Show Recaps

Making your show memorable is always a good habit for a rapper to get into. Whether it be your energy, a gimmick or a dope DJ backing you, giving the audience an unforgettable experience should be the principal goal. GoldLink—DMV rapper and newly minted 2015 XXL Freshman—accomplished that last night (June 10) at SOBs in New York City. After workin...

Antsy, yet eager fans gathered around 10:30 p.m. in Irving Place in New York City between 15th and 16th streets to witness Chicago native Lil Durk celebrate the release of his highly anticipated debut album Remember My Name. However, little did fans know, there would be mass hysteria while waiting to enter Irving Plaza. Aft...

Charles Hamilton returned to the stage at SOB’s last night (May 19) with a live band and a sleek piano. The once troubled rapper performed with both humility and a chip on his shoulder, professing his appreciation to the crowd for coming out. The ni...

Attention-grabbing New York MC Azealia Banks is never one to shy away from controversy. She’s made so many contentious claims over the years, you sometimes forget she’s actually an artist and not a shock jock. Last night’s show at Irving Plaza in New York City was a refreshing reminder of the former. To say the crowd was...

Photography By: Joseph Chea Rain or shine, Styles P is here to rock with his Ghost fans. Last night, we were at Wick & The Well in Brooklyn, a concert venue that could double as a meeting spot for underground cyphers. The space has large concrete walls that help isolate the sound and amplify every rhyme. It...

Photography By: Christina Kelly In what can only be described as an experience rather than just a show, Hopsin brought heat and energy to his New York fans Saturday night (Feb. 22) at Irving Plaza for his Knock Madness tour, which he kicked off earlier this year in Santa Cruz, CA...

XXL was in the building to catch two of Houston's biggest names perform for the first time in years. Sit back and reminisce. Photography By: Lucas Alvarado   Paul Wall When Paul Wall returned to New York for his first show in five years, he knew exactly what he was doing. Taking t...