AFH Ambrosia for Heads

Archives

20 Years After Big L’s Passing, This Rarity Showcases The Man Behind The Punchlines

20 Years After Big L’s Passing, This Rarity Showcases The Man Behind The Punchlines

Twenty years ago today (February 15, 1999) Big L was fatally shot just steps from his childhood home at 45 West 139th Street in Harlem. It was the block he prophetically deemed the "The Danger Zone" in his early songs. On that fateful Monday night, Lamont Coleman was struck nine... Read more
February 15, 2019 Throwback
O.C.’s Tiny Desk Concert Shows Time Is Never Up For Classic Hip-Hop (Video)

O.C.’s Tiny Desk Concert Shows Time Is Never Up For Classic Hip-Hop (Video)

There’s a special kind of flavor required for an MC to shine at one of NPR’s "Tiny Desk" concerts, and Brooklyn, New York spitter, O.C. really spreads it on for his five-song set. The low-key backdrop provided by Soul'D U Out, a Jazz band headed by Maurice “Mobetta” Brown (Talib... Read more
April 19, 2018 Video
Melle Mel Explains Why He Didn’t Think “The Message” Would Be Successful (Video)

Melle Mel Explains Why He Didn’t Think “The Message” Would Be Successful (Video)

Grandmaster Melle Mel is regarded as one of Hip-Hop's first generation MC icons. The lyrical front-man of Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five helped move the fledgling genre of Rap from the party to a reflection of street reality. In his staggering discography, Melvin Glover was successful in both realms.... Read more
January 18, 2018 Exclusive, Video
Big L’s First Verse On Wax Showed Heads That He Was A Rookie MVP (Audio)

Big L’s First Verse On Wax Showed Heads That He Was A Rookie MVP (Audio)

Big L lived to see just one of his albums release. 1995's Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous has become something of a cult classic. The Columbia/Sony Records LP has early JAY-Z and Cam'ron appearances and lethal D.I.T.C. production from Lord Finesse, Showbiz, as well as Buckwild. However, all of... Read more
September 7, 2017 Do Remember
O.C.’s “Jewelz” At 20: It May Be The True Diamond In His Discography

O.C.’s “Jewelz” At 20: It May Be The True Diamond In His Discography

Following the assassinations of the Rap industry's biggest stars The Notorious B.I.G. in 1997 and Tupac Shakur one year prior, the genre was a powder keg that exploded. The remaining stars of Hip-Hop were trying to figure out how to clean up the mess. Some hardcore outfits like Wu-Tang Clan... Read more
August 19, 2017 Throwback
For The First Time, A Woman Has Won The National DMC DJ Championship

For The First Time, A Woman Has Won The National DMC DJ Championship

Since 1985 the DMC DJ Championships organization has named DJs representing a vast array of countries the winners of the competition, considered the preeminent battle in the world of turntablism. Roc Raida, Mixmaster Mike, Q-Bert, A-Trak, and Craze are just a few of the gifted disc jockeys to have walked away... Read more
August 9, 2017 News
25 Years Ago Today Kid ‘n Play Switched It Up For Class Act (Video)

25 Years Ago Today Kid ‘n Play Switched It Up For Class Act (Video)

While Kid 'n Play's Hip-Hop career dates back to 1987's Select Records breakout "Last Night," the '90s would be their definitive decade. Christopher "Kid" Reid and Christopher "Play" Martin brought their showmanship to film, in a big way. In 1990, the pair were incredibly busy. In addition to a self-titled... Read more
June 5, 2017 Throwback, TV/Film, Video
Showbiz Keeps It 100 About The Emotions That Got In The Way Of D.I.T.C. Business (Video)

Showbiz Keeps It 100 About The Emotions That Got In The Way Of D.I.T.C. Business (Video)

The Diggin' In The Crates collective released their first album in more than 15 years in 2016. While Big L died in February of 1999, surviving members Lord Finesse, Showbiz, A.G., Diamond D, O.C. Fat Joe, and Buckwild came together for a reunion album in celebration of the group's Bronx,... Read more
May 24, 2017 Video
Fat Joe Airs Out Terror Squad’s Dirty Laundry & Defends His Name (Video)

