AFH Ambrosia for Heads

Archives

The 25 Most Important Rap Albums Of Hip-Hop’s First 50 Years

The 25 Most Important Rap Albums Of Hip-Hop’s First 50 Years

Over the years, countless music lists have laid out the "Greatest" of a particular category–album, artist, song, etc. These lists often cite vague criteria and then lay out what they claim to be objective rankings. But, they are subjective. At Ambrosia For Heads, we have generally provided opportunities for the people... Read more
August 17, 2023 Exclusive, Food for Thought, Hip-Hop's 50th Anniversary
The Top 20 Rap Albums Of All-Time As Determined By Millions Of Fans

The Top 20 Rap Albums Of All-Time As Determined By Millions Of Fans

Earlier this month, the Hip-Hop community reacted to the latest high-profile lists ranking the greatest Rap albums of all time. Rolling Stone magazine and a team of journalists and writers ranked 200 Hip-Hop LPs, prompting plenty of reaction. It was not the first list of this kind, and it certainly will not... Read more
June 21, 2022 Video
Famed Hustler Alpo Martinez Is Fatally Shot & Killed In Harlem

Famed Hustler Alpo Martinez Is Fatally Shot & Killed In Harlem

According to numerous sources, notable and controversial street figure Alpo Martinez was fatally shot this morning (October 31) while in his Dodge Ram pickup truck. In a developing story, Martinez, 55 years old, was killed in a drive-by shooting in the same Harlem streets that he occupied throughout the rise... Read more
October 31, 2021 Lifestyle, News
Rakim Is A Top MC, But He Ain’t No Joke As A Producer Either (Video)

Rakim Is A Top MC, But He Ain’t No Joke As A Producer Either (Video)

Rakim is widely revered as one of the greatest MCs in Hip-Hop history. However, as the lyrical legend continues to speak about his career in a new light, he may also deserve recognition as one of the culture's great producers. Earlier this week, Rakim stopped by HOT 97's Ebro In... Read more
October 26, 2019 Video
Eric B. & Rakim Say They Never Broke Up, But Explain What Kept Them Apart

Eric B. & Rakim Say They Never Broke Up, But Explain What Kept Them Apart

Back in March, Eric B. & Rakim announced their first tour together in 25 years, which is happening now. The news came after the legendary pair reunited on-stage in celebration of the 30th anniversary of Paid In Full last July and helped remind us how one of Hip-Hop's greatest duos... Read more
April 24, 2018 News
The Book of Ra. Rakim Confirms His Memoir Is Coming This Year. (Audio)

The Book of Ra. Rakim Confirms His Memoir Is Coming This Year. (Audio)

Many of Hip-Hop's best-known and greatest MCs have released autobiographies and memoirs. JAY-Z published Decoded. LL Cool J (I Make My Own Rules), Ice-T (The Ice Opinion), Snoop Dogg (Tha Doggfather), Prodigy (My Infamous Life), Eminem (The Way That I Am), Common (One Day It'll All Make Sense), 50 Cent... Read more
March 5, 2018 Audio, News
Happy Birthday Rakim. The God MC Turns 50 Years Old (Video)

Happy Birthday Rakim. The God MC Turns 50 Years Old (Video)

It is a milestone month for legendary MCs. On January 14, LL Cool J celebrated his 50th birthday. Two weeks to the day after, Rakim also reaches this important mark. Fifty years ago today (January 28, 1968), the master lyricist was born William Michael Griffin, Jr. in New York, and... Read more
January 28, 2018 Fresh, Video
Keith Murray Pays Tribute To Rakim With His “I Ain’t No Joke” Freestyle (Audio)

Keith Murray Pays Tribute To Rakim With His “I Ain’t No Joke” Freestyle (Audio)

Rappers often borrow productions popularized by other MCs, to put their own spin on the record. Sometimes they give credit. Sometimes they don't. What Keith Murray has done with Rakim's classic "I Ain't No Joke," however, is different. Rather than simply jack the classic beat, Murray makes his "I Ain't... Read more
January 9, 2018 Audio
Dame Dash Clarifies Reports Of Smacking Harvey Weinstein In The Past (Video)

Dame Dash Clarifies Reports Of Smacking Harvey Weinstein In The Past (Video)

