xxl ArchivesAmbrosia For Heads

J. Cole Explains Why Cancel Culture Is The Problem Not The Solution

Having spent more than the past decade polishing his craftsmanship as an MC/producer and staying true to his destined path as an uncompromising individualist, J. Cole has mastered the art of controlling one's narrative. While he admittedly isn't a fan of the "platinum, no features" memes that have become synonymous... Read more

March 29, 2019 Fresh

Reason Demands His Place In Rap With A New Video Freestyle

TDE's Reason formally introduced himself earlier this year with the re-release of his 2017 mixtape, There You Have It. Since its arrival through Top Dawg Entertainment, he's been on the road in support of label mate Jay Rock's Big Redemption Tour, earning himself the respect of some of Hip-Hop's most selective... Read more

November 21, 2018 Video

Dr. Dre’s Artist Anderson .Paak Is A Bad Boy On This Biggie Freestyle (Video)

Anderson .Paak's ascension into the Hip-Hop limelight is well documented, as icons including Dr. Dre, not only co-sign his work, but have literally taken the Southern California singer, MC, drummer, and producer under his wing to executive produce his forthcoming album, Oxnard, set to release November 16. In preparation of... Read more

November 8, 2018 Video

J.I.D. Makes J. Cole Proud By Demolishing This XXL Cypher (Video)

It has been a busy 2018 for Dreamville Records. J. Cole's K.O.D. set new streaming records upon release, in addition to garnering critical acclaim (including appearing on Ambrosia For Heads' midyear best-of list). Cozz released a strong sophomore in Effected, which features Kendrick Lamar, Curren$y, and Cole. Meanwhile, EarthGang released... Read more

July 10, 2018 Video

Vic Mensa Says He Will Slap MCs Who Say They Are Better Than Tupac (Video)

Vic Mensa freestyles are as dynamic as the Roc Nation MC's song-making. Following his new EP, The Manuscript the Save Money MC hits Los Angeles, California's Power 106 FM. There, before the L.A. Leakers, Vic finesses a freestyle flow over Prodigy's "Keep It Thoro." Vic Mensa’s Freestyle Causes Sway To... Read more

June 13, 2017 Video

Before Mahershala Ali Had Gold Statues He Had Golden Bars (Audio)

Last night (February 26), Mahershala Ali made history as the first Muslim actor to win an Academy Award to win an Oscar. He took home the gold as Best Supporting Actor for his work as Juan in Moonlight, but longtime fans know that his success did not happen overnight. He... Read more

February 27, 2017 Audio

Kendrick Lamar Pens Letter Expressing Why He Feels Chosen To Lead

As 2015 comes to a close, Kendrick Lamar has been one of the leading voices in not only Hip-Hop, but all of music. K-Dot's #1 album, To Pimp A Butterfly was a monumental album long before its 11 Grammy nominations, or year-end lists laud it. In looking back at the... Read more

December 14, 2015 Fresh

The Numbers Show Police Don’t Care About Dead Rappers

For millennia, mankind has been at war. Whether in the name of religion, territory, love, greed, revenge, or duty, human casualties have remained constant throughout civilization, and as society is said to progress, murder remains a dark spot on our collective report card. For many Americans, particularly those of color,... Read more

October 16, 2015 Lifestyle

Method Man Clarifies Once Upon A Time In Shaolin Confusion, Criticizes Hip-Hop Media (Video)

Method Man recently sat down with HuffPost Live to clear the air on the recent confusion regarding the Wu-Tang Clan's Once Upon A Time In Shaolin album, and also to talk about his upcoming film with Adam Sandler, The Cobbler (March 13). Before getting into the music, they start by... Read more

March 12, 2015 Video

Kendrick Lamar Speaks About His Grammy Loss & The Price of Fame with Raw Honesty

Kendrick Lamar graces the cover of the latest edition of XXL. Rather than do an interview or a standard profile piece, the publication allowed Kendrick to convey his thoughts in his words and his words, only. There were no questions and presumably no edits; just Kendrick raw and unfiltered. The... Read more

