href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/trentfitzgerald/” rel=”author”>Trent FitzgeraldPublished: February 17, 2023wimagine/ Kolonko/iStock/Getty Images Plus (2)/
Lester Cohen/Getty Images for Universal Music Group/Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation/Maury Phillips/Getty Images/Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Fanatics/Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for E11EVEN

Every day of the year has a certain rapper's birthday. From veteran rhymers to the new schoolers, there's always a hip-hop artist celebrating their year around the sun.

Some rappers go all out to celebrate their birthdays. For his 36th birthday bash, on Oct. 24, 2022, Drake held an extravagant raffle for partygoers to win a chance to receive $5,000 gift cards to Saks Fifth Avenue, a Rolex watch and other expensive goodies. Attendees were also given fake $500 bills with Drizzy's face on it.

Other artists also share the same birthdays. Rick Ross, J. Cole and Rakim all share the same birthdate: Jan. 28. The late Nipsey Hussle and Chief Keef's birthdays are on Aug. 15. Meanwhile, Waka Flocka Flame and Azealia Banks have the same birthday: May 31.

Another surprising fact: Jay-Z is older than the late The Notorious B.I.G., Snoop Dogg, Eminem and the late Tupac Shakur, all whom were born within two years apart from each other.

And of course, this year, hip-hop celebrates its 50th birthday on Aug. 11, the same day DJ Kool Herc held a back-to-school party at the Bronx's Sedgwick Avenue in 1973. At the 65th annual Grammy Awards, on Feb. 6, rappers past and present rocked the mic for an all-star, early birthday celebration of the biggest music genre in the world.

There are so many hip-hop artists in the rap game that it can be difficult to remember every one of their born days. That's why XXL has created this handy list of rappers and their birthdays. Some of their birthdays have already passed, and some are coming up real soon. Check them out below.

See Rappers’ BirthdaysFiled Under: 2 Chainz, 21 Savage, 42 Dugg, 50 Cent, A$AP Rocky, Azealia Banks, Boosie Badazz, Cam’ron, Cardi B, Chance The Rapper, Chief Keef, Coi Leray, Curren$y, DaBaby, Danny Brown, Denzel Curry, Doja Cat, Dr. Dre, Drake, E-40, Earl Sweatshirt, Eminem, Fabolous, Fivio Foreign, Freddie Gibbs, French Montana, Future, G Herbo, Galleries, Gallery, GloRilla, Gucci Mane, Gunna, Ice Cube, Ice Spice, Iggy Azalea, J. Cole, Jack Harlow, Jay Electronica, Jay-Z, Jermaine Dupri, Jim Jones, Joe Budden, Juice Wrld, Kanye West, Kevin Gates, Kodak Black, Latto, lil b, Lil Baby, Lil Durk, Lil Kim, Lil Peep, Lil Pump, Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Wayne, Lil Yachty, Lola Brooke, Ludacris, Mac Miller, Madeintyo, Meek Mill, Method Man, Missy Elliott, Moneybagg Yo, N.O.R.E., Nas, NBA YoungBoy, Nicki Miinaj, Nipsey Hussle, NLE Choppa, Offset, Playboi Carti, Post Malone, Quavo, Queen Latifah, Rakim, Rapsody, Remy Ma, Rick Ross, Rico Nasty, Riff Raff, Saweetie, Ski Mask The Slump God, Slim Jxmmi, Smokepurpp, Snoop Dogg, swae lee, Takeoff, The Notorious B.I.G., Thouxanbanfauni, Trippie Redd, Tupac Shakur, Tyler The Creator, Ugly God, UnoTheActivist, Vince Staples, Waka Flocka Flame, Wale, Wiz Khalifa, XXXTentacion, yfn lucci, Young Thug, YoungBoy Never Broke AgainCategories: News


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/trentfitzgerald/” rel=”author”>Trent FitzgeraldPublished: October 29, 2022Todd Kirkland/Getty Images/BigBoyTV/YouTube/Paras Griffin/Jerod Harris/Getty Images (2)

When it comes to guest features, DaBaby doesn't have a problem paying to secure a fellow rapper on a song. Recently, the North Carolina rapper revealed the prices he paid Lil Baby, Boosie BadAzz and Tory Lanez for feature verse.

In an interview with BigBoyTV, which premiered on YouTube on Thursday (Oct. 27), DaBaby openly disclosed the prices he paid to get a guest feature from Lil Baby, Boosie BadAzz and Tory Lanez early in his career (circa 2018).

According to the 2019 XXL Freshman, he paid Boosie $15,000 for a verse for their first song together. "I definitely paid him $15,000 and [$8,000] more on the second song," he said.

"I paid Tory Lanez [$10,000] that I never put out…for a song called 'Squad Goals,'" DaBaby recalled. "I paid Lil Baby [$10,000] for a song called 'Today.'"

Interestingly, DaBaby revealed that Yo Gotti delivered him a guest verse "on the love" so he didn't have to pay for it. He also added that he doesn't regret paying the fees for guest verses when he was just a newbie in the rap game.

Now that DaBaby is at a higher level in the rap game, his guest feature price has gone way up. The "Rockstar" rhymer commands $300,000 for a feature verse. As for Lil Baby, he recently disclosed that he charges between $300,000 to $350,000 for a verse.

Elsewhere in the BigBoyTV interview, DaBaby revealed that he gets a performance fee of $250,000 to $300,000 per show.

In the immortal words of Fat Joe: yesterday's price is not today's price.

Watch DaBaby's Interview With BigBoyTV BelowSee How Much It Costs for a Verse From Your Favorite RapperAny guesses on dollar amounts before you look?Filed Under: Boosie Badazz, DaBaby, Lil Baby, Tory LanezCategories: News


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/georgette/” rel=”author”>Georgette ClinePublished: October 20, 2022

Words: Georgette Cline Images: Leland Hayward for XXL

DedicatedLil Baby’s rap moniker pales in comparison to the growth he’s experienced over the last five years. With his newly released third studio album prospering in streams, the Atlanta rapper’s music, business and outlook are steady elevating.

There’s a war going on outside no rapper is safe from. One that requires 24-hour security and bulletproof vehicles. Even nestled in a mansion in the winding hills of Los Angeles, where affluence and uppercrust permeate the air, precautions are necessary to keep one of the game’s most celebrated artists of the new generation safe. While the city and other regions have been beset by several rappers who’ve died by gun violence in tragic attacks over the last few years, Lil Baby has always had protections in place. The homegrown Atlanta rapper has been resting his head in a Westside California architectural masterpiece for the last five weeks across September and October to finish recording his highly anticipated third studio album, It’s Only Me, which arrived Oct. 14. A steel gate and lush canyon surround the rented property. A security guard stands at attention outside as he checks names and IDs for everyone before they set foot inside. Baby is aware of what’s going on in the world around him despite being focused on the release of his album.

“I'm livin', ya know what I'm sayin’?” says the 27-year-old hip-hop luminary as he sits on a Paris green couch inside the lavish estate on an early October day. He’s dripped out in a Jagne denim top and red leather pants, Supreme Air Force 1s, yellow Richard Mille watch and Wafi-crafted diamond chains. “I'm a target, ya feel me? No matter where I go, I'm a target. So, I'm livin' like I'm a target.” Whether it's in Atlanta or L.A., the bulletproof fleet has been the newest addition for his welfare though. “I could afford it so why not? Be safe, ya feel me?” With the overwhelming success he’s amassed from a rap career in the last five years, it’s certainly a sign of foresight as much as it is growth.

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Sitting up in the hills 20 miles away from the Hollywood sign isn’t something the Grammy-winning artist saw for himself right away as a kid growing up on Atlanta’s West End. Big dreams to be a real-life millionaire were, though. Since the radius of the block was the only thing familiar to him back then, and he was all the way in the streets hustling as a teen, getting there was going to mean serious work. It’s always been “money over everything” for Lil Baby, born Dominique Armani Jones. Although he had a penchant for math and language arts in school—his smarts allowed him to skip a grade and his mom describes him as a “genius, basically” in those days—Baby’s primary concern was getting to the bag.

The former trapreneur was respected in the hood for earning his own cash, but longtime friend Young Thug would actually pay Baby a hefty sum to stay off the block before a life of rhymes was a thought. Unfortunately, hustling caught up with Baby when he was 20. He was arrested for selling drugs and did two years in prison during a time he calls “misery.” Upon his release in 2016, he finally took the advice of Quality Control Music cofounders Kevin “Coach K” Lee and Pierre “P” Thomas, who had tirelessly urged Baby to start rapping, a talent they thought would come naturally to a young gun who had authentically lived what so many others were capping about in their raps. Lil Baby the rapper was born.

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“He’s one of those artists that can cover all bases of life,” affirms P, who along with partner Coach K signed Lil Baby to QC in 2016. “Drake is in his own lane. Kendrick is in his own lane. J. Cole. All those artists are in their own lane, but it’s certain things Baby can do. Baby can come up to they level, but it’s certain things Baby can do that those certain artists can’t do, ’cause it won’t feel authentic to what they do. He can cover all bases. He talk about females. He can cover street shit. He can take you in the trap.”

