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Mixtape Review: Scotty, F.A.I.T.H.
It’s become clear that there’s something new and exciting brewing down in the capital of the Peach State. Carried by a roster of ripening artists like Trinidad James, Rome Fortune and the Two-9 collective, this new breed have by and large sought to carve out a lane that differentiates from Gucci Mane and Young Jeezy’s trap sound or Future and now Young Thug’s more melodic, party-anthem music. “New
Album Review: R.A. The Rugged Man, Legends Never Die
It’s been nearly a decade since his official studio debut Die, Rugged Man, Die in 2004, but through a series of impressive guest features alongside the likes of Jedi Mind Tricks and Blu, R.A. the Rugged Man has remained a ferocious MC to be reckoned with. Now,...
The Break Presents: Chill Will
Last week, Chill Will appeared on The New New: 15 Atlanta Rappers You Need To Know. Today, get to know the 26-year-old out of Zone 6, who's already worked with the elite of his hometown, including Gucci Mane, Future, Waka Flocka and Rocko.
Standout: "Certain Way"
Also check out: "So Terrific" ft...
iStandard Producers Weigh In On XXL’s 2013 Freshman Producers List
Freshman season wouldn’t be complete without a look at the burgeoning wizards behind the boards. After all, what’s a Macklemore without a Ryan Lewis? And what’s a goon to a goblin? Anyway, now that the Freshman Class of 2013 has been revealed, it’s time to get familiar with some of the producers that will be sure to make much of the music the Freshman MCs will rhyme over. When it comes to beats..
Curren$y Explains the Ron Burgundy Flutes on Live in Concert
Curren$y Explains the Ron Burgundy Flutes on "Live in Concert"
EP Review: Wiz Khalifa and Curren$y, Live in Concert
Wiz Khalifa and Curren$y’s careers flourished after the release of their 2009 cult classic collaborative How Fly. But even as the two rappers have grown tremendously, fans have long clamored for a reunion project. After some sample-clearance-related delays, the longtime pals dropped their 2nd collaborative effort, Live in Concert on the international stoner holiday, 4/20.
T...
The Break Presents: Gio Dee
This 20-year-old out of Boston is fresh off the release of his Fashionably Late EP from earlier this month. Today, get familiar with Gio Dee, who's looking to create a new sound for Beantown.
Standout: "Growth"
Also check out: "#TOTB: This is Only The Beginning"
And: "The Way It Goes"
Name: Gio Dee
Age: 20
Hometown: Boston, MA
I grew up listening to: 2Pac, Cash Money
Watch the Latest Episode of Ecko’s Showroom Sessions with Peter Rosenberg
Peter Rosenberg stops by the Ecko Showroom to check out the goods and design the official tee for his New York Renaissance mixtape from earlier this month. Appearances from Jonny Shipes and Joey Bada$$.
Mixtape Review: DJ Esco, Black Woodstock (Hosted by Future)
Mixtape Review: DJ Esco, "Black Woodstock"
The Weigh In: Royce Da 5’9″ Gives XXL His UFC 159 Prediction
Last week in The Weigh In, R.A. the Rugged Man picked an upset, declaring Austin Trout would defeat Canelo Alvarez in their showdown at the Alamodome in San Antonio. Alvarez ended up earning a hard fought unanimous decision. This weekend will see it's own share of fights, with Sergio Martinez fighting in his native country of Argentina against tested British boxer Martin Murray...
The Break Presents: STACE
A muralist, designer and MC, STACE already has his eyes set on next year's XXL Freshman cover. Get familiar with this 29-year-old out of Mount Vernon, New York.
Standout: "It's Getting Harder To Cheat"
Also check out: "Holy Batman"
And: "Caesar"
Name: STACE
Age: 29
Hometown: Mount Vernon, New York
I grew up listening to: Sam Cooke, Average White Band, Jay-Z, Prince,
Cornerboy P “Holy Water” [Video Premiere]
New Orleans rapper and Curren$y cohort Cornerboy P plays NBA jersey swap in "Holy Water", the newest visual off his RNS mixtape from earlier this month.