XXL G-Unit Round Table (Part 1 & 2) [Video]

We got special access to The Unit by returning to 50 Cent’s famed Connecticut mansion where the XXL G-Unit cover story was shot. After a day of interviews, photo shoots, and a G-Unit-hosted BBQ, EIC Vanessa Satten sat down with the crew for a lengthy roundtable that dives head first into why they broke up in the first place. Part 2 after the jump.

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Jahlil Beats Lists His Top 10 Producers Of All Time [Video]

Jahlil Beats came through the office the other week, and sat down for a quick interview to let us know what exactly he’s been up to these days, as he’s been a bit absent on the producer circuit. Following the interview, Jhalil took the time to list off his Top 10 producers of all time, offering a reason for each. For a look into the mind of Jahlil and what he likes in a producer, watch the video above. He gives plenty of credit to the OGs that came before him and influenced his sound, from Jermaine Dupri to Swizz Beatz to Mannie Fresh, and more. He gives us a glimpse at his knowledge of the game too.

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DJ JS-1 feat. Murs & Fashawn – Whatever It Takes [Stream]

On the path to making a name for yourself, your bound to come across obstacles that will veer you away from your dream. Critics will try and call you out. Haters may go behind your back. Deals might go sour. Regardless, you need to make it your mission to keep plowing through, and if you’re DJ JS-1, you need to have the mentality of “Whatever It Takes.” For the latest single in promotion for his producer compilation LP, It Is What It Isn’t, which is now available, the Queens-based deejay/producer, concocts a teeth gnashed banger, that boasts notable guest appearances from Cali’s independent veteran, Murs, and the rising star, Fashawn. Adorned with a Premo’esque hook, both artists successfully expose the interesting duality of what it takes to make it. Whereas the Strange Music rapper drops bars detailing his humble beginnings on the grind, the Mass Appeal Records’ signee speaks on enjoying the moment and the problems that come from it. ‘It Is What It Isn’t,’ includes guest features from KRS-One, Erick Sermon, Ras Kass, O.C., Homeboy Sandman, Buckshot, Sadat X, The Artifacts, Breeze Brewin’, Soul Khan, Torae, AG and more, and is available on CD and vinyl, as well as digital download, through all major digital retailers.

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DJ Premier Announces He Will Produce An Album For Loaded Lux [Video]

DJ Premier is a big fan of Loaded Lux. He compares Lux and Murda Mook as the Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather of rap. After over a decade of being the top battle rapper and a near-flawless execution against Calicoe in the ring, Loaded Lux became a new artist to the mainstream world. That battle is what prompted DJ Premier to include Lux in his Bars In The Booth video series. In this video, DJ Premier breaks down the qualifications that he looks for when recording emcees in his series. He liked the collaboration so much that he committed to producing an entire album for Lux.

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Homeboy Sandman – Rap Is Outta Control Freestyle [Video]

Queens emcee Homeboy Sandman is one of the most creative and unique artists in the hip hop world right now. Every song, let alone album, is very unique from the next. His new album, Hallways, includes production from J57, DJ Spinna, Oh No, Jonwayne, 2 Hungry Bros, and many others. With an instrumental from L’Orange, check out this freestyle that Sandman performed at the @RapIsOuttaControl studios.

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JMSN – Street Sweeper [Video]

JMSN’s self-titled new project is set to drop December 9th. Pre-orders are available on iTunes. “This video is bare and raw, for the same reason the vocals and instruments are dry and raw. Life is raw. Life is unkind. Life is not black and white. The quicker we strip away the bullshit. The quicker we can live now. The focus should never be taken away from that. If it is, then you’re missing the whole point of the song. We need to engage in the story. Therefore, engage in each other and constantly keep learning about one another.” – JMSN

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