Two different November Cam'ron verses have unearthed two very controversial stories. His mixtape The Program begins with an intro that reignited longstanding tensions between Cam' and Ma$e. "It's Killa" told a 1997 story that, at least according to Cam'ron, is the reason that Ma$e left a multi-platinum music career for a... Read more
December 3, 2017 Video
This Mix Salutes 1987’s Def Jam Tour With LL Cool J, P.E., Eric B. & Rakim and Whodini

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
EPMD Detail The Night Their Beef With Eric B. & Rakim Almost Got Physical (Video)

EPMD Detail The Night Their Beef With Eric B. & Rakim Almost Got Physical (Video)

Earlier this year, EPMD joined Flava Flav, Large Professor, Bumpy Knuckles and more than 20 MCs at the 30th anniversary concert for Eric B. & Rakim's Paid In Full. Rakim and Eric's first concert together in years, also marked a historic armistice in 1980s Hip-Hop folklore. On this week's episode... Read more
September 21, 2017 Video
A New Mix Tells Rakim’s Story Through His Spoken Words & Music (Audio)

A New Mix Tells Rakim’s Story Through His Spoken Words & Music (Audio)

Friday (July 7) marked a major milestone for Hip-Hop. Eric B. & Rakim's debut album Paid In Full celebrated its 30th birthday. With the event, Eric and Rakim reunited at the Apollo Theater for their first concert together in approximately 25 years. In support of the anniversary, more than 20... Read more
July 10, 2017 Audio, Mixes, Throwback
More Than 20 MCs Join Eric B. & Rakim In Celebrating Their 30th Anniversary (Video)

More Than 20 MCs Join Eric B. & Rakim In Celebrating Their 30th Anniversary (Video)

Yesterday (July 7), marked the 30th anniversary of the release of Eric B. & Rakim's classic album, Paid In Full, and they celebrated it in grand fashion. The two were joined on stage at Harlem's famed Apollo Theater by by more than 20 artists from eras both before and after... Read more
July 8, 2017 Video
Eric B. & Rakim Are Reuniting To Celebrate The 30th Anniversary Of Paid In Full (Audio)

Eric B. & Rakim Are Reuniting To Celebrate The 30th Anniversary Of Paid In Full (Audio)

Eric B. & Rakim are perhaps Hip-Hop's most revered duo. The Long Island, New York icons are partly responsible for defining the term "timeless classic" as it pertains to Rap music, not once slipping into obscurity since dropping Paid in Full in 1987. Thirty years have since passed, with as... Read more
June 22, 2017 News
Rakim’s Rep Says Statements About A Reunion With Eric B. Are “Completely False”

Rakim’s Rep Says Statements About A Reunion With Eric B. Are “Completely False”

Last week, tweets began appearing from a verified Twitter account bearing the name Eric and Rakim, stating that the group was back and asking in which city they should start their new tour. As one of the most important duos in Hip-Hop history, naturally, the reaction to the news was massive.... Read more
October 27, 2016 News
Eric B. & Rakim Have Reunited And Are Going On Tour

Eric B. & Rakim Have Reunited And Are Going On Tour

"I came in the door. I said it before. I never let the mic magnetize me no more. But, it's biting me, fighting me, inviting me to rhyme. I can't hold it back. I'm looking for the line. Taking off my coat. Clearing my throat. The rhyme will be kicking... Read more
October 22, 2016 News
Nas Auditioned For A Lead In “Paid In Full” According To Dame Dash (Video)

Nas Auditioned For A Lead In “Paid In Full” According To Dame Dash (Video)

In the early 2000s, Roc-A-Fella Records was fast expanding its film division. The label, founded by Jay Z, Damon "Dame" Dash, and Kareem "Biggs" Burke was also entrenched in one of the most exciting Rap battles of the last 15 years, thanks to Jay's beefing on wax with Nas. In... Read more
September 17, 2016 TV/Film, Video
Rare Photographs Of Rakim Show Why He’s Hip-Hop Royalty

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
Eric B. & Rakim’s Paid In Full vs. Wu-Tang Clan’s Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). Which Is Better?

Eric B. & Rakim’s Paid In Full vs. Wu-Tang Clan’s Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). Which Is Better?

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 25, 2016 Finding the GOAT
Eric B. & Rakim’s Paid In Full vs. Outkast’s Aquemini. Which Is Better?

