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J. Dilla’s Life Story Has Been Told Like Never Before

J. Dilla’s Life Story Has Been Told Like Never Before

February is widely celebrated among Hip-Hop Heads as a month dedicated to J Dilla. James Yancey was born February 7, 1974, and passed just after his 32nd birthday on February 10. Traditionally, there are concerts and events around the globe honoring the producer/MC who co-founded Slum Village, JayLib, J-88, The... Read more
February 2, 2022 Video
The 10 Best Rap Albums Of 2021 So Far

The 10 Best Rap Albums Of 2021 So Far

As 2021 quickly approaches its midpoint, it is tradition to evaluate the year's best Hip-Hop albums—so far. So on the latest episode of Ambrosia For Heads' What's The Headline podcast, we did just that. As we did in deciding the best albums of 2020, the AFH team uses the platform to publicly discuss the best... Read more
June 15, 2021 Exclusive
Madlib Speaks. He Reveals That He & Pusha-T Are Planning More Music Together (Video)

Madlib Speaks. He Reveals That He & Pusha-T Are Planning More Music Together (Video)

Last month, Ambrosia For Heads decided that Madlib & Freddie Gibbs' Bandana was the Best Album Of 2019. Announced the same night as the Grammy's, the sophomore collaboration between the two veterans bested another producer/MC battery, Gang Starr, in the championship round. The decision came after the annual Sweet 16-themed... Read more
February 28, 2020 Video
A New Mix Blends Benny The Butcher & J Dilla To Perfection

A New Mix Blends Benny The Butcher & J Dilla To Perfection

Every February, Hip-Hop Heads remember J Dilla. Producer/MC James Yancey was born on February 7, 1974, and passed away just days after his 32nd birthday, on February 10, 2006. Around the country are official and unofficial Dilla events, with many of the artists who best knew Jay Dee paying tribute.... Read more
February 15, 2020 Audio, Mixes
Who Had The Best Rap Album Of 2019 (Championship Round): Freddie Gibbs & Madlib vs. Gang Starr

Who Had The Best Rap Album Of 2019 (Championship Round): Freddie Gibbs & Madlib vs. Gang Starr

Over the last couple of years, Ambrosia For Heads has asked our readers to help us determine the Best Rap Album for 2017 and 2018, respectively. In looking at the top music of 2019, we believe that instead of letting the Grammy Awards—a committee who does not know anything about... Read more
January 24, 2020 Best Albums Of 2019
Who Had The Best Rap Album Of 2019 (Battle 14): Freddie Gibbs & Madlib vs. Benny

Who Had The Best Rap Album Of 2019 (Battle 14): Freddie Gibbs & Madlib vs. Benny

Over the last couple of years, Ambrosia For Heads has asked our readers to help us determine the Best Rap Album for 2017 and 2018, respectively. In looking at the top music of 2019, we believe that instead of letting the Grammy Awards—a committee who does not know anything about... Read more
January 22, 2020 Best Albums Of 2019
Common Uses A J Dilla Beat To Show His Love For HER Is Strong As Ever (Video)

Common Uses A J Dilla Beat To Show His Love For HER Is Strong As Ever (Video)

At the beginning of this month, Common was a surprise guest at the 12th-annual Roots Picnic in Philadelphia. Back in the late 1990s, the MC who was making Like Water For Chocolate at the same time his friends were making Things Fall Apart. The SoulQuarians worked on both albums, so... Read more
June 14, 2019 Video
Peanut Butter Wolf Speaks About Parting Ways With Madlib & Egon

Peanut Butter Wolf Speaks About Parting Ways With Madlib & Egon

Stones Throw Records founder Peanut Butter Wolf is the latest guest on Questlove Supreme. Taped in Los Angeles, California, the episode finds Questlove, Phonte, Boss Bill, Laiya, Suga Steve asking the San Jose native Chris Manak about his label and its incredible catalog. Highlights include specific discussion on Lootpack's Soundpieces:... Read more
March 21, 2019 Audio
A New Book Will Explain How J Dilla Re-Invented Rhythm & Changed Music

A New Book Will Explain How J Dilla Re-Invented Rhythm & Changed Music

Today (February 7) marks J Dilla's birthday. The iconic producer, MC, and DJ would have turned 45 years old. Tragically, the incredible artist born James Yancey passed away on February 10, 2006, days after his birthday and the release of acclaimed instrumental Hip-Hop album, Donuts. However, his music, impact, and... Read more
February 7, 2019 Exclusive
Heavily Sampled Hall Of Fame Songwriter Galt MacDermot Passes Away At 89

