juice crew ArchivesAmbrosia For Heads

Masta Ace & Coast Contra Unite On A Certified Banger

This weekend (January 26), Masta Ace & Marco Polo have released Richmond Hill. The longtime MC/producer battery's second album is a thematic sequel to 2018's A Breukelen Story. That concept LP, named one of Ambrosia For Heads' best of that year, looked at Brooklyn, New York's history—including as a home... Read more

January 27, 2024 Audio, Trending Stories

Big Daddy Kane Names His Top 3 Posse Cuts

Thirty-five years ago, Marley Marl released "The Symphony." In 1988, the Cold Chillin' Records single became a juggernaut for the Juice Crew's expansion. It included Marley on production, with ear-grabbing verses from Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Craig G, and Masta Ace. At a time when Roxanne Shanté, Biz... Read more

September 16, 2023 Video

Big Daddy Kane Turned Down A $1 Million Death Row Deal

In the mid-1990s, Big Daddy Kane was a free agent. After nearly a decade releasing music through Cold Chillin' Records and its Warner Bros. distributor, the Brooklyn, New York lyricist was a talent for hire. In 1994, he had released a sole MCA Records LP, Daddy's Home, featuring involvement with... Read more

September 13, 2023 Video

Biz Markie’s Life Story Is Being Told In A New Documentary

Two years ago this month, Hip-Hop lost a legend in Biz Markie, who succumbed to a longtime bout with type 2 diabetes. The New York artist born Marcel Hall was a famed MC, DJ, producer, actor, and avid collector of artifacts from the culture. A member of the Juice Crew... Read more

July 19, 2023 TV/Film, Video

Wu-Tang Clan vs. Juice Crew: The Greatest Rap Crew Competition

In recognition of Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary, BET Digital, in partnership with Ambrosia For Heads, is celebrating the culture by hosting a bracket-style competition that allows you to determine Hip-Hop’s greatest crew. Rather than having “experts” tell you who is the greatest of all-time, this is your opportunity to collectively make that... Read more

May 9, 2023 Greatest Rap Crew

Grand Daddy I.U. Has Passed Away

In a year already marred by loss, Hip-Hop has learned of another tragedy. Long Island, New York's Grand Daddy I.U. has reportedly died. The MC/producer has been mourned publicly by LL Cool J, Pete Rock, Diamond D, Bumpy Knuckles, and others. At this time, no cause of death has been... Read more

December 13, 2022 News

Kool G Rap & AZ Are The Last Of A Dying Breed Of MCs

As 2022's calendar winds down, there is still plenty of Hip-Hop to look forward to. On December 9, Kool G Rap will release his first album in more than four years. Last Of A Dying Breed will feature the late Sean Price, Vado, and fellow Queens, New Yorker Royal Flush.... Read more

November 27, 2022 Audio

Busta Rhymes, Big Daddy Kane & Conway Slap The Competition On A New Song

Busta Rhymes approached the 2020s with something to prove. Two years ago, the veteran co-founder of Leaders Of The New School and Flipmode Squad gave fans a classic-level album—arguably the best in his career. Extinction Level Event 2 showed the many sides of Busta Bus, including collaborations with Rakim, Kendrick... Read more

October 28, 2022 Audio, Video

Kool G Rap & Big Daddy Kane Reunite On A New Song

After a 35-plus-year career, Kool G Rap is gearing up for a statement album. On October 14, 2022, the Queens, New York lyrical legend will release Last Of A Dying Breed. The upcoming album features contributions from Sean Price, AZ, 38 Spesh, NEMS, Royal Flush, and Vado. Domingo, a producer... Read more

August 25, 2022 Audio, Exclusive

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

Big Daddy Kane Says Busta Rhymes Has The Best Flow In Hip-Hop

In late 2021, Big Daddy Kane and KRS-One held a Verzuz battle for the ages. Two of the most influential and respected MCs in Hip-Hop history squared off and made for an epic night that still prompts debate. However, in a recent event, Big Daddy Kane used the spotlight to... Read more