Fat Joe Airs Out Terror Squad’s Dirty Laundry & Defends His Name (Video)

Fat Joe is one of Hip-Hop's most controversial figures. The Bronx, New Yorker has roots in some of the hardest Rap music of the '90s, starting with his '93 debut, Represent. However, in the days after Big Pun's sudden 2000 death, Joe stepped forward to become a mainstream giant, making... Read more
March 3, 2017 Video
Finding The GOAT Producer: Pete Rock vs. D.I.T.C. Who Is Better?

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
Finding The GOAT Producer: The Bomb Squad vs. DITC. Who Is Better?

Finding The GOAT Producer: The Bomb Squad vs. DITC. 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 24, 2017 Finding the GOAT
Wu-Tang Meets D.I.T.C. Two Legendary Crews Ain’t Nuthin’ To Mash Up (Audio)

Wu-Tang Meets D.I.T.C. Two Legendary Crews Ain’t Nuthin’ To Mash Up (Audio)

Ever go Diggin’ In The Crates for some Wu-Tang? On this ambitious mashup of two legendary New York crews who both emerged at the onset of the 1990s, Memory Man shows us what would happen if you took members of the Wu-Tang Clan and D.I.T.C. and threw their styles in... Read more
November 8, 2016 Audio, Throwback
D.I.T.C. Release The First Video From Their Upcoming New Album & They Rock It

D.I.T.C. Release The First Video From Their Upcoming New Album & They Rock It

The Diggin' In The Crates Crew has been impacting Hip-Hop for more than 25 years. The collective of Diamond D, Fat Joe, Showbiz, A.G., Lord Finesse, O.C., Buckwild and Big L launched with the release of Finesse's 1990 Funky Technician album, and has not stopped since. Fat Joe, O.C., &... Read more
October 8, 2016 Video
This Notorious B.I.G. & Lord Finesse Cypher Will BLOW YOUR MIND (Video)

This Notorious B.I.G. & Lord Finesse Cypher Will BLOW YOUR MIND (Video)

The Notorious B.I.G. (a/k/a Biggie Smalls) is revered as one of Hip-Hop's greatest MCs. The Brooklyn, New Yorker beautifully inserted wit, wordplay, and lots of self-confidence into his most memorable rhymes. Somebody who started out just a couple years before Biggie was Bronx, New Yorker Lord Finesse. The MC/DJ/producer who... Read more
June 20, 2016 Throwback
Diamond D & O.C.’s Freestyle Makes D.I.T.C. Say “Yo, That’s That ish” (Audio)

Diamond D & O.C.’s Freestyle Makes D.I.T.C. Say “Yo, That’s That ish” (Audio)

Diggin' In The Crates, better known as D.I.T.C., has been a unit for more than 20 years. However, since the 2000s, the New York City producer and MC collective has been building individual careers, including Fat Joe's platinum rise, a slew of O.C. cult-championed LPs, and the ongoing celebration of... Read more
April 8, 2016 Audio
O.C. & AG Embrace Their Years Of Experience & Say They Are Only Getting Better (Audio)

O.C. & AG Embrace Their Years Of Experience & Say They Are Only Getting Better (Audio)

Hip-Hop has not been good to its legends. Instead of being celebrated, artists who helped build the culture are often relegated to the background or cloaked in backhand terms like "Old School." The practice of ageism has been ingrained in the culture from its earliest days, and continues even though... Read more
March 28, 2016 Audio
Fat Joe, Lord Finesse & Diamond D Keep That Crate Chemistry Strong (Audio)

Fat Joe, Lord Finesse & Diamond D Keep That Crate Chemistry Strong (Audio)