Leland HaywardLeland Hayward for XXLloading…

“He can take you on the block ’cause he actually lived that and experienced those moments,” P continues. “He can take you into poverty and struggle. He can talk about politics. He can talk about, you know, the girls, love and heartbreak, and he give you all the different elements and emotions. And he’ll talk about different topics. It’s authentic coming from him, ya feel what I’m sayin’?”

That real spill is heard throughout every project Lil Baby has released since 2017. His debut mixtape, Perfect Timing, showed promise with the paper route ode “Option.” “My Dawg,” from Harder Than Hard, and the Marlo and PnB Rock-assisted “Whatchu Gon Do,” off 2 The Hard Way, proved his hitmaking potential. Within two years, he had dropped seven projects, including his first album, Harder Than Ever, and a bevy of hits including the diamond-selling anthem “Drip Too Hard” with Gunna, “Close Friends,” “Yes Indeed” featuring Drake and “Pure Cocaine.” Hard-hitting collabs like The Boy’s “Wants and Needs” and DJ Khaled’s “Every Chance I Get” with Lil Durk put him in respected territory. His depth was also felt when he dropped “The Bigger Picture,” an intrepid track detailing the protests and police killings of Black men like George Floyd in 2020. Not only was he serving the streets with a soundtrack, he provided some life guidance for anyone else willing to take note.

For someone who was reluctant to rap in the first place, consistency became Lil Baby’s greatest weapon to fire off his lyrical progression. Ten projects in five years. However, critics have complained that the rhymer tends to use the same flow across songs. Different melodies and the pockets he hits combined with the copious anthems he’s delivered over bracing beats prove he can switch things up. He’s also aware of the chatter about his delivery. “You gotta really pay attention, I’m not mumblin’,” Baby raps on his new track “Heyy.”

By the time his sophomore album, My Turn, landed in 2020, he was no longer ascending to rap star status. It was evident he was the big dawg high in the sky. The No. 1-selling Billboard 200 chart-topper, now quadruple-platinum, became that year’s most popular album across all genres and the most streamed. The street-savvy neighborhood hero with the airily adenoidal voice beat Taylor Swift’s Folklore and the late Pop Smoke’s Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon for the honor.

Now, with his latest 23-track magnum opus, It’s Only Me, it seems only natural he’d have felt some pressure to meet expectations when making the new album after the colossal success of My Turn. So, did he? “Yes, and then no,” Baby admits. “Yes, because I'ma always want to outdo myself. I'm the only person where I’m like I’m trying to outdo, ya feel me? And then no, because I never actually try to outdo myself. I just know to do what I suppose to do and it just like always happens for me that way, feel me? I’ll outdo myself with no problem.”

Lil Baby certainly has out the gates. On release day last Friday, the LP earned 70 million U.S. streams in comparison to the 55 milli for My Turn. He was the No. 1 most-streamed artist on Spotify that same day and locked in seven tracks from It’s Only Me in the top 20 on the platform. By Saturday morning, the entire top 23 songs on Apple Music were also owned by him. He’s projected to take the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 next week on the strength of massive streams. If he stays on pace to meet the 210,000 first-week sales forecast, he’ll hold the third biggest debut by a rapper this year after Kendrick Lamar’s Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers with 295,500 and Future’s I Never Liked You at 222,000. He could even beat Drake’s Honestly, Nevermind numbers of 204,000.

“I don’t wanna act like a superstar, but it’s certain times I have to think like a superstar because you have to think as you are.”

From streams to projections, fans are clearly eager to hear what Baby has to say. It’s Only Me includes more elevated discourse. He’s leveled up, but still keeps his sights on the home team. “I went from the projects to Zürich, shoebox to Swiss accounts/Millionaire meetings, collared shirt, I left my cup in the car/I'ma bring the ghetto to the light, can't leave ’em stuck in the dark,” he raps on the key-driven “Top Priority,” produced by DJ Champ and prodbyjuko. Future, Young Thug, Nardo Wick, Pooh Shiesty, EST Gee, Fridayy and Rylo Rodriguez are guest features while ATL Jacob, Cubeatz, KaiGoinKrazy, Hoops and Harto, among others, cook up the beats on the project. “California Breeze,” with its knocking, guitar-licked production courtesy of Murda Beatz and Mars, finds him opting to share what he knows with one special lady. “But, if I can have a second of yo’ time, try to elevate yo’ mind,” he rhymes.

There’s some maturation in substance and sound from his prior solo effort and last year’s Lil Durk joint project, The Voice of the Heroes. Sharing newly acquired knowledge learned amid the flex. Mattazik Muzik, one of Lil Baby’s engineers since Harder Than Hard in 2017, echoes those sentiments. He began working with the rhymer on what would ultimately become It’s Only Me shortly after the My Turn deluxe dropped in 2020. “The substance of the content that he's giving to you overall,” says Mattazik, who also produced the album cut “Stand On It.” “It doesn't matter if it was just something going on in his life or something that was going on in another person's life, he was able to actually take that material that he had and convert it to where he been giving people lessons, and have them learn the situation. It's giving guidance and knowledge. And on top of that, too, it gets to a point where you could tell the stuff that he learned from others, and he'll be able to teach us in his way.”

Mr. Jones is also doing that outside the booth. This past summer, Lil Baby tweeted that he wanted to start an investment group for young Black millionaires. He’s currently in the process of making the vision a reality. Baby wants people that come from the same community he does to know how powerful they can be. He believes it starts with no longer blowing money fast and paying taxes. “It's important for me to do [this VC], personally, because I feel like once you reach a certain level, you're never supposed to go back to another level,” Baby conveys. “Your family not never supposed to go back, like none of that, ya feel me? That’s how I feel. Then I feel it's as important for us as like Black people because that's gon’ keep us living, ya feel me? This generation, the next generation, next generation. It'll be like generational wealth. That’s gon’ keep us empowered, ya know what I’m sayin’? The more shit go down, the more we just die out.” That’s not happening on his watch.

While he’s had prodigal habits that refuse to die hard (“My accountant say I need to slow it down with these Dior garments,” he serves on “Russian Roulette”), Baby’s got a new addiction: business ventures. No more excessive chains, watches, cars or homes. In addition to being the founder of his own label, 4 Pockets Full Inc., which includes artists 42 Dugg, Rylo Rodriguez, Lil Kee, Chalynn Monee and Noodah05, Baby is serious about expanding his financial portfolio tenfold.

“I started wanting to figure out how I can keep getting money forever,” he relays. “So now, I don't buy nothing, but I just invest my money. If I get an opportunity, I'm trying anything, ya feel me? It sound like a bright idea, I'm trying it. So, I got money in something of everything, literally. Talking about small stuff to big brands like Mitchell & Ness to something small like a startup in this little natural herb business. Like a lady, for instance, she sells juice cleansers or something, ya feel me? Or to Hero Bread, it's like a no-carb bread. I could keep going up. I got a lot of ventures, though, that's what I'm into.” Being able to understand business matters like this is what Baby looks forward to passing on to his sons Jason, 7, and Loyal, 3.

Waterfall flows of money are clearly what keeps Lil Baby motivated. Listening to artists like Jeezy, T.I. and Yo Gotti as a kid likely attributed to that as well. As Atlanta’s biggest new success story to come from the city in recent years, he’s already envisioning his place in the hip-hop history books. “I see myself in the history of Atlanta hip-hop as one of the greatest to ever do it," he proclaims. “When I say do it, that don't mean like necessarily most-selling albums or the longest-running or it don’t mean numbers or nothing. I mean to take my situation, turn my situation into generational wealth.”

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According to Billboard’s U.S. Money Makers list of top-paid musicians published last year, he brought home $11.7 million in 2020 as a top-streaming act. The riches he’s amassed come from music, of course, but also new brand deals like creating the FIFA World Cup 2022 song “The World Is Yours to Take,” a spin on Tears for Fears’ 1985 classic “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” in partnership with Budweiser. He’ll perform the track in Qatar in December. Baby also stars in a Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II commercial, which debuted in October. Then there’s his Untrapped: The Story of Lil Baby documentary about his life that sold to Amazon this year. “We paid” is an understatement.

“The position that I'm in now and the level in my career, I consider myself a rap star for sure,” Baby states, but clarifies that he doesn’t say “rap star.” It’s superstar in his world. “I think the qualities of a superstar is like a strong fan base. A sustainable amount of time ’cause you could be hot like a one-hit-wonder hot, like superstar hot. It could go quick. So, a different time bracket. I would say your appearance, the way you carry yourself to the way you perform. The type of things you perform at or the type of places you will perform at and the money that you get.”

He’s humble enough to admit there’s at least one area for himself that requires improvement. “I feel like I need to work more on my appearance,” he says. “I don't want to act like a superstar, but there’s certain times I have to think like a superstar because you have to think as you are.” At 5 feet, 9 inches tall, the esteemed entertainer didn’t get this far by thinking small.

Despite all Baby’s accomplishments, happenings in his personal life indicate not everything is golden. His “brudda” Young Thug, who saw something bigger in Baby back in the latter’s days of hustling, has been incarcerated on RICO charges since May. They came up together at Booker T. Washington high school in Atlanta. Years later, countless collaborations, including “Never Hating” on Baby’s new LP, expensive gifts for each other’s birthdays and a camaraderie in shared stomping grounds have united them. Thugger’s absence has taken a toll on Baby.

