This week in the hip-hop Twittersphere, Kanye West teases the full lyrics of “Black Skin Head,” Chief Keef and Katy Perry go at it and then make amends, French Montana signs Lil Durk to Coke Boys and Meek Mill airs out a fake friend. Also, Action has no respect for you if you’re not rocking head-to-toe Karl Kani, and The Alchemist tries to take a dump standing up.

The post Hip-Hop Tweets Of The Week, 5/19-5/25 appeared first on XXL.

The fact that many rappers own swanky mansions isn’t anything revelatory—the topic has been done to death by dozens of other publications in the past. However, it doesn’t make it any less interesting to see the expansive properties of our favorite hip-hop icons, especially when you look at artists’ individual architectural penchants.

While we don’t profess to be architectural experts, XXL has decided to examine 22 properties owned by rappers in the context of a number of architectural schools of thought.

The post Deconstructing 22 Mansions Owned By Rappers appeared first on XXL.

This week in the world hip-hop Instagrams, Jay-Z links up with a litany of collaborators, French Montana celebrates the release of his studio debut Excuse My French, Drake kicks it in Hollywood and more. At the same time, Ab-Soul shows off his performance at the Los Angeles leg of the XXL Freshmen Live 2013 tour, while fellow Freshman Travi$ Scott shows of his new project Owl Pharaoh.

Click and scroll through all 16 of the best Instagrams of the week.

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Nobody likes it when their baby pictures are shown to the their family and friends—it’s usually an embarrassing experience to have people cloying over images of your infancy. Unfortunately the for rap world, privacy is a rarity afforded to few, and with the Internet becoming a hub for all things visual, that means a lot of embarrassing pictures are floating around in the digital aether.

Now, XXL‘s come up with 17 pictures of some of our favorite rappers when they were babies. Don’t blame us, blame Google.

The post 17 Baby Pictures Of Rappers appeared first on XXL.

Could Jay-Z be making an appearance on DJ Khaled’s upcoming album Suffering From Success?

Earlier today, the YMCMB DJ Instamgrammed a picture of himself sitting with Jay-Z behind a mixing board, hinting at a possible future collaboration. The tag on the image reads, “I told y’all I’m up to something! I’ll keep y’all posted! #suffreingfromsuccess jus know!”

This isn’t the first Instagram picture featuring Jay-Z that has garnered speculation. Last week, Raekwon published a picture of him and Jay working in the studio, while Drake released an image of him and Hov working together over the weekend.

The post Are Jay-Z & DJ Khaled Working On Music Together? appeared first on XXL.

May is coming to a close, and that means that most schools around the country will be out for summer. With that in mind, XXL decided to dig into the archives and look back at some of our favorite rappers when they were still in school. Now, here’s a collection of 35 yearbook photos from some of hip-hop’s biggest acts.

The post 35 Yearbook Photos Of Rappers appeared first on XXL.

After a picture of Jay-Z and Raekwon was put on Instagram earlier this week, Lenny S. posted this picture of Hov and Drake in the studio together. The caption read:

Warning: Please be very afraid of the music we’re working on. OVO x ROCNATION

One can only imagine what type of heat they’re cookin’ up. This is looking like an amazing year of music.  The two MCs were either working on Drake’s upcoming album Nothing Was The Same or Jay’s upcoming album, or maybe even both.

The post Photo: Jay-Z And Drake Hit The Studio appeared first on XXL.

It looks like Drizzy is getting back into acting. A picture was snapped of Drake on set of Anchorman 2. The former Degrassi star is seen in some ’70s threads sporting an Afro and Members Only jacket while on set with actor Will Ferrell and the rest of the cast members.

He wasn’t the only superstar MC seen on set for this movie. Kanye West was spotted shooting a cameo alongside Steve Carrell in Atlanta earlier this month. This is the the sequel to 2004’s cult classic, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, which arrives in theaters December 20. You can also watch the official trailer below.

[via NYDailyNews]

The post Drake Joins Kanye in ‘Anchorman 2′ Cast With Super-Sized Fro appeared first on XXL.

It’s become pretty well established that most rappers will attempt to act at some point in their careers—XXL even recently ran a list naming 22 MCs who actually have acting chops. But what about the opposite: celebrities picking up the mic? Drake and Childish Gambino have proven that it’s possible to make the switch, but the success of these two goes down as more of an outlier than a trend.

While XXL has covered the subject in detail in the past, our recent 22 unexpected celebrity hip-hop heads list got us thinking who else in the past few years has attempted to show and prove on the mic. Now, here are 19 other celebrities who have turned to hip-hop.

The post 19 Celebrities Who Have Tried Rapping appeared first on XXL.

You want to know how great life can be when you are a superstar rapper? Watch this video.

Drizzy Drake goes to New Miami nightclub, STORY, and performs for the crowd his most recent verses on some of the popular songs he’s featured on. Man, it must feel good to get paid crazy amount of cash to go out to clubs, perform a couple songs, and get full access to VIP. In the video, Drake performs the Lil Wayne track “Love Me,” his single “Started From The Bottom,” and a bit of DJ Khaled’s “No New Friends.” The crowd is totally in it, shoutng every line in each song. You can watch the video above.