April 12, 2022 Video

DJ Scratch Explains The Tension At The Big Daddy Kane & KRS-One Verzuz

On Sunday night (October 17), Hip-Hop fans were treated to a Verzuz match up between 80s Hip-Hop legends, Big Daddy Kane and KRS-One. There were freestyles, surprise guests, and some noteworthy banter between the two participants and their DJs—Kid Capri and DJ Scratch, representing Kris and Kane, respectively. During AFH's recap... Read more

October 19, 2021 Video

Dr. Dre Has Broken Pop Culture Barriers Once Again

Last week, it was revealed that Dr. Dre will be headlining the Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show. In doing so, Dre becomes the first Hip-Hop artist to headline, after nearly 25 years of various MCs appearing in the feature role. Dre will share the stage with some of his superstar... Read more

October 6, 2021 Video

Biz Markie Has Passed Away At Age 57

A challenging year for the Hip-Hop community continues to become more tragic. In a breaking news story, Biz Markie has died at the age of 57. The legendary MC, DJ, and producer born Marcel Hall passed away this evening (July 16) after a decade-plus-long bout with type 2 diabetes. TMZ reported... Read more

July 16, 2021 News

Black Thought Shows He Really Is Every MC On An Unreleased Roots Song

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So…let Ambrosia For Heads sift through it for you and only supply you with that great stuff. Despite the reports, Hip-Hop is alive and well and, in many ways, is better than it's ever been. Not only can we go back and... Read more

June 26, 2021 Audio

Rakim Raps His Unreleased Lyrics That Were Dissing Big Daddy Kane (Video)

Earlier this week, Rakim published his memoir, Sweat The Technique: Revelations On Creativity From The Lyrical Genius. The God MC's first text tells his life story as well as offers insight into songwriting and rhyming. In promotion of the book (which he wrote with author, activist, and former Source editor Bakari... Read more

September 26, 2019 Video

Happy Birthday To Big Daddy Kane. Ever Hear His “Raw” Remix With Kool G Rap?

Today (September 10) marks Big Daddy Kane's birthday. Commanding audiences far and wide since he was a teenager, the now 51-year-old living legend continues to be among the culture's best performers. From collaborations with Ghostface Killah and Joell Ortiz, as well as new freestyles, King Asiatic continues to add to... Read more

September 10, 2019 Audio, Throwback, Throwback

Big Daddy Kane For President. He Rocks Russia With R.A.W. Not WAR (Video)

Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, Big Daddy Kane became a global Hip-Hop ambassador. From his roots in New York City rap battles, Antonio Hardy's brilliant rhyme schemes, supreme confidence, and rich subject matter reached the world, and it left a mark. Across color lines and language barriers, so... Read more

July 30, 2019 Video

Masta Ace Shows Brooklyn How It Was & It’s A Beautiful Story (Video)

Nearly 30 years removed from his solo debut, Take A Look Around, Masta Ace is still spitting observant bars, taking stock of his surroundings and detailing what he sees for his listeners. On late 2018's A Breukelen Story (named one of Ambrosia For Heads' best of the year), a collaborative album from... Read more

July 18, 2019 Exclusive, Video

Craig G Wants To Know Who Stole The Soul From Hip-Hop (Video)

With over three decades of rhyming under his belt, Queens, New York's Craig G has been able to witness Hip-Hop develop from a street sensation to mainstream global culture. In all of that time, the Juice Crew member has never been afraid to speak his mind when it comes to... Read more

May 13, 2019 Exclusive, Video

Killer Mike Pens A Heartfelt Tribute To Roxanne Shante & The Power Of Kindness

This week (May 3) Killer Mike wrote a powerful open letter to one of his Hip-Hop heroes, Roxanne Shanté. "This is a photo from my grandmother’s photo album of me and my accomplishments and moments. This is an actual photo of a hero of mine. On a trip to [New... Read more

May 4, 2019 Fresh

Big Daddy Kane & 9th Wonder To Be Inducted Into North Carolina Music Hall Of Fame

