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Home » XXL

Tag: XXL

Posted inMusic

Lil Keed brings new dimensions to Atlanta’s syllable-blurring hip-hop

by Leor Galil September 13, 2019August 18, 2021

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 […]

Posted inMusic

DaBaby sounds like he can energize all of hip-hop on Baby on Baby

by Leor Galil August 2, 2019August 18, 2021

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 […]

Posted inMusic

How did the ‘industry plant’ take root?

by Leor Galil March 15, 2019August 18, 2021

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.

Posted inMusic

Chicago blog Lyrical Lemonade shares its juice with rising rappers

by Leor Galil August 23, 2017August 18, 2021

By showing love to potential stars as well as certified sensations, hip-hop outlet Lyrical Lemonade has built a community alongside its brand.

Posted inBlogs

Lil Durk charges deeper into pop on ‘Like Me’

by Leor Galil April 1, 2015August 18, 2021

And it’s not just because Billboard R&B star Jeremih shows up on the track.

Posted inBlogs

Alex Wiley drops a new EP just in time for XXL’s ‘Freshman issue’ voting

by Leor Galil March 18, 2015August 18, 2021

Wiley is one of seven Chicagoans up for the coveted final spot on XXL‘s forthcoming eighth annual “Freshman class” issue.

Posted inBlogs

Lil Bibby and Fluffy get some help from rap friends

by Leor Galil July 16, 2014August 18, 2021

Lil Bibby raps about being solo on the streets, Fluffy raps about a damaged relationship—both excel thanks to a boost from a buddy.

Posted inBlogs

King Louie addresses his life in Chicago with Tony

by Leor Galil July 9, 2014August 18, 2021

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.

Freddie Gibbs
Posted inMusic

Freddie Gibbs mans the ramparts for gangsta rap

by Miles Raymer July 8, 2013August 19, 2021

Gangsta rap is in decline on the charts, but Freddie Gibbs could keep it alive single-handedly.

Chance the Rapper takes in the sights at the Lincoln Park Conservatory.
Posted inMusic

Chance the Rapper drops Acid Rap

by Leor Galil April 23, 2013July 21, 2022

Chance the Rapper drops Acid Rap—and it’s going to take him to places he’s only imagined.

Posted inBlogs

Q&A with Danny Brown: “I could possibly die from music”

by Miles Raymer March 12, 2012August 19, 2021

What makes Detroit rappers special, and how much weed got smoked during that one video shoot

Posted inBlogs

They were only freshmen

by Miles Raymer February 29, 2012August 19, 2021

Rap’s 2012 “Freshman Class” as decided by Twitter

Big Sean signs posters in a Los Angeles Adidas store on June 24
Posted inMusic

Big Sean, big shadow

by Phillip Mlynar July 21, 2011August 19, 2021

Kanye West’s label might not be the best place to release a debut album called Finally Famous

Hollywood Holt
Posted inMusic

Superstar in Training: Hollywood Holt

by Miles Raymer February 7, 2008August 19, 2021

Hollywood Holt does party rap the way other people get in shape for triathlons.

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