old school ArchivesAmbrosia For Heads

Finding The GOAT Group: Fat Boys vs. Run-D.M.C. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Group,” the fourth installment of Ambrosia For Heads’ annual competition series features Hip-Hop’s greatest collectives vying for the #1 spot. Sixty-two groups have been pre-selected by a panel of experts, and one slot will be reserved for a wild-card entry, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to... Read more

June 18, 2018 Best Hip-Hop Group, Finding the GOAT

Finding The GOAT Group: Public Enemy vs. Stetsasonic. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Group,” the fourth installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest collectives vying for the #1 spot. Sixty-two groups have been pre-selected by a panel of experts, and one slot will be reserved for a wild-card entry, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to... Read more

May 30, 2018 Best Hip-Hop Group, Finding the GOAT

PMD Discusses Yo! MTV Raps’ Ed Lover Being One Of The Best Freestylers On The Planet (Audio)

From its inception in 1988 to its final episode in 1995, Yo! MTV Raps was a top springboard for Hip-Hop artists. It was an opportunity to showcase skills and unique styles on one of the largest platforms available to the genre. In an interview with HipHopDX, Parrish "PMD" Smith spoke... Read more

May 24, 2018 Audio, Throwback, Throwback

Jadakiss & Styles P Revamp A Whodini Classic To Show That Loyalty Is Timeless (Audio)

Whodini's biggest hit "Friends" has proven itself to be an ageless Hip-Hop song. The standout single from 1984's Escape album has a message that has endured more than 33 years and a beat (thanks to late keyboardist/producer Larry Smith) that seemingly never went out of fashion either. Rap superstars Tupac... Read more

December 12, 2017 Audio, The Bridge

The Kennedy Center Is Celebrating Rap’s Pioneers With A Concert Series

The John F. Kennedy Performing Arts Center has gradually created a bona fide space for Hip-Hop within its gates over the past year. It has appointed A Tribe Called Quest's Q-Tip as its First Artistic Director of Hip-Hop Culture in 2016 and is awarding LL Cool J as the first ever... Read more

November 10, 2017 News

Russell Simmons To Make A Film About Def Jam’s Unsung Hero: T La Rock

Before LL Cool J and the Beastie Boys, a fledgling Def Jam Recordings had another MC in mind for its legendary path: T La Rock. Brother to Treacherous Three MCs member Special K, the Manhattan-born, Bronx—raised MC (aka Clarence Ronnie Keaton) would work with Rick Rubin and DJ Jazzy Jay (pioneering... Read more

October 20, 2017 News, TV/Film

Kool Herc Knights DJ Scratch As A “Grandmaster” (Video)

DJ Kool Herc is credited with pioneering Hip-Hop music, through extending the break-beats during his early 1970s DJ sets. The Jamaican born man also known as Clive Campbell has made limited music over the 43 years since August 11, 1973 (the date honored in many circles as Hip-Hop's birthday). However,... Read more

December 23, 2016 Video

Rare Photographs Of Rakim Show Why He’s Hip-Hop Royalty

Last summer, in conjunction with the theatrical release of Straight Outta Compton, Ambrosia For Heads spoke to Stephan Armleder (a/k/a The Genevan Heathen). A B-Boy to the core (who also DJs and produces), The Genevan Heathen has been documenting N.W.A. and its members through scanning photographs, advertisements, trading cards, and... Read more

June 18, 2016 Throwback

DJ Chuck Chillout Has “The Breaks” To Revisit 1990 In Style (Mix)

DJ Chuck Chillout has nearly 35 years of making soundwaves special and parties pop. The Bronx, New York DJ/producer brought his sonic style to New York City signals such as KISS and WBLS in the 1980s and 1990s, as well as the biggest clubs. Also a mentor to Buckshot and... Read more

December 28, 2015 Mixes

Rest In Peace To Hip-Hop Pioneer & Kurtis Blow Affiliate Kool DJ AJ

On Kurtis Blow's seminal 1984 album Ego Trip, he made a cult-favored jam in "AJ Scratch." Featuring his crisp scratches and personal story, that song's namesake, Kool DJ AJ, has passed away. In addition to his longtime role as Blow's DJ, Kool DJ AJ is known for his work behind... Read more

