The Butler, starring Forrest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Lenny Kravitz, tells the story of a White House butler who served eight American presidents over three decades. The film traces the dramatic changes that swept American society during this time, from the civil rights movement to Vietnam and beyond, and how those changes affected this man’s life and family. Check out the thrilling trailer above and here for more info on the film.

The post Check Out The Awesome Film Trailer For ‘The Butler’ appeared first on XXL.

Tonight marks the season finale of original FX series The Americans, a show framed around two Soviet sleeper spies living in the suburbs of D.C. in the Cold War era, starring Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys. It’s recently been renewed for a second season, so if you haven’t seen it make sure to catch up on it via Netflix, Hulu or your neighbor’s cable box. To update you on what’s happened so far in the show’s first season, and to share with you his worthy opinion on it (as a Russian-American who may or may not be a Soviet sleeper spy), we got the always-hilarious Lakutis to review the show for us. Lakutis, a rapper on Heems’ (Das Racist) Greedhead label, released an EP through Mishka last year (download here) and is currently working on its follow-up. You can also peep his Tumblr here. 

When I first saw a commercial for The Americans, I remembered 2010, when everyone was going crazy about Anna Chapman, one of about a dozen or so Russian spies busted by the FBI after living under assumed identities in the U.S. Chapman, born Anna Vasil’yevna Kushchyenko, was the hot one and got a lot of press at the time, even the cover of the Russian Maxim. It turns out The Americans is in fact inspired by this network of sleeper agents dubbed “the illegals,” which is funny as hell the more you learn about both.

One thing borrowed from the real “illegals” that makes the show interesting is that the spies are assigned to live as a married couple and even have kids together, but the similarities kind of end there. The real “illegals” were by most accounts awful spies—an acquaintance of one even remarked how weird it was that a purported Philly native would have a “thick Russian accent.” Meanwhile, the spy couple on The Americans speak perfect English and are constantly doing some OD crazy spy stuff and getting beat up without so much as taking a day off. In fact, everyone on the show speaks terrible Russian with the exception of the double agent Nina, played by the smoking-hot Annet Mahendru (who’s fluent in Russian, German and Hindi). The difference is so stark, that when she speaks Russian it feels a lot like when your roommate with a job comes home to you and your other loser friend, who have been smoking weed and farting all day with zero ventilation, and opens the window. You forgot just how bad it all was until someone reminds you that there’s a real world out there. The “illegals” were a bunch of inept Russians who could barely mask their origins. The “Americans” are so completely, absurdly American that it’s a constant struggle to believe their (mostly) unwavering support for their motherland.

The potential of a show with such a great premise lies in the opportunity to create friction with culture clash. I’m reminded of the tavern scene in Inglorious Basterds, where the characters are found out as imposters because one of them holds up three fingers the American way instead of the German way. Once, when I worked in a restaurant, one of the waiters asked the two new Russian waitresses why they didn’t put a top bun on their staff lunch burgers and they replied that it was “too much bread.” Russians, as a rule, eat their sandwiches open-faced. These are the types of moments, that when added up, form a large part of the immigrant experience, and it’s a shame that this show squanders the chance to delve into these subtleties and potentially educate American viewers about themselves, Russians and the nature of culture itself. Yes, I understand that the point is that they are theoretically so well-trained as to be indistinguishable from the real thing, but what kind of cheap shortcut is that? Also isn’t that where the art and the suspension of disbelief should come in?

Still, for all its faults the show does have some things going for it: Philip and Elizabeth’s constant renegotiation of just how real their marriage is; Noah Emmerich’s portrayal of Stan Beeman, the FBI agent with the dark past (complete with facial tick); some of the zanier missions the couple go on (complete with ridiculous mustaches and outfits); and the aforementioned Annet Mahendru, who can actually act and speak Russian. There’s a lot of potential in this show, and it’ll be interesting to see where the finale leaves us. I’m definitely not in love with The Americans yet, but then I didn’t really like the first season of The Wire either (cue hate mail).

The post Lakutis Reviews The First Season Of ‘The Americans’ appeared first on XXL.

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Artist Jay Shells has quite an inventive street art project. He has channeled his love for hip-hop by producing some unique signs under a project called “Rap Quotes.”

For the project (which reportedly is still going), Shells has made street signs that have famous rap lyrics shouting out certain street corners and locations. If that wasn’t enough, he installs each sign at their exact spots.

Shells is pretty passionate about the project. He went all over the city and posted over 30 signs quoting the likes of Mos Def, Nas, Kanye West, CL Smooth, Prodigy, GZA and more. Watch the video above that documents it all.

