Overcoming clouds of controversy, it was announced today that A Tribe Called Quest’s doc has been picked up by Sony Pictures Classics. The documentary was premiered during Sundance Festival 2011 in January. The film’s director Michael Rapaport speaks on the deal. “I couldn’t be more excited and proud that BEATS, RHYMES & LIFE: THE TRAVELS OF A TRIBE CALLED QUEST is being distributed by Sony Pictures Classics. As a first time filmmaker to have the support of SPC is like being […]

Big Sean began shooting the vid for his lead single in Los Angeles. Luckily for us, Nigel D. was on the set and was able to capture the making through his cam. Finally Famous finally happens May 3. More flicks underneath.

Ain’t no party like Trinidad Carnival so Busa-Busss and his right-hand hype man Spliff Star jetted there a coupla days ago to terrorize the stage and soak up some sun and fun. In case you ain’t know: The Conglomerate is worldwide, chump. Ha!

Is it just us or have the Diplomats been on tour forever? Well starting next week, the movement moves on in with Vado. Additional dates to be added, but for now, selected stops after the jump. thisisthedream

For Al Lindstrom‘s latest feature, he turns his cameras on SRC boss, Steve Rifkind. During Steve’s soliloquy, he speaks on artist development and explains why the music business is declining. The most interesting revelation comes at the 3:38 mark, where he says he wants in on Tyler’s creation.

A week ago, Rick Ross announced the release of Maybach Music Group’s first compilation, Self Made. Now, a date has been set for May 24th. Time to celebrate like it’s your birthday Meek.

You would be committing a crime if you haven’t purchased Rae’s Shaolin Vs. Wu-Tang by now. In any event, here is the other iTunes bonus track featuring his fellow Wu-Gambinos. Support Shallah! x Sidebar: Raekwon’s Village Voice Feature

[vodpod id=Video.5737057&w=540&h=350&fv=videoId%3D820371208001%26linkBaseURL%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.xxlmag.com%252F2011-freshman-class%252F%26playerID%3D735056479001%26playerKey%3DAQ%7E%7E%2CAAAAj36EHhk%7E%2C2pR1tWM5uVhnbSj–UUJCXbI03wJZIun%26domain%3Dembed%26dynamicStreaming%3Dtrue] For today’s XXL Freshmen of the Day, Fred The Godson holds the spot down and drops a quick freestyle. Down below, the BX spitter speaks on the importance of making the class. “Ever since things started picking up last year April, this is what I’ve been gunning for. I’ve been in the office and doing whatever I can do. And I’m like, ‘Yo, I need that Freshmen cover, man.’ It means everything. I think some people take it […]

Yesterday, Forbes revealed their top five richest Hip Hop artists. With Sean John and his Ciroc partnership, Diddy takes the top spot with Jay-Z right behind. Money ain’t a thang. 1. Diddy ($475 million) 2. Jay-Z ($450 million) 3. Dr. Dre ($125 million) 4. 50 Cent ($100 million) 5. Birdman ($100 million)

ESPN held a screening at the Tribeca Cinema in NYC last night for the latest installment of their 30 For 30 documentary series. This time, the network chronicled the days of the University of Michigan’s basketball starting squad dubbed the “Fab 5”. The freshmen line-up consisted of Jimmy King, Jalen Rose, Chris Webber, Ray Jackson and Juwan Howard. Together, they changed the face of college basketball by incorporating hip-hop and street ball elements to their style of play. Following the […]