In August 1997,[1]Harris Publications released the first issue of XXL. It featured rappers
Jay-Z and
Master P on a double cover.[2] In December 2006, XXL took over the struggling hip-hop producer and DJ magazine Scratch (another publication owned by Harris Publications), re-branding it as XXL Presents Scratch Magazine. However Scratch shut down less than a year later in September 2007.
Other titles with limited runs have been launched under the XXL brand, including Hip-Hop Soul, Eye Candy and Shade45. XXL has released many other special projects including tour programs, mixtapes and exclusive DVDs. XXL also maintains a popular website, which provides daily hip hop news, original content and content from the magazine.[3]
On October 14, 2014, Townsquare announced it would continue print publication of XXL.[5] In December 2014 the company reported that the magazine would be published on a monthly basis.[4]
Past editors
The magazine's past editors include Reginald C. Dennis (formerly of The Source), Sheena Lester (former editor-in-chief of RapPages and Vibe music editor), Elliott Wilson (formerly of The Beat-Down Newspaper, ego trip and The Source, currently locked in at #7 slot on The Source's Digital 30 list.)[6][7] and Datwon Thomas (former editor-in-chief of King).
In May 2009, Datwon Thomas resigned from XXL and executive editor Vanessa Satten, who had been with XXL since 1998, was named the new Editor-in-Chief.[8]
Special releases
In August 2005,
Eminem and XXL teamed up to release a special issue titled XXL Presents Shade 45, designed to simultaneously give maximum exposure to his
radio stationShade 45, the station's associated radio
DJs, the
Shady Records label as a whole, and
G-Unit Records' artists. XXL executive publisher Jonathan Rheingold stated that typically magazines based around particular artists were not favorable, but "since Shade 45 is a truly authentic and uncensored rap radio channel, the marriage with the XXL brand made sense," feeling that it would interest rap fans.[citation needed]
In September 2006, XXL put a special 90-minute DVD called XXL DVD Magazine Vol. 1, which featured exclusive interviews and content with big-name rappers such as
50 Cent,
Ice Cube,
Fat Joe,
Paul Wall, &
Mike Jones.[9]
On August 20, 2013, XXL marked its sixteenth anniversary by releasing its 150th issue, which featured the first solo cover on the magazine from
Drake, along with rappers such as
Kendrick Lamar and
B.o.B reviewing classic albums.[2]
Beginning in 2007 (skipping 2008),[10]XXL releases its annual "Freshman Class" list. The issue features 10-12 artists-to-watch, all appearing on the cover of the magazine. The list has a history of showcasing unknown/underground rappers, as well as artists considered to be on the rise. The list creates significant
marketing buzz among listeners and artists alike, and is credited for giving many artists their first taste of fame.[11][12][13]
^In 2020,
Pop Smoke was the first freshman selected for the list, but died before attending the photoshoot.[30][31]
Additions to the list
Occasionally, the Freshman Class list may contain extra additions to include more rappers. The 2011, 2013, 2019 and 2021 Freshman Class lists, for example, had 11 rappers. In the case for the 2013 list, XXL added an honorary extra spot for Chicago rapper
Chief Keef due to the artist being in a six-day jail stint and therefore being unable to attend the photo shoot in New York City.[19] In 2014, 2020, 2022 and 2023 the Freshman Class lists included 12 rappers.
^Wolfe, Roman: "XXL Magazine Fires EIC Elliott Wilson", AllHipHop, 2008.
"XXL Magazine Fires EIC Elliott Wilson". Archived from
the original on January 9, 2008. Retrieved January 8, 2008. Retrieved January 8, 2007.