[via Animal New York]

The post Watch Street Artist Jay Shells Drop “Rap Quotes” All Around New York City appeared first on XXL.

Ghostface Killah is taking an unorthodox approach to his tenth studio album, Twelve Reasons to Die, releasing on Soul Temple Records, the newly launched label from Wu-Tang member RZA. He plans on pairing the album with a comic book

“The Rise of the Ghostface Killah” and “The Sure Shot (Parts 1 and Part 2)” has introduced fans to the narrative featuring Tony Starks, who is a soldier for the 12 Delucas, a 1960s-era Italian crime family. The snippets of the album released over the weekend showcased the sonic composition of Los Angeles-based producer/composer Adrian Younge.

Earlier this month, when we spoke to Ghostface at SXSW, it wasn’t hard to believe that he sounded confident about the concept album. “We started with a few tracks first, working on the direction and which way to go, and we started just getting good and more good. Then we just wound up doing 12 records,” he said. “It’s so different. The world is going crazy for the shit. It’s something that I never really did before, but I’m good for writing stories and going into shit.”

Soul Temple and Black Mask Studios have produced a six-issue comic book of the same name. It was written by Matthew Rosenberg and Patrick Kindlon and inspired by classic Spaghetti Western film scores. The release follows Ghostface’s 2009 foray into comics called Cell Block Z.

The folks over at Black Mask Studios have given XXL an exclusive preview of the first issue. Below, you can peep the cover and few selected pages. Twelve Reasons to Die is set to release on April 16.—Eric Diep, with reporting by Jaeki Cho

The post Exclusive Preview: Ghostface Killah’s “12 Reasons to Die” Graphic Novel appeared first on XXL.

The Cash Money movement is making its way into literature.

Reginae Carter and Bria Williams—the daughters of Lil Wayne and Birdman—are planning on the release of their first teen novel called Paparazzi Princesses.

The novel loosely centers on the lives of Reginae and Bria. With the help of author Karyn Langhorne Folan, the plot is based on two teenagers named Kyla Jones and Promise Walker. They have to deal with the roller coaster ride of being “unintentionally famous” because of their parents’ celebrity status.

Here’s what Wayne and Baby had to say about the upcoming novel, which will be hitting shelves on June 4 via Cash Money Content. They sound like very proud fathers.

Lil Wayne: “I’ve got to be honest. It’s inspiring to see what these girls have done. It wasn’t easy, and they did it all by themselves. ‘Proud’ doesn’t even begin to describe how me and the ‘Birdman’ feel. I can’t wait for everybody else to experience their story.”

Birdman: “They took an idea, worked extremely hard, and brought it to life,” he states. “It’s the kind of story that everybody can feel, and it’s only the start of much bigger things for these two wonderful young ladies.”

[via VIBE]

Previously: Nicki Minaj Is Releasing a Comic Book Based on Her Life

The post Lil Wayne and Birdman’s 14-Year-Old Daughters Wrote a Novel appeared first on XXL.

Entrepreneur and former record executive Kevin Liles will join the Broadway production of The Trip to Bountiful, the Horton Foote’s classic to start in April.

Liles will be joining a strong team of producers and cast. Stars such as Cicely Tyson, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Vanessa Williams and Condola Rashad are set to appear in The Trip to Bountiful. This venture will mark the first Broadway producing credit for the entertainment entrepreneur who already boasts an impressive resume.

On the production side, Liles will join a group of producers led by General Manager and Tony Award Winner Producer Nelle Nugent, who was behind the Broadway sensation Stick Fly that starred Alicia Keys. Other notable names include Stephen Byrd and Alia Jones of Front Row Productions.

Liles continues to challenge himself both creatively and in his career. He spoke highly of helping to production The Trip to Bountiful, saying that he was touched by the story of Carrie Watts who reminded him of his mother and 92-year old grandmother.

“I pride myself in always looking for opportunities to share enriching cultural experience with others,” said Liles. “While I’ve touched many entertainment platforms during my career including television, sports, fashion, and of course, music, this was a project that expanded my horizons creatively.

He added, “I was also moved by the talent of the production team, the Broadway interpretation of this work, and the illustrious cast of Cicely Tyson, Cuba Gooding Jr, Vanessa Williams and Condola Rashad that once again allows me to work with what I see as national treasures in the artistic space. I am continuously inspired when working with amazing talent who are masterful at their craft. I am honored to be part of this team that will help recreate this American classic with the African American spirit.”

The play will begin preview performances on March 30 at 8 p.m. at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre in New York. The opening night for the play is on April 23.

