What rapper in today's age do you see without a tattoo? Its almost a standard now for rappers to have some sort of tattoo. As hip-hop evolved over the past years, so has the culture. Now artists expresses themselves not only through their lyrics but through their clothes, fashion and physical appearance, specifically tattoos.
Tatto...
Nick Cannon, whose early career was guided by Chris Lighty as part of his Violator Management, sent a statement to XXL remembering his former manager on the one year anniversary of his death. Lighty, a massive figure in hip-hop over the years, died August 30, 2012 of a gunshot wound to the hand, which was reported to have been self-inflicted. Can...
A good television theme song can set the entire tone of the show before you watch a minute of an episode. In the history of television, there have many memorable theme songs that are amongst pop culture's most valued artifacts. A few bars of theme song from "Cheers" and you will be singing the song about going to the place where everybody knows your name...
Entertainment One Music has entered into a new deal with new school hip-hop pioneer Chris Webby and his label Homegrown Music, who have decided to remain independent. Webby will release an EP titled The Homegrown EP on October 29. The first single off of The Homegrown EP, “Down Right.” Lis...
Just a day before the second annual Made In America Festival, Jay Z and his Oscar-winning producing partner Ron Howard let go of the trailer for their collaborative Made In America documentary. The film—which is set to premiere at next month's Toronto International Film Festival and on Showtime on October 11—chronicles the growth of Jay's Made In America Fest, and features interviews with Run-D.M.
With today marking the one year anniversary of Chris Lighty's untimely death, XXL decided to put together a gallery in honor of the legendary music industry executive. Helping cultivate top acts like Diddy, Nas, Ja Rule, Mobb Deep, Missy Elliott, L...
Azealia banks has fired at yet another celeb, this time aiming at Lady Gaga. Accusing the "Applause" singer of stealing her mermaid look which Gaga debuted at this year's MTV VMAs, Azealia has once again voiced her thoughts via Twitter.
Initating yet another Twitter war, Azelia Banks is now upset claiming that Lady Gaga has reciprocated her familiarized mermaid look...
According to Budweiser brand manager Mike Thompson, he isn’t counting out a surprise appearance from Jay Z. In a interview with Billboard, Mr. Thompson states "You never know. I’m sure he’ll be here to support his wife and who knows, maybe he’ll treat us all to a cameo appearance during one of the performances. It would be cool to see him...
Dee Goodz grabs Da$h for the track “Down,” produced by Miles Felix, which serves as a preview before his album FFM. Over some creeping pianos and booming bass, the two deliver a story about hustling and getting money. It’s hard to tell who bests whom—they both put in work on the beat.
Give “Down” a list...
One year ago today, Chris Lighty suddenly and tragically passed away, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential hip-hop managers and music executives of all time. Today, Missy Elliott, who worked with Lighty extensively as part of his Violator Management roster, released a statement to XXL remembering how he helped mold superstars and laid out a blueprint for successful managers in th
Although the members of Black Hippy were photographed in the studio with Eminem, Royce Da 5'9 and Denaun Porter back in June, no collaboration has been recorded between fellow Aftermath camps as of yet. In an interview with Los Angeles radio station Power 106, Kendrick Lamar revealed that he has not worked with Eminem at the moment as of yet...