September 9, 2015 News

Melle Mel & Big Daddy Kane Vouch For Macklemore & Say Other Rappers Should “Hang Their Heads”

Throughout the last 10 days, a lot of attention has fallen upon Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' "Downtown." Already a video single from the Seattle, Washington, Grammy Award-winning, platinum act, the pair performed the song to open the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards two Sundays ago (August 30). Perhaps most pertinently,... Read more

September 9, 2015 News

Here’s a VIDEO Mix of 90s Gems For True Lovers of Hip-Hop (Video)

DJ E Double D does it again. The UK-based DJ/VJ has put together an amazing blend of Hip-Hop videos. This is a full-on visual mixtape, complete with cutting, scratching, beat juggling and, above all, some incredible music. He balances classic staples and deep album cuts by De La Soul, Mobb... Read more

June 5, 2015 Throwback

Wonder What A 1977 New York City Park Jam Sounded Like? Press Play… (Mix)

Bringing the earliest days of Hip-Hop to the digital age is a challenge. While DJ Kool Herc, DJ Red Alert, and Grandmaster Melle Mel (among many others) are highly active in telling the story, and presenting the culture they helped create, other things are harder to find. Pioneering DJs like... Read more

May 17, 2015 Throwback

See Some Rare, HQ & Vintage Footage Of The Funky 4 + 1 Rockin’ (Video)

One of the many things in Hip Hop today that takes a track to the next level is the artist video. It provides the MC or group with exposure of not only the voice and production, but gives the audience a face to put along with it. We often take... Read more

January 9, 2015 Fresh, Throwback

Funkmaster Flex, DJ Red Alert & Chuck Chillout Hit Airwaves With 5 Hours Of Master-Mixes (Audio)

For Funkmaster Flex's Christmas Eve show (December 24) Wednesday night on HOT 97, the Bronx, New York DJ invited some of his peers and inspirations to the Manhattan studios. Hip-Hop pioneers Kool DJ Red Alert and Chuck Chillout joined Flex for five hours of merry Hip-Hop from three icons of... Read more

December 26, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Here’s an Old School Soul Mix from Biz Markie That Just Feels Good (Audio)

Biz Markie is a legendary MC and beatboxer but, over the last several years, he has relied on his formidable DJ skills perhaps more than anything else. If you've ever had the privilege to attend one of his sets, you know the Biz digs deep in the crates. Here's an... Read more

December 13, 2014 Throwback

DJ Premier Honors Fab 5 Freddy With A Wild Style Quick Mix (Video)

Whether as a filmmaker, a VJ, or an artist, Fab 5 Freddy has played an integral role in Hip-Hop culture since the early 1980s, and even before. A New York icon, Freddy connected the Downtown art and Punk scenes of the 1980s with the Hip-Hop musical movement of The Bronx,... Read more

November 24, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Rest In Peace To Sugarhill Gang’s Big Bank Hank

Henry Jackson, better known as Big Bank Hank of Rap pioneering group The Sugarhill Gang has died today (November 11). TMZ.com has reported that Hank's band-mates, Wonder Mike and Master Gee confirmed the news to the publication. Reports state that Hank died from complications of cancer, though details are limited.... Read more

November 11, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

The Universal Zulu Nation’s 41st Anniversary Is In November & Your Favorite Artists Are Involved…

On November 6-9, New York City will play host to the Universal Zulu Nation's 41st anniversary. Over the course of seven planned events (with possibly more coming), those involved include Afrika Bambaataa, Black Moon, 9th Wonder, Large Professor, Pete Rock, Sadat X, Da Beatminerz, Psycho Les, DJ Jazzy Jay, Kool... Read more

October 27, 2014 Fresh

Here’s a Blend of Biggie & Tupac Vocals Over Watch the Throne Beats (Audio)

For nearly 20 years, Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G. have been nearly inextricably linked. The 2 Hip-Hop heavyweights had an indelible effect on Hip-Hop and their deaths cast a shadow on the culture that lasted for years. September 13th provides another link between the two icons. The date marks the... Read more

September 13, 2014 Food for Thought, Mixes

Here is an Unbelievable Mix of 90’s Hip-Hop Remixes. Press Play and Get Ready (Audio)

