Hip Hop Music » Magazine

XXL Celebrates Def Jam’s 25th Anniversary In November Issue

Chozen — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:49:12 +0000

In celebration of Def Jam’s quarter century in the music business, XXL has selected a handful of the label’s roster, past and present, to grace the cover of the November issue.
XXL’s new issue will include memorable tales from the MCs about the famed label, along with a complete discography of Def Jam releases and a comprehensive timeline of the brand’s biggest moments. Behind the scenes masterminds, Russell Simmons, Lyor Cohen and Kevin Liles sit for the first time to share their memories and Rick Rubin also takes a look back at the legacy of Def Jam.
Other features in the issue include stories on Clipse, Kid Cudi, Birdman, Juvenile and B.G.
XXL’s November issue hits stand on October 27.
via XXL

Young Jeezy On The Cover Of XXL

Chozen — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 02:57:48 +0000

Throw him on the mag! Young Jeezy graces XXL Magazine’s 12th Anniversary (September) issue.
Jeezy and Foxy Brown posed for split anniversary covers for last year. In the cover story, Mr. 17. 5 discusses his upcoming album, his feuds with DJ Drama and Gucci Mane and taking it back to the trap.
In celebration of its 12th year, XXL spoke to 50 Cent, Juvenile, Nelly, Fat Joe, Common, Dame Dash and Baby, among others, about their favorite XXL covers and some of the mag’s greatest moments.
The issue also includes a feature on the death of the super-producer and Shakur, the lead girl in Drake’s “Best I Ever Had” video, appears in Eye Candy.
XXL’s 12th anniversary issue hits newsstands August 11th.

via XXLmag.com

XXL’s 12th anniversary issue hits news stands August 11th.

Fabolous & The Dream On The August Cover Of XXL

Chozen — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:16:00 +0000

Fabolous and The Dream grace the cover of XXL for August, check it out….

Eminem on The Cover Of Vibe Magazine

Chozen — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 02:44:13 +0000

Eminem on the cover of VIBE magazine, which is funny because the Editor and Chief is somewhat of a racist, though I find it hard to believe that a black racist exist. But anyways this is the same magazine that said Robin Thicke couldn’t be on the cover because he was white even though he makes black music. I don’t really care about of this race shit there is far more important this to worry about but it was a thought that just popped in my head as I’m writing this and I just went with it.

Back to the topic at hand, so Em is on the cover of VIBE and we also have his final tracklist below for his upcoming album Relapse.

01 Dr. West (Skit)
02 3am
03 My Mom
04 Insane
05 Bagpipes From Baghdad
06 Hello
07 Tonya (Skit)
08 Same Song & Dance
09 We Made You
10 Medicine Ball
11 Paul (Skit)
12 Stay Wide Awake
13 Old Time’s Sake f. Dr. Dre
14 Must Be The Ganja
15 Mr. Mathers
16 Deja Vu
17 Beautiful
18 Crack A Bottle f. Dr. Dre & 50 Cent
19 Steve Berman (Skit)
20 Underground/Ken Kaniff

Jim Jones and Mims Cover Ozone Magazine

Chozen — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 09:37:37 +0000

Hmm, two New York artists on the cover Down South magazine?

Lil Wayne Covers Rolling Stone

Chozen — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 09:30:50 +0000

I’m all for body tattoos, but I’m letting that needle go anywhere near my face. More pics at Rolling Stone

