Watch Every XXL 20th Anniversary Interview
This year marks XXL Magazine's 20th anniversary and what a ride it's been. Since Master P and JAY-Z graced the debut covers of the magazine in 1997, hundreds of artists have followed in their footsteps, embracing XXL for giving them a platform to share their story. XXL's contribution tho the culture has helped make hip-hop one of the most dominant genres in the nation. For that reason alone, a celebration was in order—we even made a playlist to mark the occasion.
For the fall 2017 issue, XXL called on 26 rappers who have made a big impact on the culture over the past 20 years. Artists like Rae Sremmurd, Migos, Run The Jewels and Yo Gotti were first-time cover stars, joining the ranks of Cam'ron, Snoop Dogg, Birdman and T.I., who have all been featured on the cover nearly a handful of times, if not more.
50 Cent, who has served as a XXL cover star 15 times, is amazed that his relationship with the brand has reached this point. "I've been in the magazine when it was exciting to be there because I didn't mean as much to the culture," he tells XXL during his 20th anniversary issue. "Then my position changed because the material that I created made me compete at the top level of it. I have a decade. I have 10 years that nobody's better than me."
Lil Uzi Vert earned his spot on the cover after the uber-successful career he's made for himself since gracing the XXL Freshman cover in 2016. For his anniversary interview, Uzi explained the price that comes with being famous. "I mean, it's cool... I haven't been here too long to really adjust to it," he states. "Sometimes I try to, like, come outside and it don't work. I can't go nowhere."
Then you have legends like E-40, who has been in the game for 34 years. "My key has been not blowing up too quick," 40 shares. "I got platinum and gold records, ya feel me?... I'm getting those to this day, but what I'm saying is to do it so long for dang near 30 years, and to still be laced and groomed, I'm ganged up."
Future, Pusha T, Diddy, Wiz Khalifa, The Lox, Fabolous, Tech N9ne, Nicki Minaj and Gucci Mane are also featured in XXL's 20th anniversary issue, and all for good reason. Take a look at each of their video interviews, and find out more about their place in hip-hop, how they're able to maintain their position and their relationship with XXL, below.
Check out more from all 20 cover artists at XXL's 20th anniversary hub below.
Nicki Minaj
50 Cent
Diddy
Wiz Khalifa
Cam'ron
Lil Uzi Vert
Migos
Snoop Dogg
Pusha T
Future
T.I.
Fabolous
Rae Sremmurd
Birdman
Run The Jewels
Yo Gotti
Gucci Mane
Tech N9ne
E-40
The Lox