“Gig It” is the first and only 3-D concept game on Facebook. A truly visionary idea, the game was launched Tuesday night (April 30) as tons of celebrities, media and industry folk got together at Capitale in NYC  for a special kick-off concert with apperances, from Nas, Rick Ross, Vado, Slaughterhouse, Raekwon, Fabolous, Marsha Ambrosius, Large Professor, Flo-Rida, and Ne-Yo. Ne-Yo chatted up with XXL about his initial thoughts on the new game saying, “I thought it was dope, that you can basically, as a fan, all of the powers are in your hand.”

“From what the artist wears, to what song the artist does [and] what continent the concert is on, all of that is in the hands of the fans,” he continued.  LaLa and DJ Khaled did a wonderful job as the night’s hosts, while reality TV star, Tahiry hosted the red carpet. Attendees at the event got to see special performances from Miguel, Busta Rhymes, Fabolous, Nas, 2 Chainz, Elle Varner and  French Montana.

Gig It is a game that allows the user to pick real rappers and customize a concert whatever way you want, in great detail. Fans have the options to choose the music, backup dancers, opening act, headline performers, wardrobes, sponsors and many more other facets of a show. With tons of artist available in the game, it’s sure to be a delight for every music lover. The game’s founder John Acunto, spoke on how it all came together, saying, “Combining YouTube, social and gaming.”

“YouTube a very powerful tool, that’s wear you have video—user generated videos. This is wear  you check out things and where things go viral. You got a billion people on facebook and you have gaming. So being able to bring artist into the fold, its explosive,” he further explained. Acunto also went on to say that Gig It is one of the most unique games on the market. “I think it’s a legitimate distribution platform [and] a different way to reach a billion people and  distribute everything that they are,” he said. “A user doesn’t just pick that virtual shirt, they can actually buy that real world item. There’s also the music component—If Cypress Hill drops a new album and some new cuts, we can immediately make that available into the game and help distribution worldwide.”

B-Real also believes in the game’s potential, telling XXL, ”It’s a game for Facebook, Facebook has billions of users, I think it be a win for Gig It and all the artists because it’s a great cross promotion of both.”

From the first look of the game, Gig It looks like it has some real growth potential. Go and check out the pics from the event below.

The post Rick Ross, Nas, 2 Chainz Attend ‘Gig It’ Launch Concert appeared first on XXL.

Last night, SUPRA Footwear and G-Shock hosted a premier event at Skylight West in New York City to celebrate the release of their highly anticipated, limited-edition sneaker and watch collaboration. The partnership between the two pays tribute to G-Shock’s 30^th anniversary, and also commemorates the latest product release from the shoe and watch brand. Guests were aplenty as everyone from Eve, Stevie Williams, Nigel Sylvester, French Montana, Too $hort, Raekwon, Dame Dash, Flying Lotus and more stopped by to show some love. Check out a few flicks from the event below.

Photos: Kevin Ornelas

The post French Montana, Eve, Raekwon and More Attend SUPRA + G-Shock “It’s About Time” Event in NYC appeared first on XXL.

Jay-Z has been quite busy these past few days. But that’s common for the man who’s a walking businessman business. Just last night (May 1), Jigga went suit and tie at the premiere of Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby in New York. The dapper don walked the carpet in a charcoal suit along with Dior shoes, and posed for flicks while rubbing elbows with Hollywood’s best including the film’s stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan. Catch the Jiggaman on the film’s soundtrack, which he also helped executive produced, for the track “$100 Bill.” Soundtrack arrives May 7th and the film, Great Gatsby hits theaters nationwide on May 10th.

The post Jay-Z Walks the Carpet for The Great Gatsby Premiere appeared first on XXL.

Just in time for fight night this weekend, Floyd Mayweather and the Heavyhitter DJs talk music, his childhood and more in a string of installments all part of an exclusive video series. Here, Mayweather fills us in on what he listens to while working out.

The post Ever Wondered What Music Floyd Mayweather Listens To When Working Out? appeared first on XXL.

Karmaloop are Neff are hosting one of the season’s hottest concert series with their Verge Campus Tour, Powered by eMuze. Featuring performances by Kendrick Lamar and Steve Aoki, along with support from Bad Rabbits and 5 & A Dime, XXL is now giving away a pair of tickets to the tour’s upcoming April 25th stop at William and Mary.

