XXL Magazine Launches iPhone App for Aspiring Rappers

NEW YORK, March 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- XXL Magazine is proud to announce the launch of their first official and exclusive iPhone app, featuring six special functions including a hip-hop news feed, lifestyle trends, "Where They At?" geo-tracker for finding friends, plus special Twitter functions and the ultimate hip-hop trivia. The free app, available on iTunes, also features a unique application called "Ready or Not," which allows consumers to upload their own creative 30-second freestyles to be judged by celebrity guest judges including Lloyd Banks and Sha Money XL, senior VP of A&R at Island Def Jam.

The launch of the "Ready or Not" feature will mark the first time consumers will be able to submit freestyle raps directly to XXL and be automatically featured on the XXL website (XXLMag.com). Consumer voting, editor picks and reviews by established hip-hop artists and industry members will decide which contestants have the strongest skills and should be featured on XXLMag.com, in XXL and on the homepage of the app with potential to be discovered by labels, managers, industry heavyweights and other artists.

"It's very hard for a new artist to get discovered even with the Internet as prevalent as it is these days," says Vanessa Satten, XXL's Editor-in-Chief. "Singers have American Idol but aspiring rappers have limited outlets. 'Ready or Not' lets aspiring rappers get heard by those who can actually help launch their career. Established artists, label A&R executives, XXL editors and industry heavyweights will all be reviewing submissions.  We believe this can be a really important tool for hip-hop." Sha Money XL, senior VP of A&R at Island Def Jam agrees, "This app will allow me direct access to artists really looking to be heard."

The XXL App launch coincides with XXL's 2011 Freshman Class, in which the magazine names the breakout artists of the coming year. This year's Freshmen include Yelawolf, Mac Miller, Cyhi The Prynce, Kendrick Lamar, Diggy Simmons, Lil Twist, Lil B, Fred the Godson, Meek Mill, Big Krit and YG. Past Freshmen include Wiz Khalifa, Lupe Fiasco, B.o.B. and Kid Cudi. 

About XXL Magazine -XXL is recognized as the premiere brand in rap music journalism and is the best-selling music magazine on the newsstand today. For information on XXL Magazine, visit http://www.xxlmag.com.

Press Inquiries please contact Alyssa Carroll 212.580.0835 [email protected]

SOURCE XXL Magazine