The post Watch Drake Perform “No New Friends” In Miami Nightclub appeared first on XXL.

Drake left the Dada Supreme gear along last night (May 16) and instead went with the Dries Van Noten Camouflage Print tee while partying in Miami. The t-shirt is from Dries Van Noten’s Spring/Summer 2013 collection. Here, we see the OVO general standing alongside NFL legend Warren Sapp and G.O.O.D. Music’s Teyana Taylor (below). What do you think of his look, this go-round?

[via Upscale Hype]

The post Drake Parties In Dries Van Noten Camouflage Print T-Shirt appeared first on XXL.

DJ Khaled is currently shooting the video for his recent Suffering From Success single, “No New Friends,” in Miami. It features Drake, Lil Wayne and Rick Ross and is on its way to becoming the next summer anthem. Miss Info found a new photo from the set where the new Big Tymers have gathered. That’s right—Wayne is back to his old school Cash Money attire.

Regardless of Cash Money’s plan to release music under the name, Mannie Fresh has voiced his opinion on MTV RapFix. But, we bet he’s still feeling Nacho Bell Grande. Stay tuned.

Previously:

• Drake Resurrects Dada While On The Video Set of DJ Khaled’s “No New Friends”
• Who Needs New Friends: DJ Khaled’s Favorite Collaborators
• Busta Rhymes Shares Details On DJ Khaled’s ‘Suffering From Success’: “It’s Sounding Amazing”

The post Photo: Birdman, Lil Wayne And Drake Pose As The New Big Tymers appeared first on XXL.

It’s safe to say that most rappers live a lifestyle that far exceeds the average person’s bank account. But that’s part of the joy of being a fan of the music: living vicariously through the Instagram pics of our favorite artists.

Now, in a new weekly segment, XXL brings you 13 of the best pictures from the past week that capture rappers living life to the fullest.

The post 13 Photos Of Rappers Living The Lavish Life appeared first on XXL.

Drake has announced the lineup for his two-day festival in Toronto, Ontario. The fourth annual OVO Festival will feature Frank Ocean, James Blake and more.

The OVO Fest will take place at the city’s Molson Canadian Amphitheatre on August 4 and August 5. Continuing the tradition, Drake is scheduled to headline on the second day.

The post Drake Announces 4th OVO Fest Featuring Frank Ocean And James Blake appeared first on XXL.

Earlier this month, Lil Wayne and Birdman announced a new Big Tymers would be in the works with Drake. Yes, you read that right. Longtime fans of Big Tymers can expect that Mannie Fresh will not be involved.

Today, MTV RapFix had special guest Mannie Fresh via Skype. When asked about his thoughts on the new Big Tymers, he says it wouldn’t be the same without him.

“It’s kinda like doing a Jackson 5 album with Boyz II Men. Two different eras, great artists, but Boyz II Men is not the Jackson 5,” Fresh said.

Fresh doesn’t necessarily have a problem with Birdman or any of the artists signed to YMCMB. He just wanted to make it known that credit should be given to him for his legacy.

“I don’t bash Cash Money, Birdman, or none of them. It’s really on, I’m just striving on just getting what I deserve, you know, what I put in,” he said. “Honestly I think Drake is a great artist, I think Wayne is a great artist, but they not the Big Tymers.”

Pretty much the gist of Mannie’s statement is he’s happy with his career now. However, he feels that Cash Money moving on with a Big Tymers reunion needs to have him involved.

[via MTV News]

The post Mannie Fresh Says Lil Wayne And Drake Are Great, But “Not Big Tymers” appeared first on XXL.

Remember Dada, the once popular ’90s clothing line? Well, Drake was spotted rocking the vintage gear, along with a pair of Timbs, while on the set of DJ Khaled’s sure-to-be-Summer-anthem “No New Friends.” Could he be trying to resurrect the line? Who knows but, he sure is trying to make a statement. Check out the rest of the flicks from the shoot below.

The post Drake Resurrects Dada While On The Video Set of DJ Khaled’s “No New Friends” appeared first on XXL.

Earlier today, the nominees were announced for the BET Awards on June 30. It’s no surprise that Drake leads with 12 nods followed by Kendrick Lamar and 2 Chainz who both have 8 nods.

Drake is nominated for big categories such as Best Collaboration, Best Male Artist and Video of the Year. Other notable acts include Alicias Keys and Rihanna nominated for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis in Best Group, and current XXL Freshman Trinidad Jame$ who is in the running for Best New Artist.

Chris Brown was announced as the first performer. His new song, “They Don’t Know,” will serve as the second single off his next album X. The single features vocals from the late Aaliyah, which you can hear a snippet through the Vine below.

