XXL (magazine)
XXL is an American hip hop magazine, published by Townsquare Media, founded in 1997. History. In August 1997, Harris Publications released the first issue of "XXL". It featured rappers Jay-Z and Master P on a double cover. 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. In 2014, Townsquare Media acquired "XXL", "King" and "Antenna" from Harris Publications. On October 14, 2014, Townsquare announced it would continue print publication of "XXL". In December 2014 the company reported that the magazine would be published on a monthly basis. 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.) 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. Special releases. In August 2005, Eminem and "XXL" teamed up to release a special issue titled "XXL Presents Shade 45", and was designed to give maximum exposure to Shade 45 as a radio station, and at  the same time give maximum exposure to the Shady Records label as a whole, as well as the radio DJs 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," with the feeling that it is what would interest rap fans. In November 2008, "XXL" released "XXL Raps Volume 1", which included music from 50 Cent, G-Unit, Common, Jim Jones, & Fabolous. 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. On August 20, 2013 "XXL" released its 150th issue, also celebrating its sixteenth anniversary. The issue featured the first solo cover on the magazine from Drake, and rappers such as Kendrick Lamar and B.o.B reviewing classic albums. Annual Freshman Class List. Beginning in 2007 (skipping 2008), "XXL" releases its annual "Freshman Class" list. The issue features ten 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. 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. In 2014 and 2020, the Freshman Class lists included 12 rappers.