Heavily Sampled Hall Of Fame Songwriter Galt MacDermot Passes Away At 89

Galt MacDermot has died at the age of 89 today (December 17). It was one day before his 90th birthday. Although family members confirmed the news, according to Rolling Stone, a cause of death has not been made public. The Montreal, Quebec native may be best remembered as the composer of... Read more
December 17, 2018 News
Common & Questlove Share Stories About Bargaining For Beats From J Dilla & D’Angelo

Common & Questlove Share Stories About Bargaining For Beats From J Dilla & D’Angelo

On January 25, Common was the guest for the first live audience recording of Questlove Supreme. At Manhattan's Gramercy Theater, Questlove, Laiya, Suga Steve, and Boss Bill interviewed Common for nearly two hours. Ambrosia For Heads was front and center for the event. Today (February 21), that interview is available... Read more
February 21, 2018 Fresh
Jay Electronica, Obie Trice & Bumpy Knuckles To Perform At Dillatroit Tribute Concert

Jay Electronica, Obie Trice & Bumpy Knuckles To Perform At Dillatroit Tribute Concert

February 10 marks 12 years since the untimely death of J Dilla. In James Yancey's hometown of Detroit, Michigan the third annual Dillatroit concert will take place in his memory. On Sunday, several collaborators, peers, and admirers of the Slum Village co-founder are confirmed to perform at the event held... Read more
February 8, 2018 Fresh
An New Video Shows The Rise Of The Soulquarians & Why Things Fell Apart

An New Video Shows The Rise Of The Soulquarians & Why Things Fell Apart

During the week of special engagements leading up to last Sunday's Grammy Awards, The Roots held a four-day residency at The Gramercy Theatre in Manhattan. During the day, the three-time Grammy-winners programmed events that included the first live taping of Questlove Supreme with guest Common, as well as a Black... Read more
January 30, 2018 Throwback, Video
Sade & Mobb Deep Get Mashed Up By J. Rocc For One Quiet Storm (Audio)

Sade & Mobb Deep Get Mashed Up By J. Rocc For One Quiet Storm (Audio)

Sade has music that works for just about any mood. Beat Junkies founder, JayLib member, and Soundbombing, Vol. 2 co-host J. Rocc grasps this fact and melded her soulful melodies with the rugged flow of Mobb Deep in Thug Ballads. He combines the right Sade instrumental back-drops and vocals with just... Read more
January 23, 2018 Audio, Mixes
Pete Rock & J Dilla Birthed A Beat Generation That Shaped The Future (Audio)

Pete Rock & J Dilla Birthed A Beat Generation That Shaped The Future (Audio)

Within the space of three months in 2001, two of Hip-Hop’s preeminent producers, J Dilla and Pete Rock were in a kind of competition, and this led to the release of two ground-breaking albums that would shape the sound of the genre for the next decade and beyond. According to... Read more
January 4, 2018 Do Remember
The Secrets To J Dilla’s Production Style Are Revealed In A Fantastic New Video

The Secrets To J Dilla’s Production Style Are Revealed In A Fantastic New Video

For anyone wanting to understand why Detroit producer J Dilla is so revered more than one decade after his untimely death, a new video by journalist Estelle Caswell in the Vox "Earworm" series offers the perfect starting-point. This mini-documentary takes a close look at Dilla’s radical re-invention of drums, his... Read more
December 6, 2017 Video
Kanye West Recalls Watching J Dilla Work. He Compares Him To Quincy (Video)

Kanye West Recalls Watching J Dilla Work. He Compares Him To Quincy (Video)

In 2005, Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music was the label responsible for Common's sixth album, Be. That album, which was Common's first Top 10 release (debuting at #2) was critical to the Chicago, Illinois MC's career, and transformation. While West was responsible for nine of the LP's 11 tracks, the other... Read more
March 8, 2017 Throwback
Finding The GOAT Producer (The Final Battle): DJ Premier vs. J Dilla. Who Is Better?

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
J Rocc Shows What Biggie And Dilla Would Have Sounded Like Together…Incredible (Audio)

J Rocc Shows What Biggie And Dilla Would Have Sounded Like Together…Incredible (Audio)

In their lives, Biggie Smalls and J Dilla never worked together. Jay Dee would produce for B.I.G. affiliates like Busta Rhymes, Keith Murray, and Heavy D, but would never work with Bad Boy Records in those mid-'90s glory years. While almost all of Biggie's unused reels have been released on... Read more
March 6, 2017 Audio
DJ Premier & J Dilla Are The Finalists In The Finding The GOAT Producer Competition

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: J Dilla vs. Dr. Dre. Who Is Better?

