Tag Archives: premiere

AZ Takes A Classic Kool G Rap Beat & Demonstrates Why He’s Great (Audio Premiere)

AZ enjoyed a relatively quiet 2018. The highly-respected Brooklyn, New York lyricist was the subject of a documentary involving commentary by Rakim, Nas, Pete Rock, and Foxy Brown. He made a few careful appearances, one with early mentor Daddy-O of Stetsasonic and another with Fresno, California’s Planet Asia. However, when it came to solo music, the artist responsible for some iconic verses mainly sat back and watched.

That will not be the case for 2019. AZ kicks things off with the fittingly-titled “It’s Time,” premiering at Ambrosia For Heads. The quick-strike is an homage to an MC and era that inspired S.O.S.A. Kool G Rap & DJ Polo made a lasting Hip-Hop introduction with 1986’s “It’s a Demo.” The devastating display began as a non-album single accompanied by “I’m Fly” for a B-side and would eventually appear on the duo’s 1989 debut LP, Road To The Riches as a remix.

Nas, Rakim, Pete Rock & More Break Down Why AZ Is 1 Of Hip-Hop’s Best Visualizers (Video)

The East New York MC attacks the vintage Marley Marl production with devastating, short lines as he gets on his “project ish.” He spits, “My first debut came through like Jeru / Played who? Ni**as smoking that cake too / Passed out, got clout they rap ’bout from the trap route / Try’na close on Shaq house / Still buzzin’ / Was the king of the kitchen oven / In the spot with two coke pots like kissin’-cousins / Scratch that / Too fly for flashbacks / Got my eyes on a G5 ‘craft, all matte black / More moula, dirt-bikes out in Dubai / F*ck 50 feet in the sky, I need a new high.” For an artist who has made memorable songs with L.E.S., Pete Rock, DJ Premier, and Dr. Dre, this showcases some finesse over chopped break-beats.

In recent years, A has been working on Doe Or Die 2. He released a Buckwild-produced single called “My N***as.” Apart from that, AZ released a 2017 video single, “Save Them,” which features Raekwon and one of Prodigy’s final appearances.

Ever Heard This Nas, AZ & Foxy Brown Freestyle From 1997? It’s Firm Business (Audio)

Notably, AZ and Kool G Rap worked together on Ghostface Killah’s “The Battlefield,” which was released as an animated video from 36 Seasons.

Photograph provided by AZ. Additional Reporting by Jake Paine.

AZ enjoyed a relatively quiet 2018. The highly-respected Brooklyn, New York lyricist was the subject of a documentary involving commentary by Rakim, Nas, Pete Rock, and Foxy Brown. He made a few careful appearances, one with early mentor Daddy-O of Stetsasonic and another with Fresno, California’s Planet Asia. However, when it came to solo music, the artist responsible for some iconic verses mainly sat back and watched.

That will not be the case for 2019. AZ kicks things off with the fittingly-titled “It’s Time,” premiering at Ambrosia For Heads. The quick-strike is an homage to an MC and era that inspired S.O.S.A. Kool G Rap & DJ Polo made a lasting Hip-Hop introduction with 1986’s “It’s a Demo.” The devastating display began as a non-album single accompanied by “I’m Fly” for a B-side and would eventually appear on the duo’s 1989 debut LP, Road To The Riches as a remix.

Nas, Rakim, Pete Rock & More Break Down Why AZ Is 1 Of Hip-Hop’s Best Visualizers (Video)

The East New York MC attacks the vintage Marley Marl production with devastating, short lines as he gets on his “project ish.” He spits, “My first debut came through like Jeru / Played who? Ni**as smoking that cake too / Passed out, got clout they rap ’bout from the trap route / Try’na close on Shaq house / Still buzzin’ / Was the king of the kitchen oven / In the spot with two coke pots like kissin’-cousins / Scratch that / Too fly for flashbacks / Got my eyes on a G5 ‘craft, all matte black / More moula, dirt-bikes out in Dubai / F*ck 50 feet in the sky, I need a new high.” For an artist who has made memorable songs with L.E.S., Pete Rock, DJ Premier, and Dr. Dre, this showcases some finesse over chopped break-beats.

