TAG: XXL

May10

Elzhi, Elmatic (Mixtape Album)

In keeping with the homage theme, there will be no review of this free mixtape album. Another LA mag is flying the flag of this release but hey it’s the Internet, we’re all friends here.

Illmatic changed many of our lives. Even if you’re weren’t of age when it dropped April 19, 1994, the ripple effect was so strong that the album had to be carried down from generation-to-generation like a dog-eared version of Catcher In The Rye. There is no improving upon it; never will be a session, hip-hop or otherwise, quite like it. 10 tracks with top-name producers at their best, the essence of all-killer/no-filler; songs that you can always count on in any mood, year, decade, etc.

So Elzhi, being the dedicated head that he is, decided to do something that no one else would have the …

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May03

Has-Lo – Forgotten Styles (Video & MP3)

Has-Lo’s In Case I Don’t Make It album is in stores now via Mello Music Group!! The Philly MC/producer has showcased his ability to create an album that can be enjoyed from beginning to end, garnering the support from critical tastemakers such as Chairman Mao at XXL, LA Weekly, eMusic, RCRDLBL, DJ Booth, Okayplayer and many others.

Today, enjoy another free mp3 download for the song Forgotten Styles from In Case I Don’t Make It. A point often overlooked is Has-Lo’s strength as a producer and his ability to create musical landscapes that fit his own particular vocal style and patterns. Forgotten Styles showcases this point as the beat allows Has-Lo to flow effortlessly over, dropping verbal gems while noting his production half proclaiming “I can pioneer your hit like I’m …

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Mar20

K. Sparks & G.C. – A Day In The Life (Review)

K. Sparks & G.C.

A Day In The Life

Released by HiPNOTT Records


With XXL unveiling their "Top Ten Freshmen" in hip-hop earlier this month, there have been many smiles, many frowns and many "shoulda-beens." Not to jump on the bandwagon--okay, that actually is EXACTLY what is going on here, but please pay attention--K. Sparks is definitely worthy of being a freshman next year (should XXL choose not to change the line-up after this review, of course). With A Day In The Life, this New York artist teams up with producer G.C. to give listeners just that: an album that illustrates a day in the life of the/an aspiring MC. Most of the time, people cringe whenever the word "conceptual" and "album" are put together (kinda like "romance" and "novel," right?) but Sparks actually does a great job.

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Mar01

Here’s Your XXL Freshmen 10 Cover

XXL’s (nearly) annual freshmen issue will hit newsstands March 16th. Out of all the intro vids I’d have to say Fashawn’s, Jay Rock’s, Nipsey Hussle’s and Freddie Gibbs’s verses were the best. Also notice how there aren’t any New York rappers in the building. Not to start trouble but it’s interesting to see a magazine like XXL see the future of rap in every region outside of it’s birthplace. Anyway it’s not a big deal in my eyes.  There’s no need to get too upset over someone else’s opinion right? Pic jacked from OS.

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