50 Cent Speaks On Jay-Z, Diddy and The Economy

Chozen — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 08:54:48 +0000

50 Cent did an interview with KING magazine and dished the goods on his business world.

People are struggling to make money in the music industry. Do you have a lot of investments outside of entertainment?
Absolutely. I make more money away from music than I do off of music—well, I was. Shit is terrible right now. Look at the economy in general. General Motors and Chrysler are looking for a bailout. It’s going to be a financial issue if they don’t succeed, though. If they don’t receive the assistance, they will go bankrupt in the next couple of years.
Isn’t it sort of like what happens to rappers when they don’t produce what the market wants?
That too. In this climate, it’s not just them. Every time you open the newspaper you see another business or establishment you thought was credible in trouble, like Circuit City filing for bankruptcy. The United States is the place to do business
. So if it’s bad here, where do you go? We’re the feeding ground. All those Asian countries—Thailand, Taiwan, China—they’re manufacturing things to sell here. How long do [regular people] have to survive before we recover? We may lose our middle class. If you have $20,000 in stocks invested in different areas, a home that you actually want to live in and [a] car, that’s middle class. So those people, if you had stocks in GM like I had, [they are in trouble]. My [broker] from Goldman Sachs just got laid off. [If] the guy you got assisting you [with financial] decisions is having issues, then you really got to look into it, right?
Who has the best model for staying relevant to fans?
Puffy has the best model for staying relevant, because [he does it] without a song. He’s been able to maintain an interest and stay in a space to executive produce television and film projects, and stay relevant to hip-hop culture. What was the last record that made you feel like, ‘Oh, my God, Puffy is on fire’? You don’t need it. That’s what makes his business model exciting to me. There are only three of us to look at: Jay, [me] and Puff. [We have] three totally different situations. We’ve just been a part of hip-hop culture. That’s the similarity. I still think they’ll be relevant. I just think they’re like the fire hydrant: You can’t move those guys out of the street. I think they’ll [still] be the guys you need to connect with [to] get a shot.
So where will your brand be in the future?
Well, I believe that I will have a stronger position as we move forward. What I have on my side is age. [Laughs] See, in the next five years they’ll be 45 and 44 years old. And I’ll just be close to where they are now.

Catch the full interview over at KING

Jay-Z Covers “Best Life” Magazine

Chozen — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:45:14 +0000

Hova touches down on the cover of Best Life magazine, don’t think I’ve ever seen a rapper on this magazine before but then again I’m not a subscriber.

A quote from the upcoming, “Best Life,” issue featuring Jay-Z.

“I’m a mirror…If you’re cool with me, I’m cool with you, and the exchange starts. What you see is what you reflect. If you don’t like what you see, then you’ve done something. If I’m standoffish, that’s because you are.”
- Jay-Z

T.I. Covers Vibe (Ain’t No Such Thing As A Secret Snitch)

Chozen — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:25:32 +0000

From Press Release

In an extensive report titled “Cell Therapy,” VIBE Senior Editor Benjamin Meadows-Ingram chronicles the superstar’s history-making legal battle and gut-wrenching journey since his 2007 arrest for attempting to collect three unregistered machine guns and two silencers following his BET Hip Hop Awards performance rehearsal.
After the announcement on March 27, 2008 of what many felt was a shockingly light slap on the wrist for the serious charges, many responded by screaming, “Snitch!” However, authorities agreed to a groundbreaking plea deal negotiated by heavyweight Criminal Defense Attorney, Steve Sadow, who cited the star’s ability to influence others by serving 1500 hours of community service.
US Attorney David Nahmias says, “What [the defense] proposed, and what I ultimately thought was reasonable, is that Mr. Harris has the ability to reach thousands, probably tens of thousands of people, particularly at-risk young people. And that out of the tens of thousands of people he could reach, he has the real possibility of getting at least a few of them not to commit the kinds of crimes we would prosecute.”
T.I. bites back at rumors about how he scored this largely unprecedented deal by saying, “Ain’t no such thing as a secret snitch…Pull up my agreement. It’s public record.”

I can’t front when he first got off I was the thinking he might have snitched, the same way most of you were thinking the same thing but only one person actually addressed it. I mean Remy gone for Eight years for supposedly shooting someone, Mike Vick gone for 3 years for some dog fights. With those stats you can’t blame me for thinking he might have sang, but at the same time I was and still am a fan and started to think that If a Pedophile like R.Kelly can get off for pissing on 15 year old then anything is possible. Plus I think the fact that he’s a high profile artist played a big part in it.

At any rate I’m not a lawyer so I really can’t call it, and at the end of the day I still fux with him and his music.

Your thoughts?

Akon on Cover of Blackmen Magazine with Suelyn and Casie

Chozen — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:51:36 +0000

Akon covers Blackmen Magazine with Suelyn and Casie, props to Dynasty Series.

