XXL revealed the 2019 Freshman Class list feat Megan Thee Stallion, Rico Nasty & others.
XXL Magazine returns with their annual Freshman Class as they announced their 2019 Freshman Class List. The year 11 people who made it to the cover are Blueface, Comethazine, Tierra Whack, DaBaby, Lil Mosey, Roddy Ricch, TBN Cordae, YK Osiris, Rico Nasty, Gunna, and Megan Thee Stallion.
The XXL Freshman series, now in its 12th year, has continuously welcomed hip-hop’s up-and-comers and helped propel them to the forefront of the culture. Year after year, XXL Freshman has grown in prominence thanks to the internet, social media, and, most importantly, hip-hop fans. The selection of artists for the XXL Freshman Class is made in the same manner as it was when it originally began. We chat to everyone we can think of—industry tastemakers, rappers, our friends, fellow hip-hop heads, the man at the corner shop, whoever—to get their thoughts on who should be chosen for the class.
Others on the list who are less well-known are on the rise. Roddy Ricch’s smash song “Die Young” propelled him ahead into 2019, where he is working on a project with Marshmello called “Project Dreams.” With “Suge,” DaBaby took over car stereos and curated playlists, and Lil Mosey is coming into his own featuring “G Walk,” his latest single with Chris Brown.
DaBaby is at the top of the list as one of the most well-known rappers in the genre. His most hit single, “Suge,” spent some time at #3 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. His second studio album, Baby on Baby, was released earlier this year and reached #7 on the Billboard 200 chart, including popular tracks like “Suge,” “Goin Baby,” and “Baby Sitter” starring Offset. Megan Thee Stallion and YK Osiris, as previously noted, have excellent characteristics thanks to DaBaby. DaBaby was featured on the tunes “Pink Toes” with Gunna and Offset and “Baby” with Lil Baby on Quality Control’s Quality Control: Control the Streets, Vol. 2 album.
The XXL Freshman class has a long history dating back to 2007 when it was first adopted. The concept was simple: a list of up-and-coming musicians who, based on their previous work, are positioned to become hip-most hop’s prominent figures. These carefully picked options are brought together for a photo shoot and rap cypher to demonstrate their abilities, whether it’s video views, a crazy style, or just fantastic music (often all three). Then they’re sent off to see if they live up to their reputation. Because most of them do, it’s become a wonderful method to keep track of hip-hop’s who’s who.
XXL will release videos from each artist admitted into the 12th annual Freshman Class throughout the next month, including behind-the-scenes moments, solo interviews, freestyles, cyphers, and roundtable conversations, so rap fans can learn more about each artist and what they represent. DJ Scheme, from Florida, is in charge of the Freshman cyphers this year, spinning music for each of the 11 performers.
The conversations and cyphers will be played by DJ Scheme throughout the upcoming month while the class is in session. The addition of Blueface and DaBaby will probably add a welcome dose of humour to the mix and given some of the names featured, it’s probable that this year could be more “lyrical” than last. Tierra Whack’s inclusion is welcome, and if “Unemployed” is any indicator, we could be looking at a front-runner for the cypher.
A look back at last year’s Freshmen, a compelling narrative on whether Jay-Z should run for president, the history of the letter X in hip-hop, in memoriam honours for XXTentacion, Nipsey Hussle, and Mac Miller from their fellow Freshman classmates, and a Hip-Hop Junkie conversation with pop star Billie Eilish are all included in the XXL Magazine Summer 2019 issue.
XXL will provide behind-the-scenes footage, solo interviews, freestyles, cyphers, and roundtable talks in the lead-up to the 12th annual Freshman Class. DJ Scheme is in charge of the Freshman cyphers this year. Stefflon Don was the only female rapper chosen for the 2018 class, which also includes Lil Pump, Smokepurpp, YBN Nahmir, and Wifisfuneral.
On July 16, the 2019 Freshman issue of XXL magazine will be available on newsstands globally. This year’s Freshmen will play live in New York City on July 22 at the PlayStation Theater and in Los Angeles on July 25 at The Novo.
42 Dugg, Flo Milli, Murray, Pooh Shiesty, Lakeyah, Coi Leray, Toosii, Blxst, Rubi Rose, Iann Dior, and DDG in the final fan-voted spot are the newest XXL freshmen 2021 inductees. Dior is featured on 24kGoldn’s “Mood,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks in a row last year. 24kGoldn was named to the Freshman Class of 2020 by fans, with future talents Polo G, Rod Wave, Latto, Lil Tjay, Jack Harlow, Chika, and others.
It’s worth noting that Megan The Stallion went on to win a Grammy the following year. Megan Thee Stallion, the first female rapper to win a Grammy in 22 years, won Best New Artist in 2021. Megan beat out Doja Cat, Kaytranada, rappers Chika and D Smoke, Phoebe Bridgers, Noah Cyrus, and Ingrid Andress for the award, which she won for Best Dance/Electronic Album and Best Dance Recording.
In 2023, hip-hop celebrates 50 years of the genre and it also marks the 16th year of the Freshman Class series which kicked off in 2007. The 2023 XXL Freshman Class includes Tia Corine, Finesse2tymes, Lola Brooke, Rob49, Fridayy, GloRilla, 2Rare, SleazyWorld Go, Central Cee, Real Boston Richey, Luh Tyler, and DC The Don.
🏆 2023 XXL Freshman Class 🏆
Who’s your favorite Freshman this year? ⬇️https://t.co/GcluReC6Yd pic.twitter.com/CVHHDezLGD
— XXL Magazine (@XXL) June 21, 2023
