Rising rapper Lil Keed grew up along Cleveland Avenue in Atlanta’s Zone 3 neighborhood, which has also been home to one of the most colorful and creative forces in the past decade of hip-hop: Young Thug. At 21, Keed is part of a youthful crop of Atlanta MCs who’ve studied Thug’s work and learned how […]
Tag: XXL
Posted inMusic
DaBaby sounds like he can energize all of hip-hop on Baby on Baby
The annual “Freshman Class” issue of XXL magazine aims to predict hip-hop’s future stars, but it increasingly spotlights artists who are already hot. The 11 rappers in the 2019 class, which was announced in June, include the two most sought-after MCs of the summer: Houston’s Megan Thee Stallion and Charlotte’s DaBaby. In the XXL Freshman […]
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How did the ‘industry plant’ take root?
The ‘industry plant’ is hip-hop’s favorite conspiracy theory, used to discredit breakout successes—and it’s spreading to other genres, where it’s no more plausible.
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Chicago blog Lyrical Lemonade shares its juice with rising rappers
By showing love to potential stars as well as certified sensations, hip-hop outlet Lyrical Lemonade has built a community alongside its brand.
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Lil Durk charges deeper into pop on ‘Like Me’
And it’s not just because Billboard R&B star Jeremih shows up on the track.
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Alex Wiley drops a new EP just in time for XXL’s ‘Freshman issue’ voting
Wiley is one of seven Chicagoans up for the coveted final spot on XXL‘s forthcoming eighth annual “Freshman class” issue.
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Lil Bibby and Fluffy get some help from rap friends
Lil Bibby raps about being solo on the streets, Fluffy raps about a damaged relationship—both excel thanks to a boost from a buddy.
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King Louie addresses his life in Chicago with Tony
The southeast-side rapper occupies a desirable but peculiar position in Chicago’s hip-hop community, though that doesn’t appear to bear much influence on the music that’s made him a face of the scene.
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Freddie Gibbs mans the ramparts for gangsta rap
Gangsta rap is in decline on the charts, but Freddie Gibbs could keep it alive single-handedly.
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Chance the Rapper drops Acid Rap
Chance the Rapper drops Acid Rap—and it’s going to take him to places he’s only imagined.
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Q&A with Danny Brown: “I could possibly die from music”
What makes Detroit rappers special, and how much weed got smoked during that one video shoot
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Big Sean, big shadow
Kanye West’s label might not be the best place to release a debut album called Finally Famous
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Superstar in Training: Hollywood Holt
Hollywood Holt does party rap the way other people get in shape for triathlons.