Isaiah Rashad

A year full of rising rap newcomers and seasoned vets that delivered a solid soundtrack over the last 12 months.

The weather is hot and so are these July releases.

All the jams.

All the jams you need.

Seeing is believing.

2016 was lit. With a half-decade of retrospection, XXL highlights 104 hip-hop albums turning five in 2021.

It's all fun and games until a rapper responds with a gem.

RIP.

A look at all of the stars who have graced XXL Freshman covers over the years.

Just say no, kids.