January 7, 2015 Fresh

G-Unit Jack Troy Ave for His (Musical) Money (Audio)

The track for Troy Ave's "All About the Money" BANGS. So much so, G-Unit (minus 50 Cent & Lloyd Banks) had to jack him for the beat and put their own spin on it. Check out "All About the Drug Money." Also, you can catch part 2 of their extended... Read more

October 10, 2014 Audio, Video

G-Unit is Real and Uncut in This Extended Interview (Video)

XXL conducted an interview with G-Unit in 50 Cent's home in Connecticut. They chose the location because in 2008, it was there that the Unit was together for the last time before an extended, acrimonious and well-documented split. In this interview, 50, Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo, Young Buck and Kidd... Read more

October 8, 2014 Video

Game Means Everything He Said In Bigger Than Me, Cause He Filmed It (Video)

What could've been dismissed as yet another "feeling myself in the booth" moment, Game's "Bigger Than Me" is bigger than that. The Compton star visioned the song as a single, with a Matt Alonzo-directed visual as deliberate and dramatic as the bars themselves. Themed in Horror-style, Game chainsaws his way... Read more

June 18, 2014 Fresh, Video

Game Calls Out XXL Freshmen Covers, Soft Lyrics & States What Class He’s In (Audio)

For the last decade, few artists are as outspoken as The Game. Between the storied beefs, DVD antics, the public squabbles, and mic-checking (and some subsequent truces with) everybody along the way from Joe Budden to Lil B to Ras Kass to Jay Z to Suge Knight, it's been an... Read more

June 16, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Jon Connor, Troy Ave, Jarren Benton & Lil Bibby Close Down The 2014 XXL Cyphers (Video)

Jon Connor has so much energy. The Flint, Michigan MC sets it off with DJ Drama on the turns, as the tireless Aftermath Entertainment sensation ramps up the final of three 2014 XXL freestyles. Then Jarren Benton is true to form, with his odd-ball humor, and vivid references. Lil Bibby... Read more

June 6, 2014 Fresh, Video

Get To Know Jarren Benton Through His 2014 XXL Freestyle (Video)

Although he's hardly a new MC, Heads are just getting to know Jarren Benton. The Atlanta, Georgia-based MC is down with Funk Volume (Hopsin, Dizzy Wright), as well as R.A. The Rugged Man, Vinnie Paz, and other bully-mouth MCs from the Northeast. He's already got a Top 200 debut album... Read more

May 27, 2014 Fresh, Video

Jon Connor Hits His 2014 XXL Freestyle At 100 Miles Per Hour & Runnin’ (Video)

Among 2014 XXL Freshmen, Jon Connor appears to have the most exciting situation. The Flint, Michigan MC is inked to Aftermath Entertainment. While the world has yet to hear #ConnorSeason on a truly-produced Dr. Dre track, Jon has put his skills and output in high gear. So it's only natural... Read more

May 23, 2014 Fresh, Video

“Button Up” For Kevin Gates 2014 XXL Freestyle (Video)

Kevin Gates, creator of the recently released, well-rounded mixtape, By Any Means, steps up to the microphone for his official XXL Freshman Freestyle of 2014. When asked how it feels to be on the cover of XXL's 2014 Freshman Class, the Atlantic/Warner Bros. Records artist responded, “I always been a... Read more

May 21, 2014 Fresh, Video

Isaiah Rashad Speaks About Life’s Struggles in His XXL Freestyle (Video)

Isaiah Rashad's songs have had a common mixture of pleasure and pain. He consistently demonstrates the ability to honestly address life's ups and downs. His XXL Freshman embodies those characteristics as he touches on the daily struggles and his desire to overcome them for himself and his son. Check out... Read more

May 13, 2014 Video

Chance The Rapper Shows That He’s A Senior Freshman In This XXL Freestyle (Video)