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“He's not like one of my rap friends,” Baby shares. “He's one of my personal friends. We actually talk on the phone. Or if we in the same city, like one of them guys that I pull up on. So, him being incarcerated, it be different for me. He ain’t like one of the rappers where I don’t see in years or I don’t talk to for real anyway. I really talk to him from a day to day. Me and Gunna we like neighbors. So, for them to be in a situation and I don't really talk to them like that, it kinda mess with me a little bit for sure.”

When Baby does get to speak to Thug, who's in the Cobb County Jail, he gives Thug sound advice. “Read,” Baby reveals. “That's the advice. Like logical, I know you in there, while you're in there, read. Get some books. Figure out what you wanna learn about ’cause while you in there and shit, just figure out some shit, ya feel me? Then when you get out you got a whole new avenue and just apply it to your life when you get out.”

RICO rumors also surrounded Lil Baby for a short time this past summer. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis said during a press conference in July that there would be two more high-profile RICO cases in Atlanta within the next 60 days. However, she did not say rappers were involved in the investigation, but the internet came to its own conclusions by throwing Baby’s name in the mix. He has not been named nor charged in any RICO case. A fan on Twitter wrote to the rapper that same month: “Man you better be [looking] out for that rico everybody keep talking about.” To which Baby replied, “Only god can judge me.” He addresses the fan’s inquiry. “I don't even be seeing that type of stuff,” Baby maintains. “The internet, they come up with everything and anything.” The rap ace only answers to one person: God. “Basically, that means I don't care what nobody thinks about me, ya feel me? What are you talking about? Like literally, only God can judge me. It's right, it's wrong. This, that. I really don't care how you feel.”

This blunt demeanor coincides with how Baby views the world around him. He sees no competition against him, even though he knows other people look at him as a rival. “I’m in a race of my own,” he declares. While his team keeps him in the loop of what’s being said out there, he insists he can tell how someone feels about him before a word is ever discussed. Baby’s got a keen instinct on how to read people. Be it a look or a handshake, he immediately knows what type of time someone’s on, an innate ability that comes from life in the streets. No disrespect nor switching up is tolerated. Baby’s not even entertaining the thought, but those people usually just fall back anyway, he says. There are more important things for him to focus on like big business.

With 2023 less than three months away, Lil Baby could very well be the fourth quarter finisher. Closing out the year by potentially having the biggest album of 2022’s last 78 days following the project's release is a solid way to start a fresh 365. He already has 19 multiplatinum, 44 platinum and 52 gold certifications to his name, and It’s Only Me is on track to increase those numbers. A feat that seems harder to achieve these days when album sales are dismal. P calls this phase of Baby’s career “developed”—“By listening, by observing, by being humble”—while Mattazik Muzik thinks the artist is “unbeatable”—“Baby is in a lane where ain't nobody in it but him.” How does Baby view himself at this moment? After staying dedicated to a rap career that he was initially apprehensive about, the man recognizes his own flourishing energy in his reflection. “I could see myself growing,” he says. “Like, Damn, that's how I look in the mirror sometimes. Damn, I'm growing.”

“I'm most proud of myself,” Lil Baby adds. “I been able to maintain, keep my mental where I need to be at, be able to judge, decipher and stay on the right track.”

Top priority.

Leland HaywardLeland Hayward for XXLloading…Leland Hayward for XXL (Click to Enlarge)Leland Hayward for XXL (Click to Enlarge)loading…See Lil Baby’s XXL Digital Cover PhotosNo hindsight music unit displayed.Filed Under: Feature, Lil BabyCategories: Digital Covers, News


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/cvernoncoleman/” rel=”author”>C. Vernon Coleman IIPublished: October 17, 2022Prince Williams, Wireimage

If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide or contemplating self-harm, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text TALK to 741741 or visit Speakingofsuicide.com for additional resources.

YK Osiris shared a message on Instagram Live that has his fans concerned.

Yesterday (Oct. 16), YK Osiris went on his Instagram Live and shared a lengthy video detailing how unhappy he is at his current spot in life and also claimed Drake and Lil Baby are no longer his friends. He even went as far as to admit he is experiencing suicidal urges. In the clip, the "Worth It" crooner is driving in Los Angeles.

"You can't use Drake with me, you can't use Lil Baby, ’cause they don't fuck with me no more," YK Osiris vented about his friendship with the rap stars. "So please don't use that. You haven't seen me around Drake in a minute or Lil Baby. Long time. So lets get that out the door. Please don't use that no more."

"I wanna die," a clearly frustrated YK Osiris added. "I wanna kill myself. I wanna just leave this Earth. But something telling me…I don't know."

He added, "I can't even see my kids. People look at me as a clown. I'm a talented person. But that doesn't matter because I don't drop my music. I don't do shit. I haven't even performed in fucking two years, nigga. I get why they don't fuck with me. But, I don't know."

He continued, "If I killed myself right now, if I go right now, how would y'all feel? Nobody ain't gon' give a fuck…I'ma tell you what people gon' say if I die right now…If I killed myself right now, they gon' say, 'Good, he don't have to pay no more debts no more.' They gone make gimmicks. 'I don't have to pay Drake anymore,' they gon' say that bullshit. 'I don't have to pay Lil Baby no more,' they gon' say that bullshit…They gon' say the dumbest shit ever, the funniest shit ever," he added, referencing his alleged debts to Drake and Lil Baby.

YK then stopped to give away $500 a piece to three kids on the corner and gave away another $500 to a woman who saw his altruistic deed and begged for money as well. The Def Jam crooner only asked that they pray for him in return.

"I just want to be happy. That's all I wanna do is be happy," he added after his giveaway. "My baby mama always tell me, 'Osiris, nobody fuck with you.' I always tell her, 'Ah, I don't believe you.' And nobody really don't fuck with me. She be telling me, 'Osiris, nobody fuck with you. Stop doing music, bruh. Your shit wack.' Now, I believe her. She's definitely right."

The video came on the heels of YK Osiris claiming an unnamed person stole $40,000 from him.

"I hate people that [steal] lol," he wrote on his Instagram Story. "Like u steal 40,000 from me and all u gonna do is blow it."

YK Osiris claims someone stole $40,000.ykosiris/Instagramloading…

YK Osiris recently made the headlines after getting into a confrontation with a man outside of Cardi B's birthday party.

See Video of YK Osiris' Concerning Message BelowSee Every XXL Freshman Inducted Into the Freshman Class Over the YearsTalent on every level.Filed Under: Drake, Lil Baby, YK OsirisCategories: News


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/joeyech/” rel=”author”>Joey EchPublished: October 14, 2022Grizzley Gang/300 Entertainment/Quality Control Music/UMG Recordings/Mach-Hommy Inc.

Week in and week out, the rap game never disappoints when it comes to new music drops. This time around, one of hip-hop's hottest spitters repping Atlanta drops off an eagerly awaited album, a smooth-flowing rapper from Detroit puts out a project accompanied by stunning visuals, a respected Haitian-born, New Jersey-bred MC unleashes a new LP and more.

After building hype for the past six months, Lil Baby, one of the most prominent stars in the music industry, finally blesses hip-hop fans with his new album, It's Only Me. Despite Baby dropping singles left and right throughout 2022, the announcement of the LP's lengthy, 23-song tracklisting unveiled the fact that It's Only Me only includes two previously released singles. With the platinum-certified track "In a Minute" leading the way, the revered Atlanta MC just dropped off his latest single, "Heyy," this past Monday (Oct. 10) and it's already garnered a bunch of buzz throughout the game.

While Lil Baby rides solo on many of the songs throughout the album, eight of the new project's joints feature guest appearances from the likes of Future, EST Gee, Nardo Wick and Pooh Shiesty. Even though he's currently locked up and facing RICO charges, Young Thug appears on the song "Never Hating," and added to the anticipation surrounding It's Only Me with a tweet aimed at Lil Baby in a brotherly way.

"Wham, if you don't drop in three days, we ain't bruddas," Thugger wrote earlier this week.

Much like the album itself, It's Only Me's elaborate cover design is a direct representation of Lil Baby's growth as both a person and an artist and also serves as a nod to his last solo project, 2020's My Turn. Images of Baby throughout various stages of his life can be seen displayed across the "Staying Alive" lyricist's own version of Mount Rushmore. He appears in front of grown-up versions of the same baby goats from his last album's artwork.

Boasting his second full-length project of the year as his "most ambitious body of work" to date, Tee Grizzley delivers Chapters of the Trenches, a 13-track album that accompanies a comprehensive short film comprised of storytelling music videos that were initially rolled out one by one. With previously released singles like "Robbery 4," "Tex & Tone 1" and "Jay & Twan 2," Tee Grizzley paints vivid audio and visual depictions of various characters navigating life in the rough and tumble neighborhoods of his home city of Detroit.

In promotion of what Grizzley describes as a "visual album," the "First Day Out" spitter hosted sold-out theater screenings of Chapters of the Trenches in eight major cities around the country. In a stunning video posted to Instagram ahead of the project's release, Tee Grizzley explained the motivation behind his latest endeavor and how it all came together.

"I tried to write a book and the story just started getting longer and longer and longer, so I just had to break it up," Grizzley says in the video clip below. "In a matter of 90 days, I wrote 13 books."

