XXL’s Freshman Class of 2016 was announced a few weeks back and has divided opinions. Anderson .Paak, 21 Savage, Kodak Black, Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Dicky, Dave East, Denzel Curry, Desiigner, G Herbo and Lil Yachty all feature on the tastemakers list, and while its impact and scope may be somewhat contentious, the list has traditionally proven to be a measuring stick of the diversity in modern hip-hop.
Since its inception, the best thing about XXL’s Freshman Classes are the group cyphers. It’s a great opportunity for the chosen few to impress with their lyrical abilities. Kendrick Lamar, Action Bronson, Yelawolf and Joey Bada$$ are just some of the talent who’ve stepped up to the plate and knocked their cypher out the ball park in the past six years. Unfortunately not everyone comes away with a glowing endorsement (sorry Desiigner), so to help you sift through the rubbish, we’ve compiled every XXL Freshman cypher in order of worst to best from 2011 to this year’s graduating class.
17: XXL 2015 Freshman Cypher Part 3 – Dej Loaf, Fetty Wap & Shy Grizzly
This one just doesn’t work. I’m a fan of all three rappers who are terrific performers in their own right, but somehow they fail miserably in their attempts with this cypher. Dej Loaf’s lyrics sound like they’ve been written by a teenager, Fetty Wap‘s normally charming croon lacks the potency shown on hits My Way and Trap Queen, and Shy Grizzly offers nothing exciting or noteworthy. It’s easy to see why this one kicks off the list as the worst cypher.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lN1bYS0_V0A]
16: XXL 2013 Freshman Cypher Part 2 – Kirko Bangz, Trinidad James & ScHoolboy Q
ScHoolboy Q lucked out when he got stuck with Kirko Bangz and Trinidad James for this 2013 cypher. Bangz opens things with a fairly pedestrian verse that’s followed by an uninspired James, who barely begins before his laughable 30 second contribution is over. The only saving grace of this one is Q’s controlled gangster-themed flow. Painting a picture of street violence, Q gives a glimpse at what was to come with Oxymoron and most recently Blank Face, but even he can’t save this one.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eth3PWAnaM]
15: XXL 2014 Freshman Cypher Part 2 – Lil Durk, Rich Homie Quan & Ty Dolla $ign
Rich Homie Quan’s laidback flow opens things up with a typical ego driven rap, declaring “Bitches on me, n*ggas lonely cause I got they ho now.” Ty Dolla $ign does a decent job of attempting to drop bars for a singer, shouting out his label boss Wiz Khalifa’s Taylor Gang, before Lil Durk brings things to a forgettable close. Durk gets the longest verse as the most accomplished of the trio, continuing on Quan’s bragging flow, but the three fail to capture the energy of their 2014 class mates.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3d7EPeb6iFc]
14: XXL 2016 Freshman Cypher Part 2 – Denzel Curry, Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Yachty, 21 Savage & Kodak Black.
The genuine comeraderie all five rappers share during this cypher warms the cockles of my heart. Laughing and joking through out, the diverse group appear to enjoy each other’s company, but this sadly doesn’t translate into an enjoyable cypher. Kodak Black yells ad-libs during Lil Uzi Vert’s segment and Lil Yachty and Vert do the same as 21 Savage mumbles his way through some tedious lyrics. Yacht and Vert’s choice of apparel is more entertaining than their verses, and although Curry brings the heat with his opening verse, on the whole it’s a disappointing effort. The feel good vibe of the cypher is what keeps this one from the very bottom of the list.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_IbIMUbh-k]
13: XXL 2015 Freshman Cypher Part 1 – Kidd Kidd, K Camp, Tink & Raury
Props to Kidd Kidd for the Randy Savage name drop but that’s about all he brings to the table with this one. I still can’t quite figure out what 50 Cent sees in him. K Camp is also forgettable, a while Raury is impressive, this one’s all about Tink. The Timbaland protégé verbally assaults her competition with rhymes such as “I read up on these new school rappers / Half of them not rappin’ let’s eliminate the fraction / I’m a multi-talented individual / You know I’m that potent.” While she hasn’t exactly set the world on fire just yet, Tink is one to keep your eye on.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAt96yorud8]
12: XXL 2012 Freshman Cypher Part 2 – Kid Ink, Macklemore, Don Trip & Iggy Azalea