In recent years, A has been working on Doe Or Die 2. He released a Buckwild-produced single called “My N***as.” Apart from that, AZ released a 2017 video single, “Save Them,” which features Raekwon and one of Prodigy’s final appearances.

Ever Heard This Nas, AZ & Foxy Brown Freestyle From 1997? It’s Firm Business (Audio)

Notably, AZ and Kool G Rap worked together on Ghostface Killah’s “The Battlefield,” which was released as an animated video from 36 Seasons.

Photograph provided by AZ. Additional Reporting by Jake Paine.

Source: AmbrosiaForHeads.com

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Ghostface Killah Releases His First Song Of The Year & He’s Shining

Wu-Tang Clan’s Ghostface Killah has a long and rich history with R&B music. The Staten Island, New York legend pivoted nearly a decade ago when he released Ghostdini: Wizard Of Poetry In Emerald City. That ’09 album and its cast of guests blended Hip-Hop with R&B in its guest list, production, and song themes. Long before that, G.F.K. had channeled elements of the genre on his works, ranging gritty renditions of ’60s and ’70s Soul, to involving fellow Shaolin natives The Force M.D.’s on his Ironman debut, as well as later spots for Carl Thomas and Ne-Yo.

Top singers equally respect Ghost’s aesthetic too. Jodeci, Beyoncé, Amy Winehouse, and Mary J. Blige are just some standout examples of elite artists seeking out the unconventional MC who regularly spits about matters of the heart. Recently, that was the case for Teyana Taylor, who tapped Ghost’, Raekwon, and Method Man for her video remix to “Gonna Love Me,” which referenced classic videos from the Wu-Tang MCs’ respective catalogs.

Teyana Taylor’s Video Shows Her In A Love Triangle With Method Man & Ghostface

Ghost’ keeps that same energy moving into his remix of Ty Dolla $ign and Jeremih’s “The Light.” From the pair’s MihTy collaborative LP late last year, the video single references the unmistakable bass-line to The Mary Jane Girls’ “All Night Long.” This one gets a new bounce at the top, nodding to Rae and Ghost’s classic “Ice Cream” confection.

After putting a brief stamp on the song in the beginning, G.F.K. makes his presence felt after the 2:00-mark, dropping a full verse. As the beat quickly calls back to RZA’s spacey Purple Tape sound, the iconic MC spits, “Yo, Shaolin’s finest / What up, boo? Peace, your highness / Let’s rewind this / Both get naked and kill the shyness / Wu-Tang’s timeless / Blow out your sinus / Sweet-talk that ass into bed, kill it with kindness,” begins the MC, before getting a little more graphic. He shouts out Jeremih and Ty before closing out the track. The song also briefly references Ahmad’s “Back In The Day.”

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

Next month, Ghostface is partnering with Wu brother Inspectah Deck as well as 7L & Esoteric (who together are known as CZARFACE). Maintaining a tradition employed by MF DOOM in 2018, the Czarface Meets Ghostface album will release on February 15. Heads have already been treated to first single “Iron Claw.”

In 2018, G.F.K. released The Lost Tapes, produced by Big Ghost, LTD. Remix editions (The Propane Tape) and (The Bronze Tape) subsequently dropped.

A Mid-’90s Interview With Power On The Formation Of & Business Behind Wu-Wear On AFH TV

#BonusBeat: The video to the original Jeremih & Ty Dolla $ign version:

Wu-Tang Clan’s Ghostface Killah has a long and rich history with R&B music. The Staten Island, New York legend pivoted nearly a decade ago when he released Ghostdini: Wizard Of Poetry In Emerald City. That ’09 album and its cast of guests blended Hip-Hop with R&B in its guest list, production, and song themes. Long before that, G.F.K. had channeled elements of the genre on his works, ranging gritty renditions of ’60s and ’70s Soul, to involving fellow Shaolin natives The Force M.D.’s on his Ironman debut, as well as later spots for Carl Thomas and Ne-Yo.

