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.

Fresh off debuting the single “New Slaves” on 66 buildings across the world last week, Kanye West has everyone anticipating the June 18 release for Yeezus. For any fan familiar with Kanye’s work, he doesn’t use your typical, run-of-the-mill samples. This is evident on the sinister backdrop found on “New Slaves.”

According to Pigeons & Planes, a fan emailed the website and identified the sample from Hungarian rock band Omega. The band is famously known for their work in the 1960s and is one of the more popular rock outfits coming out of Hungary. This new bit of information comes on the heels of sources saying Frank Ocean will sing the vocals at the end. Simply put, “New Slaves” is becoming a fan favorite. Listen and compare Omega’s “Gyöngyhajú Lány” with “New Slaves” below.

Omega “Gyöngyhajú Lány”:

Kanye West “New Slaves”:

Previously: Hip-Hop Reacts To Kanye West’s Epic Weekend

The post Here’s What Kanye West Sampled For “New Slaves” appeared first on XXL.

We wouldn’t blame any rapper for changing their album’s release date after the weekend that Kanye just pulled off. But J. Cole, whose sophomore LP Born Sinner is also slated for June 18 release, isn’t going anywhere. According to a source close to the Roc Nation signee,

“J. Cole is really confident about this album. He worked so intensely in the studio, produced the whole thing, was really laser focused. He is more confident than ever and isn’t afraid to come out on the same day as Kanye. In fact, he’s embracing it. He wants to be in the mix.”

Mark your calendars boys and girls. June 18 is going to be one hell of a day.

The post J. Cole “Isn’t Afraid” Of Releasing ‘Born Sinner’ On Same Date As ‘Yeezus’ appeared first on XXL.

Kim Kardashian hasn’t announced her due date yet, but she is already preparing for it with a big baby shower.

E! News has learned that the invitations have been sent to a selected group of friends and family. The festivities will go down on June 2 to celebrate the arrival of KimYe’s baby.

Judging from Kanye’s recent display of unconventional methods, these invitations were a lot different than normal. As E! News details:

“They arrived at their intended destinations in music boxes that, when opened, played Kanye’s tune, “Hey Mama,” the tribute track he wrote for his own mother, as a wind-up ballerina twirled.”

With such an innovative invitation, you can bet that this baby bash will be one to remember.

Previously: Kim Kardashian And Baby Are Touring With Kanye West

The post Kim Kardashian’s Baby Shower Invitation Plays Kanye West’s “Hey Mama” appeared first on XXL.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone when we say that Kanye West owned this past weekend. In the event that you’ve been living under a rock though, Yeezy took to 66 buildings across the world on Friday night to premiere the song and visual for “New Slaves” off his forthcoming album. On Saturday, it was confirmed that his sixth studio album would be entitled Yeezus and would be arriving in stores on June 18^th. Then Saturday night, Kanye returned to Saturday Night Live to perform “New Slaves” as well as a new cut entitled “Black Skinheads.” And with that, Yeezy Season was upon us. Between the new music and genius marketing behind the Yeezus campaign, Kanye has been the talk of the town these past few days. We combed through Twitter to get the industry’s thoughts on everything that went down this weekend. Here’s what everyone had to say.  

The post Hip-Hop Reacts To Kanye West’s Epic Weekend 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.

Kanye West made his highly anticipated appearance on the season finale of Saturday Night Live last night.

Sticking to the dark theme of the album, ‘Ye started off his first performance by premiering “Black Skinhead.” The new metal song showed his rock side, as he was backed by live band for his rage-filled lyrics.

The second performance was the television version of “New Slaves.” He edited some lyrics, but the song carried a similar aesthetic as his worldwide debut on Friday night. If you somehow missed SNL, here are the official videos from NBC.

Previously: Cover Artwork: Kanye West’s ‘Yeezus’

The post Watch Kanye West Perform “Black Skinhead” And “New Slaves” On ‘SNL’ appeared first on XXL.

Yeezy season continues with the official cover artwork for Yeezus. During Kanye’s appearance on SNL last night, Virgil Abloh snapped an Instagram flick of the possible album cover next to the unreleased pair of all-red Nike Air Yeezy II. You can pre-order the album at KanyeWest.com, which will release on June 18.