I can’t believe I’m typing this but Macklemore is the clear standout of this cypher. The man responsible for the tacky yet enjoyable Thrift Shop drops solid bars without the help of regular contributor Ryan Lewis. As for the rest of the line-up, Kid Ink does his thing, Iggy Azalea shows sparks of her eventual commercial crossover and Don Trip remains in the background, much like his career to date.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7AqI6kCDz4]
11: XXL 2016 Freshman Cypher Part 1 – Desiigner, Anderson .Paak & Lil Dicky
The biggest thing to takeaway from this is the confirmation that Desiigner might be little more than a one trick pony. The Future knock-off flow is in full effect, as is his knack for near unintelligible lyrics. Even Lil Dicky looks puzzled. Props for his ad-libs, though. Anderson .Paak is more of a singer than a rapper but does an admiral job with a freestyle that he seems to have actually spit off the top of his head. Dicky provides the most cohesive and spirited rap of the three, justifying his place on this year’s freshman list.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWL_hD26tUA]
10: XXL 2012 Freshman Cypher Part 1 – Hopsin, Roscoe Dash, Machine Gun Kelly, Future & Danny Brown
This is the good, the bad and the ugly of the rap world coming together for a cypher that hits and misses but ultimately entertains. Lets start with the ugly. I love Future, but his verse is forgettable. Still a few years away from honing his auto-tune, trap inspired, drug raps, he barely resembles the artist of today, but is still more entertaining than Machine Gun Kelly. Kelly is the bad. While his verse isn’t necessarily horrible, I think he’s just a shit rapper in general. Thankfully Roscoe Dash, Hopsin and Danny Brown save the day. Roscoe asserts himself from an unknown to a breakout star, Hopsin reminds everyone why he’s been an indie darling for years and Danny Brown drops a frenetic rap with just enough of his crazy personality to keep you guessing what he’s all about.
9: XXL 2011 Freshman Cypher Part 1 – YG, Mac Miller, Diggy & Lil Twist
Looking like they’d literally just graduated high school, four of the youngest ever XXL Freshman debut the magazine’s first cypher to mixed results. Representing the diversity of American hip-hop (YG from the West Coast, Mac Miller Pittsburgh, Diggy the East Coast and Lil Twist the South), it’s YG and Miller who both deliver with energetic freestyles over the boom-bap beat. There’s an undercurrent of menace to YG’s flow as Miller gets the most airtime, which becomes obvious the longer he spits. Unfortunately it’s two out of four, with Diggy lacking his Father’s talent and Lil Twist making me wonder why he was ever on the list in the first place. Even so, the presence of YG and Miller is enough for this cypher to break into the top 10.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atrMas-YZUY]
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-0C6XeZTYQ]
8: XXL 2014 Freshman Cypher Part 3 – Troy Ave, Jon Connor, Lil Bibby & Jarren Benton
When you look at this line-up it’s a sad state of affairs. Troy Ave is on trial for murder, Jon Connor is struggling to be heard on Dr. Dre‘s burgeoning Aftermath label, and Lil Bibby and Jarren Benton have all but faded into obscurity. That said, all four go hard over the Don Cannon produced trap beat. Connor’s at his aggressive best as proclaims himself “the future.” Benton follows with an solid verse, name dropping his favourite rappers (Redman, Eminem, Goodie Mob, Outkast and Wu-Tang Clan) and Bibby compares himself to Muhammad Ali before Ave wraps things up in fine fashion, reminding everyone why he could have been the next big thing.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPk_-i7NTEU]
7: XXL 2016 Freshman Cypher Part 2 – Dave East & G Herbo
Of all the 2016 class, Dave East and G Herbo tackle the cypher like true hip-hop artists. It’s also the first time a XXL Freshman Cypher has only included two rappers. Both East and Herbo use the format to push each other like true competitors, rapping about their daily struggles before being named as part of this year’s Freshman Class. East discusses his drug dealing past before signing with Nas’ Mass Appeal and Herbo reminds listeners he’s been around for years and has cult following of loyal fans. These two are set for big things if this freestyle is anything to go by.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZHZDS2QkBo]
6: XXL 2013 Freshman Cypher Part 3 – Dizzy Wright, Logic & Angle Haze
