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XXL Staff
![How Rap Beef Took a Wildly Different Turn This Year Thanks to Podcasters and Streamers](http://townsquare.media/site/812/files/2024/07/attachment-podcasters-streamers-photo.jpg?w=980&q=75)
How Rap Beef Took a Wildly Different Turn This Year Thanks to Podcasters and Streamers
XXL explores how podcasters and streamers now hold weight in how rap music and messages are disseminated.
![Understanding Sexyy Red – Setting the Record Straight on Celebrity, Working With Her ‘Rich Baby Daddy’ Drake and More](http://townsquare.media/site/812/files/2024/07/attachment-sexyy-red-photo.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Understanding Sexyy Red – Setting the Record Straight on Celebrity, Working With Her ‘Rich Baby Daddy’ Drake and More
As her star power shines beyond hip-hop, Sexyy Red speaks to XXL magazine about her wild rise to fame, her "rich baby daddy" Drake, judgment from others and more.
![XXL Weighs In on the Freshman Cypher and Freestyle Controversy](http://townsquare.media/site/812/files/2024/06/attachment-2024-xxl-freshman-class-photo-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
XXL Weighs In on the Freshman Cypher and Freestyle Controversy
Setting the record straight on the discussion across the internet.
![BabyDrill Discusses the Rap Grind, Young Nudy’s Advice and Working With Drake](http://townsquare.media/site/812/files/2024/06/attachment-babydrill.jpg?w=980&q=75)
BabyDrill Discusses the Rap Grind, Young Nudy’s Advice and Working With Drake
BabyDrill speaks to XXL in an exclusive interview about his rise in rap, Young Nudy's guidance and a Drake collab.
![A Look at How Navigating Life on Social Media Gets Complicated in Hip-Hop](http://townsquare.media/site/812/files/2024/05/attachment-rappers-social-media-photo-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
A Look at How Navigating Life on Social Media Gets Complicated in Hip-Hop
Here's a look at how navigating life online and the pressure it brings gets complicated in hip-hop.
![Kid Rappers Stack Likes, Pile Retweets and Watch Their Popularity Soar Through Digital Word of Mouth](http://townsquare.media/site/812/files/2024/05/attachment-kids-rapping-social.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Kid Rappers Stack Likes, Pile Retweets and Watch Their Popularity Soar Through Digital Word of Mouth
XXL explores how kid rappers are thriving thanks to the power of social media and a dose of good luck.
![Jim Jones and Maino Join Forces as Lobby Boyz to Discuss New Album, Brotherhood and Rap Groups](http://townsquare.media/site/812/files/2024/05/attachment-lobby-boyz.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Jim Jones and Maino Join Forces as Lobby Boyz to Discuss New Album, Brotherhood and Rap Groups
Jim Jones and Maino as the duo Lobby Boyz speak to XXL about their brotherly bond, accomplishments together and on their own and more.
![There’s No Doubt Hip-Hop Is Looking Up in 2024](http://townsquare.media/site/812/files/2024/04/attachment-hip-hop-in-2024-photo.jpg?w=980&q=75)
There’s No Doubt Hip-Hop Is Looking Up in 2024
Read exclusive interviews with music industry executives on how hip-hop is looking up in 2024.
![Here Are All the Legal Issues Diddy’s Dealing With Right Now](http://townsquare.media/site/812/files/2024/03/attachment-Diddy-Legal-Issues.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Here Are All the Legal Issues Diddy’s Dealing With Right Now
Diddy is embroiled in legal isssues.
![New Slang ‘No Diddy’ Goes Viral and Replaces ‘No Homo’](http://townsquare.media/site/812/files/2024/03/attachment-diddy-slang-no-homo.jpg?w=980&q=75)
New Slang ‘No Diddy’ Goes Viral and Replaces ‘No Homo’
New slang alert.
![NFL Player Tyreek Hill Calls Out Rick Ross for Filming Hill’s House Fire](http://townsquare.media/site/812/files/2024/03/attachment-tyreek-hill-rick-ross.jpg?w=980&q=75)
NFL Player Tyreek Hill Calls Out Rick Ross for Filming Hill’s House Fire
Poor judgment call?
![Who Is Tia Kemp, the Mother of Rick Ross’ Son?](http://townsquare.media/site/812/files/2024/03/attachment-tia-kemp-rick-ross.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Who Is Tia Kemp, the Mother of Rick Ross’ Son?
Questions have been answered.
![Fans Weigh In on Diddy’s Sexual Assault Allegations](http://townsquare.media/site/812/files/2024/02/attachment-diddy-3.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Fans Weigh In on Diddy’s Sexual Assault Allegations
The people sound off on the accusations.
![Baby Tate Claps Back at Fan Who Accuses Her of Biting Nicki Minaj’s Style](http://townsquare.media/site/812/files/2024/02/attachment-baby-tate-nicki-minaj-biting-fans.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Baby Tate Claps Back at Fan Who Accuses Her of Biting Nicki Minaj’s Style
Baby Tate claps back.
![Here Are the XXL Awards 2024 Nominees and New Board Members](http://townsquare.media/site/812/files/2024/02/attachment-xxl-awards-2024_1080x720.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Here Are the XXL Awards 2024 Nominees and New Board Members
See the nominees and board members for the XXL Awards 2024.
