Lavern Baker, a powerhouse of rhythm and blues, left an indelible mark on the music world with her soulful voice and electrifying performances. Emerging in the 1950s, she captivated audiences with a blend of rock and roll, pop, and gospel influences that set her apart from her contemporaries. Known for her dynamic stage presence and […]
Nicki Minaj wants ALL the smoke with Jay-Z. On Monday (July 8), the Queens, N.Y., MC went in on the rap icon on X in a bitter tirade. But what’s Queen Barbz real beef with Jigga? Why Does Nicki Minaj Despise Jay-Z? Nicki Minaj’s beef with Hov appears to be over money. At least publicly. After previously calling out […]
When it comes to the golden era of soul and R&B, few artists have made as significant an impact as Gene Chandler. With a voice that can both soothe and electrify, Chandler has gifted the music world with an array of timeless hits that continue to resonate across generations. From his smooth vocal delivery to […]
This week’s Sound Check With Jeremy Hecht is also a Sound Check with Tech — as in Tech N9ne, the Midwestern indie stalwart whose tongue-twisting rhymes have upheld the standard for lyrical excellence for the past 25 years. The Kansas City native takes on the challenge of choosing between carefully selected songs to display his […]
The 2025 XXL Freshman Class is officially in session. Each rap star on the rise enters the proverbial hallways of hip-hop history with their own superlative style. Rappers like Loe Shimmy, Lazer Dim 700 and Nino Paid bring a new wave of artistry to the game while MCs like Ray Vaughn, Eem Triplin and Samara Cyn show off next-level lyricism. […]
From the rolling hills of Appalachia to the heart of Nashville’s biggest stages, Kentucky has quietly raised some of the most iconic voices in music history. This southern state, known for its bourbon, bluegrass, and horse racing, has also given rise to a powerful lineup of singers who’ve left their mark on country, pop, rock, […]
While the event is technically called the Essence Festival of Culture, one of its biggest draws is the nightly concert featuring some of the biggest names in Black music. But at the 2025 Essence Fest in New Orleans, those names and the music they represent could be seen, heard, and felt throughout the weekend, all […]
When you think of musical legends, Arizona might not be the first place that comes to mind — but it should be. From the sun-soaked streets of Phoenix to the artsy vibes of Sedona, the Grand Canyon State has birthed and nurtured some of the most iconic voices in music history. Whether it’s the raw […]
It’s time to get more acquainted with the leaders of the new school that make up the 2025 XXL Freshman Class. After Samara Cyn, Ray Vaughn, YTB Fatt, BabyChiefDoIt, 1900Rugrat, Gelo, Loe Shimmy, Eem Triplin, Lazer Dim 700, Nino Paid and Ian all clapped back at the haters in the Mean Comments, there’s another way their personalities shine. Get ready to learn […]
Music has the remarkable ability to transcend time and connect us through emotions, memories, and experiences. At the heart of this universal language are the male vocalists who have shaped the soundscape of generations. From soul-stirring ballads to electrifying rock anthems, the best male singers have left an indelible mark on the industry, captivating audiences […]