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December 26, 2023
Latest News

15 of the Best Events Celebrating Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary.

[ad_1] Hip Hop HoorayWords: Trent FitzgeraldEditor’s Note: This story appears in the Winter 2023 issue of XXL Magazine, on stands now.Hip-hop has been the cornerstone of New York City's culture since its evolution in the Bronx in the 1970s. Since then, the world has been exposed to a cultural movement that has expanded beyond the initial four elements of hip-hop: MCing, DJing, breakdancing and graffiti. Before Aug. 11, 2023— the date marked the 50th anniversary of hip-hop and— celebrations were held throughout the year in the U.S. to honor the genre’s global impact. Museums, concerts, festivals and awards shows have paid homage to hip-hop’s half-century legacy in 2023.The year started right with the Grammy Awards...

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December 23, 2023
Latest News

Where Does the World of Hip-Hop Touring Go From Here?

[ad_1] Nothing NewIn a year marked by show cancellations, temperamental ticket sales and a shift in demand, where does the world of hip-hop touring go from here?Words: Stacy-Ann EllisEditor’s Note: This story appears in the Winter 2023 issue of XXL Magazine, on stands now.Ever since he graced the airwaves with his studio debut, Section.80, Kendrick Lamar has worked to cement his status as an upper-echelon hip-hop performance artist. Upon the release of his fifth album, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers—a triumphant five-year return after his Pulitzer Prize-winning album, DAMN.—fans were eager to get back into his orbit to experience it live. The Big Steppers Tour, which spanned six months, made evident Kendrick possessed a...

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December 22, 2023
Latest News

Rapper-Run Podcasts the Game Has Grown to Love

[ad_1] Microphone FiendsDiversifying the hustle is a motto these rappers live by since entering the podcast business. From vets to relative newcomers, they’re making headlines with their pod talk.Words Trent FitzgeraldEditor’s Note: This story appears in the Winter 2022 issue of XXL Magazine, on stands now.If it seems like every rapper has a podcast these days, it's because many do. The platform once reserved for journalists and media is big business. The podcasting industry reportedly generated $2 billion in revenue in 2022 and is projected to gross over $4 billion in earnings by 2024, according to a joint annual report by the Interactive Advertising Bureau and PricewaterhouseCoopers.Several rappers have been breaking listening and viewership...

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December 22, 2023
Latest News

A Look at Why Sampling in Hip-Hop Sounds More Familiar Than Ever

[ad_1] Nothing NewSampling in hip-hop has been going on since the genre’s inception, but in 2023, it’s been more prevalent than ever. If everything sounds familiar, it’s because it definitely is.Words: Grant RindnerEditor’s Note: This story appears in the Winter 2023 issue of XXL Magazine, on stands now.The formula for making a hip-hop hit is easier than ever: all you need is a different hip-hop hit. While sampling has always been essential to rap music, a new trend has permeated every corner of hip-hop: rappers liberally sampling other rap songs. From pop crossover acts like Saweetie (“My Type,” “Tap In”) to gritty street staples like Peezy (“2 Million Up”), these types of songs have...

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December 20, 2023
Latest News

Funny Marco Names His Favorite Hip-Hop Albums of 2023

[ad_1] Hip-Hop JunkieAwkward interviews with rappers are all the rage and Funny Marco is a master.Comedic social media personalities are more popular than ever before. Enter Marco “Funny Marco” Summers, a Kansas City, Mo. native, known for his funny Instagram pranks and viral moments on social media.Interview: Aleia WoodsEditor’s Note: This story appears in the Winter 2023 issue of XXL Magazine, on now.With an awkwardly uncomfortable style of interviewing, Marco has gone viral with guests including DaBaby, Sexyy Red, Lil Yachty, G Herbo and Southside and more. Funny Marco’s humor has since transcended to his own show, titled Open Thoughts, on YouTube, where he can be deemed a trailblazer of the awkward and uncomfortable...

