Hip-hop is most distinguished by its lyricism, which has become the most vital aspect of a rapper’s craft. Without it, the classic albums, celebrated songs and innovative wordplay that have been cherished in the culture for decades would not exist.…
J.I.DSharper rhymes. Harder lines.Interview: Vanessa SattenEditor’s Note: This story appears in the Fall 2025 issue of XXL Magazine, on newsstands now and available for sale on the XXL website. “I want a BET nomination,” J.I.D says when asked about his bucket list. It’s…
Joey Bada$$Mic killer. No filler.Interview: Georgette Cline Editor’s Note: This story appears in the Fall 2025 issue of XXL Magazine, on newsstands now and available for sale on the XXL website. Rappers often face a paradoxical situation when they take a break between albums.…
You wanted lyricism, you got it. Here are two of the finest wordsmiths currently pushing hip-hop forward, Joey Bada$$ and J.I.D, who both grace the cover of XXL Magazine’s Fall 2025 issue. Every year at XXL, we receive backlash regarding our Freshman…
Sheff G turned himself in to begin serving a five-year prison sentence for attempted murder and conspiracy charges today. On Wednesday (Oct. 1), Sheff G, born Michael Williams, showed up at the State Supreme Court in New York City with…
GloRilla’s attorney claims over $700,000 worth of items were stolen during the rapper’s July home invasion and the investigation has stalled. On Tuesday (Sept. 30), Glo and her attorney, Drew Findling, sat down with local Atlanta news station WSB-TV to…
NBC has again tapped Snoop Dogg to cover the Olympic Games next year. On Sunday (Sept. 28), the network and Uncle Snoop revealed the continued collaboration via a clip shared on social media. The video shows Snoop standing with his…
While Nicki Minaj and Cardi B were going at it on X last night in a war of words that reignited their beef, leaked audio of Cardi threatening to beat up Ice Spice began circulating on the internet. On Monday…
Young Thug and YFN Lucci explain why they deaded their longstanding beef and are later seen together at the club. On Sept. 25, a day before Thug and Lucci officially squashed their beef by appearing on each other’s new albums,…
Jay-Z weighs in on his choice to stamp Bad Bunny as the performer at the 2026 Super Bowl. On Sunday (Sept. 28), Apple Music, the NFL and Roc Nation announced that the Latin superstar would grace the stage during the halftime…