For tickets, visit their official website.

The post Kevin Liles to Join Broadway Production of “The Trip to Bountiful” appeared first on XXL.

Nicki Minaj isn’t going to run out of creative ideas to reach her legion of Barbz anytime soon. After dropping her Pink Friday fragrance and putting together a clothing line, Minaj is taking a plunge into the comic book world. She has partnered with Bluewater Comics for a special edition of their “Fame” series, which will be written by Michael Troy and drawn by Jill Lamarina.

Fame: Nicki Minaj traces one of the biggest pop sensations of this decade from her Caribbean roots through her upbringing in Queens, New York and into a career as a pop diva who has teamed up with all the mega-stars like Justin Bieber, Madonna and Britney Spears.

The comic will be available in Standard and Superhero Covers at Comic Flea Market for $3.99. Digital copies are available for $1.99 on iTunes, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, ComiXology, Google Books and more.

[via HipHop-N-More]

The post Nicki Minaj Is Releasing a Comic Book Based on Her Life appeared first on XXL.

The Seattle duo contemplate a record deal in their hilarious Funny or Die segment with comedian Paul Scheer.

The post Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’ Get a Record Deal Skit [Video] appeared first on XXL.

Last week, 2012 Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel was spotted hitting the club with the Bawse himself, Rick Ross. Manziel has been making the Hip-Hop rounds of late, using the hashtag #FreeSosa on Twitter and rocking an OVO hoody in public. Manziel and Rozay is just the latest in a long history of rapper/athlete friendships. Check out a lot more photos of rappers & athletes hanging out together. – XXL Staff

The post Random Photos of Rappers & Athletes Hanging Out Together 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.

It seems as though we can expect the latest season of “Love & Hip-Hop: New York” to bring the drama when it really isn’t that serious. And last night’s episode was definitely no different.

PHOTO CREDIT: VH1

The night kicked off with yet another proclamation from Rashidiah saying that no, as a matter of fact, she can’t figure out what Tahiry’s stressing over Joe about, especially if they’re not supposed to be together. (Don’t worry, I can’t figure it out either…)

We then finally get the opportunity to meet the happy couple of Jen the Pen (best known for her “gossip blog” and starring on the radio with DJ Whoo Kid) and Consequence (the “best ghostwriter in the history of rap”). Not since George and Laura Bush has a couple been more boring. I think there was some drama about Jen the Pen having to return to work to help feed the couple’s son, Caiden Amir Mills, but I can’t say that I remember, since I found myself dozing off during their segments. I’ve seen episodes of  “How It’s Made” that are told with more enthusiasm, and at least I learned something at the end of those episodes. If you’re this connected in the industry, Jen, make a few phone calls, get off your ever-thinning ass, and get back to work. You aren’t the first working mother, and you won’t be the last. And if you’re really the reason that Sean “P. Diddy” Combs has any chart success, Consequence, have your lawyer work out a better royalty rate for you so you can get out of Staten Island. And stop driving Bentleys while crying poverty when it comes to paying for your son’s first birthday. Problem solved. Moving on.

Jen the Pen has a friend, Winter Ramos, who is best known as “Fab’s assistant.” Right off the bat, I was under the impression that she and Emily B never really got along…and the thought doesn’t have a minute to settle in my brain before Winter’s rattling off the list of famous rappers she’s slept with (including Loso!), while bragging that she knows “the wife, the girlfriend, the baby mama, and even the side chick.” You know, because she knows these guys; She’s worked with these guys. And, this classy broad has a “tell-all book” coming out documenting all her ups and downs in the music industry. We can blame Jadakiss for this mess, because according to Winter, he was the one that encouraged her to pen the tome. First he splits up D-Block, then he does this. Thanks, Jadakiss. Thanks.

Then there was more BO-RING drama between Olivia, Rich Dollaz, Tahiry and Erica Mena. Rich and Erica don’t want to mix business with pleasure…zzzzz. Erica wants to record an album with “the best rapper in the world, Lore’l” (WHO?!)…zzzzzz. Tahiry asking Rich Dollaz for a lawyer so she, too, can release Hoy Se Bebe or whatever her “mixtape” is going to be called…zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