SoulBounce's DJ Harvey Dent has put together an incredible mix of 90's Hip-Hop, featuring nothing but remixes. You'll hear music from Method Man & Redman, Common, Pete Rock & CL Smooth,The Fugees, Ice Cube, Nas, Jay-Z, Biggie, LL Cool J, House of Pain, Lil Kim, Craig Mack, The Luniz, The... Read more

September 7, 2014 Audio, Throwback

Here’s a Mix Celebrating the Ruthless Villain Eazy-E on His Birthday (Audio)

As we celebrate the birthday of Eazy-E, here's a mix from DJ Diablo and KDAY's Julio G that covers several aspects of the Ruthless Villain's legacy. You'll hear music from N.W.A., the D.O.C., Michel'le, Eazy and more. Check out the stream below. Related: N.W.A.’s DJ Yella Speaks on the Last... Read more

September 7, 2014 Audio, Throwback

Here’s a Hot Mixtape of Erick Sermon Productions with His Commentary (Mixtape)

Here's a dope mix of some of Erick Sermon's most classic productions, featuring commentary from the Green Eyed Bandit himself about the making of each track. This is volume 3 of DJ Derezon & Tre the Boy Wonder's 14 Deadly Secrets series. Check out the stream and download below. Related:... Read more

August 30, 2014 Throwback

Can You Feel It: Why 1984 Is Hip-Hop’s Watershed Moment (Food For Thought)

Last year, Hip-Hop turned 40 years old—as far as we know. In truth, part of the culture’s beauty comes from the fact that there is no genesis moment. From the ancient cave-side hieroglyphics to the late ‘60s tags of TAKI 183, graffiti existed as a fascinating balance of expression and... Read more

August 27, 2014 Featured-homepage, Food for Thought, Fresh, Throwback

Celebrate the Sounds of Teddy Riley With This New Jack Swing Mix (Audio)

Few, if any, producers have had a run like Teddy Riley did in the late 80's and early 90's. The King of New Jack Swing dominated the radio and the clubs with countless Hip-Hop and R&B jams. Here's a red hot mix of some of his many classics from DJ... Read more

August 10, 2014 Throwback

Why Are the 90’s Considered the Best Era of Hip-Hop? Listen to This Mix (Audio)

Here's part 2 of DJ Vadim's stellar back in the day mixtape series. In this installment, he tackles 90's Hip-Hop...with aggression. Rather than strictly catering to the hits, he digs in the crates to craft a mix with diverse but cohesive sonic texture. You'll hear music from Nas, The Roots,... Read more

August 9, 2014 Throwback

Here’s an Incredible 80’s Hip-Hop Mix From DJ Vadim (Audio)

Here's a wide-ranging and incredibly dope mix of 80's Hip-Hop from DJ Vadim. Focusing primarily on artists from the mid to late 80's, the mix includes Run-D.M.C., The Fat Boys, MC Lyte, Sir Mix-a-Lot, Slick Rick, N.W.A., Biz Markie, Public Enemy, Eric B & Rakim, LL Cool J, Boogie Down... Read more

August 9, 2014 Throwback

AFH Salutes the Father’s of Hip-Hop (Video Playlist)

In celebration of Father's Day, we salute some of the Fathers of Hip-Hop. Here's a video playlist with some key moments in time from Grandmaster Flash & The Furious 5, Afrika Bambaataa, The Rock Steady Crew, The Cold Crush Brothers, Kurtis Blow and more. Check it out. Related: Episode 1... Read more

June 15, 2014 Throwback

Ice Cube, Nas, Snoop & More Speak on the History of N.W.A. (Video)

Who better to speak on the historical impact of N.W.A. than Ice Cube? As part of their ongoing Hip-Hop documentary, The Message, BET sat down with the West Coast legend for an extended conversation about the origins of his group. Others like Nas & Snoop also weighed in with their... Read more

June 11, 2014 Throwback

Here is an Incredibly Candid Previously Unreleased Conversation Between 2Pac & Sanyika Shakur (Audio)

This is a an amazing find. Here's a previously unreleased 20 minute conversation between Tupac and Sanyika Shakur (pka Monster Kody). They speak about the perils of prison life, the Hughes brothers, Yummy Sandifer, signing to Death Row, his rape case, Pac's desire to help the community and more. This... Read more