Every Monday of 2016, D.I.T.C. has blessed Heads with new tracks. Today (March 21), the Diggin' In The Crates crew may have unleashed the best yet. "Rock S**t" marks the lyrical return of Lord Finesse, whose witty and confident punchline-driven flow would be the blueprint for his star pupil, the... Read more
March 21, 2016 Audio
A.G. Goes 16 & Out Over A Monster Lord Finesse Beat (Audio)

A.G. Goes 16 & Out Over A Monster Lord Finesse Beat (Audio)

Lord Finesse has produced songs for The Notorious B.I.G., Dr. Dre, and much of Big L's discography. However, the Bronx, New York triple threat (MC/DJ/producer) is known for quality over quantity. "The Underboss" has been laying low behind the boards in 2016, but just opened the door to some Funk... Read more
February 15, 2016 Audio
This Feel-Good Lord Finesse Mix Is The Cure For The Post-Holiday Hangover

This Feel-Good Lord Finesse Mix Is The Cure For The Post-Holiday Hangover

Let's face it, the first Monday of the new year can often be a drag. For many, this means (fully) back to work, often some challenging weather, and a long haul to the next reason to celebrate. The all knowing Lord Finesse seems to have forecast such a feeling. The... Read more
January 4, 2016 Mixes
Def Diggin’ It. Redman & Lord Finesse Kick A Freestyle Together (Audio)

Def Diggin’ It. Redman & Lord Finesse Kick A Freestyle Together (Audio)

Following last month's BET Hip Hop Awards Cypher, so many people are talking about Redman's freestyle skills. Tech N9ne told AFH this past week that Reggie Noble "murdered everything" in regards to the Beanie Sigel instrumental track, alongside Def Squad comrades Erick Sermon and Keith Murray, as well as DJ... Read more
November 22, 2015 Audio
Stretch Armstrong & Bobbito Brought Their Vibes To HOT 97 In ’96 (Mix)

Stretch Armstrong & Bobbito Brought Their Vibes To HOT 97 In ’96 (Mix)

Throughout the 1990s, DJ Stretch Armstrong & Bobbito The Barber shaped radio weekly. In doing so, from Columbia University's WKCR FM signal, the pair would help introduce those within frequency range to Nas, Big L, Mobb Deep, Cenubites (Kool Keith, Godfather Don and Percee P), and plenty of other legendary... Read more
May 14, 2015 Throwback
Lord Finesse Digs In His Crates & Throws Down Rare Grooves (Mix)

Lord Finesse Digs In His Crates & Throws Down Rare Grooves (Mix)

This week (March 10), Lord Finesse is releasing The SP1200 Project: A Re-Awakening on Slice Of Splice Records. Dubspot knows how to honor the Underboss. With the site's in-depth audio interview, the publication commissioned the Bronx, New York legendary producer/DJ (and MC) to get behind the wheels and spin some... Read more
March 8, 2015 Throwback
Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Chuck D vs. Lord Finesse…Who You Got?

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Chuck D vs. Lord Finesse…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
March 2, 2015 Throwback
Lord Finesse Freaks The SP-1200 & Offers 5-Minutes Of Delightful Instrumental Snippets (Audio)

Lord Finesse Freaks The SP-1200 & Offers 5-Minutes Of Delightful Instrumental Snippets (Audio)

Lord Finesse is a giant behind the boards. The Notorious B.I.G. and Puff Daddy knew it. Dr. Dre knows it. From 2001 to Ready To Die to Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous to Word...Life, the Bronx, New York legend has production credits on classic albums, not to mention his own three acclaimed releases. The... Read more
February 10, 2015 Throwback
Lord Finesse Went Up To Fat Beats In 1996 & Showed Why He’s One Of The Nicest (Video)

Lord Finesse Went Up To Fat Beats In 1996 & Showed Why He’s One Of The Nicest (Video)

Nineteen years ago this month, Lord Finesse released his latest studio album. The Awakening, on the recently-relaunched Penalty Records, included scorching beats, almost all of which were created by the "funky technician" himself. However, the rhymes may have shined the hardest, with Finesse just in full Rap bravado mode, and... Read more
February 5, 2015 Throwback
DJ P. Makes An All-Vinyl Mix With New Joints By Joey Bada$$, A.G., Quasimoto & Lord Finesse (Mixtape)

