f/k/a D&D Studios), which had been Premier's professional home for nearly 25 years. As fans eagerly... Read more

January 15, 2015 Throwback

Finding the GOAT: Who is Your Wildcard Pick for Round 2?

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

December 16, 2014 Fresh

J-Live Releases Two In One, Filled With Warmth & Light (Videos)

J-Live's Around The Sun is an album worthy of revolutions in your CD player, turntable, or simply in your MP3 player/streaming cloud. The Brooklyn, New Yorker remains devoted to cohesive projects, with strong commentary on social issues, in addition to life issues Heads all go through. For a compelling visual,... Read more

December 2, 2014 Fresh, Video

J-Live Turns An Open Letter Protesting Police Violence Into Song (Audio)

In the wake of ongoing deaths of Black men at the hands of police in America, J-Live has something to say. The Brooklyn, New York native wrote down his thoughts in an essay called "I Am A Man (American Justice)," focusing on the hypocrisy in the discourse around this issue,... Read more

October 28, 2014 Audio, Fresh

J-Live Delivers The Visual To The Deeply Compelling Single, Not Listening (Video)

Back in March, J-Live released one of the most impactful songs in his storied career with "Not Listening." The record audited the state of Hip-Hop, and the present day relationship between MCs and the listeners—and who is really to blame for the disconnect. Now comes the visual: a simple, but... Read more

September 28, 2014 Fresh, Video

Homeboy Sandman, J-Live & Kurious Jorge Run An MC Clinic (Audio)

Elmhurst, Queens' Homeboy Sandman released Hallways, his fifth album, on September 2 via Peanut Butter Wolf's Stones Throw Records. The loquacious MC teamed with two New Yorkers who blazed his trail that he's followed and adapted with. J-Live and Kurious (f/k/a Kurious Jorge) joined H.B.S on "Enough." The sweet, melodic... Read more

September 24, 2014 Audio, Fresh

J-Live Drops A Sun-Sational Sixth Album, Including AFH Favorite Not Listening (Album Stream)

Brooklyn, New Yorker J-Live has released Around The Sun. The former Payday/7Heads Records MC's sixth album features a lot of images and solstice themes, as well as Homeboy Sandman, Boog Brown, and Tanya Morgan. Twelve tracks long, this $8 album is available from Justice's Bandcamp page. After "Not Listening" became one... Read more

May 13, 2014 Audio, Fresh

J-Live Spreads Good Cheer & Soul, City to City with Tanya Morgan (Audio)

J-Live releases some soulful feel good music with Tanya Morgan and Sam London on City to City. The teacher turned MC keeps kicking knowledge after almost 20 years of honing his craft. Check it out and enjoy the warm vibes. Related: J-Live Smashes Every Cliche in Hip-Hop in 1 Verse... Read more

April 23, 2014 Audio

Veteran Kentucky-Georgia Hip-Hop Group Cunninglyguists Makes Their Latest Strange Journey Available For Free Listen (Audio)

Heads might not be all the way up on Cunninglyguists. However, this Atlanta, Georgia-meets-Lexington, Kentucky Hip-Hop outfit has been around for over 15 years, with strong ties to Freddie Gibbs, Big K.R.I.T., Masta Ace, and Cee-Lo Green. DJ Kno, Deacon The Villain and Natti—the three current members of the QN5... Read more

March 29, 2014 Audio, Fresh

J-Live Smashes Every Cliche in Hip-Hop in 1 Verse But Wack Rappers Are Not Listening (Audio)

J-Live doesn't just rhyme, he tells stories--stories with a point. In his latest release, he attacks virtually every cliche in Hip-Hop, all in 1 verse. Unfortunately, most wack rappers are Not Listening. Check it out. Related: J-Live Makes A Topical Video About Trying To Get Over With Money Matters (Video)... Read more

March 25, 2014 Audio

J-Live Makes A Topical Video About Trying To Get Over With Money Matters (Video)

For over 15 years, J-Live has been an outstanding MC at making clever Hip-Hop songs that his audiences can relate to. The Triple Threat MC/DJ/producer makes a compelling video timed perfectly with the postage increases and State Of The Union address. "Money Matters" explores how working folks, off the grid... Read more

January 28, 2014 Fresh, Video

J-Live – Headband Freestyle

This is pretty cool. J-Live left Brooklyn for Atlanta a few years back (with some time in Philadelphia, in between). The DJ/MC/Producer (Triple Threat) heard one of the year's biggest radio records in B.o.B's 2Chainz-assisted "Headband." Having worked with iconic producers such as DJ Premier, Prince Paul, Pete Rock and... Read more

September 23, 2013 Audio, Fresh

RJD2 – Her Majesty’s Socialist Request (Candy Panther Remix) ft J-Live

Nearly a decade removed from his Def Jux tenure, RJD2 carefully and creatively plans his Hip-Hop moments. The Columbus veteran producer/DJ perhaps best known for crafting the "Mad Men" theme (let's not forget, it was an Aceyalone beat first) linked back up with J-Live for "Her Majesty's Socialist Request." This... Read more

September 11, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Kid Tsunami – The Chase (Full Album Stream)

With all the commotion about Kanye, J. Cole, Mac Miller and Statik Selektah's album, it was easy for Kid Tsunami's to get lost in the shuffle. But, with guest appearances from Masta Ace, OC, J-Live, Bahamadia, Sadat X, Kool Keith, Kool G Rap, KRS-One, Chubb Rock, Pharoahe Monch, Buckshot and... Read more

