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COVER STORY

big boy game

He’s troublesome like 2Pac. Cocky as Jay-Z. Fiery as Eminem. And wants to be bigger than Biggie. 50 Cent’s new nemesis, The Game, reveals his plans to take over the rap world all for his damn self.

FEATURES

give me that

Southern rap vet B.G.’s been far from the clutches of Baby and Cash Money for a few years now. But the newly clean and sober man is still looking for his 40 acres and a mule.

never change

To hell with the bitches and the so-called fame! Although there’s plenty of acclaim, don’t worry about Webbie getting a big head. Instead, beware of this Louisiana new jack’s bad attitude.

Star in you

Here’s a Southern gentleman with a heart of gold and no platinum plaques. David Banner knows if he wants to really school the youth, he’s got to move units first. [ online ]

get ya game up

No button-ups, three-piece suits or silk ascots here. But Jim Jones is a hip-hop artist–record exec with his finger on the pulse of today’s rap game. Go Dip, Dip, Dip, Set! [ online ]

kick it wit you

You’re not a true rhyme leader without a crew. Well, the King of the South, T.I., has one. Atlanta’s own Pimp $quad Click are out to prove they’re no one’s back-up band.

just a lil bit

He’s twisting Ciara out on the low, and lord knows Bow Wow has grown up right before our eyes. But now that’s he’s legal, can the cutest MC grow without kicking his kiddie fans to the curb?

DEPARTMENTS

Editorial

Yellow Nigga rants and raves.

FIRST OF THE MONTH

Lock us up and throw away the key.

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XXL’s Anniversary Celebration
Eight isn’t Enough, suckers! Just ask 8Ball.
Including: most controversial articles, tastiest Eye Candys, best-selling covers, juiciest behind-the-scenes stories, reviews we missed, illest XXL shout-outs, most outrageous 8Ball answers, and most
successful Show & Prove artists.
8Ball Jermaine Dupri
Truth Bun B
Hip-Hop Junkies Chris Martin
Move the Crowd Common rocks the Big Easy.

SHOW & PROVE

Spider Loc
Kartoon
Ebony Eyez
Cool Calm Pete
275

EYE CANDY

Dear Summer

THE SHOW

How We Do
Tune in to satellite radio, and make that change.
Fashion
Back-to-school gear, N’awlins style.
Flow
Pack it up. Pack it in.
#1 Spot
Our ’05 sneaker preview
Reign of the Tech
For your viewing pleasure
Games People Play
NCAA Football ’06; FlatOut

CRITICAL BEAtDOWN

The Jump Off Young Jeezy
Classic Material C-N-N
Train of Thought Killer Mike
Official Bootlegs Trick Daddy
Ill Techniques J. Period
Spin Cycle
Production Credit Neo Da Matrix
Chairman’s Choice Immortal Technique

XXIT

Game over? Never that!

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