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T.I., “U Know What It Is” (Originally Published March 2007)
T.I., “U Know What It Is” (Originally Published March 2007)
He professed it like prophecy five years ago. He lived it in 2006. T.I.’s on the tip-top of hip-hop. But Being King ain’t all rose petals and platinum. Interviews Bonsu Thompson Images Phil Knott Robert Greene calls it the “strategy of the crown.” It’s when a pro...
Pimp C, ‘Tell ‘Em I Said That’ (Originally Published October 2007)
Pimp C, ‘Tell ‘Em I Said That’ (Originally Published October 2007)
Even when he’s apologizing, this Southern legend ruffles feathers. Sensitive-ass liberals should turn the page now. You’ve conducted some interviews recently that expressed some pretty offensive opinions, but you only apologized for your “Atlanta ain’t the South” statement. Any other apologies you wann...
Jeezy, “Living In Pain” (Originally Published March 2006)
Jeezy, “Living In Pain” (Originally Published March 2006)
The biggest new MC in the game doesn't even call himself a rapper. He's a trapper, he'll tell you, just one with a way with words. Complicated, controversial and committed to the cold, hard truth, Young Jeezy, a.k.a. Da Snowman, says he's trying to bring hope to the streets...
G-Unit, “Turf Drop” (Originally Published May 2008)
G-Unit, “Turf Drop” (Originally Published May 2008)
The rise was meteoric. The fall was inevitable. Last year, amid dwindling sales and internal dissension, chinks finally started to show in G-Unit's platinum armor. Now, pulling together and going back to basics, 50 and his crew set to work on digging themselves out of a hole...
Eminem, “We Got ‘Em, Goin'” (Originally Published January/February 2005)
Eminem, “We Got ‘Em, Goin'” (Originally Published January/February 2005)
Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Marshall Mathers returns to his favorite magazine to speak out on freedom of speech, satire, race, music, Michael Jackson and the President. Pay attention, homie! Interview: Chairman Jefferson Mao Images: Clay Patrick McBride In the waiting area of 54 Sound, a state-of-the-art recording studio tucked away on a typically nondescript stretch of Detroit’s 9 Mile Roa
Ja Rule And Irv Gotti, “Let ‘Em Burn” (Originally Published June 2003)
Ja Rule And Irv Gotti, “Let ‘Em Burn” (Originally Published June 2003)
What do you do when the game's hottest rapper is your enemy? When the Feds want to put you out of business? If you're Irv Gotti and Ja Rule you sit down with XXL and hope that the people are still listening. Words: Elliott Wilson Photos: Clay Patrick McBride It’s been a hectic year for Irving “Irv Gotti” Lorenzo and Jeffrey “Ja Rule” Atkins. At the beginning of the new ...
Game, “I Wish” (Originally Published June 2008)
Game, “I Wish” (Originally Published June 2008)
He’s survived the mean streets of Compton and high-profile beef with rap’s biggest bully. He sells millions of records when other artists are starving. You’d think The Game would be happy. You’d be wrong. Written By: Clover Hope Photos By: Kenneth Cappello Look at the dog!” shrieks Toniqua, diss...
Cam’ron, “Here I Am” (Originally Published April 2009)
Cam’ron, “Here I Am” (Originally Published April 2009)
He was largely out of sight, but never out of mind. The past couple years have sometimes felt like a hip-hop Where’s Waldo? for CAM’RON’S fans. But now that Dipset dissension is public discussion, the Harlem crew’s founder comes back to give his side of things. Interview Vanessa S... Read More ...
Clipse, “Got ‘Em Hatin'” (Originally Published December 2006)
Clipse, “Got ‘Em Hatin'” (Originally Published December 2006)
Rap fans know they’re great. Critics know they’re great. The Clipse, themselves, know they’re great. But just when everyone thought their long-awaited, highly anticipated sophomore album was finally coming out, music biz fate pulled a Halloween trick on them. For Malice and Pusha ...

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