While T.I.’s certainly no novice to the world of rapper-run-labels, first co-founding Grand Hustle Records in 2003, last week’s G.D.O.D. marked the first group project from T.I.’s Hustle Gang (the moniker chosen to represent the collective of Grand hustle signees). Boasting a well-proportioned mix of “day-ones” like Young Dro, Big Kuntry and Macboney, commercial commodities like B.O.B (proven), Travi$ Scott and Iggy Azalea (TBD), and the revered but overlooked Texan Trae Tha Truth, Hustle Gang is full of both proven talent and untapped promise, and on the whole, the collective feels much like an extension of the group’s ringleader himself.

“Only N Atlanta” is a memorably smooth and triumphant hometown anthem produced by Cardo that pits Young Jeezy alongside T.I. and ATL upstart Shad Da God, who holds his own alongside two of his city’s most popular MCs with a raw and “excited-to-be-here” verse that stands out as arguably the best, if not the most emphatic, on the record. “Away From Me” is another standout which sees T.I. share the stage with Trae The Truth and Spodee, the latter of whom puts the finishing touches on an already strong Nard & B production with a hook that perfectly brings to light a major theme in T.I.’s personal life (and one in the currently incarcerated Soidee’s as well). It strikes a perfect balance between sincere emotionality and thuggish bravado.

“Let Me Find Out,” originally a solo record by Montgomery’s Doe B that’s seen regional success since it’s release last year, might take the cake as the mixtape’s biggest record, appearing on G.D.O.D. as a supercharged remix now featuring T.I. and Juicy J. The added firepower gives Doe’s record all the potential to be the trunk-rattling anthem of the summer. Similarly, songs like “Kemosabe,” and “Poppin’ For Some” offer glimpses of genius from a sorely missed Young Dro that are sure to satisfy anyone who longs for his days on “Rubberband Banks” and “Shoulder Lean”

In addition to the impressive appearances from some of Hustle Gang’s lesser known members, G.D.O.D. is equally encouraging for fans of early T.I. Having a VH1 reality series, going to jail a few times and natural human maturation might lead fans to believe the days of I’m Serious and Trap Muzik T.I. were “dead and gone” (get it?), but as proven throughout this project, that simply isn’t the case. Being surrounded by young talent may have something to do with it, but regardless of the reason, T.I. reminds of that brash, hard-headed, but slick and all-knowledgeable trap-kingpin that first won fans over a decade ago.

The production here isn’t anything groundbreaking, but they’re distinct and cohesive enough to work well with the array of artists who rhyme on each. The sheer volume of verses squeezed into this mixtape keeps G.D.O.D. from ever really getting boring and it’s exciting to see everyone seize their spots. Altogether it’s a project that not only bodes well for Tip as an artist, but as a cultivator of talent as well.—@wavydavewilliam

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2013 XXL Freshman Class is in full effect and time will tell if this will be the best class ever.

In the meantime, we’re taking a look back at each XXL Freshman from past classes to see what they’ve been up through their music since being a Freshman.

This is what Iggy Azalea, XXL Freshman Class of 2012, has been up to musically with her best tracks.

Work

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With every new Freshman class, we take a look back at the previous year’s freshman and ask: How did last year’s Freshman Class perform on the big stage? Click through our gallery to find out. To read about this year’s Freshmen, pick up the new issue of XXL, on newsstands now. Or get XXL right now on your tablet. 

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After weeks of waiting, T.I.’s Hustle Gang releases its debut group mixtape G.D.O.D. (Get Dough Or Die). The 21-song tape features appearances from Grand Hustle alum B.o.B, Travi$ Scott, Iggy Azalea, Trae Tha Truth, Young Dro, Chip, Mac Boney and Spodee, as well as appearances from the likes of Young Jeezy, French Montana, Meek Mill and more. Check out a stream of the full tape below.

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Iggy Azalea treks to India for the official video for her single, “Bounce.” Lots of midriffs and belly rolls in this BRTHR directed visual. The Island Def Jam signee’s debut album, The New Classic is coming soon.