Finding The GOAT Producer: J Dilla vs. Dr. Dre. 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 2, 2017 Finding the GOAT
Finding The GOAT Producer: J Dilla vs. Madlib. Who Is Better?

Finding The GOAT Producer: J Dilla vs. Madlib. 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 7, 2017 Finding the GOAT
Finding The GOAT Producer: The Sweet 16 Has Been Determined

Finding The GOAT Producer: The Sweet 16 Has Been Determined

Last night (February 5), Round 1 voting closed for "Finding The GOAT Producer." That round, launched in early January, began with 32 producers (including two Wild Card inductees into the bracket). As of today's tiebreaker between Organized Noize vs. Erick Sermon (which was within less than 1% when the polls closed),... Read more
February 6, 2017 Finding the GOAT
Finding The GOAT Producer: J Dilla vs. MF DOOM. Who Is Better?

Finding The GOAT Producer: J Dilla vs. MF DOOM. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer” begins. 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 deserving... Read more
January 19, 2017 Finding the GOAT
Finding The GOAT Producer: Madlib vs. Prince Paul. Who Is Better?

Finding The GOAT Producer: Madlib vs. Prince Paul. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer” begins. 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 deserving... Read more
January 12, 2017 Finding the GOAT
Kazi’s Madlib-Produced 1996 Song “To Be Lost” Gets A Video 20 Years Later

Kazi’s Madlib-Produced 1996 Song “To Be Lost” Gets A Video 20 Years Later

In 1996, Madlib's career was taking shape. In addition to his spot in Lootpack, the Oxnard, California producer/MC was selling tracks to Tha Alkaholiks and Boot Camp Clik's O.G.C. Appearing on albums, the dusty beats from Otis Williams, Jr. were alluring. He was welcomed to the burgeoning Likwit Crew, alongside... Read more
December 8, 2016 Video
A Tribe Called Quest & Many More Gave Hip-Hop Much To Be Thankful For In November (Audio)

A Tribe Called Quest & Many More Gave Hip-Hop Much To Be Thankful For In November (Audio)

November 2016 was one of the most tumultuous months in a generation. Regardless of one's political affiliation the world seemingly changed over one long night on November 8 for hundreds of millions of Americans. When not fixated on the news, many turned to music for relief from the onslaught or,... Read more
December 7, 2016 Audio, Throwback
J Dilla & Madlib’s Unreleased Collab From 2002 Brings Da Rawkus (Audio)

J Dilla & Madlib’s Unreleased Collab From 2002 Brings Da Rawkus (Audio)

For Hip-Hop fans, there are few record catalogs more revered than that of Stones Throw. The label, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, is the home to such artists as MF DOOM, Aloe Blacc, Dam Funk, J Rocc, Oh No and, of course, label founder, Peanut Butter Wolf. The record... Read more
November 25, 2016 Audio
Common Reveals The Title And Featured Artists On His Next Album (Video)

Common Reveals The Title And Featured Artists On His Next Album (Video)

In the last 25 years, Common's discography is speckled with a number of award-winning, thematic, and cult-championed albums. The MC has evolved from a beer-drinking, slick-talking rhymer into a reflective lyrical poet, to a hit-maker, and cultural symbol of self and external love. It has been more than two years... Read more
October 3, 2016 Video
J Dilla, Nas & Madlib’s Visual Is So Sick It’s Hallucinogenic (Video)

J Dilla, Nas & Madlib’s Visual Is So Sick It’s Hallucinogenic (Video)

A week and a half ago, J Dilla's The Diary album finally released. Ten years after the producer/MC's death, his family and the Nas-backed Mass Appeal Records delivered an album that began in 2001 to the fans at last. The final Dilla vocal album, this was what was on James... Read more
April 27, 2016 Video
Open The Book On J Dilla’s Last Vocal LP, “The Diary” (Album Stream)

Open The Book On J Dilla’s Last Vocal LP, “The Diary” (Album Stream)

Today (April 15) marks the true release of J Dilla's The Diary album. First recorded and plotted in 2001 and 2002, the project was then shelved by MCA Records. Seeing the album properly delivered to fans was a top priority of James Yancey at the time of his 2006 death.... Read more
April 15, 2016 Audio
From Kanye To Pete Rock, Get The Story On J Dilla’s “Diary” Over 15 Years (Audio)

From Kanye To Pete Rock, Get The Story On J Dilla’s “Diary” Over 15 Years (Audio)