The post Kanye West ‘Yeezus’ Cover Artwork Leak? appeared first on XXL.

Rap-Up has reported that Kanye West’s sixth studio album will be released on June 18. It will also be titled Yeezus.

Last night, ‘Ye did something very unconventional for hip-hop standards. He premiered his single, “New Slaves,” on the sides of 66 buildings across the world. From the brooding production to its jarring lyrics, the song is proof that this is measuring up to be his biggest album yet.

Over the last few months, very small details have been revealed for his album. What we do know is he has collaborated with everyone from Hudson Mohawke and Young Chop to Skrillex and Daft Punk. He has a few songs that have been circulating online—one named “Awesome” and the other fittingly titled “I Am A God.”

On the season finale of Saturday Night Live tonight, West is expected to premiere new material.

Previously: New God Flow: 21 Religious-Themed Pics Of Kanye West

The post Kanye West’s Sixth Studio Album To Be Titled ‘Yeezus’ appeared first on XXL.

This week in the world of Twitter, Kanye West announced the project of his newest visuals across the globe, Diddy trolled the world with Downton Diddy, Lil Wayne discussed his daughter’s graduation, French Montana announced Coke Boys South and more. Also, legends like Pete Rock and MC Serch show love to the new generation, and Tyler, the Creator sheds a tear for his sandwich.

The post Hip-Hop Tweets Of The Week, 5/12-5/18 appeared first on XXL.

Kanye West caused global pandemonium Friday night when he premiered his “New Slaves” single on the side of buildings in 66 locations all around the world.

In New York City, ‘Ye’s last stop to play his new single was at Prada near 5th Ave. It was scheduled to start at 1:30 a.m. The truck driving around the city showed up at around 2:00 a.m., but that didn’t seem to matter for the dedicated crowd that gathered to see the showing.

After the four-minute presentation ended, fans waited a moment before they cheered. “Yeah, Yeesus!” said one fan.

Most of the crowd stuck around to see if any surprises were in store. One fan told us that in 10 to 15 minutes, something special was about to happen. Several tweets from fans last night indicated that moment was spotting ‘Ye recording the scene on his phone. He wanted to watch us, watch him.

We won’t know for sure until photographic evidence shows up. But, Yeezy was probably trying to soak it all in just like everybody else.

Previously: Kanye West Premieres “New Slaves” On Buildings Across The World

The post Was Kanye West At Prada Fifth Ave To Watch “New Slaves”? appeared first on XXL.

Only Kanye could pull this off. Instead of waiting until tomorrow night’s SNL performance, Kanye West is taking to 66 buildings across the world tonight to premiere the song and visual for “New Slaves” off his forthcoming album. Check out the full song above, caught in Williamsburg, Brooklyn an hour ago. There’s still screenings to been seen tonight, so head to kanyewest.com for remaining time and locations. It’s here people. Yeezy season is upon us.

NEW SONG AND VISUAL FROM MY NEW ALBUM BEING PROJECTED TONIGHT ACROSS THE GLOBE ON 66 BUILDINGS, LOCATIONS @ KANYEWEST.COM

— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) May 18, 2013

The post Kanye West Premieres “New Slaves” On Buildings Across The World appeared first on XXL.

This is going to be a sight to see. TMZ has learned that Kanye West will be bringing along Kim Kardashian and their baby on his album promotional tour.

According to sources close to the touring company, ‘Ye isn’t going to abandon Kim after their baby is born. He is scheduled to go on tour in October, which is three months from when she is expected to give birth. He will take his family everywhere—including tour bus rides and airplane flights.

The sources also say cribs and soundproof hotel rooms are needed at every stop. It doesn’t sound too out of line, right? Only time will tell.

[via TMZ]

The post Kim Kardashian And Baby Are Touring With Kanye West appeared first on XXL.

Before Kanye takes the SNL stage Saturday night, NBC releases a teaser for the show’s season finale with Ben Affleck, Fred Armisen and Yeezy himself. While the trio doesn’t seem particularly enthused here, our money’s on Kanye pulling off something special.

The post Kanye West, Ben Affleck And Fred Armisen Clown Around In ‘SNL’ Preview appeared first on XXL.

