By: SoundSlam
Published: Aug. 22, 2005 - New York, New York

Hip Hop magazine, XXL, has recently released a special edition focusing on Shade 45. Shade 45 is a channel on Sirius Satelitte Radio that is owned by Eminem. The issue is a one time deal and is titled, XXL Presents Shade 45.

The special issue will include exclusive insight from Eminem and 50 Cent. In one interview Eminem says, “I took from all of them: Kool G Rap, Masta Ace, Big Daddy Kane. Just took a little bit from each one and put 'em all together. And by the time you're done, you got something that's never been heard before. And that's what I think about this whole generation of next MCs coming up.”

Also in the magazine, 50 Cent speaks about the state of G-Unit. “People may look at what they see from G-Unit at this point and feel like it's over-saturation. No. You know what it is? You still view G-Unit as a group. They not looking at G-Unit as a record company, as this is Def Jam."

Along with all the information, fans will also receive a free Eminem poster. Highlights of the issue include a Q&A with Eminem, Dr. Dre, and 50 Cent. Other G-Unit and Shady Records artists were also interviewed for the issue. Fans can also read profiles of Shade 45 deejays Clinton Sparks, Whoo Kid, Gomez Brothers, Rude Jude, DJ Muggs, Cipha Sounds, and more. Eminem's manager and business partner, Paul Rosenberg, is also featured in the magazine. Rosenberg states in the magazine, "Em and I were, of course, blown away by the opportunity to have a radio station… the most appealing aspect is that we could do whatever we wanted."

XXL executive publisher, Jonathan Rheingold, spoke about the partnership, "Typically, custom publishing projects do not work, since the consumer gets turned off to the overall advertising message...The hip-hop consumer is even more critical. But in the case of XXL Presents Shade 45, since Shade 45 is a truly authentic and uncensored rap radio channel, the marriage with the XXL brand made sense. Therefore, we were able to create a magazine that the fans will want.”

XXL has become one of the most successful special interest magazines in the nation. It is published monthly by Harris Publications Inc. It is the top selling Hip Hop magazine. Is on newstands now.