DJ P. Makes An All-Vinyl Mix With New Joints By Joey Bada$$, A.G., Quasimoto & Lord Finesse (Mixtape)

UPDATE: It turns out that this DJ P actually hails from Lyon, France—no relation to the Phoenix, Arizona-based DJ P below. However, this mix still beckons many listens and much enjoyment. DJ P. is an underground DJ legend. More than a decade ago, as DJ Z-Trip's partner, P. made Uneasy... Read more
February 1, 2015 Mixes
Ever See These Big L, O.C. and Lord Finesse Freestyles? Get Down with D.I.T.C. (Video)

Ever See These Big L, O.C. and Lord Finesse Freestyles? Get Down with D.I.T.C. (Video)

D.I.T.C. The name stood for Diggin' in the Crates, in part because of the membership of acclaimed producers like Diamond D, Showbiz and Buckwild, but make no mistake, the crew was also about those BARS. Here's a look back at some vintage interviews of Big L and Lord Finesse, two... Read more
January 24, 2015 Throwback
Finding The GOAT: Eazy-E vs. Lord Finesse…Who You Got?

Finding The GOAT: Eazy-E vs. Lord Finesse…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
December 4, 2014 Fresh, Throwback
Fat Joe Calls Himself A “KRS-One Groupie,” Performs Flow Joe On The Spot + Freestyles (Video)

Fat Joe Calls Himself A “KRS-One Groupie,” Performs Flow Joe On The Spot + Freestyles (Video)

Fat Joe's history can be deceiving. A household name, globally-recognized icon, Joe Crack is also a founding member of D.I.T.C., and has at least two albums that are hardcore Hip-Hop gems. If anybody knows this, it's Sway Calloway, who's has Joe on his shows for over 21 years and counting.... Read more
May 14, 2014 Fresh, Throwback
Get The Story Of Lord Finesse Discovering Big L In A Record Store (Audio)

Get The Story Of Lord Finesse Discovering Big L In A Record Store (Audio)

D.I.T.C.'s history is the kind of tales that legends are made of. From Diamond D discovering a young Fat Joe in the Bronx, "in Forest, across from Morris," and putting him on Ultimate Force's demo, to Afrika Bambaataa's right-hand-man DJ Jazzy Jay taking Lord Finesse, Diamond, and Showbiz under his... Read more
May 13, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback
D.I.T.C. Gives Away The Remix Project, Featuring New Mixes By DJ Premier, 9th Wonder, Alchemist & Diamond D (Download)

D.I.T.C. Gives Away The Remix Project, Featuring New Mixes By DJ Premier, 9th Wonder, Alchemist & Diamond D (Download)

The Diggin' In The Crates crew surprised Heads today (May 7). The respected New York City veteran producer/MC collective including Showbiz, A.G., Diamond D, Lord Finesse, O.C., Buckwild, Fat Joe, and the late Big L have been releasing a series of remixes from their Remix Project. The LP features new mixes... Read more
May 7, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback
Lord Finesse Cuts Up The Breaks & Rare Grooves For An Impromptu Hour-Long Mix (Audio)

Lord Finesse Cuts Up The Breaks & Rare Grooves For An Impromptu Hour-Long Mix (Audio)

Lord Finesse is one of Hip-Hop's great triple threats. The Bronx, New Yorker came into the game as an esteemed MC, battling Percee P in famous footage, and coaching a young Big L on how to be cocky and relatable at the same time. Then, as part of D.I.T.C., "The... Read more
May 3, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback
DJ Premier Remixes A 22-Year Old Classic From D.I.T.C.’s Showbiz & A.G. (Audio)

DJ Premier Remixes A 22-Year Old Classic From D.I.T.C.’s Showbiz & A.G. (Audio)

