XXL have just released their “Freshman Class” of 2016 cover and it’s just about right. Every year the magazine creates a list of who they believe are the most promising new artists to emerge. Not everybody who features on the controversial list ends up making a career for themselves so i don’t see why rappers get worked up when they don’t make the cut. Some of Last year’s class still haven’t been able to do much with the hype and attention the cover created while some of them are pretty much forgotten.
The Freshman Class for this year includes Anderson. Paak, 21 Savage, Kodak Black, Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Dicky, Lil Yachty, Denzel Curry, Desiigner, G Herbo (who was unfortunate to miss the cut last year) and of course Mass Appeal’s Dave East.
When I looked at the list for this year, first thing I wondered is where’s Young Lito and somewhat Chris Rivers? He’s way better and truthfully more promising than half the rappers on this list, and also why is Desiigner even here? Man has only one song and he makes the list? How much did G.O.O.D. Music pay?
Anderson. Paak, Dave East, G Herbo and maybe to some extent Kodak Black are the only ones really worthy of this list. Lil Dicky is not really new so I don’t count him. If you’re wondering why Tory Lanez and Bryson Tiller didn’t make the cut.. Well, they asked not to be selected as the list is pretty redundant these days. No guarantees plus there’s a lot of politics involved. Go figure!
Rappers who have fallen off after appearing on the cover include Trinidad James, Pill, Cory Gunz, Diggy Simmons, Angel Haze, Gorilla Zoe, Roscoe Dash, Rich Boy and not forgetting Iggy Azalea.
But not everybody been flops though. Noteable names who actually went on to make something for themselves after making the cover includes J. Cole, Big Sean, Lupe Fiasco, Joell Ortiz, Meek Mill, YG, Kendrick Lamar, Wale, Joey Bada$$ and Future.
In the next couple of week’s XXL will be releasing freestyles, cyphers and solo interviews to help you know the artists better. The “Freshman” issue of the magazine will hit News stands June 28th.