So how do you win? Well, it’s fairly simple. The person who hits and likes Neff’s Facebook page, along with the posting the following message: Verge Campus Tour Tickets #XXL #NEFF #KARMALOOP  will win.

Easy right? The winner will not only win a pair of tickets, but they’ll also win a Neff prize pack which includes everything seen below: sunglasses, beanie, watch, snap back and back pack.

Entries must also include a full name (first and last) in the post. This contest is limited to fans, who are 21-years-old and up and will be in the Williamsbrug, VA area on Thursday night. Contest ends April 24th.

 

The post Win Tickets to See Kendrick Lamar and Steve Aoki Perform at Williamsburg, VA appeared first on XXL.

Reebok held quite the shindig last week (March 21) at NYC’s Greenhouse. Everyone was in the house for the packed-out White Tee party. Hosted by Reebok’s Brand Ambassador Wayno and Great Scott, check out what went down at the star-studded affair.

Reebok White Tee Party from Samuel Rogers on Vimeo.

The post Here’s What Went Down Last Week at Reebok Classic’s White Tee Party appeared first on XXL.

On Monday (February 18), Detroit rhymester Big Sean announced the official launch of his new fashion and lifestyle company, Aura Gold.  Adding the title of creative director to his repertoire, the G.O.O.D. Music MC made a special appearance at ProjectMVMNT in Las Vegas this past Tuesday (February 19) to formally introduce Aura Gold’s fashion line, Finally Famous. Unveiling the brand’s Fall 2013 collection, themed The Black Collection at Booth #10157 at the Mandalay Bay, thousands of attendees got an exclusive sneak peek including yours truly.

Featuring sleek patterns and sharp tailored details that are perfectly decorated with matte black trims and subtle accents of gold, and a reasonable price range (average retail price points start at $30 for tees and upwards to $135 for outerwear) here’s a few snaps of Aura Gold’s fresh must-haves from its upcoming Fall 2013 collection.

The post Big Sean Unveils Aura Gold Fall 2013 Collection at Project MVMNT appeared first on XXL.

Project MVMNT was in full effect at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada for the MAGIC Trade Show as many designers and their multiple trendsetting, fashion forward lines impressed thousands of attendees. Of the many were Parisian fashion designer duo the SACHIKA TWINS (designers of high-end fashion line SACHIKA) and Flaucy Apparel CEO/Designer Nate Willis who made an impact the first two days (Feb. 19 & 20) with the introduction of their new lines Flaucy, Flaucy Queens, Bad Penny, Dyme Lyfe, and TUXX BY SACHIKA. Along with this season’s new collections for unique brands, celebrities such as Big Sean, NFL star DeSean Jackson, Slim Thug, Jim Jones, Whoo Kid and more appeared at the FlauSachika Group’s booth, making it one of the popular stations at this year’s Project MVMNT.

The post Big Sean, Jim Jones and More Hit FlauSachika Group’s Booth at MAGIC Trade Show appeared first on XXL.

In 1992, Reebok made the strongest possible statement on the court. ‘‘What we needed was a larger than life presence, a basketball prodigy that would forever change the game,” says Reebok’s Vice President of Classic, Basketball and Entertainment, Todd Krinsky. And they got just that with the league’s most dominant player, Shaquille O’Neal. After partnering with the brand, Shaq would go on to become Rookie of the Year and dominate in two of the game’s esteemed shoes: the Shaq Attaq and Shaqnosis.

During a press launch held yesterday (February 19) at the Project Trade Show in Las Vegas, Reebok Classics welcomed Mr. Shaq himself back to the family and even had Swizz Beatz, Todd Krinsky and Tyga all there in attendance. As the conference kicked off with Todd looking back at the brands 2012 highlights and early 2013 success in the Iverson collection, the Pump Bring Backs, Kamikazes, Tyga’s T-Raww and more, he went on to thank Swizz Beatz, Reebok Classics’ Creative Director, for his help in bringing the brand back to the forefront.

From there Swizz spoke on how it was perfect timing to bring back the iconic Shaq Attaq and Shaqnosis shoes and brought out Shaq to reminisce about being the first athlete with a signature shoe for Reebok, career in the leage, his first Reebok ad, doing music with Shaq and more. At the end of the event, Tyga made a special appearance for a photo opp on stage with Swizz and Shaq.

Fans can expect the highly anticipated Shaq Attaqs to arrive on April 19^th for $160 at key retailers including Jimmy Jazz, Shiekh, Villa, City Gear, DTLR, Shoe Palace, and on Reebok.com. Meanwhile, the Reebok Classic Shaqnosis will drop July 19^th for $125.