![How to Livestream Kanye West and Ty Dolla Sign’s Vultures Album Listening Event](http://townsquare.media/site/812/files/2024/02/attachment-kanye-west-ty-dolla-sign-photo.jpg?w=980&q=75)
How to Livestream Kanye West and Ty Dolla Sign’s Vultures Album Listening Event
Get the info on Kanye and Ty's Vultures album listening here.
![Buy XXL’s New Store Merch – Hoodies, T-Shirts, Phone Cases and More](http://townsquare.media/site/812/files/2024/02/attachment-xxl-merch-photo.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Buy XXL’s New Store Merch – Hoodies, T-Shirts, Phone Cases and More
Something for everyone.
![Jay-Z’s Most Memorable Lines From His Speech for Dr. Dre Global Impact Award at 2024 Grammys](http://townsquare.media/site/812/files/2024/02/attachment-jay-z-photo-grammys.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Jay-Z’s Most Memorable Lines From His Speech for Dr. Dre Global Impact Award at 2024 Grammys
Hov made an impact at the Grammys.
![Killer Mike Taken Away in Handcuffs by Police at 2024 Grammy Awards](http://townsquare.media/site/812/files/2024/02/attachment-killer-mike-arrested-photo.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Killer Mike Taken Away in Handcuffs by Police at 2024 Grammy Awards
Killer Mike has been put in handcuffs at the Grammy Awards.
![Here’s Every Best Rap Song Winner at the Grammy Awards Over the Years](http://townsquare.media/site/812/files/2023/01/attachment-drake-grammy.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Here’s Every Best Rap Song Winner at the Grammy Awards Over the Years
A look at which rappers earned the big win over the years.
![Here Are Rappers With the Most Grammy Awards](http://townsquare.media/site/812/files/2015/12/Grammy-Winners1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Rubi Rose’s Alleged Close Friends Story Post Shows Her Calling Nicki Minaj Evil and Washed](http://townsquare.media/site/812/files/2024/01/attachment-Rubi-Rose-Close-Friends-Story-Nicki-Minaj.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Rubi Rose’s Alleged Close Friends Story Post Shows Her Calling Nicki Minaj Evil and Washed
Was Rubi talking trash about Nicki?
![Attempted Rape Victim Amends Lawsuit Against Nicki Minaj’s Husband to Include Evidence From Original Case](http://townsquare.media/site/812/files/2021/08/attachment-nicki-minaj-kenneth-petty.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Attempted Rape Victim Amends Lawsuit Against Nicki Minaj’s Husband to Include Evidence From Original Case
The attempted rape victim has amended her rape lawsuit against Kenneth Petty to include evidence from 1994 trial.
![Show Cancellations, Temperamental Ticket Sales and a Shift in Demand – Where Does the World of Hip-Hop Touring Go From Here?](http://townsquare.media/site/812/files/2023/12/attachment-50-cent-lil-baby-tyler-the-creator-photo.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Show Cancellations, Temperamental Ticket Sales and a Shift in Demand – Where Does the World of Hip-Hop Touring Go From Here?
In a year marked by show cancellations, temperamental ticket sales and a shift in demand, XXL takes a look at where hip-hop touring goes from here.
![A Look at Why Sampling in Hip-Hop Sounds More Familiar Than Ever in 2023](http://townsquare.media/site/812/files/2023/12/attachment-sampling-hip-hop-photo.jpg?w=980&q=75)
A Look at Why Sampling in Hip-Hop Sounds More Familiar Than Ever in 2023
Sampling in hip-hop has been going on since the genre’s inception, but in 2023, it’s been more prevalent than ever. XXL dives deep to discuss why everything sounds familiar.
![Here Are the Best Hip-Hop Producers of 2023](http://townsquare.media/site/812/files/2023/12/attachment-best-producers-2023-photo.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Here Are the Best Hip-Hop Producers of 2023
As 2023 winds down, there are a lot of talented people behind the boards that deserve recognition for contributing to some of the year's best albums.
![DD Osama Is Out to Prove That Drill Rappers Can Do Everything](http://townsquare.media/site/812/files/2023/12/attachment-dd-osama-photo-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
DD Osama Is Out to Prove That Drill Rappers Can Do Everything
DD Osama discusses how he got into rap, growing up with his late brother Notti, evolving as a drill rapper and more in a interview with XXL magazine.
![Here Are the Best Hip-Hop Projects of 2023](http://townsquare.media/site/812/files/2023/11/attachment-best-hip-hop-2023-cover.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Here Are the Best Hip-Hop Projects of 2023
It's been a monumental year for hip-hop.
![Blueface Explains Why He Accused Chrisean Rock of Having Sex With Offset While Trading Disses With Soulja Boy](http://townsquare.media/site/812/files/2023/10/attachment-Blueface-Chrisean-Rock-Hernia.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![ScarLip Turns Pain Into Power as She Creates Her Debut Project Scars & Stripes](http://townsquare.media/site/812/files/2023/12/attachment-scar-lip-photo.jpg?w=980&q=75)
ScarLip Turns Pain Into Power as She Creates Her Debut Project Scars & Stripes
ScarLip speaks to XXL in an exclusive magazine interview about the success of her song "This Is New York," Swizz Beatz's support and more.