The post Iggy Azalea Drops The New Video for “Bounce” appeared first on XXL.

This week in the Twittersphere, Kanye West sent fans into a tizzy when he revealed a possible release date for his next album, Tyler the Creator took Dr. Boyce Watkins to task and Iggy Azalea let the journalists everywhere know to step their game up. Also, J. Cole apparently doesn’t want Tia and Tamera to know about his song “Cole Summer.” I wonder why….

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Recently off the strength of signing to Island Def Jam, Iggy Azalea is aiming to take over the summer with her second single for the UK, “Bounce.” The song, which features some rapid-fire rhymes from the Aussie rapper, will certainly burn up the dance floor in the coming months. You can find “Bounce” on her new album, The New Classic, set to release later this year.

[via Rap-Up]

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Iggy Azalea has inked a new record deal, courtesy of Def Jam.

The XXL Freshman Class of 2012 alum took to Twitter earlier today to announce that she has officially signed a solo record deal with Island Def Jam/Mercury UK. Although this new contract means that she won’t be a member of Grand Hustle through its official distribution home Atlantic Records, she said that her current contract won’t prevent her from representing the Hustle Gang to the fullest.

Hey world. I signed to island def jam. Iam now mercury UK/ island def jam USA awesome!!!!

— IGGY AZALEA (@IGGYAZALEA) April 23, 2013

No. That doesn’t mean I’m no in hustle gang. Save it. Still in it. Still on the hustle gang album. Friendship doesn’t require contracts.

— IGGY AZALEA (@IGGYAZALEA) April 23, 2013

Iggy first linked up with Tip and Grand Hustle in early 2012, which was rumored to have caused problems between her and her label at the time, Interscope Records. She also inked a separate modeling contract with Wilhelmina International that same year.

UPDATE: Representatives from Island Def Jam have released a statement confirming that Iggy Azalea is now a member of the Island Def Jam family. Island Records president David Massey spoke on the signing, saying that he is thrilled Azalea chose Def Jam as her new musical home.

“We are beyond proud and excited to welcome Iggy to the Island Def Jam family,” said Massey. “Iggy has created a massive buzz and rightfully so: she’s incredibly talented, she’s focused, driven, and has great creative tastes and instincts. She is nothing short of an international star, and the team here – including Steve Bartels, Chris Anokute, Karen Kwak, our chairman Barry Weiss and myself – are thrilled she’s chosen Island Records as her U.S. home.”

Azalea echoed Massey’s excitement, saying, “I am elated to be a part of the Island Def Jam family! After speaking in depth with David, Steve and Chris, it became clear that Island Records was attuned to the type of artist I am. They are a great addition to my UK team. Along with T.I. and the Grand Hustle family, I couldn’t have asked for a more understanding and aspirational group of people to work with.”

Fresh off the release of her latest singles “Work,” Iggy Azalea is currently working on her debut album The New Classic.

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Today, Diplo, as one-half of dancehall duo Major Lazer, released his second album, Free the Universe. The record, which they’ve been teasing for nearly three years (though to be fair, they did deal with some restructuring after founding member Switch left the group) boasts an incredible lineup of featured guests, including Shaggy, Wyclef, Tyga, and Flux Pavilion.

After seeing Diplo and new partner Jillionare tear down Coachella this past weekend, it’s really amazing to see how far he’s come in his (roughly) ten year music career, if you consider his now-famous Hollertronix party in Philly his jumping off point. Not only is Diplo a cultural sponge – he made a feature documentary about the baile funk movement in Brazil – he’s a musical virtuoso who’s as comfortable working with Bruno Mars as he is producing for Snoop Lion.

One thing that’s remained constant in Diplo’s trajectory is his love for hip-hop. From his early days as a DJ, he wasn’t shy about including trap music in his sets before it was cool to do so, and over the years as he’s become a respected producer, he’s been involved in the making of some of hip-hop’s most popular hits and remixes.

