mix ArchivesAmbrosia For Heads

This Mix Tunes Through De La Soul’s 3 Feet High And Rising, Sample By Sample

More than 30 years ago, De La Soul released its debut album, 3 Feet High And Rising. Produced by then-Stetsasonic member Prince Paul, the Tommy Boy Records LP became a benchmark of Hip-Hop music. While Posdnuos (aka Plug 1) and Trugoy (aka Plug 2) waxed poetic about life in Long... Read more

January 2, 2020 Audio, Mixes, Video

This Biggie & James Brown Mashup Mix Deserves B.I.G. Playback (Audio & Video)

Biggie Smalls and James Brown are both gone. However, the music from both world-class entertainers is indelible. In the '60s and early '70s, James Brown laid out a blueprint of Funk, Soul, and Rhythm & Blues that would become a foundation for Hip-Hop. The DJs who inspired young Christopher Wallace... Read more

August 15, 2019 Audio, Mixes, Video

Nas’ Illmatic Turns 25. This New Mix Reminds Why It Might Be Hip-Hop’s Greatest Album

Twenty-five years ago today (April 19), Nas released the album that future generations will likely use to measure Rap greatness. At the age of 20, Nasir Jones delivered Illmatic, a 10-track coming of age reflection that pulled images from Rotten Apple-era New York City, emphasized dreams of being a Rap... Read more

April 19, 2019 Audio, Mixes

A 300+ Song Mix Gives The Definitive History Of Southern Hip-Hop (Audio)

For more than 30 years, Rap music from the South has stood out. Many cities have their own sound, slang, and influences. During the 1980s and 1990s, many Southern Hip-Hop artists had to assert that their communities "had something to say" in the Rap music conversation. However, by the late... Read more

April 17, 2019 Audio, Mixes

A New Mashup Mix Perfectly Blends The Sounds Of Lauryn Hill & Nina Simone

One of Ms. Lauryn Hill's biggest inspirations is Nina Simone. With mirroring emotions through the soulful cries in their delivery, the presence of Simone's influence is undeniable throughout Lauryn's singing catalog. The Fugees songstress embraced the likeness of her artistry to the late musician not only in song, but also... Read more

December 4, 2018 Audio, Mixes

Cut Chemist Mixes 45 Songs Sampling A Beat That’s Relevant 45 Years Later

In the midst of this week's hectic midterm elections, beloved Jurassic 5 DJ, mix-master, producer, and solo artist Cut Chemist released an ultimate mix of songs that sample The Honey Drippers' 1973 song, "Impeach the President." The mix, cleverly titled Impeach The Precedent, rolls through 45 different songs within Hip-Hop... Read more

November 9, 2018 Audio, Mixes

Erykah Badu Dedicates A Mix To Roy Hargrove & Shares A New Song That’s Money (Audio)

In the last week, a principal musician within the Soulquarians family passed away at 49 years old. Trumpeter Roy Hargrove, Jr. played on Common’s Like Water For Chocolate, D’Angelo’s Voodoo, and Erykah Badu’s Mama’s Gun. On the last of the three, the Waco, Texas native played on "Green Eyes" as... Read more

November 7, 2018 Audio, Mixes

Pharoahe Monch Details His Upcoming Album. He Vows It’s His Hardest To Date (Audio)

Pharoahe Monch has not released an album in almost five years. The Queens, New York MC/producer boasts a consistent catalog, whether solo or his three albums with Prince Po in Organized Konfusion. 2014's P.T.S.D. was a critically celebrated release that examined the stresses (and stressors) of the world and in... Read more

September 12, 2018 Audio, News

DJ Jazzy Jeff & MICK’s 9th Annual Mix Means Summertime Is In Effect Mode (Audio)

DJ Jazzy Jeff and MICK (fka Mick Boogie) are back with the latest entry of their Summertime mix series. Since 2010, the two kings of party-rocking have linked up to release the annual 4th of July mixtape inspired by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince's hit single. These mixes,... Read more