Kanye West Covers Vibe February Issue

Chozen — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 23:46:04 +0000

“I haven’t done anything violent. They make it seem like I actually went and hit the paparazzi. I haven’t. I was restrained. I’m good at restraining myself from committing violent acts. I know how to control my temper. That one paparazzo made it a bigger deal. I just put my hand up and he felt like he had more right to my personal space than I did. I put my hand up to stop him from shooting me.”

Lexilex WTF: Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear!

Lexilex — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 23:59:11 +0000

(Atlanta, GA) – As a resident of Atlanta, I am all too familiar with how 65% to 70% of the population pretends to be someone they are not. Don’t get me wrong, a lot of the people in Atlanta are doing really well; you have a lot of people doing very well in their prospective careers. However, you still have a lot of people who are still faking it until they make it. This includes several members of the cast of the Real Housewives of Atlanta.

Throughout this show, viewers from all around the country have been conned into believing that these women have something serious going on. However, it has been revealed by numerous of sources that there have been many lies within this so called “reality show”. We have been conned into believing that that these women have stacks on deck and are just living it up like there is no tomorrow. However, it has been revealed that my personal favorite NeNe Leakes has been evicted from her Duluth home; which is the same home that has been featured on the show. Her B.F.F. Kim Zolaic was written into the script to add adversity; there is no such man as a ‘Big Poppa’ (a.k.a. Lee Najir) – which means she never bought that Cadillac Escalade. (Before the show finished taping, their relationship ended). Nor does she have a singing career in the making with mega producer Dallas Austin. However, Kim does live in the very nice townhouse shown in the show. Furthermore, Sheree Whitfield’s finances are not as lavish as reported either. The uptight and sadistic diva is known for bouncing checks throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area as she travels and shops with her entourage of people. Unsurprisingly, Sheree was also evicted from her home seen in the show. Lisa Wu-Hartwell recently filed for chapter 7 bankruptcy and is known for having several alias such as Sharron M. Wu and Sharon Lisa Sweat (after her previous marriage to Keith Sweat whom she has two kids).

Now, don’t get me wrong; I’m all about doing well and having things to represent your success. However, prior to their show I have never heard of any of these women (aside from Sheree’s check bouncing through Lenox Square Mall). It seems like the only women who have something legitimate is DeShawn Snow, who is working diligently to get the DeShawn Snow Foundation up and running. Ironically, nobody wanted to give DeShawn any play during her fundraiser at the couple’s home. Perhaps these ladies were just jealous because DeShawn’s money is real.

I suppose this show just goes to show you that you cannot believe half of what you see and none of what you read – even when you’re living in the overcrowded city of Atlanta, GA. Everybody who is somebody is linked to somebody else and it is truly six degrees of separation amongst people.

Although all of these ladies are quick to fight the rumors, the fact of the matter is none of these women have it going on as they proclaim. If they did, NeNe wouldn’t have that $30 a bag dry, bridle, and ugly quick weave in her head and Kim’s clip on pieces wouldn’t show every episode.

Be yourself people! Fronting and flodging will get you nowhere accept for on blast for faking it until you make it!

T.I., Chanta Patton & Daphne Joy on cover of Blackmens Magazine

Chozen — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 22:29:09 +0000

Notorious B.I.G. On The Cover Of The Source

Chozen — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:40:09 +0000

The story of the late great rapper, Christopher Wallace, is retold through the eyes of director George Tillman as he recounts to The Source how he managed to bring the legendary rapper’s life to the big screen. Voletta Wallace, Wayne Barrow and Mark Pitts (former managers), Lil’ Cease and many of Wallace’s closest confidants and business partners give recollections of their experiences during the filming of the movie. Voletta Wallace, mother of Notorious B.I.G. states in the article, “Maybe I’ll cry my heart out; maybe I’ll just laugh myself silly. I really don’t know what I’m going to do after I see the film.”