To celebrate the release of Free the Universe, we decided to take a look back at Diplo’s best hip-hop moments. And with the Snoop album dropping next week, and Diplo rumored to be working with 2 Chainz, we’re sure there are many more to come.

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This week in the Twittersphere, Drake gets gassed over Rosie O’Donnell, The Alchemist signs a new deal, and El-P comes to the realization that he’s older than Rick Ross. Also, Action Bronson live-Tweets accidentally soiling himself. Maybe.

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Off her latest mixtape, Trap Gold, Iggy Azelea provides the video to the track “Slo” for her fans. The black and white video is very artistic, completely focusing on the Former XXL Freshem (2012). A Diplo & Fki production, this song is very comforting on the ears and eyes.

[Via HYPETRAK]

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This week, Twitter played the battle ground for boxing buddies Joe Budden and Consequence and former friends Gucci Mane and Waka Flocka Flame. Game took David Spade to task over his spotty post-Chris Farley career, while Joell Ortiz waxed eloquent about Modell’s Sporting Goods. Even non-rappers like actor Jonah Hill and Eminem’s lawyer Paul Rosenberg got in on the action.

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Iggy Azalea laces up one for the clubs with “Whatchu Lookin At.” Capturing the EDM trap rap stylings, Iggy floats all over the production with ease. The New Classic should be coming sooner than later. Listen to the track below.

Props XclusivesZone

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Simone “Boss Lady” Amelia is readying a new mixtape called Women on Top that is set to drop this Christmas Eve. After previewing tracks from Snow Tha Product and Rapsody, she releases some new heat from Iggy Azalea. This one is called “Boss Lady” and has the Aussie rapper spitting some boastful rhymes.

Aside from her appearance here, she is currently working on her Grand Hustle debut, The New Classic. Listen to the track below.

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Just a few days after her appearance with her Grand Hustle comrades as part of a BET Hip-Hop Awards cypher, Iggy Azalea returns with a new mixtape, Trapgold. The 11-track effort features Juicy J, and can be downloaded over at her official site.

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Iggy Azalea, who XXL has placed on its 2012 Freshman Cover, boasts a ferocious skill on the track. But her looks are equally enticing as these leaked photos of her shoot for the Norwegian fashion and culture magazine Vixen reassures. The Australian MC poses in multiple getups, with her noticeably modelesque physique highlighting each outfit. With each shot of her displaying a sensual aura, these photos are worth the click through. —XXL Staff (@XXL)

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Iggy Azalea’s buzz outweighs her catalogue. This fact is of no fault of her own. She just hasn’t had much time, really, from making rap a serious pursuit since seeing her name pop up on major sites across the web and out of the mouths of major stars across the game—including T.I., who signed her to his Grand Hustle Records. The Australian MC’s love for the culture and the craft is genuine, but she’s still growing into herself as an artist, something she continues to do with her new Glory EP.

Iggy is still navigating her way to be comfortable enough on a track to fully make it her own, which is why the strongest cuts on the six-track project find her bringing along a partner in rhyme to add a twist. Things kick off with the B.o.B-assisted “Millionaire Misfits,” where an electronic/dance backdrop guide a slew of boasts, like getting “100 racks for a show.” After her single “Murda Bizness,” with T.I., the 2012 XXL Freshman teams with Pusha T and slows things down on “Runaway.” Here, two things stand out: first, is the promise of Iggy’s music when she decides to tell her unique story, opening up on a track rather than just talking shit or flaunting her sexuality (“Flash,” featuring Mike Posner); second, though, is that she’s still finding her voice. Her flow occasionally sounds forced, as if she’s creating a voice just for her records—which is fine, if it can be done as fluidly as with someone like Rick Ross or Nicki Minaj.

There’s a reason that T.I. brought Iggy Azalea to Grand Hustle, and it’s not just her long legs and blonde hair (though those attributes certainly don’t hurt her marketability). The up and comer has a personal history and set of experiences not typically told in hip-hop, and potential as an MC if she continues to hone her skills and learn from those around her. With the Glory EP, she heads in that direction. —Adam Fleischer (@AdamXXL)

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