Old Generation Vs. New Generation

XXL's December issue features Hip Hop's new generation. There are three different covers including newcomers Charles Hamilton, Wale, Asher Roth, B.O.B., and many more.





This cover is reminiscent to The Source's outstanding June 1998 cover that featured raps new generation at the time. The cover was a three page fold out, and unfortunately I can only find the first page of it.

Other artists that made the cover were: Big Pun, Lord Tariq & Peter Gunz, Cam'Ron, Noreaga, and Canibus. Let's evaluate where these artists are now...Click the full story to continue reading.

Big Pun - Big Pun dropped arguably an classic lyrical LP, and followed up with a solid sophomore album. He also brought out him and Fat Joe's crew the Terror Squad. Unfortunately, Big Pun passed away of a heart attack in February 2000. R.I.P Big Punisher.
Cam'Ron - Received recognition from his second single "Horse and Carriage" which featured fellow Harlem native Ma$e. Cam then went on to form The Diplomats, which launched the careers of Juelz Santana, Jim Jones, JR Writer, and many more. Cam is preparing his upcoming album Crime Pays, which is now set to drop in 2009.
Noreaga - Noreaga made a name for himself in the duo Capone-n-Noreaga, but while Capone was locked up, Noreaga (who changed his name to N.O.R.E.) had to hold it down on his own for the two. He dropped three solo albums, signed to Def Jam, and when Capone was free, they reunited to create the slept on Reunion album. Shortly after, Nore went reggaeton for a minute, and is rumored to be hard at work on his new album coming soon.
Canibus - Lyrical mastermind Canibus emerged in the 90's and gained attention for his advanced wordplay and beef with LL (click here if to find out why). The beef spawned the popular diss track "Second Round K.O." which featured Mike Tyson. His debut LP Can-I-Bus, didn't do as well as expected, but Canibus went on to drop numerous underground LP's afterwards.
Lord Tariq & Peter Gunz - One of the most popular 90's hits was "Deja Vu" by this uptown duo. Lord Tariq & Peter Gunz dropped their album, but it turned out to be a flop for the two. Ironically, Peter Gunz' son Cory Gunz graces the cover of this decades next generation. Like father, like son.
DMX - The most successful out of the new generation cover, DMX dropped a classic album It's Dark and Hell is Hot. Filled with hardcore street anthems and devilsh tracks, DMX's distinctive voice and style was like non ever heard. He dropped numerous successful albums, had leading roles in films, and introduced the world to Ruff Ryders. DMX also built a criminal record for drug possession and many other bizarre activities. He plans on releasing his two new albums on the same day, one titled "Walk With Me Now" and the other "You'll Fly With Me Later".
Kurupt - Westcoast heavyweight was one half of the popular duo Tha Dogg Pound. Kurupt then made plenty of solo albums, with his debut being Kuruption, a two disc set that was both East and West coast themed. His feud with East coast MC's DMX and Ja Rule over Foxy Brown (his girl at the time) created a buzz for his sophomore solo disk "Streetz is a Mutha". Kurupt is still working with Daz Dillinger, but is also working on project with DJ Quik, DJ Premeir, and Pete Rock.
Silkk The Shocker - In the mid to early 2000's, No Limit Records were a huge stable of Southern artists. Some of their biggest talents were Master P, Mystikal, C-Murder, Snoop Dogg, and Silkk The Shocker. Being Master P's younger brother, P kept it in the family by signing his sibling. Silkk went on to release five solo albums, with a sixth one in the works. Some of Silkk's biggest hits were "It Ain't My Fault", "We Like Dem Girls", and "That's Cool" with Trina.