The post Reebok Classics Unveil Shaq Attaq & Shaqnosis at Project Trade Show in Las Vegas appeared first on XXL.

MMA monster Quinton “Rampage” Jackson is training for the fight of his life. At least that’s what his main card UFC fight against Glover Teixeria tomorrow night (January 26) is being billed as. Set to take place at UFC on FOX 6 inside Chicago’s United Center, Jackson is set to deliver his final fight as a UFC fighter, leaving many wondering where the former Light Heavyweight champion will be taking his talents to thereafter.

But that’s the last thing on Q’s mind, as he carries on with his rigorous training here inside the Midwest Training Center located in Schaumburg, Illinois. Surrounded by several media outlets, the man who’s preparing for such a big match looks unruffled, carefree rather.  “It’s always the biggest fight of your life,” he says. “This is [nothing] different.”

With a newly signed endorsement deal with Reebok in his pocket, the championed mixed martial arts fighter has already been moving onto different territories outside of the Octagon. His endorsed ATV 19+ training shoe with Reebok will be arriving early next month (February 1^st) and judging from the shoe’s feel, it’s certainly a must-have for the average athlete.

Here, Rampage speaks with XXL about his career, Reebok deal and what he’s currently listening to before his big match.—Ralph Bristout (@RalphieBlackmon)

XXL: As soon as I came in to the training center, the first thing I heard from your trainer was that this is the biggest fight of your life.

Rampage Jackson: Yeah this is the biggest fight of my life.

But you’ve been in similar situations like this before where a match of yours is referenced as such but, this is your last bout. Does it give you chills to hear that?

Yeah, I’ve been—my last match [vs. Ryan Bader] was the biggest fight of my life and the match before that was my biggest fight so when there’s a really important fight, it’s always the biggest fight of your life. [The chills] probably won’t hit me until Friday and the day of the fight.

So lets make this clear, you’re not retiring from fighting, you’re only retiring from UFC correct?

Right. I think the problem is two things: the UFC is kind of upset that I’m leaving them so they’re going to promote that this is my last fight. They don’t want fans to know that I’m going somewhere else. 2, the new MMA fans are UFC fans and they think MMA is called UFC. So when I say I’m leaving UFC, they think that I’m leaving MMA. They don’t understand that calling MMA, UFC is kind of like calling boxing, WB.

Sounds like that sort of  bugs you out.

It does sometimes. Like some fans will come up to me like, “How long have you been training for UFC?” Then I’ll be like, Man I don’t even understand your question. [Laughs] Training for UFC? You mean training for MMA? Ahh yeah, 13 years. So it’s not called UFC.

So this will be your last UFC fight, what sparked that decision?

So for my last fight, UFC knew I was injured but, I didn’t pull out of the fight ’cause it was in Japan. I got my first big break in Japan so I have a lot of love for the Japanese fans. [At the time] I was already fed up with the [league] for a little bit, but I didn’t know when they were going to be back there [plus] I had a torn ligament in my knee. But, I still wanted to fight and so I tried it.

I knew there was a big chance that I was going to lose but that didn’t matter to me. I’ve done fights injured and stuff.  I went there— couldn’t make weight, run and stuff like that—and lost the fight to a decision. It was a boring fight, my opponent made it boring, I was trying to make it exciting by slamming him and doing everything that I had to do but the guy just wrestled me and held me on the ground. The referee didn’t even stand him up. Dana White [President of UFC] talked crap about me and he knew I was injured. I told him, Dana I’m sorry that I didn’t do a good job, and this was man to man. I said, I’m sorry but I tried my best, I didn’t want to pull out on the card—and it cost them a lot of money if a fight pulls out on a card. So I did that for the UFC and my Japanese fans but he went on interviews in the media talking crap about me. I said to myself, You know what, I’m not putting my health on the line anymore for these guys.

Seems like they didn’t have your back.

They don’t have my back. I felt unappreciated. So I just had to go. I thought was my last fight on the contact but, [come to find out] this one is.

READ ON TO FIND OUT ABOUT RAMPAGE’S NEW REEBOK SHOE AND WHO HE’S LISTENING TO BEFORE HIS FIGHT

The post Rampage Jackson Discusses Last UFC Match, Reebok ATV 19+ and Three 6 Mafia appeared first on XXL.