June 6, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Throwback

Ep 2 of The Message Documentary Covers The East/West Coast Beef, The Rise of Southern Hip-Hop, Censorship & More (Video)

Episode 2 of BET's Hip-Hop documentary, The Message, covers the turbulent times in the 90's including the East Coast/West Coast feuds, misogyny in lyrics, corporate attacks on Rap music and more. It also details the rise of Southern Hip-Hop. Guests include Snoop, Uncle Luke, Master P, Juicy J, The Game,... Read more

June 6, 2014 Video

AFH Celebrates 30 Years of Beat Street (Video Playlist)

30 years ago, on June 6, 1984, Orion Pictures released the seminal film, Beat Street. While there had been other movies about Hip-Hop culture (including Wild Style, Style Wars and Breakin'), because Beat Street was backed by a major distribution company and came at the near peak of mainstream recognition... Read more

June 6, 2014 Featured-homepage, Playlists, Throwback

Watch Big L & Big Pun in a Never Before Released Cypher (Video)

Yesterday (5/30) would have been Big L's 40th birthday. To celebrate the fallen MC's life and legacy, Complex premiered never before released footage of Big L in the studio dropping a verse AND a previously unreleased cypher that included L, Charlie Hustle and Big Pun. Check out both videos below.... Read more

May 31, 2014 Throwback

Fire Up the BBQ and Let This Old School Mix Turn Up the Heat (Audio)

A few years ago, DJ Spinbad put together this short but killer Memorial Day BBQ Mix. Its Old School blends featuring The Jackson 5, Soul II Soul, Eric B. and Rakim, Main Source, Nas, Gap Band, Frankie Beverly & Maze, Biggie, Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince and much more... Read more

May 25, 2014 Audio, Throwback

Jeru The Damaja Tells the Story of the Making of The Sun Rises in the East (Audio)

Today (5/24), marks the 20th anniversary of the release of Jeru The Damaja's album The Sun Rises in the East. Here's a super dope podcast, by Up North Trips, featuring Jeru, himself, narrating the stories behind the making of the album, track by track. Check out the podcast below and... Read more

May 24, 2014 Audio, Throwback

Take a Trip Back to the G-Funk Era With This Video Playlist (Video)

Here's a video playlist to transport you back to the G-Funk era. You'll see vintage clips from Dr. Dre, Snoop, Tha Dogg Pound, Warren G, 2Pac, Spice 1, The Luniz, DJ Quik and more. Check it out. Related: Here’s a playlist celebrating the 21+ year career of the legendary DJ... Read more

May 17, 2014 Featured-homepage, Playlists, Throwback

The Beat Junkies’ DJ Rhettmatic Shares His Wedding Mixer Series, Of Family-Friendly Funk (Audio)

Friendly by day, DJ Rhettmatic is nothing nice when he's on the wheels of steel. The Southern California DJ is one of the leaders of The Beat Junkies crew (with J Rocc), and somebody who has worked with J Dilla, Ras Kass, and his other crew, The Visionaries for over... Read more

May 11, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Here Are Words From Nas During the Illmatic Era, Raw and Uncut (Video)

Today (4/19) is the 20th anniversary of the release of Nas' Illmatic. As part of our celebration of this landmark date for Hip-Hop, here's an amazing extended look at Nas in the Illmatic era. In this candid interview, young Nas talks about the Hip-Hop legacy of Queensbridge, how he connected... Read more

April 19, 2014 Throwback

Here’s an Alternate Take of Mobb Deep’s Eye For an Eye Featuring Nas, Rae & Ghost (Audio)

Think you've heard Mobb Deep's Eye for an Eye? Think again...Here's an alternate mix that sports a different track, different verses from Havoc, Prodigy and Raekwon, and some bars from Ghostface Killah. Though it has different elements, it has all the grit and grime of the original. This is from... Read more

April 5, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Throwback

RIP Marvin Gaye: Here’s a Playlist Celebrating the Hip-Hop Legacy He Left (Video)

Rest in peace to Marvin Gaye who died 30 years ago today. He left the world with countless soul classics, but he also had an incredible impact on Hip-Hop. To celebrate that legacy, here's a video playlist of songs that sampled his music. You'll hear Ice Cube, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, The... Read more

April 1, 2014 Playlists, Video

I Used to Love HER…Rick Rubin Speaks on How Hip-Hop Has Changed.