Eric B. & Rakim’s Paid In Full vs. Outkast’s Aquemini. Which Is Better?

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 18, 2016 Finding the GOAT
Eric B. Defends His Legacy & Claims His Credit In History (Audio)

Eric B. Defends His Legacy & Claims His Credit In History (Audio)

Eric B. may be one of the most misunderstood figures in Hip-Hop. An Elmhurst Queens, New York native, Eric Barrier formed one of the genre's most technically advanced groups in Eric B. & Rakim. Furthermore, the DJ/producer established a brand in Rap music that not only pivoted towards the materialism... Read more
March 16, 2016 Audio
Eric B. & Rakim’s Paid In Full vs. Run-D.M.C.’s Raising Hell. Which Is Better?

Eric B. & Rakim’s Paid In Full vs. Run-D.M.C.’s Raising Hell. 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 2, 2016 Finding the GOAT
Here Are Your Top 10 Rap Albums of the 80s. Get Ready For The 90s…

Here Are Your Top 10 Rap Albums of the 80s. Get Ready For The 90s…

Today (October 25) closes Round 2 of the 1980s bracket of Finding The GOAT Albums. In the closing hour, there were no ties, and not even a race within even 5% of two candidates. You—the voter—definitively decided which 10 albums go forth to the final 32 albums across all eras.... Read more
October 25, 2015 Finding the GOAT
Eric B. & Rakim’s Paid In Full vs. Eazy-E’s Eazy-Duz-It. Which Is Better?

Eric B. & Rakim’s Paid In Full vs. Eazy-E’s Eazy-Duz-It. 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
October 19, 2015 Finding the GOAT
Eric B. & Rakim’s Paid In Full vs. Boogie Down Productions’ By All Means Necessary. Which Is Better?

Eric B. & Rakim’s Paid In Full vs. Boogie Down Productions’ By All Means Necessary. 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
October 9, 2015 Finding the GOAT
LA The Darkman – Paid In Full (Mixtape)

LA The Darkman – Paid In Full (Mixtape)

Its been a long journey for LA The Darkman since those early Wu-Tang days, but the Crown Heights spitter with Michigan ties is back with another mixtape to make some Hip-Hop noise. Although we're not in the '90s, Paid In Full definitely has that nostalgic feel throughout. The mixtape, hosted by DJ... Read more
September 12, 2013 Fresh, Mixes
Rakim performs with ArtOfficial (Video)

Rakim performs with ArtOfficial (Video)

Here's some footage of Rakim performing It's Been a Long Time and Paid in Full with ArtOfficial, a local Miami band. The God MC + a live band = GENIUS! Check out the video. Related: Rakim discusses how he narrowly avoided starting a beef with Big Daddy Kane (Video)... Read more
December 10, 2012 Video
Salute to Eric B & Rakim. 7/7 marks the 25th anniversary of the release of their landmark album Paid in Full. Hip-hop has never been the same since that day. Here’s a video playlist of some of the gems from that classic album (Video)

Salute to Eric B & Rakim. 7/7 marks the 25th anniversary of the release of their landmark album Paid in Full. Hip-hop has never been the same since that day. Here’s a video playlist of some of the gems from that classic album (Video)

Related: Playlist celebrating the career of Rakim (Video)... Read more
July 6, 2012 Playlists, Throwback, Video
Rakim Speaks: The Complex Interview

Rakim Speaks: The Complex Interview

Rakim interviews are few and far between these days.  Complex recently got a good one.  He discusses working on new material, other rappers whose work he respects, his recent nomination for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the 25th anniversary of the release of Paid in Full and more. ... Read more
November 2, 2011 Food for Thought
The Roots recently linked with Rakim to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Paid in Full. Here’s some footage (not nearly enough) of the performance and some interviews with ?uestlove, Black Thought, and Rakim Allah.

The Roots recently linked with Rakim to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Paid in Full. Here’s some footage (not nearly enough) of the performance and some interviews with ?uestlove, Black Thought, and Rakim Allah.

Props to MTV.com for the news brief. Also, if you missed it, click here to check out our back in the day mix that centers on the late 80's/early 90's era that birthed Rakim. Tags: MTV Shows If you missed our back in the day mix, which focuses on that... Read more
June 24, 2011 Video