Talking with Matthew Williams, Art Director/Photographer for Kanye West and G.O.O.D. Music, is like trying to talk to Bruce Wayne about being Batman. He’s mysterious, mostly when topics consisting the names Kanye West and G.O.O.D. Music are mentioned. But, that’s pretty understandable for this young and bright creative capo, who’s responsible for steering the vision for Team G.O.O.D.  As some might know, Williams also worked as Lady Gaga’s former Creative Director for her Haus of Gaga creative team and is the man behind her famous Gaga x Supreme campaign. One topic he isn’t shy talking about is his other major dealings, including #BEEN #TRILL. Last March, #BT# opened up its e-store  to much fanfare so, we caught up with Williams to give us a pretty brief synopsis on #BEEN #TRILL and the rest of the team.

Linking with Virgil, Heron, Justin and Kanye For #BEEN #TRILL

“We’re all friends.”

Origin and Decision Behind Creating #BEEN #TRILL Clothing 

“[We came up with the name while] being bored of music in the Lanseborough Hotel.  We’re not a fashion brand, we make music, and it’s lifestyle, if you like what we stand for wear a shirt.

Working with Kanye and G.O.O.D. Music and Past Work With Lady Gaga and her Haus of Gaga

“I worked with Kanye before Gaga for the past 6 years [so] working with [him] allowed me to learn the skills to create the projects I did for Gaga.”

Goal for the #BT# Collective

“It’s just a way for our friends to hang out and to put ideas out, its just for fun, we don’t consider it a clothing brand really. It’s just our crew of friends.”

Being Art director and Photographer.

“Having great teams of people around me [allows me to stay motivated].”

Greatest Experience So Far

“Playing music with my friends whenever [the #BEEN #TRILL is all together.”

Best Advice From Kanye West

“LOYALTY”

The post Irie Trill Vibes: Matthew Williams Speaks On The #BEEN #TRILL Movement appeared first on XXL.

Rick Ross has announced that he’ll be opening a new chicken joint in Tennessee.

The Bawse Tweeted out a picture of a new Wingstop location that he purchased in Jackson, TN. The Miami rapper firs signed a franchisee license with the chain in 2011, and currently owns spots in Miami, Memphis and East Memphis.

@wingstopjackson coming soon to Jackson,Tn!!! #wellorchestrated @wingstop twitter.com/rickyrozay/sta…

— Mastermind (@rickyrozay) May 14, 2013

Rozay isn’t the only rap superstar with fast food mogul aspirations. As discussed in our list yesterday, Kanye West owns a number of Fatburger restaurants in his native Chicago.

The post Rick Ross To Open New Wingstop In Tennessee appeared first on XXL.

Over the past two weeks, rumors have been swirling that Kanye West is preparing the release of his highly anticipated sixth solo album. Although the album’s release has yet to be confirmed, Yeezy has been regularly teasing new music at live shows and even hosted a hush-hush listening session, which points to the fact that there’s definitely something going on in Ye’s camp. That being said, XXL decided to look bat at our October 2010 cover story written by Mr. West himself, in which he introduced fans to the Rosewood Movement and addresses the controversy surrounding his career at that time.

The post From The Archives: Kanye West, “Kanye West’s La Dolce Vita” [Originally Published October 2010] appeared first on XXL.

Yesterday, word got out that Kanye West would be performing at the Adult Swim Upfront at the Roseland Ballroom. It turns out that ‘Ye indeed show up for his scheduled appearance—and just from the set design alone—he wasn’t going to hold anything back.

Let’s start with his debut of two new songs. Apparently, one is titled “Awesome,” while the other contains some choice lyrics: “Taking her clothes off, fucking your bitch.” Though YouTube videos with better qualities of “Awesome” and one more song that is possibly his collaboration with Daft Punk surfaced, copyright claims have taken them down. Still, check out some Vines from the show via Complex.

“Awesome”…

Other song…

This wouldn’t be a ‘Ye show without one of his signature rants. His celebrity status is at an all-time high since he started dating Kim Kardashian. Just a few days ago, he got into it with some paparazzi after walking into a sign. That footage and another of him yelling at them after it happened went viral quickly. During his hour long set, ‘Ye addressed the paps and why he considers himself not a “motherfucking celebrity.”