Rick Rubin, along with Russell Simmons, started what is arguably the most important Hip-Hop record label ever created in Def Jam Recordings. So, who better to commentate on the state of the culture today? Rubin gave a rare interview to Vulture and spoke about the early days of Def Jam,... Read more

March 29, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Trae Tha Truth and Snoop Dogg Take it Back to the Old School (Video)

Trae Tha Truth and Snoop Dogg celebrate vintage cars in the video for Old School. Lean back and vibe to this one. Related: The Lox & Trae the Truth Go HAM on a New Track (Audio)... Read more

March 27, 2014 Video

Here’s a Playlist Celebrating the Life & Legacy of the 1 and Only Nate Dogg (Audio)

As we celebrate the life and legacy of Nate Dogg on the 3rd anniversary of his passing, here's a playlist of some of the many jewels he dropped on the Hip-Hop nation. Press play, sit back and vibe out to the sounds of Hip-Hop's greatest hook man. Related: RIP Nate... Read more

March 15, 2014 Throwback

AFH Celebrates Biggie Smalls with a Playlist of His Videos & Some Classic Freestyles (Video)

We continue our all day celebration of The Notorious B.I.G., on the anniversary of his passing, with a playlist of some of his videos as well as clips of classic freestyles with Tupac, Nas, Lil Cease and more. Click play and reminisce on the life and legacy of Biggie Smalls... Read more

March 9, 2014 Playlists, Throwback

DJ Marley Marl Details What Started the Wars Between BDP & The Juice Crew (Video)

DJ Marley Marl has been speaking about the early days of Hip-Hop, lately. He recently sat down on The Juan Epstein show, as well as with Mister Cee, and spoke on everything from working with artists like Big Daddy Kane, Kool G. Rap and LL Cool J, to how the... Read more

March 9, 2014 Audio, Throwback

Celebrate Gang Starr on the 20th Anniversary of Hard to Earn with This Video Playlist (Video)

"The real Hip-Hop." Our celebration of Gang Starr continues on the 20th anniversary of the release of Hard to Earn, with a playlist of some of their many classic music videos. As you set your clocks forward tonight, go back in time with these timeless visuals. Related: Here’s a Rare... Read more

March 8, 2014 Playlists, Throwback

Pete Rock, Clark Kent & Kevy Kev Reunite With Marley Marl on the In Control Show (Audio Mix)

Many Heads know Marley Marl's In Control brand from the legendary compilation album of the same name that he released in 1988 which featured The Symphony and other classics. The compilation was named after Marley's NYC radio show which was a leading platform for Hip-Hop during that era. Marley recently... Read more

March 2, 2014 Audio, Throwback

Here’s a True Old School Playlist. You will find nothing post-1988 here (Audio Playlist)

If names like Whodini, The Fat Boys, Eric B. and Rakim, LL Cool J, Ice-T, 2 Live Crew, Schoolly D, Boogie Down Productions, Big Daddy Kane and Run-DMC mean something to you, this should move you. Press play, sit back and nod your head. Related: Big Daddy Kane vs. Rakim:... Read more

February 21, 2014 Playlists, Throwback

Big L Rest in Peace: 15 Classic Big L Freestyles (Audio)

Rest in Peace to Big L who passed away 15 years ago today. To celebrate his too short life but enduring legacy, NahRight & Up North Trips have assembled a compilation of 15 classic Big L Freestyles. Check out the legendary Big L/Jay Z freestyle below and a link to... Read more

February 15, 2014 Throwback

Happy 40th Birthday to J. Dilla. To Celebrate Here’s J Rocc’s Mind-Blowing 120+ Song Set of Mixes (Audio)

In the last year of his life, J Dilla was getting the mainstream recognition he so deeply deserved. Donuts dropped. He was making thumpers for Common, who was his roommate in L.A. at the time. Dilla deftly balanced major label acceptance with underground royalty, and things seemed to be on... Read more

February 7, 2014 Throwback