FEATURES

  • 76
    Hate Me Now
    All anyone knows about Kat Stacks is which rappers she’s slept with. As she basks in her 15 minutes of fame, hip-hop’s new public enemy allows XXL to examine her past.
  • 112
    Reality Check
    There was a time when MCs were expected to have lived the lives they rapped about or else face backlash from the streets. Today, fans don’t seem to mind much. But when art goes head-to-head with authenticity, which wins?
  • 116
    War and Peace
    Back in the day, rappers thrived on lyrical combat. Now more than ever, the game’s current crop of stars bite their tongues and refuse to name names. What happened to all the beef in rap?
  • 120
    Say What’s Real
    Hip-hop’s once symbiotic relationship with the streets seems to be disappearing. With an increasing number of entertainers perpetuating fake tough guy backgrounds, XXL gathered 13 street-certified rappers for their takes on this growing trend.

[COVER STORIES]

  • 78
    Same Ol’ G
    It’s been five years since Young Jeezy dropped his much-revered debut, Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101. And although his fourth album, Thug Motivation 103, has seen several delays, Da Snowman insists that the trap-rap crown is still his.
  • 92
    Home, Free
    Shyne’s home! And XXL has the exclusive interview. In part one of a three-part series, the Belizean MC breaks down his nine-year prison bid, his relationship with God, and his deportation to his native country and reflects on the 10th anniversary of his self-titled debut. Salute him!

DEPARTMENTS

  • 67
    Show & Prove
    Cyhi Da Prince, Cali Swag District, Moe Green, Homeboy Sandman
  • 128
    Eye Candy
    Tahiry presents anniversary gifts that keep on giving.
  • 132
    The Cool
    Waka Flocka Flame cools off in the latest fall fashion.
  • 143
    X-Rated
    Rick Ross proves impervious to mediocrity, Freddie Gibbs brings the fury, and Cee-Lo slays females’ hearts.

PLUS

  • 42
    Editorial
    VS sets ’em straight.
  • 50
    Letters
    Diddy reigns supreme.
  • 55
    360
    Calling all bloggers.
  • 162
    Doin’ Lines
    Soulja Boy

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