The History of XXL Freshmen Classes: A Legacy of Hip-Hop’s Rising Stars
The XXL Freshman Class has become a hallmark of hip-hop culture since its inception in 2007. Each year, the XXL magazine selects a group of rising rappers to feature on its cover, designating them as the future stars of the genre. What started as a way to spotlight up-and-coming artists has since evolved into a cultural event, with the chosen freshmen often going on to become some of the biggest names in rap. The list has also sparked debates, introduced new talents to a wider audience, and highlighted the changing trends in hip-hop over time.
Origins: The First Freshman Class (2007)
In 2007, XXL introduced its inaugural Freshman Class, which featured ten artists: Saigon, Plies, Rich Boy, Gorilla Zoe, Joell Ortiz, Lupe Fiasco, Lil Boosie, Crooked I, Papoose, and Young Dro. The idea was simple: spotlight artists who were making noise but had yet to fully break into the mainstream. Some members of the first class, like Lupe Fiasco, were already gaining recognition for their unique sounds, while others like Plies and Lil Boosie were heavily grounded in regional fan bases.
The first class set the tone for what would become a staple in hip-hop culture—an annual list that celebrated diversity in style, flow, and sound. Each artist had their own lane, from conscious lyricists like Lupe Fiasco to Southern trap stars like Plies. While not every artist on the list went on to mainstream success, it laid the foundation for XXL's annual selection as a career-defining moment.
Early Years: 2008-2010
The Freshman list gained more traction with each passing year. The 2009 class featured artists like Kid Cudi, Wale, B.o.B, and Curren$y—names that would come to define the next generation of rap. Kid Cudi, in particular, represented a shift in the genre, bringing a more introspective, melodic style of rap that influenced a new wave of hip-hop. Wale’s lyricism and B.o.B’s genre-blurring approach also reflected the diversity in sound that was becoming increasingly prominent in the industry.
By 2010, the XXL Freshman Class was already establishing itself as a tastemaker for the industry. That year’s class, which included J. Cole, Wiz Khalifa, and Big Sean, is often cited as one of the most successful and influential in the list’s history. J. Cole and Big Sean would go on to become two of the biggest stars of the 2010s, with both artists releasing multiple chart-topping albums. Wiz Khalifa’s stoner anthems and crossover hits like “Black and Yellow” solidified his place in mainstream hip-hop as well.
The Rise of the Freshman Freestyles and Cyphers
In 2011, XXL introduced the freshman freestyles and cyphers, a now-iconic part of the Freshman Class rollout. This allowed fans to see the chosen artists perform in real-time, showcasing their lyrical skills and charisma. Some of the freestyles and cyphers have become viral moments, elevating artists and setting the stage for their careers.
One standout moment came in the 2011 cypher, which featured Kendrick Lamar, Meek Mill, and Mac Miller. Kendrick’s lyrical prowess was evident, and his inclusion on the list cemented his status as one of the most talented MCs of his generation. That year’s class, which also included YG and Lil B, showcased the diversity of the genre, with artists representing different regions, styles, and sub-genres of hip-hop.
The freestyles and cyphers quickly became one of the most anticipated aspects of the XXL Freshman rollout, with fans eagerly awaiting to see who would deliver standout performances. Artists like Lil Uzi Vert (2016), DaBaby (2019), and Megan Thee Stallion (2019) used these performances to further solidify their presence in the rap world.
Mid-2010s: The Shift Toward New Sounds and Styles
By the mid-2010s, the XXL Freshman Class was evolving alongside the shifting sound of hip-hop. The genre was increasingly incorporating melodic elements, and trap music was dominating the charts. Artists like Future and Young Thug were pushing boundaries, and the 2014 Freshman Class reflected this shift. The class featured Chance the Rapper, Ty Dolla $ign, Kevin Gates, and Lil Durk, among others.
Chance the Rapper, in particular, stood out as an independent artist who had gained massive popularity without the backing of a major label. His inclusion signaled a new era of artists who were leveraging the internet, social media, and streaming platforms to build fanbases. That same year, Lil Durk’s inclusion highlighted the rise of drill music, a subgenre that originated in Chicago and influenced future generations of artists.
The 2016 Freshman Class, which included Lil Uzi Vert, 21 Savage, Kodak Black, and Lil Yachty, was especially notable for its divisiveness among older hip-hop fans and newer listeners. The class was emblematic of the new wave of "SoundCloud rap," a subgenre that was heavily influenced by internet culture and less concerned with traditional lyricism. Lil Uzi Vert and Lil Yachty, in particular, represented a more experimental, genre-bending style of rap that was redefining what a hip-hop artist could sound like.
Controversy and Criticism
As the XXL Freshman Class gained prominence, so too did the scrutiny. Fans began to debate the selections each year, with some feeling that certain artists were more deserving than others. The criticism often revolved around whether XXL was choosing the best new talent or simply going for the most marketable names. The inclusion of more melodic, less lyrical artists also sparked debate about the changing face of hip-hop, with some fans lamenting the loss of traditional "bars" in favor of more commercial sounds.
Despite the criticisms, the Freshman Class has remained a platform that gives artists a significant boost in visibility. For many, appearing on the cover is a career milestone that brings more industry attention and a wider fanbase. Some artists, however, have declined the honor—Drake, Nicki Minaj, and A$AP Rocky, for example, all chose not to participate, citing that they had already outgrown the need for the cosign.
Recent Years: The Evolution of Hip-Hop
In recent years, the XXL Freshman Class has continued to reflect the evolution of hip-hop, with artists from a range of subgenres making the list. The 2019 class, which featured Megan Thee Stallion, DaBaby, Roddy Ricch, and YBN Cordae, was praised for including artists who would soon become chart-topping stars. Megan Thee Stallion and DaBaby, in particular, used the platform to catapult themselves into mainstream stardom.
The 2020 and 2021 classes further showcased the diversity of modern hip-hop, with the inclusion of artists like Polo G, Jack Harlow, Mulatto, and Fivio Foreign. The ongoing influence of drill music, trap, and melodic rap was evident in these selections, illustrating how the genre continues to evolve while still maintaining its core essence.
Conclusion: A Tradition That Shapes the Future
The XXL Freshman Class has become more than just a magazine feature—it’s a rite of passage for new artists and a barometer for the future of hip-hop. While not every artist from each class goes on to superstardom, many use the platform as a springboard for greater success. The list continues to be a reflection of hip-hop’s ever-changing landscape, highlighting the genre’s capacity for innovation, reinvention, and diversity.
As hip-hop continues to evolve, the XXL Freshman Class will likely remain a cornerstone of the culture, celebrating the new voices and sounds that push the genre forward. Whether controversial, celebrated, or debated, the Freshman Class represents the future of rap—a future that is constantly being rewritten, one class at a time.
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