Today, Townsquare Media announced that its acquisition of XXL will include shutting down the monthly print edition. This is certainly a sign of the times for print media, and the end of an era for Hip-Hop magazines.
In honor of XXL, we put together some memorable covers.
View them in the gallery.
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Photos: XXL
Numero Uno
XXL’s first issue were double editions with Jay Z and Master P in 1997.
D12
The publication tackled the murder of D12 member Proof in its July 2006 edition, which included an interview with the late rapper.
The Parenthood
Wiz Khalifa put family first in the October/November 2012 XXL magazine. If we’re not mistaken, Amber Rose is the only person to appear on the cover pregnant.
Poison Ivy
Lil Kim’s “wet” cover won’t be soon forgotten.
Women’s History
Iggy Azalea became the first female rapper to grace the Freshman edition in 2012 (Nicki Minaj passed a couple years earlier).
Death Row
Lisa Lopes stood with Suge Knight to introduce his new list of label heavy hitters. Lopes and Knight were rumored to be dating.
Compton’s Finest
A year after he landed on the freshman cover, Kendrick Lamar led the 15th anniversary XXL issue, with Dr. Dre behind him.
Follow The Leader
The very first XXL “Freshman” cover came out in November 2007 featuring Lupe Fiasco, Lil Boosie, Joel Ortiz, Papoose, Rich Boy, and more.
Breezy Breakthrough
Chris Brown’s 2012 XXL cover was his first major interview in a couple of years (things weren’t going well back then). He talked to the mag about throwing bottles at Drake, and trying to stay positive.
What’s In A Name
Last year, Ab-Soul and ScHoolBoy Q got royally pissed with XXL for separating Black Hippy from Kendrick Lamar.
No Doubt
Hov recreated the Reasonable Doubt in the Aug 2006 issue of XXL, honoring the 10th anniversary of its debut.
Lawrence Of Arabia
This cover with 50 Cent and Soulja Boy will never not be awkward.
Stressed Out
Lupe Fiasco opened up about how label struggles and fan revolts led him to suicidal thoughts, in the May 2011 edition.
Double Trouble
After she skipped their “Freshman” cover request, Nicki Minaj fronted the May 2010 cover along with Drake.
All The President’s Men (& Women)
Jay Z talked plans for his cabinet as President of Def Jam records, during the “Carter Administration” of 2005.
Paper Work
In the midst of federal gun charges threatening to put him behind bars for year, T.I. covered XXL’s August 2008 issue.
