Sauce Walka and Ferg Freestyle About the Guala - XXL Cypher Behind the Scenes
WATCH: Go behind the scenes of XXL’s Cypher Lab with Ferg, Ab-Soul and Sauce Walka to see a brand-new freestyle, big money being dropped and their mutual respect.
Presented by Paul vs Tyson live on Netflix November 15th at 8PM ET, 5PM PT
Ferg, Sauce Walka and Ab-Soul Have a Much-Needed Conversation About Lyricism
WATCH: Sauce Walka, Ferg and Ab-Soul discuss the art of lyricism, uniting in a cypher and brotherhood in hip-hop for XXL’s Cypher Lab.
Presented by Paul vs Tyson live on Netflix November 15th at 8PM ET, 5PM PT
Latto Hits Up the Dominican Republic for an Exclusive Backwoods Factory Tour
WATCH: Staying fresh is what Latto's all about, so she found herself in familiar territory on a recent trip to La Romana, Dominican Republic to visit the Backwoods cigar factory. The Atlanta rapper, style icon and "Queen of the Souf" witnessed firsthand how much care goes into maintaining the quality and freshness in every pack of Backwoods.
Presented by Backwoods
Ab-Soul, Ferg and Sauce Walka Showcase The Art of Lyricism in a Cypher
WATCH: Ab-Soul, Ferg and Sauce Walka connect for a showcase of elite lyricism in XXL’s Cypher Lab.
Presented by Paul vs Tyson live on Netflix November 15th at 8PM ET, 5PM PT
Let’s Talk! Join the conversation on Tuesday October 29th at 10/9c with moderator D.L Hughley and special guests as they get candid about this election season. #Bet #WeVoteBET #BlackMensSummit
J. Cole Reveals the Real Reason He Pulled Out of the Kendrick Lamar and Drake Beef
WATCH: J. Cole released the brand new song "Port Antonio," which reveals the real reason he pulled out of the Kendrick Lamar rap battle. On the track, he also addresses Drake. It’s been six months since the North Carolina MC waved the white flag and bowed out of the beef between K-Dot and Drizzy. This past April, Cole even apologized to K-Dot on stage in front of thousands at his annual Dreamville Fest. Six months later, J. Cole dropped a new track, “Port Antonio,” which gives new insight into why he backed out of one of the biggest rap battles in hip-hop history. Here's a deep dive into the lyrics on Cole's new song.
The Surprising Story Behind Kendrick Lamar's Black Air Force 1s That Starts With an Arkansas Couple
WATCH: Kendrick Lamar made a calculated move by releasing his latest untitled song, a pointed critique of the industry, during the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards on September 11. He added an Easter egg with the cover art, which features a beat up pair of black Air Force 1s, the universal symbol for choosing violence. The story behind how K-Dot got the photo and what happened next is an interesting one.
The Murder of Foolio Explained - Stalking, Caught on Video and a Suspected Killer Still on the Run
WATCH: When controversial Jacksonville, Florida rapper Foolio was shot and killed in Tampa this past June, many people in the hip-hop community weren’t that surprised. If his music and the reports are to be believed, Foolio led a dangerous lifestyle. His career was lowlighted by brazen songs dissing his living and dead opps. Those tactics have proven to be a formula for negative consequences in hip-hop in the past. This story has had some strange twists that have kept Foolio making headlines even after his death. Here’s how.
Remembering Rich Homie Quan’s Life and Legacy
WATCH: Rich Homie Quan’s death came as a shock to rap fans when he passed away on September 5 at the age of 34.
An artist who made his mark as one of hip-hop’s most respected contributors to the melodic rap movement in the 2010s, the Atlanta rapper’s death prompted many to go back and listen to his biggest hit records, including "Type of Way,” and “Flex (Ooh Ooh Ooh),” and “Lifestyle” as part of Rich Gang with Young Thug and Birdman.
Even his 2014 XXL Freshman freestyle got replays. Quan’s streams reportedly shot up 277 percent the week after his passing, and his monthly Spotify listeners doubled. Take a look at his life remembered and details of his passing.
Diddy Arrested for Sex Trafficking and Other Shocking Allegations in Federal Takedown
WATCH: Diddy has been arrested by the Feds following a six-month investigation and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution in a grand jury indictment. On Tuesday, September 17, the U.S. District Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York unsealed the details of Diddy's grand jury indictment. The 14-page indictment details shocking allegations. Here's a look at Diddy's indictment.
YoungBoy Never Broke Again's Career Over? - Legal Issues Continue to Pile Up
WATCH: Many people may think YoungBoy Never Broke Again's career could be over due to his many legal issues. While his legion of cult-like fans propelled him into stardom, years and years of legal problems have prevented him from being a true superstar. Numerous legal upsets have plagued the 24-year-old rapper throughout his career. Now, he is just starting a prison bid and dealing with new charges, both of which have halted his music career. This is a look at his cases and how they affect his career.
Inside the Mind of Big Sean - New Album, Mount Rushmore of Rap, Consistency in Hip-Hop, Biting Flows
WATCH: Big Sean discusse the message he's delivering with his new album, Better Me Than You, consistency in hip-hop, inspiring flows and more for his XXL magazine digital cover.
UnitedMasters Founder and CEO Steve Stoute Talks About UM's Role in the Music Industry, His Personal History in Hip-Hop and More on XXL's Inside Track Podcast
WATCH: Steve Stoute has seen it all and been through it all as a music executive for nearly 25 years. Fortunately, he still has the hunger for more. After helping boost the careers of artists like Nas, Will Smith, Mariah Carey and other artists as a manager and label head, Stoute's latest company, UnitedMasters, is changing the game for independent artists. On this episode of XXL's Inside Track podcast, he discusses his storied past, UnitedMasters' role in the music industry and the future of the rap game.
Lil Pump Gets Into Heated Discussion About Donald Trump, Kamala Harris Diss Track and Politics
WATCH: There aren't many rappers as vocal about the upcoming presidential election as Lil Pump. After putting his support behind former President Donald Trump in 2020, the Florida rapper has been extremely expressive on social media over the last few months about getting Trump back in office when it comes time to vote in the Nov. 5 election.
In an exclusive interview with XXL, conducted on Aug. 8, Lil Pump speaks on why he's a Donald Trump supporter, the diss track he planned to aim at current President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who is running against Trump for president, his upcoming Spanish album and his transformation to a healthier lifestyle.
Ol’ Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys on A&E
Wu-Tang Clan's Ol' Dirty Bastard was known for his clever rhymes and unique style that set him apart from other rappers throughout history. But there's much more to #ODB.
In Ol’ Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys, the first official documentary about the iconic artist, A&E takes a deep dive into the life of the Grammy award-nominated rapper.
Presented by A&E