Today (April 15), J Dilla's The Diary releases. The album featuring contributions from Nas, Snoop Dogg, Pete Rock, and many others has come a long way since its early 2000s plans to be an MCA Records release. Sadly, that never happened as planned. In 2016, it has been more than... Read more
April 15, 2016 Audio
Nas & J Dilla On A Madlib Track Is A Powerful Bookmark In “The Diary” (Audio)

Nas & J Dilla On A Madlib Track Is A Powerful Bookmark In “The Diary” (Audio)

In two days (April 15), J Dilla's posthumous album, The Diary, will finally release. With its beginnings dating back to the opening of the 2000s, the then-MCA Records solo artist and current Slum Village member plugged away at the LP that would never see release before his February 2006 death.... Read more
April 13, 2016 Audio
Nas Plays A New J Dilla Collabo, Produced By Madlib (Video)

Nas Plays A New J Dilla Collabo, Produced By Madlib (Video)

In October of 2014, Nas began a public pursuit of bringing recognition to the music of J Dilla. During a Mass Appeal Records release party for Run The Jewels' second album, the investor in the label shared his take on a Dilla "donut" beat. The track would be called "The... Read more
March 18, 2016 Video
Madvillain’s Madvillainy vs. A Tribe Called Quest’s Midnight Marauders. Which Is Better?

Madvillain’s Madvillainy vs. A Tribe Called Quest’s Midnight Marauders. 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
March 10, 2016 Finding the GOAT
Black Thought Reveals What Artists Used To Do To Get J Dilla’s Best Beats (Video)

Black Thought Reveals What Artists Used To Do To Get J Dilla’s Best Beats (Video)

Between 1999 and 2006, The Roots would work with J Dilla (f/k/a Jay Dee) a number of times. Then label-mates at MCA Records, Dilla produced elements of the Grammy-nominated platinum Things Fall Apart album. While "Dynamite!" would make the LP, "New Year's @ Jay Dee's" would be a hidden jewel... Read more
February 10, 2016 Exclusive, Food for Thought, Video
The Third Member Of JayLib Comes Through With A Fresh J Dilla Mix

The Third Member Of JayLib Comes Through With A Fresh J Dilla Mix

Los Angeles, California-based producer/turntablist J Rocc has been one of the biggest purveyors of J Dilla's legacy. The Beat Junkies co-founder and official third member of JayLib (J Dilla & Madlib's group) is among the supporters of next month's J Dilla Weekend (February 5-7) in Miami, Florida. As he has... Read more
January 30, 2016 Mixes, Throwback
Black Thought & J.Period Are Performing A Live J Dilla Mixtape At Dilla Weekend (Audio)

Black Thought & J.Period Are Performing A Live J Dilla Mixtape At Dilla Weekend (Audio)

As announced earlier this week, Black Thought and J.Period have been added to the 2016 J Dilla Weekend lineup. Taking place February 5-7, the Miami, Florida event will feature concert performances, panel discussions, a Discogs record swap meet, art exhibits, and much more. With the addition of The Roots' MC... Read more
January 29, 2016 Audio, Exclusive, Mixes, Video
Plug In To J Dilla’s Posthumous Dillatronic Album For A Free, Full Stream

Plug In To J Dilla’s Posthumous Dillatronic Album For A Free, Full Stream

In a seemingly never-ending series of releases, J Dilla's Dillatronic has arrived for full preview. Available for pre-order and releasing Friday (October 30), this collection of beats taps into James Yancey's Electronic sensibilities, from a Detroit, Michigan city largely responsible for impacting the Techno genre. Different than Donuts, these are... Read more
October 26, 2015 Audio
J Dilla Blew Speakers Fusing Hip-Hop With Electronic. That’s The Subject Of New Album.

J Dilla Blew Speakers Fusing Hip-Hop With Electronic. That’s The Subject Of New Album.

In J Dilla's more than 11 years making music, the Detroit, Michigan producer/MC had a wide range of influences. James Yancey (a/k/a Jay Dee) would make popular records out of sampling artists from The Impressions to Stereolab to Cris Williamson. However, in the Slum Village co-founder's arsenal was a heavy vein of Electronic music.... Read more
September 24, 2015 News
Styles P’s Fierce Flow & J Dilla’s Soultastic Beat Make A Musical Marriage (Audio)

Styles P’s Fierce Flow & J Dilla’s Soultastic Beat Make A Musical Marriage (Audio)

In life, Styles P and J Dilla never got to work together. Presumably, the men respected each others' work. Both artists enjoyed big trucks, all-natural mind elevation, and making that knock amidst music that makes you feel weightless. In his weekly series, S.P. The Ghost has been going for some... Read more
June 5, 2015 Audio
Finding The GOAT (Round 2): J. Dilla vs. Guru…Who You Got?