Notably respected Newark, N.J. MC Mach-Hommy continues his relentless lyrical assault on 2022 with his fourth offering of the year, Duck Czn: Tiger Style. Serving as the follow-up to 2018's Duck Czn: Chinese Algebra, the 11-track album includes Mach-Hommy and frequent partner in rhyme Tha God Fahim defending themselves and fans alike against the wrath of seasonal depression that often comes along with the changing weather.

"Tiger Style is not an escape, but a relocation, a space where more can be done about the things that are," Mach-Hommy said when describing the new project. "Allow Tiger Style to help you fly south for the winter, as the season changes, so must your behavior and this album is your soundtrack."

Check out new projects from G Herbo, Kool G Rap, Smoke DZA and more below.

  • It’s Only MeLil BabyQuality Control Music/UMG RecordingsQuality Control Music/UMG Recordingsloading…
  • Chapters of the TrenchesTee GrizzleyGrizzley Gang/300 Entertainment Grizzley Gang/300 Entertainment loading…
  • Duck Czn: Tiger StyleMach-HommyMach-Hommy Inc. Mach-Hommy Inc. loading…
  • Entergalactic (Soundtrack from the Netflix Special)Dot Da GeniusRepublic RecordsRepublic Recordsloading…
  • Survivor’s Remorse: Side BG HerboMachine Entertainment Group LLC/Republic RecordsMachine Entertainment Group LLC/Republic Recordsloading…
  • Crazy Girls EPDay Sulan Epic Records/4Hunnid RecordsEpic Records/4Hunnid Recordsloading…
  • Boyz N the HoodSnupe Bandz and PaperRoute WooPaper Route EmpirePaper Route Empireloading…
  • Laughing So Hard It HurtsMaviMavi 4 Mayor MusicMavi 4 Mayor Musicloading…
  • My Bad I’m LateKillumantii Generation Now/Atlantic RecordsGeneration Now/Atlantic Recordsloading…
  • 10,000 HRSSmoke DZARFC Music GroupRFC Music Grouploading…
  • IJabee & BluGrand Media Union/Clerestory AVGrand Media Union/Clerestory AVloading…
  • Stay Close to MusicMykki BlancoMykki Blanco/Transgressive Records Ltd.Mykki Blanco/Transgressive Records Ltd.loading…
  • MataM.I.A. Maya ArulpragasamMaya Arulpragasamloading…
  • No More Leaks EPCentral CeeCentral CeeCentral Ceeloading…

See Hip-Hop Albums This Year That Won’t Take You Over an Hour to Listen toWhich album under an hour is your favorite?Filed Under: Bangers, Blu, Central Cee, Day Sulan, Dot Da Genius, G Herbo, Jabee, Kid Cudi, Killumantii, Kool G Rap, Lil Baby, M.I.A., Mach Hommy, Mavi, mykki blanco, Paper Route Woo, Smoke Dza, Snupe Bandz, Tee GrizzleyCategories: Music, New Music, News


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/cvernoncoleman/” rel=”author”>C. Vernon Coleman IIPublished: October 14, 2022Paras Griffin/Getty Images

Lil Baby's long-awaited new album, It's Only Me, has finally touched down, and the new LP from one of hip-hop's biggest stars features "Never Hating," his highly anticipated new track with Young Thug.

Lil Baby first teased the Wheezy Outta Here, SirFredo and Ele Beatz-produced track over the summer in a video shared on social media. Ever since, fans have been waiting on the song, which finds both rappers flexing about their status over a booming trap instrumental.

Lil Baby It’s Only Me albumQuality Control Music/UMG Recordingsloading…

The latest collab from the Atlanta rappers follows them connecting on the tracks "Paid the Fine," from 2021's YSL compilation, Slime Language 2 ,and "We Should," from Baby's previous album, My Turn, in 2020.

On Monday (Oct. 10), Thugger jokingly threatened Lil Baby on Twitter, posting,  "Wham if you don’t drop in 3 days we ain’t bruddas 🍼."

Young Thug has been in jail since he was arrested for a huge RICO case in Atlanta in May. Also, YSL is accused of being a street gang responsible for several violent crimes.

Check Out the Lyrics to Lil Baby's New Track "Never Hating" Featuring Young Thug Below

VERSE 1 (Lil Baby):

Fresh like the first day of school on the weekend
I put that shit on today for no reason
Got something to smile ’bout I fixed up my teeth
Straight from the lot call up Herm get it geeked up
A thousand horse power my car gotta keep up
Act like I'm slow all the time but I peep stuff
What kid of guy let a bitch keep the beef up?
I let ’em live for a while now the lease up
Nail and a hammer I done built it from the ground up
Brodie said he working but the brick done went and down some
They handled the business I do not go around them
You can get 100 if you want ’em we got pound spots
I'm the one that's really having motion what they talmbout?
Cars I done did that, chains I don't need no mo'
So many clothes starting to feel like a hobo
Every milestone, tryna buy me a new home
Potholes keep on fuckin' up the Forgi's, take the rims off
The way she twist, she suck it like she tryna take the skin off
Bro ’nem in a striker, but it’s good, we swapped the VINS out
Don't bark up this tree, I make the chopper knock his limb off
Thousand dollar after every road, that’s what they hittin' for
All I do is fuck her, I done turned her to a nympho
F.N.'s, Black Outs, G 5s, G4s
Trippin' for the family, I don’t play about my kinfolk

CHORUS (Lil Baby):

I took the guys to L.A. for a business meeting
God watch my friends I can handle my enemies
Fuck I look like having smoke with my min-mes?
Niggas gotta be joking, you kidding' me?
Y'all real kids been small-time ballin', now it's real big
I was standing in the bleachers on some cheerin' shit
Never been a hater I don't care enough
This shit ain't gone stop until they bury us

VERSE 2 (Young Thug):

Fresh off the jet, I end up in the projects
See somethin' I like, no police, I'ma cop it
Don’t follow my page, I post racks every day
For these niggas and bitches that's countin' my pockets
Ooh, hurdle this bitch in Huaraches
Lambo', Ferrari, Bentleys, I got options
I took the private jet out to Nevada
4PF said they got smoke like a rasta
Trenches with me, something seem suspicious, something seeming fishy
I'm four pockets full and look like biscuits
Overprice us and we uppin', uppin'
Foh! Foh! Foh! This sound sound delicious
You can use the dishes in the kitchen cooking
Woop woop litty can't abort the mission
Bitch I got addictions don't do photo pictures
Keep it low and with me

CHORUS (Lil Baby):

I took the guys to L.A. for a business meeting
God watch my friends I can handle my enemies
Fuck I look like having smoke with my min-mes?
Niggas gotta be joking, you kidding' me?
Y'all real kids been small-time ballin', now it's real big
I was standing in the bleachers on some cheerin' shit
Never been a hater I don't care enough
This shit ain't gone stop until they bury us

See Best Comeback Albums in Hip-HopFiled Under: Bangers, Lil Baby, Young ThugCategories: Music, New Music, News


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/trentfitzgerald/” rel=”author”>Trent FitzgeraldPublished: July 10, 2022@iknowyouwatching_ via Instagram

Here is some advice when attending a Lil Baby show: don’t rush the stage. While performing at the 2022 Openair Frauenfeld festival, Lil Baby security threw a fan off stage.

On Sunday (July 10), a video surfaced of Lil Baby performing at the 2022 Openair Frauenfeld festival in Switzerland, last Thursday (July 8). In the clip, the Atlanta rapper is rocking the mic when suddenly an overzealous fan emerges onstage and runs up to him. Interestingly, the fan pauses as he prepares for security to grab him.

But what the person probably didn’t expect was security pushing him so hard off the stage that he literally flew head-first into the cage barricade protecting the crowd. Another security person is seen assisting the man up to his feet. There’s no word on if the fan injured himself during his fall. Watch the clip below.

This isn’t the first time a fan has been violently tossed off stage at a Lil Baby show.

Last September, an overzealous fan rushed the stage during the rapper’s show in Charlotte, N.C. In a clip that went viral on social media, the man approaches Baby onstage and gestures to him. The My Turn creator looked at the person and then summoned his security offstage. Shortly after, two security guards hit the stage and aggressively tackled the fan to the ground, then dragged him off the stage. Watch below.

There have been many other instances of security manhandling fans who make the unwise decision of bum-rushing the stage while an artist is performing.

For your safety, please don’t jump onstage while a rapper is performing.

Watch Another Angle of Security Throwing a Fan Off Stage After Rushing Lil BabyRead 10 Wild Stories That Took Place During Hip-Hop ToursFiled Under: Lil BabyCategories: News


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/robbyseabrookiii/” rel=”author”>Robby Seabrook IIIPublished: June 2, 2022Daniela Voznesensky

Angie Randisi’s lifelong passion for music led her from high school graduation in Montreal to Metalworks Institute in Missisauga, Ont., the entertainment arts school that would teach her about the music business and engineering. She switched her focus from A&R to becoming an engineer after finding that side more intriguing while studying in school. Randisi graduated in 2018, and interned at OVO’s SOTA Studios, where she grew under the tutelage of Noah “40” Shebib, the world-renowned engineer-producer who helped create Drake’s sound. Handling the board for PartyNextDoor’s 2020 album, PartyMobile, was Randisi’s first major look as assistant engineer. More recently, she has worked as Lil Baby’s main engineer on his upcoming album. At 23 years old, Angie is living the dream as OVO’s in-house engineer. She spoke to XXL about her journey and what lies ahead.

