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Nas, “Fire” (Originally Published September 2003)
Nas, “Fire” (Originally Published September 2003)
This Saturday, Nas’ magnum opus Illmatic turns 20. The Queensbridge native’s journey into becoming a legendary MC all started with a groundbreaking debut that captured his worldview of the projects through a sharpened lens. XXL is celebrating the monumental anniversary with Nas Week, and we are proud to present you with every cover the iconic rapper has appeared on. Now let us take...
French Montana, “Bout Me” (Originally Published March/April 2013)
French Montana, “Bout Me” (Originally Published March/April 2013)
FRENCH MONTANA has been gearing up for the release of his debut album for more than a year. The time is finally here. WORDS Adam Fleischer IMAGES Clay Patrick McBride French sits at the controlboard in Studio C, one of three recording rooms at Daddy’s House—the studio owned by his label boss, P. Diddy. It’...
XXL Looks At Violence In Hip-Hop – XXL Issue 151
XXL Looks At Violence In Hip-Hop – XXL Issue 151
Things Done Changed Hip-hop isn’t nearly as violent as it used to be, so why won’t the mainstream media recognize this? Words Jeff Weiss Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in the October/November 2013 issue of XXL Magazine. Outside of th...
50 Cent, “War Games” (Originally Published December/January 2010)
50 Cent, “War Games” (Originally Published December/January 2010)
What is a hypercompetitive, notoriously aggressive, salesobsessed rap megastar supposed to do when the industry he once dominated withers around him? Will 50 CENT self-destruct? Or can he change with the times? This is him. INTERVIEW MATT BARONE IMAGES CLAY PATRICK MCBRIDE 50 Cent has just discovered his next big thing...
Rick Ross, “Real Hard” (Originally Published May 2009)
Rick Ross, “Real Hard” (Originally Published May 2009)
It's been quite a year for Rick Ross. He's gone from a No. 1 hit to career-threatening exposure on the Internet to his current high-stakes beef with the biggest brawler in hip-hop's fight club. Still, on the eve of the release of his third album Deeper Than Rap, the big Miami boss is here, flaunting, taunting, feeding the fire...
50 Cent, “Popular Thug” (Originally Published August 2003)
50 Cent, “Popular Thug” (Originally Published August 2003)
God couldn't have planned it any better. There's still half a year to go but 2003 has already been certified the year of 50 Cent. And it's only right that Mr. Excitement should reunite with the writer and mag who showed him love. Early! Words kris ex Images Jonathan Mannion You love to hear the story again and again...
Nas, “Grown Man Talk” (Originally Published 2004)
Nas, “Grown Man Talk” (Originally Published 2004)
For 10 years, Nas has dropped some of the hottest verses rap has ever heard. Still, he’s had plenty of rocks thrown at his throne. He’s been laughed at, talked about, and ridiculed—but never forgotten. Now, finally the QB poet has found peace of mind. Words Jon Car... Read More ...
Macklemore, “F.A.M.E.” (Originally Published May/June 2013)
Macklemore, “F.A.M.E.” (Originally Published May/June 2013)
Macklemore Was Labeled The Most Obscure Pick For XXL’s Freshman Class Last Year, But He Wound Up Proving All The Haters Wrong. Really Wrong. Words Kris Ex Images Chris Shonting There was that one time when a homeless guy jacked them for some merchandise, Ryan Lewis is explaining. Abou...
Common, “Work Out” (Originally Published December/January 2012)
Common, “Work Out” (Originally Published December/January 2012)
With almost 20 years in the game, Common has carved out a unique niche for himself: the MC's MC whose stardom has eclipsed his music. Words: Ben Detrick Photos: Steven Taylor ON A SUNNY OCTOBER DAY, COMMON ROLLS UP TO CHICAGO’S WEST LOOP ATHLETIC CLUB TO SHOOT HOOPS. HE L...
Clipse, “Way Of Life” (Originally Published August 2002)
Clipse, “Way Of Life” (Originally Published August 2002)
They’re two hustlers, baby! And they want you to know, it ain’t where they been but where they’re about to go. Pharrell’s prized pupils, CLIPSE are the leaders of the new school. Written By: Noah Callahan-Bever Though Malice, the older of the two Clipse brothers, may laugh at the suggestion, it’s clearly true. If one were to reduce the content...

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