In the mid-2000s, Little Brother released one of its most significant collaborations to date. "Welcome To Durham" found Big Pooh, Phonte, and 9th Wonder putting on for their city. The Chitlin Circuit inclusion also featured a legendary guest, Big Daddy Kane. Kane, whose work Phonte praised in lyrics on The Listening,... Read more

May 3, 2019 News

Masta Ace & Pharoahe Monch Battle In A Fight For Life (Video)

Masta Ace, the low-key overachiever, a stoic influence on the likes of Eminem, has been able to endure different eras without sacrificing style or flouting a fan-base determined to mature alongside his work, project by project, decade by decade. Earlier in the year, Ace followed up an emotionally charged "Tiny... Read more

May 1, 2019 Exclusive, Video

Biz Markie’s 30-Year-Old Springtime Anthem Is Still Fresh (Video)

Across the globe, temperatures are rising this week. In less than seven days, spring is officially here (March 20). While for many Mid-Atlantic and northerners, that is no guarantee that snowfall is done for the time being, it is a reminder that the coats, gloves, and scarves can usually go... Read more

March 14, 2019 Do Remember

Ever See This ’91 Cypher With Leaders Of The New School, Biz Markie & More? (Video)

At the top of the 1990s, many Hip-Hop artists were coming together in the name of peace, unity, love, understanding, and having fun. Collectives like the Native Tongues and Diggin' In The Crates (which was not even minted yet) earned the respect of the pioneers by keeping alive the 1970s... Read more

January 28, 2019 Throwback

Ever See JAY-Z, Busta Rhymes, Biz Markie & Jaz-O Freestyle On The Same Stage? (Video)

In 1993, the Mario Van Peebles film Posse hit theaters. At its release party, some of Brooklyn's finest showed up, along with Biz Markie. One of the film's stars, Big Daddy Kane, hosted the New York City event. He appeared in the Western alongside Van Peebles, Stephen Baldwin, Tone-Loc, Tiny... Read more

January 2, 2019 Throwback

Masta Ace, REKS & Rakaa Partner To Show They Still Live Hip-Hop To The Fullest

From three different cities, three respected MCs come together to do damage. Brooklyn, New York's, Los Angeles, California's Rakaa Iriscience, and Lawrence, Massachusetts' REKS unite on the "To The Fullest" video. With the lyricists' respective styles weaving seamlessly throughout their delivery, this arrangement lives up to its name. The song... Read more

December 28, 2018 Video

In 1988, A Dozen Songs By Top Shelf MCs Went Missing. They’ve Been Found (Audio)

Back in 1988, there was a small studio and gathering place in Manhattan's Lower East Side. Top Shelf Studios was reportedly different than the usual places where Rap records were made. At a time when the culture was blossoming, MCs from across New York City liked the energy of the... Read more

November 15, 2018 Audio, Exclusive

Kool G Rap Was Wrongfully Accused Of Shoplifting. Now He’s Getting Gangster.

For the last 30 years, Kool G Rap's music has featured narratives about being on the run, wanted by the law, and serving time in places like New York City's Rikers Island. One of Gangsta Rap's pioneers is part of headlines this week, for a crime he says he did... Read more

October 15, 2018 Lifestyle, News

Ghostface & Big Daddy Kane Have United To Take Hip-Hop Back (Audio)

Wu-Tang Clan swordsman Ghostface Killah has been open about his musical influences. The Staten Island, New Yorker grew up admiring Rap music from the likes of Kool G Rap & DJ Polo, Slick Rick, Divine Force, Ultramagnetic MC's, and others. Over the last 25 years, he has been able to... Read more

September 27, 2018 Audio

Happy Birthday Big Daddy Kane. King Asiatic Turns 50 Years Old (Video)

Earlier this year, LL Cool J and Rakim both celebrated their 50th birthdays. Today (September 10), another game-changing lyricist joins the party. Big Daddy Kane (aka Antonio Hardy) turns 50. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of Long Live The Kane. At 50, Kane's longevity is cemented. In terms... Read more

September 10, 2018 Fresh, Mixes

Black Thought Explains Why Kool G Rap’s “Road To The Riches” Is His Favorite Verse (Video)