XXL: What is your role as an engineer?

Angie Randisi: As an intern, when you’re just starting, I was just willing to do anything. I guess he [40] saw that hunger in me, where I [was] just willing to outwork everybody. Now it’s a lot more hands-on, it’s technical. I’m OVO’s in-house engineer. It’s mainly recording, but I do a lot of mix preps for [40]. That studio is a spaceship, so it’s very rare that people do know how to run it.

What was the first huge moment for you in your career?

Stepping foot into SOTA OVO. I remember even the day before my interview for that position, I was at the Drake concert. I was watching the show and I was like, Oh shit, I got this interview tomorrow. I’m listening to the records live, and then I’m in the place where they’re creating the records, and I was involved in the creation of those records. It’s something I’ve always wanted.

How did you begin engineering for Lil Baby?

Drake reached out to me like, “I might have an opportunity for you. If you’re about it.” I think he hit me maybe a few hours after like, “When could you come to Atlanta? He [Lil Baby] wants to work with you as soon as possible.” We had gone out there for four days and then Baby had called Drake and he was like, “Extend her trip.” I stayed another week, and we just kept extending it. Then at that point, he was like, “I fuck with you a lot. You’re my engineer.”

What other artists have you been working with recently?

I’ve been working with 42 Dugg a lot. People like Rylo. Obviously the 4PF guys. It was dope working with Young Thug. I literally felt like that [Lil] Durk meme. He had done the whole verse, was like, “Now what we’re going to do is take every bar and flip it.” I was like, “What?” We did it and it sounded fire, but it was like, “Yo, this man a genius, the hell?”

Read the cover story with Playboi Carti and check out the other interviews in the magazine with Fivio Foreign, Latto, DaBaby, Wiz Khalifa and Juicy J, Joey Bada$$Denzel Curry, Hit-Boy, Big K.R.I.T.RZA, Saba, Morray, Kali, Sleepy Hallow, Nardo WickATL Jacob, SSGKobe, Pink Sweat$, Saucy Santana, Jason Lee, Angie Randisi and Colby Turner in the new issue of XXL magazine, which is on newsstands now and in XXL's online shop.

See Playboi Carti’s XXL Magazine Spring 2022 Cover Story Exclusive PhotosFiled Under: Drake, Feature, Lil Baby, OVO Sound, XXL MagazineCategories: News, XXL Magazine


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/robbyseabrookiii/” rel=”author” title=”Robby Seabrook III”>Robby Seabrook IIIPublished: January 4, 2022Gunner Stahl

Growing up in Atlanta, then moving to New York City as a St. John’s University biology student, 23-year-old R&B singer Mariah the Scientist has always followed her heart. After making a few songs as a Valentine’s Day gift for her then-boyfriend in 2017, Mariah realized her calling as a singer, and dropped out of school the following year, after releasing her debut EP, To Die For. She signed to RCA Records in early 2019, dropped her solo album, Master, and never looked back. Fresh off the release of her sophomore LP, Ry Ry World, Mariah caught up with XXL and shared her love for her hometown hip-hop, working with rappers, developing her sound and more.

XXL: What rappers did you like growing up?

Mariah the Scientist: I’m still to this day, like, a huge fan of OutKast. If I ever get the chance to meet André 3000 and Big Boi, I’m probably gonna kill myself at that point. I’m literally like, a die-hard fan for them still.

Do you feel like rap inspired your actual creative process?

At some point early on in my career, different people who wanted to represent me would ask, what did I want people to view me as. I told them, I think you should just play it like I’m a rapper. I dunno if I have to wear a huge chain around my neck. We should just push the narrative of what it’s like for me, in my real life.

What do you feel you’ve learned since Master came out, up to now, while you have Ry Ry World out?

When I was putting Master out, the biggest lesson I learned is that the music industry is extremely political. When I made Master, it was just a lot of stuff going on in my personal life. Musically, once I figured out how things are supposed to sound and structuring things the right way, I think things have gone better.

How did you come up with “Always n Forever” featuring Lil Baby?

I have this friend EarlOnDaBeat, and he did “Act Up” for City Girls. I go over there, he makes this loop, he bounces it out, I go to the studio later that night. I make it, but the beat just sounded like Lil Baby would get on it. I told my label and management at the time that I wanted Lil Baby on it. I had not built any of those relationships, but I was so adamant on having him. I’ll just go hunt him down myself, which is quite literally what I did. Lil Baby gon’ get his money, and he gon’ do his job. And he definitely did that, and I really appreciate that.

What’s the story of getting Young Thug on “Walked In”?

I get all my beats off YouTube. When I heard this one, I was thinking of all the people I could have asked; Young Thug was at the top of my list. He had said he would do it, but you know how rappers are. Some of ’em, you gotta put a gun to a rapper head to get a song out of him. I hunted Young Thug down for that shit and I was dead serious, like, “I need you to get on this song. My life will be incomplete if you don’t do it!” So, he FaceTimes me, and he’s playing it in the background. I’m like Oh my god. This nigga really did it.

Are there any rappers that you’re listening to nowadays?

I been listening to a lot of Young Nudy. He’s also from Atlanta. He has this one song, it’s older, but it’s called “Zone 6,” and it’s my favorite song. When I saw him at Rolling Loud, I told him, “I’m telling you, this is my theme song." I don’t care where I go. If I have a show and we finna sing about heartbreak and we finna cry, I’m literally walking in to ‘Zone 6.’ That’s my shit.

Check out more from XXL magazine's Fall 2021 issue, on stands now, including our cover story with Tyler, The CreatorLil Nas X's battle for respect in hip-hopWale talks about his new album, Folarin 2, find out more about Maxo Kream in Doin' LinesBia reflects on how far she's come in her career after "Whole Lotta Money" success, BMF actor Da'Vinchi talks rap music in Hip-Hop Junkie, Isaiah Rashad keeps it real about his faithSoFaygo discusses signing to Travis Scott's Cactus Jack labelCupcakKe's fresh outlook on life with new album on the way, OhGeesy's new solo career and goalsBlueface embraces the good and bad of going viralVory is hip-hop's rarely seen, always heard new voice, President of Asylum Records Dallas Austin explains how to develop trust with artists, Baby Tate wants Black women to get all the respect, Denzel Curry shares his train of thought when creating his song "The Game," producer Turbo tells the stories behind working with Lil Baby and his producer tag, hip-hop legends and rap newcomers claiming G.O.A.T. status and more. 

See Exclusive Photos From Tyler, The Creator’s Fall 2021 XXL Magazine Cover Story ShootFiled Under: Feature, mariah the scientist, XXL MagazineCategories: News, XXL Magazine


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/kemethigh/” rel=”author” title=”Kemet High”>Kemet HighPublished: November 10, 2021Thomas Dang

Possessing a forward-moving sound, Georgia native Turbo has worked on three No. 1 albums this year so far: YSL’s Slime Language 2, Lil Baby and Lil Durk’s The Voice of the Heroes and The Kid Laroi’s F*ck Love. On the cusp of going diamond with “Drip Too Hard” by Lil Baby and Gunna, Turbo, 27, shares his perspective as one of the game’s most coveted producers.

How did the beat for “Please” off Lil Baby and Lil Durk’s project The Voice of the Heroes come about?

I knew they was working on an album. Maybe for like, two or three days, I pulled up to Baby’s studio. I just kind of know him at this point. So, like, he will either not say nothing at all or he’ll rap a little bit. When the “Please” beat came up, him and [42] Dugg was just in there going back and forth, rapping a little bit, but they didn’t really put nothing down.

In the mixing process, I was just kicking it with Matt [Mattazik Muzik, Lil Baby’s engineer], listening to what they was doing. And they played “Please” for me. They was just saying how this was they favorite song. And this was like the most different-sounding on the project.

What’s your favorite part about working so heavily with Gunna?

It don’t feel like work. Shit, it just feels like we’re just two brothers, sitting in the studio and we just happen to be talented. We feed off of each other and just talk about a lot of life shit and goals. So, it’s really effortless.

How does it feel to be a part of three No. 1 albums this year, so far?

Man, I don’t expect nothing less. That’s how I came in, bro. Everything is going platinum like we didn’t know gold. It’s definitely a blessing and I’m definitely grateful to be able to work with the artists that I work with. But honestly, if it doesn’t do that, then I’m not happy. We’re just gonna have to sit inside the studio and keep trying.

What’s the story behind your producer tag?

I actually had a buddy that was from my same neighborhood. And one day, he came over Shad [Da God’s] house and they was doing a song and he kept fucking up. And he kept saying, “Run it back, Turbo” when I was recording at the time. He was literally telling me to start the punch over, so he can do the line that he was trying to do over and get it perfected. He just said it so many times, I grabbed one of the takes. It was real authentic and real genuine, nothing really planned.