Top singers equally respect Ghost’s aesthetic too. Jodeci, Beyoncé, Amy Winehouse, and Mary J. Blige are just some standout examples of elite artists seeking out the unconventional MC who regularly spits about matters of the heart. Recently, that was the case for Teyana Taylor, who tapped Ghost’, Raekwon, and Method Man for her video remix to “Gonna Love Me,” which referenced classic videos from the Wu-Tang MCs’ respective catalogs.

Teyana Taylor’s Video Shows Her In A Love Triangle With Method Man & Ghostface

Ghost’ keeps that same energy moving into his remix of Ty Dolla $ign and Jeremih’s “The Light.” From the pair’s MihTy collaborative LP late last year, the video single references the unmistakable bass-line to The Mary Jane Girls’ “All Night Long.” This one gets a new bounce at the top, nodding to Rae and Ghost’s classic “Ice Cream” confection.

After putting a brief stamp on the song in the beginning, G.F.K. makes his presence felt after the 2:00-mark, dropping a full verse. As the beat quickly calls back to RZA’s spacey Purple Tape sound, the iconic MC spits, “Yo, Shaolin’s finest / What up, boo? Peace, your highness / Let’s rewind this / Both get naked and kill the shyness / Wu-Tang’s timeless / Blow out your sinus / Sweet-talk that ass into bed, kill it with kindness,” begins the MC, before getting a little more graphic. He shouts out Jeremih and Ty before closing out the track. The song also briefly references Ahmad’s “Back In The Day.”

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

Next month, Ghostface is partnering with Wu brother Inspectah Deck as well as 7L & Esoteric (who together are known as CZARFACE). Maintaining a tradition employed by MF DOOM in 2018, the Czarface Meets Ghostface album will release on February 15. Heads have already been treated to first single “Iron Claw.”

In 2018, G.F.K. released The Lost Tapes, produced by Big Ghost, LTD. Remix editions (The Propane Tape) and (The Bronze Tape) subsequently dropped.

A Mid-’90s Interview With Power On The Formation Of & Business Behind Wu-Wear On AFH TV

#BonusBeat: The video to the original Jeremih & Ty Dolla $ign version:

Source: AmbrosiaForHeads.com

Click Here to Discuss in the Forums

Spread the love
             
 
   

Ghostface Killah Shines Brightly On A Remix To The Light

Wu-Tang Clan’s Ghostface Killah has a long and rich history with R&B music. The Staten Island, New York legend pivoted nearly a decade ago when he released Ghostdini: Wizard Of Poetry In Emerald City. That ’09 album and its cast of guests blended Hip-Hop with R&B in its guest list, production, and song themes. Long before that, G.F.K. had channeled elements of the genre on his works, ranging gritty renditions of ’60s and ’70s Soul, to involving fellow Shaolin natives The Force M.D.’s on his Ironman debut, as well as later spots for Carl Thomas and Ne-Yo.

Top singers equally respect Ghost’s aesthetic too. Jodeci, Beyoncé, Amy Winehouse, and Mary J. Blige are just some standout examples of elite artists seeking out the unconventional MC who regularly spits about matters of the heart. Recently, that was the case for Teyana Taylor, who tapped Ghost’, Raekwon, and Method Man for her video remix to “Gonna Love Me,” which referenced classic videos from the Wu-Tang MCs’ respective catalogs.

Teyana Taylor’s Video Shows Her In A Love Triangle With Method Man & Ghostface

Ghost’ keeps that same energy moving into his remix of Ty Dolla $ign and Jeremih’s “The Light.” From the pair’s MihTy collaborative LP late last year, the video single references the unmistakable bass-line to The Mary Jane Girls’ “All Night Long.” This one gets a new bounce at the top, nodding to Rae and Ghost’s classic “Ice Cream” confection.

