XXL Mag

It's been some two decades since it was established that the South has something to say; if nothing else, 2014 proved that Atlanta has taken hip-hop by the throat. Between Young Thug and Rich Homie Quan, Future, and a host of others--not to mention Outkast's reunion tour--Georgia was home to some of the most vibrant, forward-thinking rap music this year...

It's the most wonderful day of the year and rappers are spending in all different fashions. From Snoop Dogg bringing in the holiday smoking on a joint, to Tyga gifting his son, King Cairo, a Christmas with enough presents for five kids; check out how Cam'ron, Lil Twist, 2 Chainz and more are spending their holiday...

A modern classic with a flash of attitude, XX Diamond watches define the meaning of “keeping it real.” Enhanced with Swarovski crystals and touches of diamonds, XX Diamond watches are authentic whether casually out during the day or celebrating the night away. We teamed ...

Fabolous may hate Christmas, but he has something for your stocking after all. Earlier this morning (Dec. 25), the New York mixtape champ released The Young OG Project, his sixth LP--and first since 2009's Loso's Way. The album features "Lituation," as well as guest spots from Rich Homie Quan, French Montana, Chris Brown, and even Kevin Hart...

Yesterday (Dec. 24), Freddie Gibbs let loose the Instagram heard 'round-the-world, calling Lupe Fiasco "a bitch ass nigga" after the Chicago rapper tweeted photos of himself in a Ku Klux Klan outfit. (Though the video from which the screen shot came was released in 2012, the stills were evidently promotion for Lupe's upcoming Tetsuo & Youth.) Gib...

Bars could never contain Gucci Mane. Though still stuck in a cell, the patron saint of onomatopoeia today dropped off East Atlanta Santa, a jarringly consistent album wherein all the private jet pilots are on their best behavior and where Gucci isn't an umpire (he can't let you slide). Sto...

Earl Sweatshirt doesn't seem like the kind of guy to get whipped into a festive spirit. Nonetheless, Tuesday night (Dec. 23) at Santa Ana, Ca.'s The Observatory,  Earl was in a giving mood, dropping off five brand-new cuts--possibly from the followup to last year's acclaimed Doris. ...

Dear @lupefiasco, I always personally thought u were a bitch ass nigga. This solidifies it. Niggaz jumpin out they mind, soul and body just to promote an album. A photo posted by Frederico Soprano (@freddiegibbs) on Dec 12, 2014 at 12:54pm PST Lupe Fiasco seems hell-bent on living up to the "Fiasco" in his name...

Jay Z used to move pounds of "snow," now he just makes snow angels. For his birthday, he, Beyoncé, and Blue Ivy took a trip to an unassuming igneous rock in the Atlantic, Iceland. If you believe that Iceland is a real place and not a soundstage somewhere in Los Angeles, some the photos of Jay 'n' Bey's vacation are below, and others are on Beyoncé.com. ...

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Happy non-denominational holidays rap fans! For those safe at home, and not pistol-whipping innocent moms for Jordans, Blu and Homeboy Sandman have released a pay-what-you-want EP, Homeboy Sandman Is The Sandman. Sandman continues to be wildly prolific–Homeboy Sandman Is The Sandman is his third release in 2014, after his White Sands EP and critically lauded full length Hallways. Homebo... Read Mo