In 2004, The Roots released their sixth album, The Tipping Point. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania group's final album for Geffen Records contained an Easter egg of sorts for Hip-Hop Heads. The Dice Raw-assisted "Boom!" featured band front-man Black Thought paying homage to two of his MC inspirations: Big Daddy Kane and... Read more

August 6, 2018 Video

Tragedy Khadafi Says Marley Marl Did Him Dirty. His New Song Tells All (Audio Premiere)

Tragedy Khadafi (fka The Intelligent Hoodlum) has been releasing music steadily over the three decades but it's been nearly four years since he released his last solo album. That's all changing now though. The Queensbridge legend has been in the booth heavy since 2014's Pre Magnum Opus and is slated... Read more

August 1, 2018 Audio, Exclusive

Big Daddy Kane Freestyles Raw, Uncut & With A Chip On His Legendary Shoulders (Video)

This Wednesday (June 20), Big Daddy Kane is performing a free concert in his hometown of Brooklyn, New York. The living legend of the microphone is celebrating the 30th anniversary of his debut album, Long Live The Kane. In an era when records are shorter and appear to be more... Read more

June 18, 2018 Video

Bumpy Knuckles & Biz Markie Team Up For A Video With A Purpose. Check It Out, Y’all.

Today (May 18), Bumpy Knuckles releases Pop Duke, Vol. 1. The 10-song concept project is produced by Nottz, and it features a cast of Rap O.G.'s such as Chuck D, Kool G Rap, and M.O.P.'s Lil Fame. It also includes a fellow Long Islander, Biz Markie, who makes a rare... Read more

May 18, 2018 Exclusive, Food for Thought, Interview, Video

Masta Ace & A Band Rock The House In A Personal & Emotional Tiny Desk Concert (Video)

NPR’s Tiny Desk is not only an intimate performance space, but the video segment has also become an apparent stamp of approval from National Public Radio that identifies an artist as high caliber and culturally significant. Following his Juice Crew band-mate Big Daddy Kane's February performance, Masta Ace hits the... Read more

April 2, 2018 Video

Roxanne Shanté Describes How Real “The Roxanne Wars” Got In Concerts (Video)

This weekend, Roxanne, Roxanne is now available on Netflix. The biopic, written and directed by Michael Larnell, covers the life of MC Roxanne Shanté (aka Lolita Shanté Gooden). The Juice Crew rapper co-produced the film and worked with the likes of Pharrell Williams, Forrest Whitaker, and Mimi Valdes to tell... Read more

March 24, 2018 Video

Craig G Returns To Battle Rap & He’s Ready To Juice The Competition

Much like many aspects of Hip-Hop, Battle Rap today looks (and sounds) a lot different than it did when it originated. With the help of some of the pioneers, like MC Craig G, Heads may get new glimpses at its past glory. The documented freestyle master and Juice Crew member... Read more

March 8, 2018 News

Roxanne Shanté’s Biopic Trailer Shows A True Survivor In The Rap Game (Video)

In just over one month, Roxanne, Roxanne will be available to the public via Netflix. On March 23, the film produced by Pharrell Williams and Forest Whitaker will tell the story of MC Roxanne Shanté. The first Rap star of Marley Marl and DJ Mr. Magic's Juice Crew (according to... Read more

February 22, 2018 TV/Film, Video

Step Brothers Evidence & Alchemist Reunite To Salute Biz Markie & Fat Albert (Audio)

Paying homage to Biz Markie and "Fat Albert" at once, the Evidence/Alchemist Step Brothers duo makes a welcomed return with "Lay Some Treats On Us,” a new single that's tricky in the best possible way. Biz Markie’s 1989 sophomore album The Biz Never Sleeps contains a track called “Mudd Foot.”... Read more

January 22, 2018 Audio, The Bridge

Big Daddy Kane Details The Rich History Of How The Juice Crew Started (Video)

Big Daddy Kane is the latest guest on Drink Champs. The Brooklyn, New York lyrical legend is in a casual mood, often joking during the three-hour episode. N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN interview the Juice Crew MC about a number of highlights from his life and career. There are probing questions... Read more