Check out more from XXL magazine's Fall 2021 issue, on stands now, including our cover story with Tyler, The CreatorLil Nas X's battle for respect in hip-hopWale talks about his new album, Folarin 2, find out more about Maxo Kream in Doin' LinesBia reflects on how far she's come in her career after "Whole Lotta Money" success, BMF actor Da'Vinchi talks rap music in Hip-Hop Junkie, Isaiah Rashad keeps it real about his faithSoFaygo discusses signing to Travis Scott's Cactus Jack labelCupcakKe's fresh outlook on life with new album on the way, OhGeesy's new solo career and goalsBlueface embraces the good and bad of going viralVory is hip-hop's rarely seen, always heard new voice, President of Asylum Records Dallas Austin explains how to develop trust with artists, Baby Tate wants Black women to get all the respect, Denzel Curry shares his train of thought when creating his song "The Game" and more.

See Exclusive Photos From Tyler, The Creator’s Fall 2021 XXL Magazine Cover Story ShootFiled Under: Feature, promo, Turbo, XXL MagazineCategories: News, XXL Magazine


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/trentfitzgerald/” rel=”author” title=”Trent Fitzgerald”>Trent FitzgeraldPublished: October 18, 2021Paras Griffin, Getty Images

Lil Baby and Lil Durk are celebrating a major milestone in their careers. Their Back Outside Tour generated $15 million in ticket sales, according to Durk, himself.

On Monday (Oct. 18), Durk shared a photo of himself and an unidentified man, who appears to possibly work for Live Nation, holding up a framed plaque commemorating the success of their 23-city U.S. tour. “250k tickets sold overall profit 15mssss @lilbaby we did it,” the Chicago rapper wrote, adding two tornado emojis.

lildurk via Instagram

Durkio’s post follows Quality Control Music CEO Pierre “Pee” Thomas’ IG Story video, which he posted on Sunday night (Oct. 17), of the same individual presenting Lil Baby with the same aforementioned plaque.

“150,000 tickets sold, $15 million gross across the whole run,” said the man in the clip. “This is a little something from us to you to say, ‘Thank you for everything, man. It’s been a beautiful tour.’”

“They said we weren’t gonna sell no tickets,” scoffed Thomas, referring to critics who doubted Durk and Baby could sell out the tour.

As for Lil Baby, he’s on a well-deserved vacation. The Atlanta rapper jumped on his Instagram page on Monday to share a few flossy photos, including one where he’s rocking light blue jeans and a matching jacket on a private plane while showing off his expensive jewelry.

"Bacc Outside Tour Was A Success!! Now I’m Off To Get Some Rest !! When I Come Bacc I’m Stepping On Niggas Necks," he wrote in the caption, along with a huffing face and peace sign emojis.

Lil Baby and Lil Durk’s Back Outside Tour was in support of their 2021 collaborative album, The Voice of the Heroes. The trek featured opening acts Coi Leray and Lil Baby’s 4 Pockets Full (4PF) artist Rylo Rodriguez and QC’s Bankroll Freddie. The tour wrapped on Friday (Oct. 15) in West Palm Beach, Fla.

Congratulations to Lil Baby and Lil Durk on their successful tour run.

See Life Advice to Apply From Lil Durk’s TweetsFiled Under: Lil Baby, Lil DurkCategories: News


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/robbyseabrookiii/” rel=”author” title=”Robby Seabrook III”>Robby Seabrook IIIPublished: July 15, 2021@BROKIN.PRODUCTIONS

Behind The Boards
Interview: Robby Seabrook III
Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in the Spring 2021 issue of XXL Magazine, on stands now.

Talent takes you to the top. Long before he was the engineer and producer known as Mattazik Muzik, the 28-year-old Alabama native was a multi-instrumentalist teenager. Mattazik Muzik, born Matthew Edward Robinson, changed his life after a local studio internship in 2012. Today, he’s a two-time Grammy nominee who has grown into Southern rap superstar Lil Baby’s go-to engineer while also working with Young Thug, Gunna, Travis Porter, Tokyo Jetz and more. Here, Mattazik Muzik shares some insight on his path to success.

XXL: At what point did your interest in engineering first begin?

Mattazik Muzik: At first, before I started as an engineer, I was more of a beatmaker. Back in Mobile, Ala., I had a mentor named Ron G [Ronald Suggs]. He was running the studio down there in the city. One day, one of my cousins was going to the studio so he invited me. That same night, I was being introduced and on top of that, I got a little side internship while I was down there. Every time I got out of school, I go straight to the studio.

When did you believe in your engineering skills?

When I realized the energy I bring to the session. A lot of people will say the engineer is the mood setting. That is a fact because no matter what the vibe is, that’s going to change everybody’s mood.

How did you start working with Lil Baby?

I started as a fan. [In] ‘15 or ‘16, I started working at The Underground. I went outside to take a smoke break. I saw Lil Baby and I was like, “Hey, are you Lil Baby?” He’s like, “Yeah, hey, man. You want to take a picture?” We ended up taking the picture. Fast-forward, we never [saw] each other since then. At the time [2017], I was working at Loud House in Atlanta. [Lil Baby] came [and] booked some studio time. He recognized me. A couple years later, he came and admitted that I was the first person that asked him for a picture. I still got that picture.

What was the energy like in the studio when you and Lil Baby worked on his hit record “The Bigger Picture”?

We wanted to talk about what we’ve been doing or what we want to do, but we can’t do that when you got the whole world in chaos. I remember when we started recording the first lyrics, I wouldn’t have expected that by the end, there’s going to be a whole protest song. By the time the song dropped, I was amazed by the reaction that he got from it. This is way different than Too Hard, this is way different than “Close Friends.” This is revolutionary.

Check out more from XXL’s Spring 2021 issue including Cardi B's cover story, how rappers are legally making money from the cannabis boom and the social justice that comes with itSnowfall's Damson Idris on how hip-hop impacted his life, A$AP Ferg reflects on the making of his Always Strive and Prosper album, Shelley F.K.A. DRAM talks about his comebackTrippie Redd speaks on how Playboi Carti and Lil Uzi Vert helped change hip-hop, Waka Flocka Flame checks in with us and gives an update on his Flockaveli 2 album in What's Happenin', Show & Prove interviews with 42 DuggBlxstLakeyah and Rubi RoseErica Banks discusses the making of hit song "Buss It," the Internet Money takeover with producers Taz Taylor and Nick Mira, the artists that are up next on rapper-run record labels, producer DY Krazy discusses his sound beyond trap beats and more.

See Cardi B’s XXL Magazine Spring 2021 Cover Story Photo Shoot Cardi B covers the spring 2021 issue of XXL magazine. Filed Under: Feature, Mattazik Muzik, XXL MagazineCategories: News, XXL Magazine


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/kemethigh/” rel=”author” title=”Kemet High”>Kemet HighPublished: July 14, 2021@xclusiveproduction

Production Credit
Interview: Kemet High
Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in the Spring 2021 issue of XXL Magazine, on stands now.

With a production style that blends trap, gospel, R&B and Chicago juke music, DY Krazy, 26, has helped shock the pulse into songs like Lil Baby and EST Gee’s “Real As It Gets,” Juice Wrld’s “Titanic” and Lil Uzi Vert’s “Lullaby.” Here, Krazy speaks about his growing track record in the 808 Mafia super team.

XXL: What did you think about Lil Baby and EST Gee’s performance on “Real As It Gets”?

DY Krazy: I fuck with it. Lil Baby is one of the main artists I work with. I knew he was going to do his part on the beat because I imagined him on that. And then EST Gee…when I heard his verse I was like, “Damn, he really showed out on that muthafucka.” He ain’t get carried. He came with it.

How would you describe the feeling of working with an artist as they’re popping off and leveling up?

Yeah, that’s all I’ve ever done, though, forever. Me and Southside and TM88 and 808 Mafia. We work with the breaking artists that are really breaking. We’re the ones who let everybody in the industry know that these people are talented. The people who we believe in always end up being the biggest artists in the game. And we see it before anybody sees it.

What do you consider to be your top five beats?

I have to say “Never Gon Lose” because that’s the first beat I’ve ever made for Future. That was a big inspiration and big dream for me and then it happened. I can say “Home Body” is one of them songs. [Lil] Durk wasn’t like the hottest artist in the game when he dropped this. He was just working hard, building his craft and discovering his sound. And that song was one of the things that built his sound. “Wake Up in the Sky,” for sure. For Bruno Mars to get on my different-sounding beat was just big. “Drive Itself,” it was on the Superfly movie soundtrack. Hearing my beats on a movie is big. And then, my last one would be “BP / No Judgement” with Chris Brown. It shows my other side of my production. I don’t just make rap beats.

How did you end up with “Titanic” and “Can’t Die” on Juice Wrld’s first posthumous album, Legends Never Die?

I ain’t never seen nobody like Juice Wrld. That man was the best artist ever in life. The way I started working with him was because he comes from up under our envelope with G Herbo. Juice Wrld was another person who recognized that DY doesn’t only have trap beats. DY has a different sound. He recognized that, too.

Check out more from XXL’s Spring 2021 issue including Cardi B's cover story, how rappers are legally making money from the cannabis boom and the social justice that comes with itSnowfall's Damson Idris on how hip-hop impacted his life, A$AP Ferg reflects on the making of his Always Strive and Prosper album, Shelley F.K.A. DRAM talks about his comebackTrippie Redd speaks on how Playboi Carti and Lil Uzi Vert helped change hip-hop, Waka Flocka Flame checks in with us and gives an update on his Flockaveli 2 album in What's Happenin', Show & Prove interviews with 42 DuggBlxstLakeyah and Rubi RoseErica Banks discusses the making of hit song "Buss It," the Internet Money takeover with producers Taz Taylor and Nick Mira, the artists that are up next on rapper-run record labels and more.

