In lengthy discussion with the Seattle representative, Macklemore & his creative partner Ryan Lewis share their Top 5 Sneakers of All Time. The conversation evolved after we discussed his critically acclaimed “Wings” record that garnered a lot of backlash from the sneaker head community. He reminded us that he was and will always be a sneaker collecter.  He also elaborated on how much he would love to design his own show one day, “I would love to design a shoe. I would particularly like to design a Nike.” 

The XXL 2012 Freshman also spoke on the Nike “Air Yeezy 2” craze and why he would not wait on line for them.
 

 
Macklemore’s Top 5 Sneaker’s of All Time:

5. Van’s Authentic – “Classic Low Top Vans”

4. Air Jordan (III) – “White / True Blue 3′s”

3. Air Jordan (VI) -  “White /Varsity Red 6′s”

2. Air Jordan (VI) -  “Back / Infrared 6′s”

1. Air Jordan 4 (IV) – “O.G. Cement 4′s”

 
Produced & Shot by: A.R.
Written by: Justin D Live

After his performance at Rutgers University, we had the pleasure of chatting with another talented member from TDE, Ab-Soul. In this interview he reveals that his his eyes are light sensitive which explains the “Sunglasses Look“. We also discussed his educational background, music influences, and who he is currently a fan of in hip-hop.

“That shit was killing me. I got an ulcer from that shit, I think? Like right now, I haven’t went to the doctor yet, but my shit be burning. My stomach is really fucked up. I done lost like 8 pounds.”

On a lighter note, “Young Puffy” talked about his involvement with labels. There has been subtle confusion surrounding Top Dawg Entertainment and their relation to Interscope Records/Dr. Dre Aftermath. Respectfully, Q gave us insight regarding his association with alleged big-name labels.

“We just got a label deal. We don’t sign contracts. We don’t need that. We don’t need nobody. We did all of this s*ht from the internet. … And now you want to fuck with us, either you give us what we want or sh*t we gonna keep doing what we do.”

After commenting on TDE’s success based off of their artists’ organic abilities to gain a solid fan-following, he paid homage to Dr. Dre. “… Shout out to Dr. Dre for knowing the movement and respecting everything.”

ScHoolboy poked fun at the anticipated release of The Black Hippy Crew’s project.

“I need some money first. I already said it, and I’ll say it again. There is going to be 3 n*ggas in Black Hippy if I don’t get paid, but yeah, it’s going to come.” He disclosed his opinion on the necessity to establish each individual member’s solo craft before releasing their collective project. “We came in the game as solo artists you know what I mean? We gotta keep solidifying ourselves as solo artists. Then after that we come in and hit them with the bang.”

On an ending note ScHoolboy confirmed the album’s prospect release.

“You are going to hear if for sure. We can’t just not give them Black Hippy. We just gotta solidify ourselves as artists.”

SHot by: Kymmi Cee Live
Edited by: Scott P.
Written by: Emily Gabriele

Cody B. Ware talks about his name changed and the evolution of his music. He also goes to talk about his fans, and how they are genuinely at his shows for him and not hype.

Before E-40 dropped that triple “The Block Brochure: Welcome To The Soil” album he spoke on his work ethic, being allowed to drop three albums, more records with Kendrick Lamar and a lot more.

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“Eleven 30 is the Re-release of the Eleventh Hour. … We got a lot of good love. I got unsigned hype in the Source. I want to give it better to people sonically so we are going to Remix and Remaster.” – Jagger

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Jagger continues to briefly discuss not being on the original “XXL Top 50 Freshman List” and explains that it’s just not his time. He also shares his idea on working with Alanis Morissette and Fiona apple. Check it out.

Connect with Mike Jaggerr: twitter

We caught up with one of our favorite artist GLC, In this interview GLC talks about his wisdom, and his messages at the end of some of our favorite songs.

GLC also speaks on the influence that Kanye West and his mother had on his life. He elaborates on his earlier life in which he lost both of his parents, joined a gang, and life on the streets of Chicago.



“Dame said it like just how hard I work. How diligent I was. How aggressive I was. I never turned anything down. He (Dame Dash) would tell me stories on how Kanye would jump on tables and rap. Interrupt Jay-Z’s sessions and be like ‘but, listen to this rap’.”

We got a chance to catch up with J. Littles and spoke about his latest project, RespectTheGrind available download now. He also told us a little bit about Grind City, what it mean, and then some more. Check it out.

Connect with J. Littles: twitter

Good*Fella Media recently caught up with Papoose to discuss some serious topics.

The former Jive signee spoke on the long delay of his Nacirema Dream album and how it was “ahead of it’s time”. Papoose also spoke on his wife Remy Ma being incarcerated and he explained how that has only served as inspiration for him.

The Brooklyn native went on to speak on being on the Original 2008 XXL Freshman Cover, the inspiration for Law Library, and how the rap game has changed since his humble begingings.

Here is one of my personal favorites: Alphabetical Slaughter

Our very good friend T.Shirt paid us a visit at our headquarters. In this interview we discussed his most recent release “The Fuck Album” and the story behind it’s release. We also touched on his creative process and writing inspirations. Specifically he elaborated on “Old Man Angst” as well as the industry’s overwhelming response to “Ode to Raekwon”.

As a follow up to our first interview with Iggy Azalea we sat down with the Aussie native and discussed some more topics. The Grand Hustle Signee told us about the power of her online fan base, better known as Azaleans, and why they mean so much to her career.

Previous Video: Iggy Azalea talks Whitney Houston’s Death and wants to work w/ Missy Elliot and Ester Dean.

Iggy then explains how she was initially outcasted when she lived in Los Angeles and how she hated Hollywood before she discovered Slauson Ave and the people that embraced her.

Iggy also explained to us why she does not take Internet Critics serious and why she would rather just take advice from her peers.

Later clarifying why she thinks her mixtape “Ignorant Art” was not received the way it should have been. She explains the difference between a mixtape and an Official Album and why her fans should expect bigger records on her debut album.

Produced by: A.R.
Written by: Justin D Live
Video+Photo by: Anomalous Sightings
Thanks to: Le Bloc