After putting a brief stamp on the song in the beginning, G.F.K. makes his presence felt after the 2:00-mark, dropping a full verse. As the beat quickly calls back to RZA’s spacey Purple Tape sound, the iconic MC spits, “Yo, Shaolin’s finest / What up, boo? Peace, your highness / Let’s rewind this / Both get naked and kill the shyness / Wu-Tang’s timeless / Blow out your sinus / Sweet-talk that ass into bed, kill it with kindness,” begins the MC, before getting a little more graphic. He shouts out Jeremih and Ty before closing out the track. The song also briefly references Ahmad’s “Back In The Day.”

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

Next month, Ghostface is partnering with Wu brother Inspectah Deck as well as 7L & Esoteric (who together are known as CZARFACE). Maintaining a tradition employed by MF DOOM in 2018, the Czarface Meets Ghostface album will release on February 15. Heads have already been treated to first single “Iron Claw.”

In 2018, G.F.K. released The Lost Tapes, produced by Big Ghost, LTD. Remix editions (The Propane Tape) and (The Bronze Tape) subsequently dropped.

Listen To A Hard-Hitting New Album Featuring Prodigy, Ghostface & Freddie Gibbs (Audio)

#BonusBeat: The video to the original Jeremih & Ty Dolla $ign version:

Wu-Tang Clan’s Ghostface Killah has a long and rich history with R&B music. The Staten Island, New York legend pivoted nearly a decade ago when he released Ghostdini: Wizard Of Poetry In Emerald City. That ’09 album and its cast of guests blended Hip-Hop with R&B in its guest list, production, and song themes. Long before that, G.F.K. had channeled elements of the genre on his works, ranging gritty renditions of ’60s and ’70s Soul, to involving fellow Shaolin natives The Force M.D.’s on his Ironman debut, as well as later spots for Carl Thomas and Ne-Yo.

Top singers equally respect Ghost’s aesthetic too. Jodeci, Beyoncé, Amy Winehouse, and Mary J. Blige are just some standout examples of elite artists seeking out the unconventional MC who regularly spits about matters of the heart. Recently, that was the case for Teyana Taylor, who tapped Ghost’, Raekwon, and Method Man for her video remix to “Gonna Love Me,” which referenced classic videos from the Wu-Tang MCs’ respective catalogs.

Teyana Taylor’s Video Shows Her In A Love Triangle With Method Man & Ghostface

Ghost’ keeps that same energy moving into his remix of Ty Dolla $ign and Jeremih’s “The Light.” From the pair’s MihTy collaborative LP late last year, the video single references the unmistakable bass-line to The Mary Jane Girls’ “All Night Long.” This one gets a new bounce at the top, nodding to Rae and Ghost’s classic “Ice Cream” confection.

After putting a brief stamp on the song in the beginning, G.F.K. makes his presence felt after the 2:00-mark, dropping a full verse. As the beat quickly calls back to RZA’s spacey Purple Tape sound, the iconic MC spits, “Yo, Shaolin’s finest / What up, boo? Peace, your highness / Let’s rewind this / Both get naked and kill the shyness / Wu-Tang’s timeless / Blow out your sinus / Sweet-talk that ass into bed, kill it with kindness,” begins the MC, before getting a little more graphic. He shouts out Jeremih and Ty before closing out the track. The song also briefly references Ahmad’s “Back In The Day.”

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

Next month, Ghostface is partnering with Wu brother Inspectah Deck as well as 7L & Esoteric (who together are known as CZARFACE). Maintaining a tradition employed by MF DOOM in 2018, the Czarface Meets Ghostface album will release on February 15. Heads have already been treated to first single “Iron Claw.”

In 2018, G.F.K. released The Lost Tapes, produced by Big Ghost, LTD. Remix editions (The Propane Tape) and (The Bronze Tape) subsequently dropped.