R. Kelly is also scheduled to perform at the Nokia Theater in L.A. Check out the full list of nominees:

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
Beyoncé
Tamar Braxton
Alicia Keys
Rihanna
Elle Varner

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
Chris Brown
Bruno Mars
Miguel
Justin Timberlake
Usher

Best Group
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Mary Mary
Mindless Behavior
Slaughterhouse
The Throne (Kanye West & Jay-Z)

Best Collaboration
2 Chainz feat. Drake: “No Lie”
A$AP Rocky feat. Drake, 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar: “Fuckin’ Problems”
French Montana feat. Rick Ross, Drake and Lil Wayne: “Pop That”
Kendrick Lamar feat. Drake: “Poetic Justice”
Justin Timberlake feat. Jay-Z: “Suit & Tie”
Kanye West feat. Big Sean, Pusha T and 2 Chainz: “Mercy”

Best Male Hip Hop Artist
2 Chainz
A$AP Rocky
Drake
Future
Kendrick Lamar

Best Female Hip Hop Artist
Azealia Banks
Eve
Nicki Minaj
Rasheeda
Rye Rye

Video of the Year
2 Chainz feat. Drake: “No Lie”
A$AP Rocky feat. Drake, 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar: “Fuckin’ Problems”
Drake: “Started From The Bottom”
Drake feat. Lil Wayne: “HYFR”
Kendrick Lamar feat. Drake: “Poetic Justice”
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Wanz: “Thrift Shop”
Miguel: “Adorn”
Rihanna: “Diamonds”
Justin Timberlake feat. Jay-Z: “Suit & Tie”
Kanye West feat. Big Sean, Pusha T and 2 Chainz: “Mercy”

Video Director of the Year
A$AP Rocky & Sam Lecca
Benny Boom
Director X
Dre Films
Hype Williams

Best New Artist
Azealia Banks
Joey Bada$$
Kendrick Lamar
Trinidad Jame$
The Weeknd

Best Gospel Artist
Deitrick Haddon
Lecrae
Tamela Mann
Mary Mary
Marvin Sapp

Best Actress
Angela Bassett
Halle Berry
Taraji P. Henson
Gabrielle Union
Kerry Washington

Best Actor
Don Cheadle
Common
Jamie Foxx
Samuel L. Jackson
Denzel Washington

YoungStars Award
Gabrielle Douglas
Jacob Latimore
Keke Palmer
Jaden Smith
Quvenzhané Wallis

Best Movie
“Beasts of the Southern Wild”
“Django Unchained”
“Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap”
“Sparkle”
“Think Like a Man”

Subway Sportswoman of the Year
Gabrielle Douglas
Brittney Griner
Candace Parker
Serena Williams
Venus Williams

Subway Sportsman of the Year
Victor Cruz
Kevin Durant
Robert Griffin III
LeBron James
Ray Lewis

Coca-Cola Viewers Choice Award
A$AP Rocky feat. Drake, 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar: “Fuckin’ Problems”
Drake: “Started From The Bottom”
Kendrick Lamar: “Swimming Pools (Drank)”
Miguel: “Adorn”
Rihanna: “Diamonds”
Justin Timberlake feat. Jay-Z: “Suit & Tie”

Centric Award
Tamar Braxton: “Love and War”
Fantasia: “Lose To Win”
Miguel: “Adorn”
Nas: “Daughters”
Charlie Wilson: “My Love Is All I Have”

Best International Act: Africa
2Face Idibia (Nigeria)
Toya Delazy (South Africa)
Donald (South Africa)
Ice Prince (Nigeria)
R2Bees (Ghana)
Radio and Weasel (Uganda)

Best International Act: U.K.
Marsha Ambrosius
Estelle
Labrinth
Rita Ora
Emeli Sandé
Wiley

[via Billboard]

The post Here Are The Nominations For The BET Awards 2013 appeared first on XXL.

A few days ago, Pusha T started a new vlog series with Mass Appeal called “Tour Life,” in which he teases his upcoming album and gives fans a sneak peak at his ongoing tour with Fabolous. Meanwhile, Wiz Khalifa released the third part of the season finale for his popular “DayToday” series.

Vlogs, which are a more direct way for artists to interact with their fans, have become an extremely popular way for rappers to give viewers unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to their daily lives. Everyone from Diddy to Asher Roth have made vlogs over the past few years, some of which detail their music-making process, while just show said rappers dancing in front of a laptop.

Here we’ve compiled 20 awesome (for different reasons) vlogs, so click through to check them out. And check back with us in a few weeks as we continue this series of Awesome Rapper Vlogs.

The post Behind The Scenes: 20 Awesome Rapper Vlogs appeared first on XXL.

The NBA playoffs are in full-swing, and with only four series left, it’s coming down to the final moment to determine which team’s the league champion. But the NBA playoffs aren’t only good watching high intensity basketball; they’re also prime events at which to see your favorite rapper (if you’re into that kinda thing).

Now, XXL has put together a gallery of 28 photographs of rappers hanging out courtside at basketball games.

The post Kings Of Courtside: 28 Pictures Of Rappers At NBA Games appeared first on XXL.

In case you’ve forgotten, Mother’s Day 2013 is upon us. Mothers play a huge role in all of our lives, and for our favorite rappers, their influence frequently comes through via their rhymes. It’s no surprise that rappers love their moms, sharing personal moments that we all can relate to. With that in mind, let’s take some time to celebrate of some of the most visible mothers hip-hop has to offer, from Donda West to Afeni Shakur.

The post Dear Mama: Hip-Hop’s Most Important Moms appeared first on XXL.