You wished lyricism, you bought it. Listed here are two of the best wordsmiths at the moment pushing hip-hop ahead, Joey Bada$$ and J.I.D, who each grace the duvet of XXL Journal’s Fall 2025 subject.

Yearly at XXL, we obtain backlash relating to our Freshman record as a result of a misunderstanding of its true goal. Many individuals mistakenly imagine the record is supposed to showcase essentially the most gifted new lyricists in hip- hop. In actuality, the category serves as a prediction of which up-and-coming artists are at the moment buzzing and have the perfect probability of turning into superstars sooner or later. Sadly, not all of tomorrow’s hip-hop abilities excel in writing lyrics, and this can be a well-known reality.

Simply because an artist might not be a gifted wordsmith doesn’t imply they gained’t obtain fame and fortune. On this subject of XXL journal, we characteristic two former Freshmen on the duvet, each identified for his or her lyrical abilities: J.I.D and Joey Bada$$. So, let’s put any complaints apart and revel in what these two masters of the mic should say about their craft.

Joey and J.I.D communicate individually in their very own respective cowl story interviews on the whole lot from lyricism, their music and past. The true-deal pals additionally sat down collectively for a separate joint dialog on video to debate sticking collectively as lyricists, satisfying followers over chasing awards, J.I.D’s God Does Like Ugly album and Joey’s Lonely on the Prime, their objectives, fatherhood and extra.

The remainder of the problem contains conversations with Hit-Boy, Probability The Rapper, Rob49, KenTheMan, Bay Swag, Curren$y, Wallo267, Hurricane Knowledge, Babyfxce E, Hanumankind, Ghostface Killah, Conway The Machine, Pluto, TiaCorine, singer Isaiah Falls, comic Josh Joshson, Vice President of Music at SiriusXM and Pandora Joshua “J1” Raiford and extra.

The brand new subject is offered for buy right here and cop XXL merch that includes Joey and J.I.D on the duvet beneath. Additionally, take a look at their solo interviews and video dialog beneath.

Watch Joey Bada$$ and J.I.D’s Interview With XXL

See Photographs From Joey Bada$$ and J.I.D’s XXL Journal Fall 2025 Cowl Shoot