Although Miley Cyrus claimed it, it was actually Chance The Rapper who came into 2013 like a wrecking ball. Chicago's melodic native son countered the city's epidemic violence with proof that youth there are insightful, disenfranchised, and longing for the same acceptance and promise that American youth have always sought,... Read more

May 12, 2014 Fresh, Video

2014 XXL Freshman Jon Connor Takes Off Waving His Aftermath Flag With Mr. Porter (Audio)

It's a huge week for Flint, Michigan MC Jon Connor. The Aftermath artist just became the first artist from Flint to ever cover XXL magazine, and he's doing so with some pretty esteemed company care of 2014's Freshmen Class list. On a high, J.C. links with D12 member/Aftermath core soundsmith... Read more

May 6, 2014 Audio, Fresh

XXL Reveals Its 2014 Freshman Class (Video)

XXL has revealed its 2014 Freshman Class. Past years have generated TONS of controversy and this year's likely will follow suit. Take a look at the class below and weigh in on who your favorite MCs are from the list, as well as who you think got left off that... Read more

May 6, 2014 Video

Which Artist on XXL’s 40 Years of Hip-Hop Issue Reps Hip-Hop Best? Check Out All 5 Here (Photos)

40 years ago in 1973, Kool Herc threw a party in the basement of his building and Hip-Hop, the culture we celebrate everyday, was born. For their year-end issue, XXL has put together an issue celebrating that milestone and it has 5 different covers featuring iconic artists. Check out all... Read more

December 27, 2013 Food for Thought

50 Cent Speaks on the Differences Between Him and Kendrick Lamar…and Offers Some Advice to Kanye West (Video)

50 Cent spoke with XXL about his latest business venture, SMS headphones. During the conversation, he touched on Kanye West's recent frustrations and offered some wise words of advice. He also spoke about Kendrick Lamar and detailed some of their differing qualities. Check the video for 50's always unique perspective.... Read more

December 11, 2013 Video

Drake Says He Won His Battle With Common

Drake and Common’s beef (if we can call it that?) might seem like a pillow fight compared to the atom bomb Kendrick dropped on Hip Hop this week, but in an interview for next month’s XXL, Drizzy claims he came out the victor. In the new issue (which hits stores... Read more

August 14, 2013 Food for Thought

The 2013 XXL Freshmen Mixtape (Audio)

Here's the official mixtape for XXL's 2013 Freshmen Class. It features new music from Ab-Soul, Schoolboy Q, Action Bronson, Logic, Angel Haze, Joey Bada$$ and more. You can listen to and download the mixtape below, as well as find the track list. Related: Dizzy Wright, Logic & Angel Haze –... Read more

May 1, 2013 Mixes

Dizzy Wright, Logic & Angel Haze – 2013 XXL Freshmen Cypher (Video)

Say what you want about the 2013 XXL Freshmen Class, overall. There is NO QUESTION Dizzy Wright, Logic and Angel Haze are some of the dopest up and coming MCs in the game. If you have any doubt about their skills, watch this cypher. No question...Related: Joey Bada$$, Ab-Soul, Action... Read more

April 26, 2013 Video

Dizzy Wright – XXL Freshmen Freestyle (Video)

Dizzy Wright turns in one of the strongest of the 2013 XXL Freshmen Freestyles. Check out the video. Related: Dizzy Wright – The First Agreement ft Nikkiya and Manny Scott (Video)... Read more

April 19, 2013 Video

Joey Bada$$ XXL Freshman Freestyle

XXL continues to roll out the freestyle videos from their XXL Freshman cover. Check out the Pro Era representer hold it down for his team. Related: Joey Bada$$ – Day in the Life... Read more

April 12, 2013 Fresh, Video

Ab Soul XXL Freshman Freestyle

XXL continues to roll out their Freshman Freestyles. Check out the latest one courtesy of TDE's Ab Soul. Related: Awolnation – Sail (Remix) ft Kendrick Lamar & Ab-Soul... Read more

