Christopher Wallacs aka Notorious B.I.G. (March 21, 1972-March 9, 1997) Rest in Peace.

The folks over at PlayMakerMobile caught up with a few NFL Players and asked them about their favorite sneaker. Most of them give the answers I would expect, but the last one threw me a bit. I don’t think I have ever heard anyone say that those were their favorite. Not that they are bad, but it is just the first time. What do you guys think of the shoes they named?

For those that don’t know, SXSW (South By Southwest) is the biggest hip-hop festival in the Southwest region of the USA (namely all in Austin, Texas). Acts like Pac Div, Stat Quo, Donnis, Devin The Dude, Jay Rock, Curren$y, Bun B, Reflection Eternal, Jean Grae, Strong Arm Steady, 88-Keys, Gangrene (Alchemist x OhNo), Rakaa Iriscience, Kev Brown, Oddise, Diamond District and more will perform in various bars/clubs. If you are in that area, it’s a good follow up to the Pacquiao-Clottey this weekend.

My homie DJ Baby Jae from the almighty Krackernuttz crew straight outta Houston, TX and 97.9 KBXX FM “The Box” drops a dope ass Biggie Tribute mix. DL below.

DJ Baby Jae (Krackernuttz): Notorious B.I.G. Tribute Mix

March madness continues. Last Monday (March 1) XXLMag.com unveiled the cover for our April 2010 issue, featuring XXL’s new Freshman Class. Today (March 8), we drop another exclusive, as the 10 Freshman for ’10 Mixtape, hosted by DJ Whoo Kid, is released.

The compilation features 17 brand new tracks (see complete track list below) by this year’s Freshmen 10—Pill, Jay Rock, Nipsey Hussle, Big Sean, Fashawn, Freddie Gibbs, Wiz Khalifa, J. Cole, OJ Da Juiceman and Donnis.

XXL’s 10 Freshman for ’10 issue hit stands next Tuesday, March 16. In addition to the Freshmen 10 roundtable, the issue includes stories on the Freshmen producers, hip-hop soul artists and hip-hop duos/groups, as well as an in-depth look on what it’s like to be a new rapper today, a special recap of last year’s Freshmen class and an Eye Candy that’ll make you say ahh.

In the meantime, be sure to check out the Freshman for ’10 artist stats and freestyles at XXLMag.com/Freshmen10/. — XXL

XXL – 10 Freshman For ’10 (Mixtape)

B.O.B. finally gets the visuals for his debut album’s lead single. Directed by Ethan Lader. The Great Adventures Of Bobby Ray drops April 27th.

Finally the Wu trio get some press time form the infamous rag The Source. J. Cole is the alternative cover.

Official video from one of the dopest emcees ever to rep Detroit. Off that Leftovers (Unmixedtape).

Here it finally is, the official video for Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek Revolutions Per Minute single. The album is finally dropping April 6th. Directed by Punit Dhesi.

After countless delays and setbacks Fabolous and DJ Drama present The Funeral Service.

01. The Wake
02. I’m Raw
03. Body Ya
04. Hard Feat. Kobe, Paul Cain & LA The Darkman
05. Oh Let’s Do It
06. Suicide 2 Feat. Paul Cain & Freck Billionaire
07. It’s Goin’ Down Feat. Freck Billionaire
08. Roger That Feat. Freck Billionaire
09. Love Come Down
10. Popular Demand Feat. Paul Cain
11. Mr. R.I.P
12. Body Bag Feat. Cam’ron & Vado
13. Beamer, Benz, or Bentley Feat. Lloyd Banks Juelz Santana
14. For The Money Feat. Nicki Minaj
15. Tonight Feat. Red Cafe
16. All The Way Turnt Up Feat. Trey Songz
17. Say Somethin’ Nigga
18. Funeral Service Music Feat. Kobe, Paul Cain, Red Cafe & Willie The Kid
19. Bring Death To Em’
20. Exhibit F

Fabolous – There Is No Competition 2 (The Funeral Service) (Mixtape)