July 4, 2018 Audio, Mixes

J. Period’s New Mix Blends Verses From OutKast With The Sounds Of Wakanda (Audio)

J. Period has made some of the best, most conceptual, and musically-moving mixtapes of the last 15 years. That gift has led the New York City-based California native to work up close and personal with Black Thought, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Nas, Q-Tip, and others. Having now earned a #1 album... Read more

April 19, 2018 Audio, Mixes

DJ Spinna’s Moving 90-Minute Mix Teaches Black History, In Audio

DJ Spinna is well known for his massive record collection, varied musical tastes, and extensive mixes. This Brooklynite has refused to be pigeon-holed and has created essential mixtapes and compilations that focus on a wide variety of genres including Hip-Hop, Soul, Funk, Deep House, Jazz, Post-Disco, R&B, and more. He... Read more

February 6, 2018 Audio, Mixes

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

This Mix Salutes 1987’s Def Jam Tour With LL Cool J, P.E., Eric B. & Rakim and Whodini

By 1987 Def Jam Records had solidified a foothold in the Hip-Hop music landscape. While labels like Sugar Hill, Enjoy, Jive, and Profile Records had released some truly incredible singles, Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin's three-year-old outfit was fast embracing the Rap album format. Moreover, they had a diverse roster—in... Read more

October 20, 2017 Audio, Mixes, Throwback

Some Of Royce 5’9″ & Black Thought’s Best Work Is Side By Side In This Killer Mix

In the last two decades, two of Hip-Hop's most extraordinary MCs are The Roots' Black Thought and Slaughterhouse's Royce 5'9". Each rapper puts their working-class cities in the bars about survival, pain, addiction, and perseverance. These great minds have come together before, such as PRhyme's "Wishin' II," Statik Selektah's 2014... Read more

October 8, 2017 Audio, Mixes

DJ Jazzy Jeff & MICK’s Summertime 8 Mix Gets The Cookout Party Started (Audio)

2017 marks eight years since DJ Jazzy Jeff and MICK (fka Mick Boogie) started their Summertime series. From jump, these became some of the best things to look forward to in 2010s Hip-Hop. True to the sets of each acclaimed DJ, these mixes flex Hip-Hop, R&B, Rock, Funk, Jazz, and... Read more

July 4, 2017 Audio, Mixes

This 6 Hour DJ Premier Tribute Takes All Other Mixes Out With The Fader (Audio)

DJ Premier has had a busy June. After years upon years in the making, he and Year Round Records released MC Eiht's Which Way Iz West album. Furthermore, Preemo, Brady Watt, and the rest of The Badder Band toured the States for the first time. With PRhyme 2 confirmed to... Read more

June 28, 2017 Audio, Mixes

DOOM & Sade’s Mash-Up Bond Is No Ordinary Love. SADEVILLAIN 2 Strikes (Audio)

Last March, DJ/producer Seanh made one unlikely pairing that sounded sweet to so many music Heads. Sadevillain blended MF DOOM (care of Madvillain) with Sade, bringing the soaring voice of the "No Ordinary Love" songstress to the nimble rhymes of the "Dead Bent" MC/producer. As the modern proverb suggests: "If... Read more

June 13, 2017 Audio, Mixes

J. Period Releases A Mix Of Mashups & Classics Celebrating 23 Years Of OutKast (Audio)

Today (April 26), OutKast's debut album Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik turns 23 years old. The 1994 full length introduction of Andre 3000 and Big Boi was one for the ages. Deemed the "Best New Artists" at the following Source Awards, 'Kast raised the profile of Atlanta, Georgia's contributions to Hip-Hop simply by creating... Read more

April 26, 2017 Audio, Mixes

Just Blaze Makes Classic Breakbeats Sound Brand New In A Jamming Mini-Mix (Video)

Just Blaze is a producer's producer. The New Jersey native DJ-turned-beat creator has made hit records for Jay Z, Ghostface Killah, Fat Joe, and others using some of the same break-beats and samples that helped get Hip-Hop music started. Moreover, through work for Fabolous, Freeway, and Saigon, Just has brought... Read more

March 28, 2017 Mixes, Video

Celebrate DJ Premier’s Birthday With A 5 Minute Megamix Of His Greatest Hits (Audio)

