New York is back. Finally. Harlem’s A$AP Rocky and The Bronx’s French Montana are sure to be two of 2013’s most celebrated MCs, and both grace the March/April issue of XXL—on solo covers, as well as a joint cover.

Rocky’s debut album, LONG.LIVE.A$AP, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in late January. On the day of the release, he sat down with XXL’s editor-in-chief, Vanessa Satten, for a lengthy discussion, which touched on a variety of topics, including the death of his father, who passed away on Christmas Eve 2012. Rocky recounts how hurt he was to lose his father so suddenly, right on the eve of his album release and his subsequent rise. Rocky also talks about his parents’ love for hip-hop and their biggest influences, which helped him grow into the artist that he is today.

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