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
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 […]
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Big Sean, big shadow
Kanye West’s label might not be the best place to release a debut album called Finally Famous
Superstar in Training: Hollywood Holt
Hollywood Holt does party rap the way other people get in shape for triathlons.