Today marks the birthday of one of Hip-Hop's most beloved figures. DJ Premier turns 51 years old on March 21. For nearly 30 years, the Prairie View, Texas native-turned-bona fide New York musician has been making Heads nod, along with causing their faces to scrunch up, and air-scratch with their... Read more

March 21, 2017 Audio, Mixes

This Classic Raekwon Mix Is Scalding Hot. Even The Chef Says So. (Audio)

Raekwon is just less than a month away from his album, The Wild (March 24). The ICE H20/Empire project has rolled out two singles in "This Is What It Comes To" and the G-Eazy-assisted "Purple Brick Road." Those records feature the backbones of samples that Rae' is known for, since... Read more

February 25, 2017 Audio, Mixes

From Kane To Whodini, This Mix Celebrates Hip-Hop & Love (Audio)

To those who celebrate it, Valentine's Day is about showing love to the ones you care about. That's why almost all people offer each other gifts such as those on Shop nguoi lon Ha Noi. While stores, radio stations, and restaurants pull out the love songs, nothing says that it... Read more

February 14, 2017 Audio, Mixes, Throwback

New Edition’s Story Of Growth & Evolution Is Told Through This Mister Cee Mix

Last month, New Edition was the talk of television, thanks to a three-night film chronicling their beginnings, meteoric rise, and current state of the group. In conjunction with The New Edition Story, an offshoot of the group, Bell Biv DeVoe also released their first album in more than 15 years.... Read more

February 5, 2017 Audio, Mixes

Tony Touch Makes A Moving Tribute Mix Dedicated To The Artists We Lost In 2016 (Audio)

2016 has been something else. While there has definitely been good in the year that's finishing out this weekend, there has been a lot of shock and awe in between. In the art world, music lovers lost more than a few icons. None of these deaths seemed to come as... Read more

December 29, 2016 Audio, Mixes

An Official Mix Traces The Evolution Of Freddie Foxxx Into Bumpy Knuckles & It Punches.

On Gang Starr's 1998 single "The Militia," Freddie Foxxx rapped, "When you speak of who's the dopest MCs, I don't come up / But when you speak about who's the livest MC, I stay one up." In the midst of a career transformation, the Long Island, New York veteran knew... Read more

December 7, 2016 Audio, Mixes, Throwback, Throwback

Snoop Dogg DJs A 2 Hour Tribute Mix For 20 Years Of “Tha Doggfather”

This weekend, Snoop Dogg's sophomore album Tha Doggfather celebrated its 20th anniversary. The LP was significant in Snoop's career in that it was his first foray without mentor Dr. Dre behind the boards, and it would be his final Death Row Records release while still at the then reigning label.... Read more

November 13, 2016 Audio, Mixes

This 1977 NYC Party Mix Shows How The Earliest Hip-Hop Parties Sounded (Audio)

Thanks to the series "The Get Down," many are newly fascinated with 1970s New York City and the genesis of Hip-Hop. DJ'ing, rapping, graffiti, and breakin' came together harmoniously in an overall form of expression that reflected the complexities of city-dwelling at a specific time in fashion, music, visual art,... Read more

August 20, 2016 Mixes, Throwback, Throwback

Underground Hip-Hop Is Very Much Alive In 2016. One DJ Mixes It All Together.

Often times, the glory days of Underground Hip-Hop appears coincidental with the booming resurgence of vinyl records in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Out of a movement spearheaded by radio personalities such as Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito, and Sway and King Tech, a crop of hungry artists emerged that... Read more

July 10, 2016 Mixes

A Founding X-Ecutioner Moves The Crowd With Dance Hits That Can’t Be Faded (Mix)

Mista Sinista (f/k/a Joe Sinista) made a name for himself working as an elite scratch-master alongside Common, the Beatnuts, and dead prez. Since 1989, the DJ/turntablist (and onetime MC) was part of X-Ecutioners, alongside the late Roc Raida, Rob Swift, and DJ Total Eclipse. There, the group would become mix... Read more

July 6, 2016 Mixes, Throwback, Throwback

Flavor Flav’s 1984 Mix Shows What Time It Is (Audio)