The real storyline of the evening is the fallout of Joe Budden’s pool party. As we saw last week, Tahiry and Raqi got into it over someone saying to someone else that she may or may not have slept with Joe Budden. But what was not known, up to this point, is that Joe Budden was high at the time of the pool party…his first relapse, he tells his mother Fay, in fourteen years. This realization that Joe is quickly falling prey to the grips of his addiction—starting off first with pills, then moving on to “other things” (hopefully not PCP, which industry rumor suggests was Budden’s drug of choice at the height of his addiction)—not only devastates Budden himself, but has a ripple effect on the people around him: His mother, Raqi, and his new girlfriend, Kaylin Garcia. Of the three, the latter is most committed to seeing him through his sobriety. Garcia’s father was a drug addict, she says, and though seeing Joe in an altered state is “deja vu” for her, she feels that God put her in Joe’s path for a reason, and that reason is to help him get back to a better place. While her naivete is stunning—and, quite possibly, dangerous for her—there is a pervasive kindness about Kaylin which makes her infinitely more likeable than any of the other women on the show…especially Tahiry, whose sour, hateful, bitter ways make her an anathema to the pleasant, sweet-natured, docile, loyal Kaylin.

At the end of this episode of “Angry Birds”—I mean, “Love & Hip-Hop”—the only people I was left rooting for are Joe Budden and Kaylin Garcia. Joe may be crazy, but he’s honest to a fault, and he has a heightened self-awareness that the rest of the cast so glaringly lacks. And Kaylin may be naive, but she’s got a real sense of “ride or die” loyalty, and her sweet heart isn’t tainted by “the industry” like the rest.

Until next week, cats and kittens…—Bernadette Giacomazzo (@bgiacomazzo)

The post “Love and Hip-Hop New York” Recap: The Fallout 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.

At E3, Majesco Entertainment demoed a new game exclusively for the Xbox Kinect titled NBA Baller Beats and promised that it would be “a game changer,” allowing players to dribble a physical basketball and recreate fundamental to advanced basketball movements.

NBA Baller Beats is “the first ever motion-based sports video game that requires you to actively play using a real basketball in an interactive beats-driven experience.”  Is NBA Baller Beats comparable to the NBA 2K series? Or is it something else entirely that requires it’s own category?

Let’s get into the premise of this game. NBA Baller Beats requires that you “time your dribble to the beat and perform a variety of skill moves displayed on-screen, to score points.” The game plays much like a basketball version of DJ Hero. You basically watch a moving indicator that gives you a variety of moves to perform along to a pre-selected song.

There are three different game modes: Move School allows you to practice the different skills required to play the game. Single Player mode is aimed at mastering the different skills and unlocking new levels, songs, player posters and trading cards. Finally, Battle Mode is a multiplayer head-to-head competition where up to eight players can compete for bragging rights.

The presentation of the game is very simplistic, due to the fact that the game is movement based. You can choose from all 30 NBA teams as locations to perform but many of the locations are similar except for minor differences in color. Kenny Smith serves as the M.C. for the game and his honest commentary adds a level of authenticity. The game doesn’t wow you visually but the song selection is perfect for this type of platform. Classic hip-hop joints like “Don’t Sweat The Technique” and “Bust A Move” perfectly set the tone.

The technology involved with tracking the player’s movement and the trajectory of the ball is remarkable but for those of us over 6″ the camera has difficulty keeping up. At times I wasn’t even completing the moves completely but I was still gaining points. The Single Player Mode can get tiring after awhile as you’re asked to perform the same moves as you progress with little to no variety. The “pump fake” and “pass” moves seem a bit out of place but add a dimension of difficulty.

NBA Baller Beats is at it’s best when there are multiple players. It’s a great community game because even if you aren’t adept at dribbling a ball, the fun of being with a group of friends and playing makes up for many of the game’s deficiencies. You won’t mind that sometimes the Kinect won’t catch your movements completely while you’re boy is talking trash about your handles.

Overall, it doesn’t compete with NBA 2K13 however, Baller Beats does deserve it’s own category.  I hope Majesco takes the framework they’ve created and improve what really has the potential to be “a game changer.” Although it deserves some self-space next to the NBA 2K series, Baller Beats serves as a perfect point of entry for causal NBA fans and gamers.—Eric Montgomery (@E_MONT_3)

The post XXL Takes A Look At NBA Baller Beats appeared first on XXL.

Look up in the sky, it’s a bird, it’s a plane…Nope it’s the NBA’s first-ever super hero, BrooklyKnight. That’s right, announced by the NBA earlier today (November 5) both Marvel Entertainment and the Brooklyn Nets have banded together to create Brooklyn’s new super hero, BrooklyKnight, “protector of Brooklyn’s hometown team, defender of New York’s largest and most courageous borough, and ruler of Barclays Center.” The first superhero in NBA history, the new mascot made his debut Saturday night (November 3) at the Brooklyn Nets’ first regular season game at Barclays Center against the Toronto Raptors. To celebrate his first appearance, Marvel Customs Solutions and the Nets created BrooklyKnight #1, a 32-page comic book written by Jason Aaron and illustrated by Mike Deodato. Fans who attend the Nets’ November 11th game against the Orlando Magic will be treated with limited edition BrooklyKnight trading cards courtesy of Marvel Custom Solutions.