Twenty-two years later, the joint that got it all started for D.I.T.C. (Diggin' In The Crates) gets amazing reconsideration. For May 7's D.I.T.C. remix album, DJ Premier (who always rolled close to the crew) reworked the Showbiz & A.G. "Soul Clap" B-side, which featured Diamond D and Lord Finesse as... Read more
April 21, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback
AFH: The Week in Video (8/11/13) (Video Playlist)

AFH: The Week in Video (8/11/13) (Video Playlist)

This week's video wrap up features a groovy new video by Schoolboy Q featuring Kendrick Lamar, freestyles from Lord Finess and Camp Lo, Tony Touch showing off his vinyl collection and Jean Grae putting it down with Mobetta. Check it out below. Related: AFH: The Week in Video (8/3/13) (Video... Read more
August 11, 2013 Playlists, Video
Lord Finesse – Heavyweights Radio Freestyle (Video)

Lord Finesse – Heavyweights Radio Freestyle (Video)

Lord Finesse drops a super quick off the top verse over Brand Nubian's Punks Jump Up to Get Beat Down track. Check out the video. Related: Lord Finesse – Fat for the 90′s ft AG (Original Version) + No Gimmicks ft KRS-One... Read more
August 7, 2013 Video
Lord Finesse – Fat for the 90’s ft AG (Original Version) + No Gimmicks ft KRS-One

Lord Finesse – Fat for the 90’s ft AG (Original Version) + No Gimmicks ft KRS-One

Here are two rare joints from Lord Finesse. First up, is the ORIGINAL version of "Fat for the 90's" that was produced by Diamond D. Next, is a version of "No Gimmicks" with a verse from KRS-One. Check out both below. Props: 2DBZ Related: Lord Finesse – Live from Tokyo... Read more
March 23, 2013 Audio
Lord Finesse – Live from Tokyo Pt. 1 (Mixtape)

Lord Finesse – Live from Tokyo Pt. 1 (Mixtape)

Lord Finesse is an ill MC no doubt, but he's also nice on the wheels. Here's a ridiculously dope hour-long set he did in Tokyo that features obscure soul classics, break beats, and other hot ish. You can listen to and download all of his Live From Tokyo Pt. 1... Read more
March 16, 2013 Mixes
Lord Finesse – Crate Diggers + Playlist of His Songs & Productions (Video + Audio)

Lord Finesse – Crate Diggers + Playlist of His Songs & Productions (Video + Audio)

Lord Finesse may be one of the most slept on talents in hip-hop EVER. As a double threat MC/producer, he had a legendary run in the 90's, releasing acclaimed underground albums and producing tracks for artists like Big L, Biggie, Dr. Dre, OC, Fat Joe and more. Here's an interview... Read more
January 23, 2013 Playlists, Video
Lord Finesse – Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap freestyle (Video)

Lord Finesse – Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap freestyle (Video)

Here's another dope a capella verse from Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap. This one is courtesy of Lord Finesse. It's gettin' kinda hectic. Check out the video. Related: Nas - Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap freestyle (Video)... Read more
June 12, 2012 Video
Lord Finesse – You Know What I’m About (Remix)

Lord Finesse – You Know What I’m About (Remix)

If the letters D.I.T.C. mean anything to you, you'll appreciate this new remix of a rare  joint from Lord Finesse that was originally released in 1992 (check out the story below).  It's set to the same beat Jay-Z rocked on Sweet and it knocks.  Check out the remix to You... Read more
October 26, 2011 Audio
Here’s a mix of back in the day joints for your listening pleasure. You’ll find music from BDP, Slick Rick, MC Lyte, Eric B. & Rakim, Ice Cube, NWA, Public Enemy, Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie, Digital Underground, Main Source, Special Ed and many more. Check it out.

Here’s a mix of back in the day joints for your listening pleasure. You’ll find music from BDP, Slick Rick, MC Lyte, Eric B. & Rakim, Ice Cube, NWA, Public Enemy, Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie, Digital Underground, Main Source, Special Ed and many more. Check it out.

... Read more
June 24, 2011 Audio, Throwback