See Cardi B’s XXL Magazine Spring 2021 Cover Story Photo Shoot Cardi B covers the spring 2021 issue of XXL magazine. Filed Under: DY Krazy, Feature, Juice Wrld, Lil Baby, XXL MagazineCategories: News, XXL Magazine


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/robbyseabrookiii/” rel=”author” title=”Robby Seabrook III”>Robby Seabrook IIIPublished: June 15, 2021Contributing Authors: Mario Pujals / Edy Perez / Zach Wolfe / Chris McCoy

Onna Come Up
Who's next to blow up on these rapper-run record labels? Let them tell you.
Interviews: Robby Seabrook III and Aleia Woods
Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in the Spring 2021 issue of XXL Magazine, on stands now.

One of the biggest achievements in a rapper’s career can be building a successful record label. What started as just a name and a logo becomes a competitive option for talent and an incubator for new artists. The rapper who birthed the brand has their celebrity platform and cosign to offer to their signees. The success of the rapper’s roster proves that they know how to be a boss and have an ear for talent. This is a hip-hop thing. There is no genre of music that has this many artists with their own record labels. And right now, here are 10 artist-run record labels to look out for. Check out who on the team is next on deck, according to Lil Baby, Yo Gotti, DaBaby, 300 Entertainment CEO and cofounder Kevin Liles and more.

See the Artists Up Next on These Rapper-Run Record LabelsLil Baby, Yo Gotti and more share why these rappers are up next.

Check out more from XXL’s Spring 2021 issue including Cardi B's cover story, how rappers are legally making money from the cannabis boom and the social justice that comes with itSnowfall's Damson Idris on how hip-hop impacted his life, A$AP Ferg reflects on the making of his Always Strive and Prosper album, Shelley F.K.A. DRAM talks about his comebackTrippie Redd speaks on how Playboi Carti and Lil Uzi Vert helped change hip-hop, Waka Flocka Flame checks in with us and gives an update on his Flockaveli 2 album in What's Happenin', Show & Prove interviews with 42 DuggBlxstLakeyah and Rubi RoseErica Banks discusses the making of hit song "Buss It," the Internet Money takeover with producers Taz Taylor and Nick Mira and more.

See Cardi B’s XXL Magazine Spring 2021 Cover Story Photo Shoot Cardi B covers the spring 2021 issue of XXL magazine. Filed Under: 2 Chainz, 42 Dugg, Big Scarr, Cozz, D3szn, DaBaby, Day Sulan, Enchanting, EST Gee, Feature, Foogiano, Galleries, Gallery, Gucci Mane, J. Cole, Karlae, Lil Baby, Lil Durk, Lil Kee, lute, Meek Mill, Memo600, Pooh Shiesty, Rylo Rodriguez, Skooly, Sleepy Rose, Strick, Timo, Vory, Wisdom, XXL Magazine, Yak Gotti, YG, Yo Gotti, Young Thug, Yung KayoCategories: News, XXL Magazine


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/cvernoncoleman/” rel=”author” title=”C. Vernon Coleman II”>C. Vernon Coleman IIPublished: June 13, 2021Prince Williams, Getty Images

Lil Baby and Lil Durk's new joint album received a heroe's welcome from hip-hop music consumers last week and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.

On Sunday (June 13), the top 10 of Billboard's album chart was announced, revealing Baby and Durk's The Voice of the Heroes joint LP premiered in the top spot with 150,000 equivalent album units moved. Of that total, 4,000 were comprised of pure album sales. The solid numbers make The Voice of the Heroes the second biggest rap debut of 2021, following J. Cole's first week sales of The Off-Season.

This is Lil Baby's second No. 1, following his triple platinum sophomore album, My Turn, which was released in 2020. This is his fifth top five entry following Harder Than Ever, No. 3 (2018), Street Gossip, No. 2 (2018) and Drip Harder with Gunna, No. 4 (2018). This is Durk's first No. 1 and fourth top five spot. Love Songs 4 the Streets 2, No. 4 (2019), Just Cause Y'all Waited 2, No. 2 (2020) and The Voice, No. 2 (2020) also scored big for the Chicago rapper.

Having the title of biggest record in the country comes as both Lil Baby and Lil Durk have been on a winning streak musically. "When it comes to that street shit, the streets is like, we the voices and the heroes of this shit," Lil Baby said about the album prior to its release. "You know what I'm saying? Kids look at us like heroes. I know they look at me like one and [Lil] Durk, too. That nigga been holding it down for a minute."

The accomplishment is bittersweet for Durk, who lost his brother OTF DThang to gun violence only a few days after the album was released.

Quality Control Music / Alamo Records / Motown Records

Other hip-hop artists in the top 10 of this week's Billboard 200 chart include J. Cole (The Off-Season, No. 4), MoneyBagg Yo (A Gangsta's Pain, No. 6) and The Weeknd (After Hours, No. 10).

Dreamville / Roc Nation RecordsN-Less Entertainment / Interscope RecordsRepublic RecordsSee the Most Memorable Lyrics From Rappers Under 25Playboi Carti, Roddy Ricch, Lil Tecca and more.Filed Under: Lil Baby, Lil DurkCategories: News


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/awoods/” rel=”author” title=”Aleia Woods”>Aleia WoodsUpdated: June 4, 2021Money By Any Means, INC. / Quality Control Music / Alamo Records / Motown Records / Winners Circle Entertainment, Inc. / RCA Records

One time for the new releases this week that can serve as the soundtrack for the weekend. Rap heads have been anticipating a project from two of hip-hop's hottest rappers and it has finally arrived. There are also offerings from a seasoned New York City-bred MC and an up-and-coming drill rapper also from The Big Apple. Take a look below to see what's hot and fresh on the music scene.

The only thing better than listening to one rap legend in the making is watching two of them collaborate with each other. Lil Baby and Lil Durk join forces to bring their fans The Voice of the Heroes. The 18-track album features Travis Scott, Rod Wave, Young Thug and Meek Mill. The previously leaked song with Meek called "Still Runnin," in which Durkio appears to be taking jabs at a few rappers is on the record as well. Prior to the LP's arrival, the rap duo released the album's first single, "Voice of the Heroes," on May 31.

Lloyd Banks hasn't dropped a project since 2016, and fans of his skilled pen game are in for some elite rap veteran bars. On the Queens, N.Y. native's latest project, The Course of the Inevitable, he keeps some of the guest appearances close to home with lyrical support from Benny The Butcher of Buffalo, N.Y., Harlem's own Vado and Styles P, who hails from Yonkers, N.Y. Nearly five years ago, Banks dropped his Halloween Havoc 3: Four Days of Fury mixtape and before that was A.O.N. (All Or Nothing) Series Vol. 2: L.I.U. (Live It Up), both arriving in 2016. His last album, H.F.M. 2 (The Hunger for More 2), came out in 2010, and was the second coming to his 2004 G-Unit debut, The Hunger for More.

Sleepy Hallow has a growing buzz on the Brooklyn drill scene, becoming one of the hottest rising rappers out of the borough over the last year. Still Sleep? is the 21-year-old rhymer's debut album after releasing projects Sleepy Hallow Presents: Sleepy for President last year and Don't Sleep in 2019. "2 Sauce" and "2055," two tracks that arrived ahead of the full-length project's debut on Wednesday (June 2), appear on the LP.

Smoke DZA, Tech N9ne and more drop heat this week as well. Keep scrolling to find more new music.

  • The Voice of the HeroesLil Baby and Lil DurkQuality Control Music / Alamo Records / Motown Records
  • The Course of the InevitableLloyd BanksMoney By Any Means, INC.
  • Still Sleep?Sleepy HallowWinners Circle Entertainment, Inc. / RCA Records
  • The Hustler’s Catalog 2Smoke DZARFC / Cinematic Music Group
  • Real LatePeter RosenbergReal Late Records
  • BlightTech N9ne and Hu$hStrange Music, Inc.
  • Roadrunner: New Light, New Machine Plus PackBrockhamptonQuestion Everything / RCA

See Hip-Hop Albums Turning 10 in 2021Ten years ago, some of the most important hip-hop albums debuted.Filed Under: Bangers, Brockhampton, Lil Baby, Lil Durk, Lloyd Banks, Papoose, Peter Rosenberg, Sleepy Hallow, Smoke Dza, Tech N9neCategories: Music, New Music, News


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/awoods/” rel=”author” title=”Aleia Woods”>Aleia WoodsPublished: June 4, 2021Prince Williams / Wireimage

The album the streets have been waiting for has finally arrived.

On Friday (June 4), after months and months of teasing, Lil Baby and Lil Durk dropped their highly anticipated joint effort, The Voice of the Heroes. Durk deems himself "the voice" of the streets and Baby is "the hero." This is origin of the title of the album, which features 18 songs and appearances from Young Thug, Meek Mill, Travis Scott and Rod Wave.

Prior to the LP hitting digital streaming platforms today, Baby and Durkio delivered their first single off the project, "Voice of the Heroes," on Memorial Day (May 31). On the AutoTune-laden joint, the rappers recount their trials and tribulations before amassing their undeniable success.