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): J. Dilla vs. Guru…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 23, 2015 Throwback
The Beat Junkies Honor J Dilla With A Scorching 2015 Remembrance Mix (Audio)

The Beat Junkies Honor J Dilla With A Scorching 2015 Remembrance Mix (Audio)

One of the subtleties that makes Dilla Day (February 10) so special in recent years is majorly due to The Beat Junkies and DJ J. Rocc. The Los Angeles, California DJ, who was the third—often uncredited—member of JayLib, finds new and innovative ways to praise his friend, collaborator, and Stones... Read more
February 10, 2015 Audio
2015 Dilla Weekend Hits Miami – Madlib, Joey Bada$$, Slum Village & More To Rock

2015 Dilla Weekend Hits Miami – Madlib, Joey Bada$$, Slum Village & More To Rock

After years of ongoing festivities, Dilla Day has now become Dilla Weekend. The family-sanctioned event honoring late producer/MC James "J Dilla" Yancey (a/k/a Jay Dee) has expanded and relocated to Miami, Florida. On February 5, 6, 7, and 8, the affair will take place in Dade County, with weekend-long tickets... Read more
January 6, 2015 Fresh
MED & J. Rocc’s AXEL F. Project Gets An Instant Rewind-Worthy Visual (Video)

MED & J. Rocc’s AXEL F. Project Gets An Instant Rewind-Worthy Visual (Video)

MED & J. Rocc's AXEL F. project, Theme Music, released today (November 25). The collaborative project from the two Southern California vets, both Stones Throw Records affiliates, features Blu, Guilty Simpson, and Oh No, among others. For the "Sofa Coins" single, J and Medafor stepped into an animated world that... Read more
November 25, 2014 Fresh, Video
Blu, MED & J. Rocc Make A Sparse Ill AXEL F Cut & Shine (Audio)

Blu, MED & J. Rocc Make A Sparse Ill AXEL F Cut & Shine (Audio)

Add another dope release to the November Rap calendar. AXEL F, the tandem of MED and J. Rocc (Jaylib) will release Theme Music on November 24 on Bang Ya Head Entertainment. After some work in late 2013, the tandem links again with close affiliate Blu for "Omega." Blu sets things... Read more
November 12, 2014 Audio, Fresh
For Harold’s, Freddie Gibbs Throws His Pinata Party Right In Indiana (Video)

For Harold’s, Freddie Gibbs Throws His Pinata Party Right In Indiana (Video)

With Freddie Gibbs & Madlib's Pinata still a popular favorite in the discussion of 2014's best Hip-Hop albums, they release their latest visuals. The single "Harold's" was one of the LP's stronger points. The track referenced a Midwestern fried chicken restaurant and used it as an illustration for the streets... Read more
August 5, 2014 Fresh, Video
How About Some Unreleased Young, Pepped-Up J Dilla Rapping? (Audio)

How About Some Unreleased Young, Pepped-Up J Dilla Rapping? (Audio)

J Dilla left behind a seemingly endless supply of unreleased music. Outside of his groups (Slum Village, JayLib), the producer/MC with more than one impresario loved recording. He did it nonstop, and also circulated tailor-made beat-tapes that are still surfacing. As part of Dilla's just-announced, family-endorsed box set, Rolling Stone... Read more
June 20, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback
Kanye West Explains How J Dilla Influenced Yeezus (Video)

Kanye West Explains How J Dilla Influenced Yeezus (Video)

Back in 2005, during the launch of Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music, 'Ye inked a deal with one of his influences, Common. During the making of Comm's Be LP, two producers worked on the album: Kanye and J Dilla. The gold-certified, Grammy-nominated album would eventually feature two Jay Dee production, and... Read more
May 29, 2014 Fresh, Video
J Dilla Love Songs Live On As The Yancey Boys Team With Eric Roberson For An Ill Groove (Video)

J Dilla Love Songs Live On As The Yancey Boys Team With Eric Roberson For An Ill Groove (Video)

One of the flag-wavers in the J Dilla/Jay Dee legacy is The Yancey Boys. The Delicious Vinyl Records-backed outfit of Illa J (Dilla's brother) and Frank Nitti (of Frank-N-Dank), along with the posthumous works of Jay Dee has made some celebrated music since 2006, when the world lost a luminary.... Read more
April 21, 2014 Fresh, Video
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