The triple threat of Dizzy Wright, Logic and Angle Haze is a personal XXL Freshman Cypher favourite of mine. Wright gets the ball rolling with focused bars about his rise in the game before Logic cements himself as the second best white rapper (behind Eminem of course), comparing his wordplay to Albert Einstein‘s famous E=mc2 formula. However, it’s Haze who lights the flame. Known for her personal and introspective lyrics, Haze changes tact with a braggadocios battle rap, claiming she’ll “put bitches in a bag” and “dead is how I’m leavin’ these bitches.” She enjoys using the word bitches. Still underrated, this freestyle should make people stand up and take notice of her undeniable talent.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFNt_IuaOqU]
5: XXL 2011 Freshman Cypher Part 3 – Meek Mill, Big K.R.I.T. & Fred The Godson
It’s nice to hear Meek Mill refraining from his usual shout-rap delivery for once on this cypher. The Philly native spits with great energy before Big K.R.I.T. absolutely kills the beat, letting everyone know he’s not to be messed with; “Hey, do you mind if I murder this / Spit that southern slang over something so conservative / Swinging lane to lane, candy-coated, sipping purple shit.” Fred The Godson is the unheralded one here, and while he’s not my cup of tea, you can’t disregard his effort in helping make this a top notch freestyle.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZuNJAuaGdU]
4: XXL 2015 Freshman Cypher Part 2 – GoldLink, OG Maco & Vince Staples
While cyphers are often friendly competitions, GoldLink, OG Maco and Vince Staples take things deadly serious. There’s no jokes or smiles here as each MC squeezes the most out of the minute they’re given to express themselves. GoldLink gets sexual with references to eating girls like he eats pizza and climbing “up on ya like the Eiffel Tower,” Maco discusses fake rappers and Staples keeps it real, touching on police brutality and his religious beliefs, with all three at the top of their powers.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10kAvJGtsZc]
3: XXL 2014 Freshman Cypher Part 1 – Kevin Gates, Vic Mensa, August Alsina, Isaiah Rashad & Chance The Rapper
Aside from August Alsina – an R&B crooner who seems out of place on a cypher – all four rappers bring their A-game on this one. What’s more, they all seem to be enjoying themselves, with Vic Mensa and Chance The Rapper very animated during the performance. Kevin Gates gets personal in a way only he can, Mensa’s in a playful mood and Isaiah Rashad repays the faith TDE showed in signing him, but it’s indie favourite Chance who’s the real star of this one. His verse is short yet sweet, with the Chicago native taking shots at record labels along with giving props to his friends and band members The Social Experiment.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBgkOuPOaTo]
2: XXL 2013 Freshman Cypher Part 1 – Joey Bada$$, Action Bronson, Ab-Soul & Travi$ Scott
Here we have four MCs who’ve all gone on to varying degrees of success, so kudos XXL for being on the money with this select few. Joey Bada$$ puts the rap game on notice with opening line, “These n*ggas don’t beez in the trap / they like bees in this track,” before fellow New Yorker Action Bronson comes through with a streamlined verse that sadly contains only one food reference (“Chopped an onion”). Ab-Soul sounds hungry for attention as the last member of Black Hippy to receive the plaudits he deserves and Travi$ Scott shouts out his fellow freshman with the absence of auto-tune. This is a well-rounded cypher with every rapper giving their best, resulting in an enjoyable listen.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8C9gTRxJMk]
1: XXL 2011 Freshman Cypher Part 2 – Yelawolf, Kendrick Lamar, Lil B & CyHi The Prince
Anytime Kendrick Lamar makes an appearance on wax it’s a special moment, and this cypher is no exception. Still relatively unknown outside of the States when picked for the very first XXL Freshman Class of 2011, Lamar was quick to proclaim he’s “Hot as Mike Jordan lacing my Jordan’s,” while warning other rappers to, “Pay your respects or recognise the alphabet / you can’t survive in a room full of g’s.” While Lamar is the focus with the longest verse and his Compton street talk, Yelawolf’s southern drawl, CyHi The Prince’s fluent rhymes – showing why Kanye West signed him – and Lil B dropping a coherent rap that’s strangely in time with the beat. This is further reason why Lamar is the best rapper in the game, but it’s their chemistry that makes this cypher the best.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfGYtX9Hc-k]
Image: Hypetrak
The annual XXL Freshman Class is upon us once more, featuring a who’s who list of the rappers supposedly poised for superstardom. This year marks the ninth annual Freshmen class, and they are: Anderson .Paak, 21 Savage, Kodak Black, Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Dicky, Dave East, Denzel Curry, Desiigner, G Herbo and Lil Yachty.