Listen To A Hard-Hitting New Album Featuring Prodigy, Ghostface & Freddie Gibbs (Audio)

#BonusBeat: The video to the original Jeremih & Ty Dolla $ign version:

Source: AmbrosiaForHeads.com

Click Here to Discuss in the Forums

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Hip-Hop Wired Premiere: Kev Brown Drops Potent New LP ‘Fill In The Blank’

Kev Brown - Fill In The Blank

Source: Redefinition Records / Redefinition Records

For the past decade and a half,  Kev Brown has occupied a significant segment of underground Hip-Hop and his two-headed skill set has only been refined over the years. It has been an especially busy year for the DMV rapper and producer, dropping his third LP of the year with the potent Fill In The Blank which only aims to heighten the mystique about the man and place him properly next, if not ahead, of his dual-skilled peers.

Fill In The Blank runs for 20 tracks, nine short from the Low Budget Crew member’s epic and equally sweeping Homework album from earlier this year. While the strategy of releases isn’t immediately known, the bookend projects that sandwich the instrumental and wildly experimental Delve Into Classic Moog show and prove that the years haven’t dulled Brown’s ability to craft moments with thumping production and his comfortable, bourbon-soaked rhyme schemes.

Beyond the production, what stands out above anything is Brown’s ability to get mileage out of his verses without breaking a sweat or word count. This efficiency in rhyming, coupled with production that sounds chiseled from the finest boom-bap of the ’90’s and early 2000’s, is only heightened by the fact Brown posts an everyman observational stance via his verses.

Speaking of production, former rapper and producer, and current drummer for funk band The Du-Rites J-Zone gets several shout-outs across the songs for providing the drums on the project.

There are schools of thought that embrace the beauty of simplicity and yes, Brown isn’t looking to emerge as a lyrical vanguard at this stage of his career. Instead, he sticks to his proven formula doing what the beats call for and rapping directly to the listener. There isn’t any abstract meaning hidden in the song, and there’s enough head-nod heat to last you through the chilly fall months and beyond.

Stream Kev Brown’s Fill In The Blank via Spotify below. Hit this link to find where the project is streaming and how you can support the artist with your dollars. And while you’re at it, go grab some high-quality Kev Brown merch here.

Photo: Redefinition Records

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Hip-Hop Wired Premiere: Grindstone Feat. Willie D – “MAGA Hat”

Grindstone - "MAGA HAT" feat. Willie D

Source: Grindstone Music / Grindstone Universal

It’s only been a couple of days since Election Day proved that politics are still split in President Donald Trump’s America and the MAGA brand is still very strong. In this Hip-Hop Wired premiere, rappers Grindstone and Willie D of Geto Boys fame join forces for the blistering “MAGA Hat” single that doesn’t mince much in the way of words.

Produced by Corbin Butler, the track is the debut single from the forthcoming album from Grindstone, The Child. In a brief chat, Grindstone explained how the song with Willie D was put into motion.

“The song came about because I was waiting for food at a Jamaican carryout (for the better part of forever) and watching Kanye West’s TMZ interview after SNL, right before the Oval Office visit. During the interview he mentioned his new found power with his newly constructed MAGA lid,” Grindstone explains.

He adds, “From that interview, I watched a clip from the Breakfast Club where Angela Yee stated that she was not going to wear her Yeezy’s anymore because Kanye is the ops. In their discussion, DJ Envy and Charlamagne both held on to the alliance of the Yeezy shoe and music brand despite their apparent disenchantment with Kanye’s viewpoints. As I watched, I felt full of hope with Angela Yee’s firm stance against financially supporting those who oppose your own; so, looking at the phone I blurted out ‘F*ck yo’ MAGA hat!’ At that point, I had to grab that food and go to the lab to record the vibe while the feeling was fresh.”

Grindstone concluded in the chat that he originally recorded the hook and two verses, but opted to reach out to Willie D to complete the 1-2 punch. After hearing the track, Willie D shows up and the pair both drop politically-charged versus with their targets easily identifiable in their verses.

Check out Grindstone’s “MAGA Hat” featuring the legendary Willie D in the links below.

Instagram Photo

The iTunes link is here.

The Amazon Music link is here.

Check out the stream below.

Photo: Courtesy of Grindstone Music/Grindstone Universal

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