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December 20, 2023
Latest News

Killer Mike Tells It Like It Is – ‘Michael Is Album of the Year’

[ad_1] My BlockMore than 20 years into his rap career, Killer Mike continues to make acclaimed albums and new connections in his community. Criticism may come his way, but at least the Atlanta rapper is trying to make a difference.Interview: Peter A. BerryEditor’s Note: This story appears in the Winter 2023 issue of XXL Magazine, on stands now.Years into his career as an international rap star, Killer Mike’s most considerable flex is being local. Since debuting on OutKast’s Stankonia cut, “Snappin & Trappin’” in 2000, the 48-year-old Atlanta native has balanced acrobatic raps with community advocacy. He’s worked to invest in Black ownership and area education while forging a reputation as one of the most...

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December 18, 2023
Latest News

DD Osama Is Out to Prove That Drill Rappers Can Do Everything

[ad_1] Show & Prove: DD OsamaWords: Grant RinderEditor’s Note: This story appears in the Winter 2023 issue of XXL Magazine, on stands now.Hip-hop is a young man’s sport, depending on who’s asked, and that sentiment is supported by one of the current teen sensations dominating the drill scene. Harlem native DD Osama, who recently turned 17, has racked up staggering streams and YouTube views with menacing records like “40s N 9s,” “Dead Opps” and “Notti Gang.” Then there’s “Letter 2 Notti,” a heartfelt dedication to his slain brother. DD Osama has also earned teen heartthrob status thanks to a passionate female audience, which hasn’t been seen for an emergent drill rapper since Pop Smoke.“I’m not just no...

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December 16, 2023
Latest News

ScarLip Interview – ‘This Is New York,’ Scars & Stripes Project

[ad_1] Show & Prove: Scar LipWords: William E. Ketchum IIIEditor’s Note: This story appears in the Winter 2023 issue of XXL Magazine, on stands now.There’s repping for your hood, and then there’s what Scar Lip did at Yankee Stadium this past August. The 22-year-old Bronx native performed her boisterous viral hit “This Is New York” at her borough’s most hallowed grounds. She commanded the stage in a white jumpsuit alongside Snoop Dogg, who brought her out during his set at the star-studded Hip-Hop 50 Live celebration concert.That’s just the latest accomplishment ScarLip’s nostalgic, ante-raising breakthrough single has gotten her. Since the record was released this past April, the video has collected over 4 million views on...

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December 14, 2023
Latest News

10 Years of Quality Control Music With Lil Yachty, Migos and More

[ad_1] We MajorQuality Control Music cofounders Pierre “P” Thomas and Kevin “Coach K” Lee have spent 10 years shaping their record label into a major independent force in the music industry. Now, they have the money, power and respect after signing a $320 million global partnership deal.Interview: C. Vernon Coleman IIEditor’s Note: This story appears in the Winter 2023 issue of XXL Magazine, on stands in December.Quality Control Music has been in the star-making business for the past decade. The big bang occurred in 2013, when cofounders Pierre “P” Thomas and Kevin “Coach K” Lee created a record label based on the old-school principles of artist development and guerilla-style marketing. P was an entrepreneur and studio...

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December 14, 2023
Latest News

BigXThaPlug Interview – Rap Career, Trapping, ‘Mmhmm’ and More

[ad_1] Show & Prove: BigXThaPlugWords: Peter A. BerryEditor’s Note: This story appears in the Winter 2023 issue of XXL Magazine, on stands now.The beginning of BigXThaPlug’s rap career included a humble exercise in multitasking. Months removed from writing his first raps in a jail cell, he hustled to provide for his growing family. He’d ask customers to evaluate his earliest songs while working in a makeshift hotel room trap house. “I was telling people, ‘Hey, you can buy this, but listen to this,’” BigX remembers. “Tell me if this is good.’”These days, bandos have transformed into full-fledged recording studios, concert venues and even his own home on the outskirts of the 25-year-old rapper’s native Dallas, where...

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