AZ Is “A N*gger Too,” Collabos With Absolut For N.4.L. LP And More In “The Roundup”

AZ is partnering with DJ Absolut to release, N.4.L., an indie project inspired by Nas' most recently album. The title, which stands for Niggaz 4 Life, reflects a thesis the rapper looks to explore on the N word and living as a black man in America, according to AZ. "I'm not doing N.4.L. to be in Nas' shadow," he said in a statement released to media. "I was inspired by the message in the movement." The 16-track album is set to be released August 5th.

Kidz in The Hall have landed a track on the 2oth anniversary edition of Madden '09, to be released by Electronic Artist later this year. The track, "The Blackout," from their recent album, The In Crowd, will be available on the game. In the paste, artists ranging from Lupe Fiasco to Slim Thug to Swizz Beatz have been featured in the best-selling game.

Young Jeezy celebrated his landing the cover of VIBE magazine last night in Manhattan, alongside JD, Nas, T.I., Irv Gotti, and Fabolous. The Atlanta rapper is preparing his third album, The Recession, which features the single "Put On" with Kanye West. Swizz Beatz, Red Cafe, and DJ Envy were among the others in attendance.

Music impressario Steve Rifkin has inked a deal with Chief Executive Air to bring his talents in marketing to the private aviation company, it was announced today. Rifkin, who founded Loud Records and SRC, will help to develop marketing initiatives and help assist with the company's foray into the realm of entertainment.---XXL staff