DJ Envy Leaves Hot 97, Joins Power 105.1

Dec 2nd, '09  •  XXL Magazine  •  by XXL Staff  •  8 Comments

  A day after announcing that he was parting ways with New York’s Hot 97 on his twitter account earlier this week, DJ Envy announced that he’ll be joining Clear Channel Radio’s Power 105.1 in New York. “I’m excited to start hosting ...

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The Making Of… 50 Cent’s “How to Rob”

Dec 2nd, '09  •  News  •  by XXL Staff  •  19 Comments

Photography by Clay Patrick McBride Some say you never get a second chance to make a first impression. 50 Cent was on that train of thought when making his debut single, 1999’s “How to Rob.” Then, the grimy Jamaica, Queens, MC ...

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Crack Rap Is King In 2009

Dec 1st, '09  •  Bloggers  •  by XXL Staff  •  33 Comments

This past weekend I felt like I was taken back to the year of 1990. In the apartment where my dude's aunt lived. On St. Johns Place in Brooklyn. Where my dude's aunt also pushed that snow white. The same ...

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DAY 1: XXL Gives Away Redman’s Limited Edition G-Shock Watch

Dec 1st, '09  •  XXL Magazine  •  by XXL Staff  •  13 Comments

In celebration of the holiday season, XXLMag.com will be giving away Redman’s limited edition G-Shock watch over the next three days. The all red timepiece features Redman’s logo engraved on the back and a jet-black face. “G-Shock is tough and durable, ...

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Gigantic, a big big FAIL

Dec 1st, '09  •  Bloggers  •  by XXL Staff  •  21 Comments

What's a 40 year-old woman who wouldn't know from rap music to do? First Vibe went out of business, and then it was announced yesterday that Giant magazine has gone out of business. At least "Empire State of Mind" is still ...

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Dame Dash “Hurt & Disappointed” By Ludacris’ Absence on BlakRoc

Dec 1st, '09  •  XXL Magazine  •  by XXL Staff  •  25 Comments

With Damon Dash’s new BlakRoc project hitting stands last Friday (November 28), hip-hop fans were shocked to find so many different types of artists together on one disc. Yet surprisingly, Ludacris, one of the rappers that was originally named as ...

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XXL Reviews Lupe Fiasco’s “Enemy of the State: A Love Story”

Dec 1st, '09  •  Bloggers  •  by XXL Staff  •  41 Comments

Lupe Fiasco Enemy of the State: A Love Story Beats: XL Lyrics: XL Originality: L Though it clocks in at just over 22 minutes long, Lupe Fiasco’s Enemy of the State: A Love Story, proves that the Chicago MC has returned from his self-imposed ...

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West Side Disconnection — Don’t Try This At Home

Dec 1st, '09  •  Bloggers  •  by XXL Staff  •  52 Comments

Disclaimer: In no way, shape, form, or fashion do I advocate gangs or gang violence. However, I do tip my hat to Uncle Snoop and 40 Glocc for sending reminders to the uninformed that Bloods and Crips ain’t really nothing ...

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Thank You

Dec 1st, '09  •  Bloggers  •  by XXL Staff  •  18 Comments

Thanksgiving, or “White People Killed the Indians Day” as it’s known in parts of my community, was cool as potato salad this year. I haven’t been home for a Turkey Day in 7 years. Shows on the chittlin circuit ...

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