Last month, Lil Baby posted the album's release date, but later removed the post from social media. At the time, it appeared to be a premature announcement. However, shortly after, Baby reposted the same image. Durk followed suit.

Back in March, the Quality Control Music artist informed fans that the collaborative offering was in the works.

During an interview with MTV, Baby shared, "Me and [Lil] Durk been locked in every night. Goddamn, that's the new one. We coming. Me and [Lil] Durk dropping an album, fa sho."

He added, "When it comes to that street shit, the streets is like, we the voices and the heroes of this shit. You know what I'm saying? Kids look at us like heroes. I know they look at me like one and [Lil] Durk, too. That nigga been holding it down for a minute."

Listen to Lil Baby and Lil Durk's The Voice of the Heroes below.

Lil Baby and Lil Durk's The Voice of the Heroes Album Tracklist

1. "Voice of the Heroes"
2. "2040"
3. "Hats Off" featuring Travis Scott
4. "Who I Want"
5. "Still Hood"
6. "Man of My Word"
7. "Still Runnin'" featuring Meek Mill
8. "Medical"
9. "How It Feels"
10. "Lying"
11. "Okay"
12. "That's Facts"
13. "Please"
14. "Up the Side" featuring Young Thug
15. "If You Want To"
16. "Rich Off Pain" featuring Rod Wave
17. "Make It Out"
18. "Bruised Up"

Quality Control Music / Alamo Records / Motown RecordsSee How Much It’ll Cost to Get a Verse From Your Favorite RapperAny guesses on dollar amounts before you look?Filed Under: Bangers, Lil Baby, Lil DurkCategories: Music, New Music, News


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/zoejohnson/” rel=”author” title=”Zoe Johnson”>Zoe JohnsonPublished: May 21, 2021Prince Williams, WireImage

An unlikely collaboration between Lil Baby and legendary gospel artist Kirk Franklin brings a sweet new single to the upcoming Space Jam: A New Legacy movie.

On Friday (May 21), Lil Baby and Kirk Franklin released their joint track "We Win (Space Jam: A New Legacy)." The new song is set to be a part of the new Space Jam: A New Legacy soundtrack, which drops on June 9. The new film stars NBA All-Star LeBron James and the Looney Tunes gang.

On the new track, Baby and Franklin make a holy offering over the Just Blaze-produced beat. Franklin's glorious voice directs a choir that follows his lead as Lil Baby delivers not one, but two outstanding verses.

While a crooning choir and church organs are oftentimes heard on hip-hop records, the 26-year-old Atlanta native delivers motivational bars that declare victory over his past obstacles. "We will be better than ever/Made a promise we can do it together/And I ain't breaking my word/I just wish that I could fly like a bird," Baby raps over the harmonious sounds of the choir in the background.

The sequel to the original Space Jam movie, which stars NBA legend Michael Jordan and came out back in November of 1996, is set to arrive on July 16 on HBO Max and in theaters. The film features LeBron, actors Don Cheadle, Kris Davis, Sonequa Martin-Green, Zendaya and more at the center of the flick.

The new song comes as Lil Baby is gearing up to release his joint album with Lil Durk, The Voice of the Heroes, which was originally slated to drop on May 28 but has since been postponed.

Listen to "We Win (Space Jam: A New Legacy)" by Kirk Franklin and Lil Baby below.

See How Much It’ll Cost to Get a Verse From Your Favorite RapperAny guesses on dollar amounts before you look?Filed Under: Bangers, Kirk Franklin, Lil BabyCategories: Music, New Music, News


[Chorus: Nechie]
What’s your kind then, yeah my slimes in
All these diamonds, fuck you thought? (fuck you thought?)
Wipe your nose clean, fuck your whole team
We don’t spare a thing, knock ’em off
What’s your kind then, yeah my slimes in
All these diamonds, fuck you thought?
Wipe your nose clean, fuck your whole team
We don’t spare a thing, knock ’em off

[Verse 1: Nechie]
Fuck you thought? (fuck you thought?), we won’t walk (we won’t walk)
Take ’em down, knock ’em off (knock ’em off)
Yeah my slimes wit me, I was born tinted
You can see who in it, presidential limit
You can see we winnin’, fuck you thought? (fuck you thought?)
I put VVS’ in my mouth (in my mouth)
Straight out the south (out the south), I got clout
I’m with chain gang, now I’m out (now I’m out)
You ain’t gang gang gang, take ’em out (take ’em out)
I got gang for a lane, fuck you thought?
Bitch I’m slicker than a muh, get it out the soil
Insane with them cutters, who want war with the boy?

[Chorus: Nechie]
What’s your kind then, yeah my slimes in
All these diamonds, fuck you thought (fuck you thought?)
Wipe your nose clean, fuck your whole team
We don’t spare a thing, knock ’em off
What’s your kind then, yeah my slimes in
All these diamonds, fuck you thought? (fuck you thought?)
Wipe your nose clean, fuck your whole team
We don’t spare a thing, knock ’em off

[Verse 2: Young Thug]
I’m in Balmain, it didn’t cost a thing
I’m not 2 Chainz, I got forty (I got forty)
I bust your brain, since we speakin’ of brain
Make your hoe give brain then get lost (then get lost)
I paint her face, you can call me Cozy
Fuck a Ric Flair, I got 70 Rollies
I rock big [checks?], Chinchilla minks, when she cozy
You ain’t gang gang gang gang gang, why you talkin’?
I bought 20 cars for every year that I was walkin’
Made her get an abortion, she ain’t nothing but a thottie
And I got way better bitches ’round I can lock in, I’m still bossin’

[Chorus: Nechie]
What’s your kind then, yeah my slimes in
All these diamonds, fuck you thought? (fuck you thought?)
Wipe your nose clean, fuck your whole team
We don’t spare a thing, knock ’em off
What’s your kind then, yeah my slimes in
All these diamonds, fuck you thought? (fuck you thought?)
Wipe your nose clean, fuck your whole team
We don’t spare a thing, knock ’em off

[Verse 3: Nechie]
Nechie slang slang slang, ain’t gon waste no time
Boy you ain’t my kind, I get cheese, you drop dimes
Prezi diamonds on my wrist, my neck, my ear (yeah)
Nechie Houdini, I make him disappear (oh yeah)
Get you knocked out (nah), cut the top out (off)
Fuck twelve, yeah we smashin’ on a cop car (cop car)
I’m out on bail sippin’ clean, yeah that real raw (raw)
I’m a thug, I don’t give no damn about no DA or no judge
I get it out the mud (yeah yeah)
Step off in your club and throw a dub (yeah yeah)
Give ’em hell (hell), I might call Lil Baby for a bale, don’t need no scale (scale)
Southside, youngin’ on my side on the mayor


[Intro: Drake & Future]
Yeah, 6IX
Wheezy out of here

[Verse 1: Drake]
The dash, it’s digital, the schedule busy
My head in a hoodie, my shorty a goodie
My cousins are crazy, my Cousins like Boogie
Life is amazin’, it is what it should be
Been here for ten but I feel like a rookie
I tell her, “look up” ’cause it’s snowin’ in Tootsie’s
Booked for three years, now man can’t even book me
It’s me and Lil Baby, this shit goin’ crazy
Wheezy produced it and Weezy F made me
And she held it down, so she got a Mercedes
Young Money Records, the Army, the Navy
They ran me ten thousand, I threw it like Brady
The foreign is yellow like Tracee and KD
I trusted my niggas, they never betrayed me
Met all these niggas, they sweeter than Sadie
When I started out, I just took what they gave me
Did all the favors, they never repayed me
It worked in my favor, ’cause nobody saved me

[Chorus: Lil Baby]
Brand new whip got no keys
Ten on my clothes no starch, please
Soon as I nut, you can go and leave
Got M’s in the bank, like yes indeed

[Verse 2: Lil Baby]
Cartier glasses, I won’t even peek at you
Yellow Ferrari like Pikachu
I got ’em waiting and watching what he gon’ do
Tryna peep what I do, tryna steal my moves
Twenty five hundred for a new pair of tennis shoes
The same price, I could make them youngins come and finish you
Lawyer been charging, he Jewish like he voodoo
Best dope boy hundred thousand for the eagle
Presidential tints slide by, we don’t see you
I been getting money, I ain’t worry ’bout what he do
I’m getting money like I’m from the ’80s
Me and Drake ’bout to drop man, this shit gon’ go crazy
They know I’m the truth, coming straight from the basement
I’m straight as the street, man I come from the pavement
The millions and hundreds make em go crazy
Wah wah wah, bitch I’m Lil Baby

[Chorus: Lil Baby]
Brand no whip got no keys
Ten on my clothes no starch, please
Soon as I nut, you can go and leave
Got M’s in the bank, like yes indeed

[Post-Chorus: Lil Baby]
Me and my dogs going all the way
When you living like this, they supposed to hate

[Chorus: Lil Baby]
Brand no whip got no keys
Ten on my clothes no starch, please
Soon as I nut, you can go and leave
Got M’s in the bank, like yes indeed

[Post-Chorus: Lil Baby]
Me and my dogs going all the way
When you living like this, they supposed to hate

[Outro: Future]
Wheezy out of here