Public Enemy's Flavor Flav is one of Hip-Hop's all-time most recognizable personalities. While he only released one solo album, the man born William Drayton, III has brought mad flavor to classic P.E. records since the Long Island, New York group's inception. He is a hype-man extraordinaire, and an MC, but... Read more

June 30, 2016 Mixes, Throwback

This 20th Anniversary Jay Z Mix Leaves No Doubt His Debut Was A Classic (Audio)

This Saturday (June 25) marks the 20th anniversary of Jay Z's debut album, Reasonable Doubt. The 1996 Roc-A-Fella/Priority Records LP would launch a career trajectory that has arguably been one of Hip-Hop's biggest, transcending from the Marcy Houses to the top of Hip-Hop, as well as streaming platforms, fashion, liquor,... Read more

June 21, 2016 Mixes, Throwback

DJ Spinna Returns With Latest Signed, Sealed, Delivered Stevie Wonder Mix

Brooklyn, New York's DJ Spinna has garnered acclaim for his work with Jigmastas, Eminem, and others. A mixmaster who works in Hip-Hop, House, Funk, and Rock & Roll, among other genres, Spinna and Bobbito famously launched a Stevie Wonder mix series in their 2001 Wonder Wrote It (posted below). With... Read more

June 1, 2016 Mixes

This 3-Minute Mix Pleasantly Intersects Top 40 Rap, Old School & Turntablism (Video)

Back in March, San Jose, California's DJ Goodfoot stole the show in the midst of Ambrosia For Heads' "Finding The GOAT Album" ballots. In a competition to integrate the remaining albums in the bracket, Goodfoot's 21-minute mix made the finals all the more exciting. Ever the competitor, Goodfoot is now... Read more

May 29, 2016 Mixes, Video

Mister Cee Celebrates Biggie’s B’day With A Mix Of Rarities & Deep Cuts

This past weekend, the world celebrated the life of Christopher Wallace, better known as The Notorious B.I.G. Puff Daddy reunited much of the Bad Boy Records family (and friends) with jaw-dropping Friday night show (May 20) at Brooklyn, New York's Barclays Center. Meanwhile, that same borough honored Biggie Smalls with... Read more

May 23, 2016 Mixes, Throwback

This Mix Of 1980s Hip-Hop Travels A Road Of Riches That Will Leave You Paid In Full (Audio)

When we look back in Hip-Hop, our gaze often hones in on the 90s, and rightfully so, as that era spawned Nas, Biggie, Wu-Tang Clang, Tupac, Jay-Z, OutKast, Snoop and so many other all-time greats. However, each of those legends will say it was MCs from the 80s who inspired... Read more

May 1, 2016 Mixes, Throwback

Celebrate The Life & Legacy Of Prince With This Mix Of Deep Cuts & Rarities (Audio)

How do yo begin to celebrate the catalog of an artist who released upwards of 50 albums and reportedly had hundreds in the vault (some of which found their way to starving fans)? It's impossible, certainly not without multiple installments. As the world begins to process the loss of Prince,... Read more

April 21, 2016 Audio

Celebrate Phife Dawg’s Life & Legacy Through His Music With This Tribute Mix (Audio)

For many of us, today has been one of deep mourning and reflection, as we process the death of Malik "Phife Dawg" Taylor. The "5ft Assassin" was a co-founder of A Tribe Called Quest, one of the most influential groups in music of any genre. Many words have been written... Read more

March 23, 2016 Audio

Got DJ Skills? We Need You To Make A Finding The GOAT Sweet 16 Mix

Last September, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: what is the greatest Rap Album Of All-Time? “Finding The GOAT Album” has considered more than 120 albums from the 80s, 90s and 2000s (40 in each), with options for... Read more

March 16, 2016 Finding the GOAT

This Mobb Deep “Infamous”-Themed Mix Celebrates Havoc’s Visionary Sampling

Mobb Deep just announced a series of tour dates celebrating the 20th anniversary of their third album, Hell On Earth. As they do, the Beat Junkies' J. Rocc (whose logo plays off of the M-O-B-B) examines some of the key ingredients of the duo's sophomore LP, 1995's The Infamous. This... Read more