June 23, 2013 Audio

J-Live – The Fun Razor (Lyric Video)

Here's a lyric video for J-Live's The Fun Razor. It makes it easier to see just how underrated dude is. Check it out. Related: The most underrated MCs of all-time (Audio Playlist)... Read more

May 1, 2013 Video

J. Live – The Fun Razor

J. Live is still putting in work. Here's his latest release, The Fun Razor. Related: J-Live – Hot vs. Dope Vol. 1 (Mixtape)... Read more

April 10, 2013 Audio

J-Live – Hot vs. Dope Vol. 1 (Mixtape)

Some (though not enough) know J-Live as a dope MC. Heads know he is a skilled DJ, as well. Here's a new mixtape from him featuring recent music from Yasiin Bey, Kendrick Lamar, Murs & Fashawn, Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, Killer Mike, Rick Ross, Skyzoo, CL Smooth, Raekwon, Jean Greae,... Read more

October 17, 2012 Audio, Mixes

J-Live – As I Start (Over) (Video)

Here's a new video from J-Live. He's still spittin' that flame. Check out As I Start (Over). Related: J-Live - The Authentic (Video) As I Start (Over) (Single) by J-Live... Read more

August 31, 2012 Video

Here’s a sneak preview for our new documentary Where It All Began which takes a look at the journey to hip-hop by Big Daddy Kane, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Kendrick Lamar, Freddie Gibbs, Stic Man (from Dead Prez), Skillz, XV, Statik Selektah, Termanology, Murs, J-Live, The Kid Daytona, Termanology, Chuuwee, 9th Wonder and many more.

Every journey has a beginning. Ambrosia For Heads' documentary Where It All Began is a look at the journey to hip-hop by many of its current stars, rising stars and reigning legends. For the next several weeks, starting next week, Ambrosia For Heads will show you where the love for... Read more

December 2, 2011 Trending Stories, Video

J-Live – The Authentic (Video)

J-Live was one of my favorite rappers in the late 90's/early00's. Dude always brought something fresh to the game whether it was ill metaphors, intricate stories or just plain spittin' flames. 10 years later, nothing has changed. He's still one of the dopest (and most underrated) MCs in hip-hop (click... Read more

November 23, 2011 Video

J-Live – A Day in the Life

J-Live jumps on Diamond D's classic track with Brand Nubian. He lays down hot lyrics and does them in the original flow of each of Diamond D, Sadat X and Lord Jamar. Dude has skills (that's why you named him one of the most underrated MCs of all time--click here... Read more

August 16, 2011 Audio, The Bridge

J-Live – The Live Identity (Mixtape)

J-Live has a new album coming in September. In the meantime, he's dropping a trilogy of mixtapes as a lead up to the album. The Live Identity is part 1. A lot of you mentioned him as one of the most underrated MCs of all time (click here for the... Read more

August 9, 2011 Audio

Oddisee – 101 (Free Album)

Oddisee released 101, a strong debut album on Mello Music Group, in 2008. The production was tight, the rhymes were solid and it had features from J-Live, Jean Grae, Rapper Big Pooh and several from Phonte (spittin’). They've decided to release the album for free and you can listen to... 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

J Rawls and Casual (of Hieroglyphics) made an incredible video and an even better song.

J Rawls blesses us with a laid back, jazzy track and Casual spits some monster lyrics. Check out the video for Find A New. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXRdUY5lY4o&feature=player_embedded Neither of these cats ever had mainstream success, but they both have made great contributions to hip-hop. Here's a jazzy cut from another MC whose... Read more

June 27, 2011 The Bridge, Video

I got a story to tell…This week’s playlist is dedicated to the art of storytelling in rhymes. Many have witty punch lines, but a rare few have the ability to tell a full and engaging story over 48 bars and 3 hooks. You know the names: Nas, Biggie, Slick Rick, Eminem, KRS-One, Ice Cube, Snoop, Lupe, Kanye…Press play, sit back and here’s a little story…

Not just a bunch of rhymes dedicated to a theme, but true narratives...... Read more

March 3, 2011 Audio, Playlists

This week’s playlist was inspired by those lost Little Brother gems that dropped earlier in the week. It draws heavily on that deep, melodic 9th Wonder sound.

It draws heavily on that deep, melodic 9th Wonder sound, as well as his muse Pete Rock and others. You'll find some J-Live, Jay-Z (courtesy of 9th), Nicolay & Kay, The Foreign Exchange and lots of Little Brother (esp. from the Chittlin Circuit era). This one is for the love.... Read more

February 11, 2011 Playlists

Terrace Martin has been releasing some heat lately. His latest is a dope underground posse cut ft Murs, Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, Skeme, Problem and Casey Veggies.

This one weighs in at about 9 minutes strong. There is no hook. It's just a bunch of MCs spitting over a dope beat. "Samples we can't even clear." Real hip-hop. Click here to download and click here for more Terrace Martin. The length, lack of chorus and just endless... Read more

January 19, 2011 Audio, The Bridge

Meditations on Hip-Hop, Vol. Too

Think of this as hip-hop for chilling, sitting back and relaxing or just marinating. It’s hip-hop for a rainy day. Just hit play, sit back and let it ride. Tracklist is below. Kick it to the Beat – J-Live The Lights – Nicolay & Kay Do You Think About Me... Read more

June 13, 2010 Audio, Playlists, Video