It’s that time of year again. XXL Freshmen 2016 will soon to be announced, but before the whole class is revealed, the 10th spot must be awarded. All the freshman hopefuls are gearing up to possibly make this year’s class. The 10th spot voting is going on this week and the potentials have started pitching as to why they should appear on this year’s cover.
Artist to have pitched for the 10th spot so far have been:
Reppin’ Pennsylvania, he dropped his debut mixtape So Hard in 2013 and has been putting in work ever since. He released his debut album, Professional Rapper, which topped the rap Billboard charts and included the Fetty Wap and Rich Homie Quan featured track, Save Dat Money.
Reppin’ Brooklyn, Desiigner is the latest G.O.O.D. Music signee. He recently featured on Kanye West’s The Life of Pablo after making a name for himself with his track, Panda.
Remy Boy Monty
Reppin’ New Jersey, Monty has already had three appearances on the Billboard Hot 100 (679, My Way and Jugg). He is the second act to emerge out of Fetty Wap’s Remy Boyz 1738 label. Monty unleashed his debut project, MontyZoo: The Mixtape, in December of 2015.
G Herbo
Reppin’ Chicago, Herbo has released three mixtapes (Welcome To Fazoland, Pistol P Project and Ballin Like I’m Kobe), and inked a management deal with Cinematic Music Group.
Reppin’ Virginia Beach, D.R.A.M. has released two projects, #1EPICsummer in 2014 and GAHDAMN! last year. His track Cha Cha caught the attention of Snoop Dogg, Travi$ Scott and Beyoncé; all of which helped catapult the record to over 12 million views on YouTube.
Lil Uzi Vert
Reppin’ Philly, Uzi made a name for him self when he featured on Carnage’s WDYW. Since then he has worked with Metro Boomin, 2 Chainz and Wiz Khalifa. Uzi has also inked a deal with Atlantic Records.
Denzel Curry
Reppin’ Florida, Curry has created some buzz with his first mixtape in 2011, King Remembered Underground Tape 1991–1995. Curry has put in work since then dropping another three projects, Nostalgic 64, 32 Zel / Planet Shrooms and his latest, Imperial.
YFN Lucci
Reppin’ Atlanta, Lucci is signed to Think It’s A Game Entertainment. Lucci released his first project, Wish Me Well, in late last year. He then dropped Wish Me Well 2, in Feburary and appeared in the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart.
PnB Rock
Reppin’ Philly, Rock is signed to Atlantic Records and released the street single, On Fleek, in 2015 and has gained major attraction ever since and has been compared to Drake and Fetty Wap with his unique flow and catchy hooks.
There are many more rappers up for Freshman 2016, you can peep the full list along with links to their music here.
You can even vote for your favourite on the XXL voting page. Previous winners of the 10th spot include Kidd Kidd, Iggy Azalea, Dizzy Wright and Jarren Benton.
Image: XXL