XXL Magazine (April 1999) — Nas Cover | The Rise of Cash Money Issue

The Artifact

"He is... The Biography."

You are holding April 1999 in your hands. On the cover, Nas stands like a preacher with a burning book, signaling his return with his third album, I Am.... But flip the pages, and you find something even more historic: the "Cash Money" feature asking the question, "The Next No Limit?" This issue documents the precise moment the torch in New Orleans—and hip-hop at large—passed from Master P’s tank to the Williams Brothers’ bling.

​Why It Belongs in Your Archive

• ​The Cash Money Explosion: The "Money Changes Everything" feature includes iconic photos of the Hot Boys (Juvenile, B.G., Turk, and a very young Lil Wayne) posing in front of the projects and with their cars. It captures the raw, hungry energy of the label right before they took over the world with "Back That Azz Up."
• ​Nasir Jones, The Prophet: The cover story catches Nas at a crossroads, balancing his "Escobar" persona with his street poet roots. It is a deep dive into the mind of Queensbridge's finest during a controversial era of his career.
• ​Social Justice (N.O.P.D. Corruption): This issue goes hard on reality. The "Broken Shields" article exposes the rampant corruption within the New Orleans Police Department. Reading this alongside the Cash Money interviews gives you the full context of what those rappers were surviving.
• ​Cultural Icons: Features on Richard Pryor ("Knowledge") and Slick Rick ("Return of the King") pay homage to the legends who paved the way.

​Condition Report

• ​Authenticity: Original April 1999 issue (Vol. 3 No. 2).
• ​Condition Grade: Fair / Vintage Reader's Copy.
  • ​Cover: The Nas cover is striking, but shows visible wear. There is heavy creasing and color breaking on the bottom right corner and right edge. This magazine was carried, read, and shared.
  • ​Interior: The pages—including the incredible Cash Money photo spreads—are clean, vibrant, and fully readable.
  • ​Spine: Intact with standard shelf wear.