Co-headlining with Coldplay, Jay-Z rung in the New Year with a special concert held at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. Looking dapper in an Yves Saint Laurent tuxedo under his Lanvin Padded Gilet Coat, the Roc Nation mogul rocked the stage, performing with a string of hits including “Run This Town,” which found him sharing the stage with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. The latter’s wife Gwyneth Paltrow and kids joined the celebration, as well as Roc Nation songstress Bridget Kelly. Check out the epic performance below.

The post Jay-Z Rings In 2013 at Brooklyn's Barclays Center [Photos] appeared first on XXL.

Co-headlining with Coldplay, Jay-Z rung in the New Year with a special concert held at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. Looking dapper in an Yves Saint Laurent tuxedo under his Lanvin Padded Gilet Coat, the Roc Nation mogul rocked the stage, performing with a string of hits including “Run This Town,” which found him sharing the stage with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. The latter’s wife Gwyneth Paltrow and kids joined the celebration, as well as Roc Nation songstress Bridget Kelly. Check out the epic performance below.

The post Jay-Z Rings In 2013 at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center [Photos] appeared first on XXL.

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A sizable group-which composed of Matt Kemp, Kid Cudi, Santigold, Usher, Olivia Munn, fans and L.A. socialites— gathered at Milk Studios in Los Angeles Calif. earlier this month (August 2) to celebrate Futura’s collaboration with the Hennessy brand. His brightly colored design—which features a speckled multi-colored design— is this latest limited edition from the Hennessy group.

Lenny Mcgurr aka Futura 2000 is often regarded a living legend. He first appeared in New York as a graffiti artist during the ’70′s and has transcended the medium beyond anything he envisioned. He was once quoted as saying, “I thought I’d never live to see the year 2000, that’s where the 2000 came from.” Occupying a space that has eclipsed his earlier vision, Futura explored Milk Studios as if he was from another planet and was archiving his findings. He took pictures of his created artworks and a giant projection screen that was plastered with his image. He also took photos of the crowd—which gathered mostly to see him—as if they were subjects to be added to his collection.

“I’m at a loss for words,” he told the large crowd, looking strangely amused that in a room full of celebrities, he was arguably the biggest star in the crammed space. He paused many times as he delivered his salutations and proceeded to return to the party without the slightest hesitation as party goers asked for handshakes, hugs and pictures.

The night concluded with a performance by Santigold, which allowed Futura to blend back into anonymity. After signing a limited edition bottle that was on display, he continued taking photos of the crowd—including the photographer taking a picture of him. The multi-colored Hennessy V.S. bottles will be available soon for purchase.—Eric Montgomery (@E_MONT_3)

The post Futura 2000 “Loss For Words” At Hennessy VS Bottle Launch Party appeared first on XXL.

Twelve Bar has created a limited edition t-shirt to commemorate the achievements of 17-year-old Brooklyn native Lia Neal, the second ever African American woman to represent the USA in swimming at the Olympics.

Dubbed “Swim Brooklyn,” the tees take inspiration from Spike Lee’s graphic sensibilities to classic Brooklyn hip-hop album covers to Jackie Robinson and the Brooklyn Dodgers. The t-shirt features an image of the Brooklyn Bridge with a wave design underneath it and the words “Swim Brooklyn!” in the Team USA colors across it.

All proceeds from the sale of this t-shirt will be donated to the USA Swimming Foundation and is available for purchase now on www.twelvebar.com/tshirt_graphic_swim_brooklyn.—Mariel Concepcion

The post Twelve Bar Celebrates Team USA Swimmer Lia Neal With “Swim Brooklyn” T-Shirt appeared first on XXL.

Following in the footsteps of last year’s KAWS collaboration, Hennessy has teamed up with legendary graffiti artist Futura for another one of it’s limited edition bottles.

Futura is a legend in the graffiti world and is known for pioneering abstract street art with his unique ability to create almost paint brush-type quality productions. His brightly-colored design in this latest joint venture will no doubt be another favorite. It is set to hit select retails stores this summer.

Available in a deluxe package is also a limited edition Converse Chuck Taylor which is inspired by the collaboration between Hennessy and Futura. The shoe will be paired with a bottle of Hennessy and comes in a specially-designed box. It is still unknown if the sneakers will be available for sale separately, but stay tuned to Good Life for more information.—Eric Montgomery (@E_MONT_3)

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Moet Rose Lounge with Nas from Team Epiphany on Vimeo.

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