There. It’s all done now. Congratulations to everyone included, from the lesser knowns like Dave East and G Herbo, to chart-topper Desiigner, and my personal favourite artist right now, Anderson .Paak.
I’ve always found the annual Freshmen list interesting in that people take it far too seriously, like some magical hub for A&R hip-hop wizardry.
It is true that every single list since its 2008 inception has featured at least a couple of rappers who certainly went on to superstardom: Lupe Fiasco, Kid Cudi, J Cole. Wiz Khalifa, Mac Miller, Kendrick Lamar, Future, Danny Brown, Macklemore, ScHoolboy Q, Travi$ Scott, Action Bronson, Joey Bada$$, Chance the Rapper, Vic Mensa, Isaiah Rashad and Vince Staples have all been tapped for success in the various lists since 2008.
But you’re kind of mistaken if you think these lists were what set them off. You’re also mistaken if you think this is a be-all-and-end-all list.
More often than not these lists are simply a point of industry and media debate; a showcase curated by alone single publication – a highly respected publication, yes, but one publication.
I’m not saying that these lists are pointless or irrelevant, I’m merely saying that people place way, way too much importance on who gets in and who doesn’t, in the same way that people place way too much important on who ends up on end-of-year lists. This is about as subjective as it gets. It’s also incredibly male-dominated – even for rap. In the entire history of the XXL Freshman, there’s been three women: Tink, Angel Haze and Iggy Azalea. Yes, three. Out of nearly one hundred. But we’ll save that for another article.
You need to also consider the backend of this project: XXL works with each of these artists over the coming months to release exclusive material, new music, interviews, live performances and so on. The availability and cooperation of these artists plays a major factor – it’s not like XXL just picked a bunch of rappers without any consideration from their end. For instance, artists including Jay Electronica, Tyler, The Creator, Young Thug, Nicki Minaj and A$AP Rocky are all major example of artists tapped for fame who turned down the opportunity.
Yes, some industry execs and A&R hawks will swoop in to take a closer look at those who made it (and those who didn’t), but a quick look through the list’s history will prove that it doesn’t exactly make or break artists.
Yes, it’s a fantastic, fun list and a tremendous pat on the back. It’s also an exciting media campaign, with each freshman to drop exclusive interviews, videos, cyphers and freestyles in the coming week.
But stop taking it so seriously.
https://youtu.be/Jhx-jPnufTE
Image: XXL/Youtube
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.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Egg8zNjcoI
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.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fm6QNAKNUaQ
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.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlQnOKRMs-4
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.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mW5zCNKaUhc
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.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDhXDv-XBbM
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.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2S–0SKe8o
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.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7JEXl3fO3Y
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.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjvcSHHHYD8
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.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qw6UwbdEh4
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
Today, XXL released part two of the cypher from their freshmen class of 2015. Each year the magazine presents ten up and coming rappers who define the new wave of hip hop, and there hasn’t been this much talent in a yearbook since the cast of Sister Act II.
This year the artists are:
Fetty Wap, DeJ Loaf, Vince Staples, Tink, GoldLink, Shy Glizzy, Raury, K Camp, OG Maco and fan-voted 10th spot winner Kidd Kidd.
The XXL Freshmen cover has included a talented alumni including Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Chance the Rapper, Kid Cudi and Macklemore to name a few since it’s inception in 2008.
The part one cypher featured Tink, Raury, K Camp and Kidd Kidd and kicked things off with a bang.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAt96yorud8?list=PLNVdzHCSB2xLjrbiDFhlVMpxrkCSR6Njj&w=560&h=315]
After an acclaimed first album, Raury shows his diversity and Tink really shines with her sophisticated style and swagger. If there is a Lauryn Hill of this class, then this is her! If you don’t believe me, check out her freestyle.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2MfUTgZBII]
In today’s video we see GoldLink, OG Maco and Vince Staples.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10kAvJGtsZc]
All three young MC’s bring their A-game backed with some stellar beats but Vince Staples steals the show, taking us to some dark places.
You can check out the rest of the freestyles from the artists we have seen so far below and be sure to check back regularly as we follow all the action through to graduation.
It’s like reality TV, but with talent. I’m addicted already.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEuZUsiELgQ&w=560&h=315]
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XP3pFv3-Kws&w=560&h=315]
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZJ_GJ68mMQ&w=560&h=315]
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVf2q3meFYU&w=560&h=315]
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdkQE5mYxWs&w=560&h=315]
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t972gcqI0II&w=560&h=315]