January 17, 2018 Video

Kool G Rap Explains How Record Label Politics Made Him Lose Like The Ill Street Blues

Twenty-five years ago today, Kool G Rap & DJ Polo released their third album, Live & Let Die. Featuring singles "Ill Street Blues" and "On The Run," the Cold Chillin' Records release marked a shift for the Queens, New York MC and DJ team. The release would be the final... Read more

November 24, 2017 Throwback

ScHoolboy Q Takes The Classic Symphony Beat & Makes It A Gangsta Party (Audio)

ScHoolboy Q is putting the finishing touches on his follow-up to the Grammy-nominated The Blank Face LP. In the meantime, Groovy Q makes a welcomed appearance care of longtime collaborator, Traffic. After the pair worked together on 2016 video single "Tookie Knows II," Q is featured on the just-released All... Read more

November 9, 2017 Audio, The Bridge

In 1992, Kool G Rap Teamed Up With Ice Cube & The Geto Boys On A Lethal Collabo (Audio)

One week after Ice Cube released The Predator, and three ahead of Dr. Dre's The Chronic, Kool G Rap & DJ Polo released their third LP, Live And Let Die. Following 1990's Wanted: Dead Or Alive, the Juice Crew MC still had a grim, survivalist's outlook and a penchant for... Read more

November 2, 2017 Do Remember

Large Professor Remixes Masta Ace’s Trip Down Memory Lane (Audio)

Nostalgia and looking back on teenage years is a recurring theme in Hip-Hop, inspiring some of the best work of artists such as Nas and Black Milk and now Masta Ace and Large Professor on this "Extra P Remix" of UK production collective, Son of Sam’s “Come A Long Way.”... Read more

October 18, 2017 Audio

This ’96 Freestyle From Tribe, Busta, The Roots & More Packs Lines That Truly Punch (Audio)

The City of Brotherly Love has undoubtedly produced some of Hip-Hop's best MCs to ever grip the mic, and equally, some of the greatest DJs to touch the turntables. Legendary Philadelphia DJ Cash Money has an extensive resumé with memorable mixtapes to prove the latter. After making seminal 1980s 12"... Read more

September 21, 2017 Do Remember

The NFL Boycott Is Working & Masta Ace Says It’s Bigger Than Colin Kaepernick (Video)

A week ago, the NFL began its first week of the 2017 regular season. Ratings show a serious decline in viewership, year over year. From week 1 kickoff on Thursday Night Football (a 14% decline) to Sunday numbers on FOX and CBS, many less people are watching. Meanwhile, big media seems... Read more

September 16, 2017 Exclusive, Lifestyle, TBD, Video

Large Professor & Craig G Put Hip-Hop On A Pedestal & Celebrate H.E.R. (Audio)

Belgian DJ and producer Koss has been linking with some of the most defiant MCs in the game for many years now. With inspiration from Soul, Funk, Jazz, and Psychedelic Rock from the 1960s and the '70s, he intertwines these musical genres with the infectious boom bap of Hip-Hop from... Read more

September 6, 2017 Audio

Biz Markie Details How He Made The Mazda MPV A Hip-Hop Symbol

Biz Markie sat down with Questlove for the most recent episode of Questlove Supreme. There, the acclaimed MC/DJ/producer and super-collector had a lengthy and lighthearted conversation about his 35-year-career. Throwback: Classic Audio of Rakim and Biz Markie Rhyming in High School (Audio) Quest', a fellow collector, presses Biz about his... Read more

August 16, 2017 Lifestyle, Throwback

Kool G Rap Is A 30-Year Lyrical Legend. Listen To A Sneak Preview Of His New Album (Audio)

Kool G Rap is frequently considered one of Hip-Hop's greatest MCs. For 31 years, the Queens, New Yorker has helped bring Rap out of an era of simpler deliveries to compound rhyme structures, fast paced flows, and an unrivaled use of cadence. Additionally, he is one of the pioneers of... Read more

June 1, 2017 Audio, Exclusive