50 Cent On The Cover Of XXL

Chozen — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 21:50:47 +0000

T.I. Covers GIANT Magazine

Omar West — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 00:24:13 +0000

Check out TIP covering the October/November issue of GIANT magazine. The ATL trap star is in full hustle mode…and we’re loving it! In the new issue, T.I. talks about his Paper Trail, voting, and more importantly comes clean about his mistakes.

Yeah we swagger jacked this from Str8NYC

Obama Cover Vibe Magazine November Issue

Chozen — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 00:01:22 +0000

Check out Obama on the November Issue of Vibe magazine

Reagan Gomez Covers King Magazine November Issue

Chozen — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:02:14 +0000

Hitting newsstands on October 14th, it’s KING’S Jock the Vote issue featuring Reagan Gomez and Special Guest Editor T.I.!

Source:King Mag

The Game J’Adore Mag Cover

Chozen — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 11:56:06 +0000

The Game on the cover of J’Adore surrounded by Desperate House Wives, check it out….

Diddy Uptown Magazine Cover

Chozen — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:57:10 +0000

Read his Q&A with Dream Hampton here.

Lil Wayne Covers XXL

Chozen — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 01:23:51 +0000

Lil Wayne covers XXL October Issue check it out and give us your feedback…..”we are not the same I am a Martian”

HOOPZ COVERS KING MAGAZINE

Omar West — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 22:13:39 +0000

Check out reality star, Hoopz, covering the October ‘08 “Pretty Young Things” issue of King Magazine. Nice play with the vivid colors…but Hoopz could do without the clown make-up. Aside from that, the cover is a major upgrade from the previous issues. Hold up! I thought Rihanna was the “Good Girl Gone Bad”, since when did Teairra Mari take the title?

Sent over by StraightOuttaNYC.

Ice Cube & Queen Latifah Cover The Source

Chozen — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 21:23:58 +0000

The Source 20th Anniversary covers show love to Ice Cube and Queen Latifah. The back of each magazine will also feature the first covers that the two artists appeared on.

Vibe 15th Anniversary Juice Issue Covers (Hova)

Chozen — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 19:18:53 +0000

Young Jeezy and Foxy Brown Cover XXL

Chozen — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:42:11 +0000

Flavor Flav Sister 2 Sister Cover

Chozen — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 19:21:12 +0000

Hard to believe this is Flavor Flav’s son given the circumstances, the kid definitely got that from his mother’s side.

Nelly On The Cover Of The Rap Up Magazine

Chozen — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 19:36:52 +0000

RAP-UP SUMMER 2008 ISSUE ON SALE NOW (Purchase Online: Rap-Up.com)

The double-sided cover stars one of the best-selling rappers of all time NELLY and introduces 2008’s “Brave New Girls”

KERI HILSON, SOLANGE KNOWLES, and TEYANA TAYLOR

Inside this issue you’ll find:

• Nelly addresses the haters and the state of hip-hop, gives the scoop on his relationship with Ashanti, and reveals plans for a joint album with another rap superstar.
• Meet 2008’s “Brave New Girls” Keri Hilson, Solange Knowles, and Teyana Taylor, as well as Estelle, Kid Sister, Janelle Monáe, and Wynter Gordon.
• Plus exclusive interviews and photos of G-Unit, The Game, Leona Lewis, Danity Kane, Rick Ross, N.E.R.D., Lloyd, Three 6 Mafia, Flo Rida, Yung Berg, and more!

Props to the Rap-Up team…..

Nas Interview With Complex Magazine

Chozen — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 18:55:28 +0000

Complex: Kanye says that you are the greatest rapper of all time. How does it make you feel when people call Lil’ Wayne the best rapper alive?
Nas: Oh man, good. I only feel weird when you’re saying that about me. I think Kanye West saved rap. I think Lil’ Wayne is showing there is a future for all kinds of artists to continue doing this. You know, I love it.
Complex: Who in the game still excites you?
Nas: Kanye, OutKast, Eminem.
Complex: Is this your last album?
Nas: This is definitely not my last album. I’m going to do this shit until I’m 70, until I can’t fucking talk.
Full Interview: Complex

Nas Covers YRB

Chozen — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:15:10 +0000

T.I. Covers XXL August Edition

Chozen — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:13:29 +0000