“Forged from the blood, sweat and tears of Brooklyn itself —always ready to defend his home and defeat all challengers— all hail the BrooklyKnight!” exclaimed Marvel Custom Solutions’ Editor, Bill Rosemann. “Brooklyn, your champion is here!”

The post Marvel and the Brooklyn Nets Unveil First-Ever NBA Superhero [Photos] appeared first on XXL.

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Pharrell Williams

Pharrell: Places and Spaces I’ve Been

Publisher: Rizzoli

Release Date: October 30, 2012

Price: $55.00

With contributions from the likes of Jay-Z, fashion mogul and streetwear icon Nigo and artist extraordinaire Takashi Murakami, Pharrell remembers and celebrates the variety of musical, artistic, and fashion collaborations he’s been a part of throughout his 15-plus-year career. Through in-depth conversations and extensive visuals, Pharrell speaks on his most cherished experiences and relationships in this mammoth 248-page coffee table book, which includes chock-full of rare and iconic imagery ranging from hi-res concert photos to unreleased Billionaire Boys Club artwork and designs. For fans, <em>Places and Spaces I’ve Been</em> is an exciting new window into the life and experience of the hip-hop icon.

Rating: XL

Wyclef Jean

Purpose: An Immigrant’s Story

Publisher: It Books

Release Date: September 18, 2012

Price: $26.99

In this memoir by the multi-faceted musician, the Haitian immigrant recalls growing up in New York City and Newark, N.J., while also reflecting on his rocky relationship with his pastor father, Lauryn Hill and the various controversies he’s faced over the years. The tell-all memoir also details Wyclef’s experiences and controversies surrounding the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, as well as the formation and eventual breakup of the Fugees. The content’s intimate, personal and at times takes on a serious approach. Interweaved with Wyclef’s signature sense of humor, although the memoir doesn’t clearly expand on all the details fans would like to uncover, it’s an enjoyable and informative inside-look at the Refugees overseer.

Rating: L

T.I.

Trouble & Triumph: A Novel of Power & Beauty

Publisher: Harper Collins

Release Date: September 18, 2012

Price: $23.99

The love story between Power, the male protagonist who’s stuck in the street life, and Beauty, a female lead who has take over the fashion industry, continues with Beauty trying to save the only man she loves. Although it’s fictional, hints of T.I.’s trapping days only beef this book up. Tip, with author David Ritz, do a great job in continuing the story of Power and Beauty, who grew up in the same household, only to later build a very intimate relationship.

Rating: L

The post Enough Said: Three New Books By Rappers hitting The Shelves appeared first on XXL.

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When model/actress Shakur Sozahdah needed someone to portray her sexy, cocaine-hustling sister in the original Hot 97 TV series, Los Blancos, she knew exactly who to tab: Rosa Acosta.

“I’ve known Rosa for years and when it came to the situation, I thought that she was perfect for the part,” said Sozahdah about having Rosa play Sophia Blanco, the sister to her character Yasmine Blanco on the show that premiered on Hot97.TV earlier this week. “And what’s a better way to work with someone you love and care about and that you have a friendship with, because then it’s not really work…it’s work and play. It’s easier, the chemistry is better and it’s just a lot more fun.”

And dangerous fun is what the Blancos have, as the series has them running a lucrative cocaine-distribution operation, running into characters portrayed by the likes of rappers Maino and Kurupt along the way.

“I felt there was a void or an unspoken territory of the women running this type of a drug business, you know?” said Sozahdah, who’s also the online series’ creative and executive producer, co-writer and main star. “My character, she’s an Alpha female. She’s bold, she’s fearless, she’s cold-blooded, but she’s still able to keep her femininity at the same time and is still seductive and sexy.”

The same can be said for Rosa’s character, but with a twist.

“I play Sophia, the youngest of the two sisters,” Acosta told XXL. “She’s the typical younger little girl that is—such a wild child. She does what she wants, when she wants it. She doesn’t really care about anything but her sister, her dad who passed, and their family.”

To see Rosa and Shakur, two notable XXL Eye Candy models, on Los Blancos tune into Hot97.TV.—Jakinder Singh

The post Rosa Acosta and Shakur Sozahdah Talk Hot 97 TV Series Los Blancos 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.