throwbacks

Here's part three of XXL's cover story of 50 Cent and Soulja Boy from November 2010 issue.

Here's part two of XXL's cover story of 50 Cent and Soulja Boy from November 2010 issue.

Here's part one of XXL's cover story of 50 Cent and Soulja Boy from November 2010 issue.

There's no better #FBF in the rap world than when a MC posts a baby pic of themselves. Whether it's in celebration of a birthday or just a funny throwback, it's usually pretty inspiring to see these artists' old school beginnings. Before they were multi platinum selling artists, moguls and movie stars, these rappers were carefree youngins just like the rest of us...

Everything I Love They've come a long way. From the time when the N.O. was nowhere on the hip-hop map to nationwide dominance to dissent and dissolution. Now the last of the Cash Money Millionaire Mohicans are back atop the rap game. They've come a long way, Baby and Wayne...

Limelight The Game had a hard-knock life in the city of Compton before deciding to take a crack at the rap game. Vowing to bring the West Coast back as a major player in the hip-hop world, he, in fact, did just that. Bow down! Words Jon Caramanica Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in the April 2005 issue of XXL Magazine. It i...

After more than one year of dodging the press, Chris Brown breaks his silence. Words: Chris Brown Images: Juco Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in the December/January 2013 issue of XXL Magazine. Since this is my first cover in a minute, I’ll explain why I wasn’t doing interviews. I’ve been adaman...

If they wrote a book on the life of D.O.C., you think anyone would read it? They should, f*@kers. Y'all have to wait, though. The secret weapon behind the N.W.A. franchise has a new LP and a few more chapters to live. Words Gabriel Alvarez Images Mike Schreiber The weekend could not have been better for 21-year-old Tracy Curry...

Words Amy Linden Photos Clay Patrick McBride NEW YORK CITY’S Central Park South is a mixture of dyed-in-the-wool, Waspy Manhattan mega bucks and the glitz of the nouveau notorious. Side by side stand the symbols of those who will be keeping their fortunes for a while and those riding some IPO wave of excess. Stro...

Mase left the rap game three years ago, but we still miss him. With rumors strong about a possible return to hip-hop, we go deep cover to his church in Atlanta to find out the truth. Written By: Marginee Ellis Illustration: Chang Park Awash in a fervent sea of “Hallelujahs” and “Thank Ya’s,” Pastor Mason Betha ceremonially approaches the clear, Plexiglas altar of Saving A Nation Endangered Minist

Drake's on top, he's been there for a while, and he doesn't seem to be going anywhere. Haters can hate, but it won't matter. Interview: Thomas Golianopoulos Images: Jonathan Mannion One of the biggest rappers in the world lives on a busy street in Yorkville, an upscale neighborhood in Toronto fi lled with designer boutiques, European tourists and gelato shops...

What’s it like to be G-Unit’s youngest in charge? Lloyd Banks has been flying around the world all year, making hits, making money, making time with the ladies. Lots of ladies. But as his new album says, he’s still Hungry For More. Get up-close and...