February 11, 2016 Mixes

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

This Gritty Mix Showcases RZA’s Deep Crates & The Wu-Tang Samples

RZA is one of Hip-Hop's most celebrated producers. The Wu-Tang Clan Abbot not only gave his own clan a distinct set of sounds since the early 1990s, he provided dusty textures for The Notorious B.I.G., Cypress Hill, and AZ, among others. Grand Finale amassed a collection of RZA-produced tracks for... Read more

January 17, 2016 Mixes

This Far Reaching Mix Sprinkles Some Of J Dilla’s Best & Rarest Donuts

Next month (February 5-7), the second annual J Dilla Weekend will take place in Miami, Florida. The three-day event features music performances, exhibits, panels, and more. Pre-sale ticket packages are available. At present, Dilla's onetime group Slum Village, and a host of collaborators are signed on for the event. Additionally,... Read more

January 17, 2016 Audio, Mixes, Throwback

It’s DOOM’s Day. Celebrate The Masked Villain’s Birthday With This Mega Mix (Audio)

Happy Birthday to DOOM. The masked villain turns 45 years young today (1/9). While he's been relatively quiet over the last year, he ended 2015 with a bang, collaborating with PRhyme (DJ Premier & Royce Da 5'9") and Phonte on "Highs & Lows." He also put out a video promising... Read more

January 9, 2016 Mixes

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

Every Holiday Season, Funkmaster Flex, DJ Red Alert & Chuck Chillout Make Radio Amazing (Mix)

Every Christmas Eve (December 24), Funkmaster Flex assumes his HOT 97 post as usual, but invites in two fellow legends of radio. Funk Flex brings in DJ Red Alert and DJ Chuck Chillout, two masters of the 1980s airwaves. There, the trio ring in Christmas by playing hours upon hours... Read more

December 26, 2015 Mixes

Da Beatminerz Rock A 90 Minute Radio Party Covering Rock, Funk, Jazz & Hip-Hop (Mix)

Da Beatminerz and Q-Tip go back. Although not collaborators in the traditional sense, DJ Evil Dee and Mr. Walt joined the Abstract at those storied Roosevelt Hotel Record Conventions in the early 1990s New York City. Black Moon and A Tribe Called Quest were running in the same circles, advancing... Read more

December 22, 2015 Mixes

This Brand Nubian “One For All” Tribute Is An Audio All-In-One (Mix)

Last week, Brand Nubian's celebrated debut album, One For All, reached its 25th birthday. The breakthrough album by Sadat X, Lord Jamar, Grand Puba, and DJ Alamo not only carries the distinction of being a "5 Mic" Source album, but a definitive body of work for New Rochelle, New York,... Read more

December 7, 2015 Mixes, Throwback

Celebrate Run The Jewels’ Tour With Music By Big Boi, Fashawn & TV On The Radio (Mixtape)

Run The Jewels are currently ruling the road. The duo of Killer Mike and El-P are taking the stage throughout October with their DJ, Trackstar The DJ, alongside proteges Boots and Cuz Lightyear, as well as Mass Appeal Records label-mates Fashawn. Appearing in Miami, Florida tonight (October 10), R.T.J. and... Read more

October 10, 2015 Mixes

Snoop Dogg Drops ‘Em & They’re All Hot In This ’70s & ’80s DJ Set (Video)

The same August 20 night that DJ Quik tore down a Los Angeles, California roller-disco party, Snoop Dogg jumped behind the wheels too. "DJ Snoopadelic," with 7 Days comrade Dam-Funk in tow as well as Tha Dogg Pound's Daz Dillinger, spun nearly an hour of relaxed, groovy joints. Snoop used... Read more

October 5, 2015 Mixes, Video

De La Soul’s Maseo Controls The Soul With An Amazing Free-Form Live DJ Set (Mix)

Listening to De La Soul is so much sweeter when you catch all the references—whether it's a sample, a vocal reworking, or a reference. Even when you don't know the specifics, it's usually worth seeking out the sources behind the music that's made by the legendary Long Island, New York... Read more

September 21, 2015 Mixes