81cover.jpgCover Story
"FACE UP"

2006 has already been a tumultuous year for Busta Rhymes. A hit single led to a video shoot, where an on-set shoot-out occurred that cost the life of his friend and bodyguard. Now the cops are on Bussa Bus’ tail, trying to get the veteran MC to talk about what happened that night. Hear what he has to say to us.

Features
"GOODLIFE"

For many years, E-40 has been the beating heart that has kept the Bay Area hip-hop movement alive. Now, with hyphy taking the Cali rap scene by storm, 40 is about to get his long-overdue respect.

"BOUT MINE"

He’s a straight-edged skateboarding Muslim from Chicago who likes to rap and has been endorsed by Jay-Z and Kanye West. Is the hip-hop nation ready for Lupe Fiasco?

"REALITY CHECK"

No one wants to be called a snitch, especially if you’re a member of the rap community. And no one really wants to talk about the topic, either. But we got a few MCs to explore what snitching really means to hip-hop and its artists.

"WAY I BE LEANIN’"

You’ve heard about the infamous police rap binder. Now it’s time to meet the man who put it together: New York’s numero uno hip-hop cop Derrick Parker.

"SUPPORT YOUR OWN SUPPLE"

He may not be new to the game, but Hot Boy forever B.G. is currently one of the hottest free agents in hip-hop. So what happens next for the rapper’s favorite rapper?

"CONCEITED"

DJ Khaled is no joke. With his own hit radio show, a solid spot in the Terror Squad, a bevy of collaborations and an official mixtape coming soon, the self-proclaimed best DJ in the world is finally getting his solo chance to shine.

Departments

EDITORIAL

Yellow Nigga rants and raves.

FIRST OF THE MONTH

Y’all were feelin’ you some T.I.

360

Which lovebirds are in it for the long haul?
8Ball: Shawnna
Truth: Ghostface
Hip-Hop Junkies: Patrick Swayze
Move the Crowd: Dilated Peoples, Little Brother and Defari get crunk in ATL.

SHOW & PROVE

Yung Joc
Trae
Ya Boy
Ak’Sent
Akir

EYE CANDY

Maliah—the new big girl.

THE SHOW

Add a kick of color to your gear.
How We Do: Hip-hop gets its groove back.
Fashion: Men in black (shirts).
Flow: Don’t knock these socks off.
Walk This Way: Check out the new Adicolors.
Freestyle: See right through these new Nikes.
Games People Play:
Burnout: Revenge,
Splinter Cell: Essentials
Reign of the Tech: The coolest portable tech is here.
Full Clip: DVD reviews to swear by

CRITICAL BEATDOWN

The Jump Off: Ice Cube
Classic Material: 3rd Bass
Train of Thought: Prodigy
Official Bootlegs: Little Brother
Ill Techniques: DJ Skee
Production Credit: Khao
Spin Cycle
Chairman’s Choice: Boss Money

XXIT

R.I.P. PXO

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