April 11, 2013 Fresh, Video

XXL Announces Freshman Class 2013 Cover

The good folks over at XXL decided to stir things up again today with the annual release of their Freshman Class Cover. The cover, just like most lists, has its highs and lows. Check out this year's freshmen and let us know who you think will be making noise five... Read more

March 28, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Kendrick Lamar interviews and XXL review (Video)

The (much-deserved) love for Kendrick Lamar's good kid, m.A.A.d. city album continues. Here are videos from 2DBZ and Google Play showcasing the talented MC (and members of the TDE family--Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, Dave Free (his manager and longtime friend)) discussing the history of Kendrick, the stories behind the album and... Read more

October 24, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

2012 XXL Freshman Class

So...XXL revealed its Freshman Class of 2012 today. It consists of Future, Kid Ink, Danny Brown, French Montana, Macklemore, Don Trip, Machine Gun Kelly, Hopsin, Iggy Azalea and Roscoe Dash. There are some VERY notable omissions (but more on that later). Which list makes you more irate between this one... Read more

February 28, 2012 Food for Thought

The 90’s will always be considered the Golden Age of hip-hop. Click below to listen to all 250 songs that XXL named the best of the 1990’s.

That's not to say that decade will always be the best, nor that it contains the best year in hip-hop (in fact, read this if you REALLY want a debate) but, just as the 70's will always be considered Classic Rock (Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, etc.--note other great... Read more

May 24, 2011 Audio, Playlists, Throwback

The 2011 XXL Freshmen put on a show at NYC’s BB King’s last night and dropped a mixtape today.

Watch a recap of the show and listen to and download the whole mixtape below. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuLlIsCAWqI&feature=player_embedded#at=22 Here's the mixtape: Download Mixtape... Read more

March 23, 2011 Audio, Mixes, Video

Some of these XXL 2011 Freshman Cyphers are pretty tight (especially parts 2 and 3). Check out all 3 below.

YG, Mac Miller, Diggy Simmons and Lil Twist Yelawolf, Kendrick Lamar, Lil B and CyHi Da Prynce Meek Mill, Big K.R.I.T. and Fred Da Godson... Read more

March 18, 2011 Video

Here’s another solid XXL Freshman Freestyle. This one is courtesy of Big K.R.I.T.

K.R.I.T. continues to spit about the everyday struggle. Click here more of the best of these XXL Freshman Freestyles.... Read more

March 16, 2011 Video

CyHi Da Prynce dropped one of the 3 strongest XXL freestyles so far…

The other 2 belonged to Kendrick Lamar and Yelawolf. The XXL one still doesn't hold a candle to this one, though: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iY4BAz4MlJg... Read more

March 15, 2011 Video

Kendrick Lamar got his XXL Freshman shine on yesterday. Today, it’s Yelawolf’s turn.

Check out his a capella flow on celluloid.... Read more

March 3, 2011 Video

Kendrick Lamar is definitely one of my favorites of the 2011 Freshmen.

He, Terrace Martin, TiRon and Chuwee are part of a new generation of West Coast MCs that are worthy of taking the torch from the OGs. Check out this video from XXL where Kendrick spits some a capella fire.... Read more

March 2, 2011 Video

There’s been a lot of chatter about the XXL Freshman class of 2011 but what about the alumni?

One of the most enigmatic of those chosen by XXL as one of its 2009 freshmen is Charles Hamilton. Omar Akil takes a look at the talented Mr. Hamilton and let's the man speak for himself (through his lyrics). Check it out: I'm not sure what to make of the... Read more

February 27, 2011 Food for Thought

XXL just released their 2011 Freshmen list. Who did they miss?

This years 11 includes Meek Mill, Big K.R.I.T., Cyhi Da Prynce, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Twist, Big K.R.I.T., Diggy Simmons, Fred the Godson, Yelawolf, Lil B, Mac Miller, and YG.... Read more

February 21, 2011 Food for Thought