March 2006

Cover Stories

LIVING IN PAIN

It’s been a huge year for rap’s most motivated thug. Not only has he had a platinum solo debut and a smash hit single, but Young Jeezy has also been inducted into President Carter’s cabinet. Yet, for some reason, ATL’s crowned prince of 2005 doesn’t seem too joyous. Let him tell you why.

MONEY ON MY MIND

He’s been shot and survived, was caught in the middle of a major breakup, switched labels, filmed a movie and started his own line of furs. Cam’ron just seems stronger than ever.

Features

CLOCKWORK

Houston’s had a huge year, but the movement hasn’t really included Lil’ Flip. Since sparring with scattered Southern rappers, the Freestyle King has struggled to keep his place. Will a new album help him earn the respect he believes he is due?

DO YOUR THING

He’s been the primary producer extraordinaire for Cash Money for well over a decade, but Mannie Fresh has finally decided to jump ship and swim on his own. So far he sure doesn’t need a life preserver.

WHATCHU WANT

You know you love it: XXL’s 10 Most Anticipated Albums for the New Year! Argue away.

DON CHA GET MAD

When “White Tees” dropped in 2004, most thought Dem Franchize Boyz were just a one-hit wonder. Now that those Georgia boys are back with two bangers, you’ve got to think twice about their place in the game.

TRILL RECOGNIZE TRILL

XXL and MTV Jams join forces to give you the Top 10 Moments that shook hip-hop in 2005. Agree or disagree, you will be entertained.

THE STORY

He wrote a book about the history of the Queens drug and rap scenes. Then he covered one of the biggest cases in hip-hop history, the Murder Inc. trial. Now journalist Ethan Brown sits down with us to reflect on his studies.

Departments

EDITORIAL

Yellow Nigga rants and raves.

FIRST OF THE MONTH

XXL got conscious with Juvenile, and you cared.

360

Everybody loves Paul Wall.

8Ball: Kool G Rap

Truth: Remy Ma

Hip-Hop Junkies: Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje

Move the Crowd: Lil’ Flip

SHOW & PROVE

334 MO.B.B.

Young Capone

Balance

Bossman

Nucci ReyoEYE CANDY

Get nasty with Piarry.

THE SHOW

Cool Scents

How We Do: Rappers flip for real estate.

Fashion: Spring’s hottest light wear

Flow: Can you smell me?

Walk This Way: A mile in these shoes…

Freestyle: Jordan kicks into gear.

Games People Play: Call of Duty 2, Need for Speed: Most Wanted

Reign of the Tech: New gadgets for the New Year

CRITICAL BEATDOWN

The Jump Off: Pharrell

Classic Material: Souls of Mischief

Train of Thought: Talib Kweli

Production Credit: The Beat Bullies

Official Bootlegs: The Game

Ill Techniques: DJ Ayres

Spin Cycle

Chairman’s Choice: Jay Dee

XXIT

Irv Gotti puts his feet up.