“One thing about me. I’m the worst kinda, worst kinda, worst kinda celebrity…because all I do is make real music. All I do is sit in the studio and make real, real shit. and that’s it. That’s motherfucking it. That’s motherfucking it. So I don’t want nobody trying to run up on me with no cameras, trying to sell pictures and shit to magazines, asking me no dumbass questions. throwing me off of my focus and shit. Harassing you all motherfucking day. I ain’t no motherfucking celebrity…”

Wait, there’s more:

“[I had a friend ask me, 'Are you gonna go on] SNL and you’re going to do like a skit about the paparazzi and shit and like humanize yourself?’ I ain’t here to apologize to no motherfuckers man. It ain’t about me humanizing myself. At what point did I become unhuman where I had to turn myself back? Or maybe i was demonized. Or maybe I was treated inhumane and not human in that kind of situation.

“I ain’t no motherfucking celebrity. I ain’t running for office. I ain’t kissing nobody’s motherfucking babies. I drop your baby and you sue me and shit. I’m trying to make some music that inspires people to be the best they can be. I don’t want nobody to ask NOTHING ELSE OF ME. Don’t ask nothing else of me. Motherfuckers chasing you down ’bout to make you crash and shit. And all they want is one nigga to laugh and shit. Hell nah I ain’t doing no motherfucking SNL skits, this my goddamn life. This ain’t no motherfucking joke. That’s it. Stop that shit right there.”

Mind you, this was only in New York. We can’t wait to see what he has in store for his SNL appearance on May 18 with Ben Affleck.

[via Complex]

UPDATE: Some working YouTube clips of “Awesome” and another song.

The post Kanye West Rants About The Paps And Plays New Songs At Roseland Ballroom Performance appeared first on XXL.

From clothing lines to film production companies to even sports drinks, hip-hop has had a long history of rappers crossing over into the world of entrepreneurship. While some efforts have proved fruitful – most notably 50 Cent’s Vitamin Water and Will Smith’s Overbrook Entertainment – some have fallen completely flat. Through it all, however, most artists’ cross-media business ventures have staid within the realm of entertainment.

That doesn’t mean that some artists haven’t gotten creative their auxiliary businesses, however. Now, XXL has put together a list of six atypical side hustles from rappers, from coaching football to oil drilling.

The post Odd Jobs: Six Unusual Rapper Side Hustles appeared first on XXL.

Just about every fan of Kanye West is itching for more information on his sixth studio album. Apparently, ‘Ye held a secret listening session of half the album to a selected few. A person on Reddit who goes by the username SonnyScott gathered tweets of industry insiders from the likes of Rap Radar’s Elliott Wilson, Def Jam’s David Amaya and more.

Below, you can read some tweets about it. Most of them are very vague, but you can bet the album is “next level-3000.”

Kanye just played half of his new album at Kith Manhattan. Craze.

— Ronnie fieg (@RonnieFieg) May 14, 2013

Kanye West is having a listening session for his album, right now. I’m not there, i’m just the messenger…and shit. — Kazeem Famuyide (@RealLifeKaz) May 14, 2013

Anyway, these stories about Kanye traveling to random places in New York and having random listening sessions of his new album is awesome. — Kazeem Famuyide (@RealLifeKaz) May 14, 2013

Listening session 👂👂🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

— hudson mohawke (@HudMo) May 14, 2013

Kanye playing his album for the chosen ones. Wale played his album for Hov. Trying to get Cole to play me his album. #HipHopTuesday

— Elliott Wilson (@ElliottWilson) May 14, 2013

UPDATE: In other news, it looks like last night’s listening session isn’t the only thing Kanye West has in-store for New Yorker this week. According to TeamKanyeDaily, the G.O.O.D. Music impresario will reportedly perform at this year’s Adult Swim Upfront later tonight.

Kanye West Performing Tonight @ Adult Swim Upfront in NYC.

— Team Kanye Daily (@TeamKanyeDaily) May 15, 2013

In 2011, Jay-Z performed at the same event for Adult Swim. The Adult Swim Upfront is an event in which the cartoon television program teases its new show line-up.

The post Industry Insiders Confirm Kanye West Held A Listening Session For New Album appeared first on XXL.