Truth: Skilla Baby Detroit’s finest Skilla Baby deep-dives into his new album, The Price of Fame, out Aug. 21. As Told To: Peter A. Berry Editor’s Note: This story appears in the Summer 2026 issue of XXL Magazine, on newsstands now and available for sale on the XXL website. The Price of Fame is an album for the […]
Ohio has produced an extraordinary collection of singers whose voices have influenced rock, soul, pop, country, jazz, and rhythm and blues. From the energetic streets of Cleveland and Cincinnati to smaller towns across the Buckeye State, these performers carried Ohio’s creativity, determination, and cultural diversity onto national and international stages. Some became pioneering legends who […]
Drake, BossMan Dlow and Doechii are among the hip-hop stars featured on Barack Obama‘s eclectic Summer Playlist for 2026. On Thursday (July 30), the beloved former President released his annual list of songs for the summer, and while it spans multiple genres as usual, hip-hop once again earned a strong showing. Doechii landed a spot […]
Oregon has inspired an impressive array of singers whose voices reflect the state’s creativity, independence, and natural beauty. From Portland’s vibrant music scene to quiet coastal towns and rugged inland communities, the Beaver State has produced performers who found success in rock, folk, pop, country, jazz, and alternative music. Some became international stars, while others […]
Soulja Boy is coming for Kai Cenat once again, this time challenging the streamer to get in the ring with him to duke it out over what has mainly been a one-sided beef. On Thursday (July 30), less than 48 hours after his own birthday, SB hopped on X to call Kai a “b**ch” and […]
Iowa’s open farmland, close knit communities, and deep storytelling traditions have produced an impressive variety of musical voices. From legendary big band crooners and country performers to rock singers, pop favorites, and innovative alternative artists, the Hawkeye State has contributed memorable talent to American music. Some found inspiration in small towns and rural landscapes, while […]
Oh, you thought we were done? The XXL cameras kept rolling after the initial filming of the 2026 Freshman Cypher featuring Chris Patrick, La Reezy, Sosocamo, Slayr, Miles Minnick and Hurricane Wisdom, and the result ended in bonus rough footage, powered by Puma, with all six rappers having fun and freestyling off the top. Over producer Jay Trench’s charging beat, the Freshmen […]
Kansas has produced a remarkable collection of singers whose voices reflect the heart, resilience, and creative spirit of the Midwest. From celebrated rock performers and country storytellers to jazz legends, pop favorites, and influential soul artists, the Sunflower State has contributed unforgettable talent to American music. Some found inspiration in small towns, open plains, and […]
Ye has reportedly reached a settlement in the sexual assault lawsuit filed by his former assistant, Lauren Pisciotta. According to documents filed in a Los Angeles court on Tuesday (July 28), the Chicago native reached an unconditional settlement that resolves the case in its entirety. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Pisciotta’s attorney, […]
Instrumental music proves that unforgettable stories can be told without a single lyric. Through expressive guitars, sweeping orchestras, soulful saxophones, delicate pianos, and driving rhythms, these compositions communicate triumph, romance, mystery, nostalgia, and adventure in a language understood everywhere. Some became cinematic themes, dance floor sensations, or radio staples, while others showcased musicianship so distinctive […]