XXL Freshman Class: A Legacy of Hip-Hop's Rising Stars
Since 2007, XXL Magazine has been at the forefront of identifying and showcasing the next generation of hip-hop talent through its annual "Freshman Class" list. This list, featured on the cover of the magazine, highlights 10-12 artists-to-watch, often including unknown or underground rappers, as well as those already gaining momentum. The XXL Freshman Class has become a significant milestone in an artist's career, often serving as a catalyst for their rise to stardom.
The Genesis of a Hip-Hop Institution
In August 1997, Harris Publications launched XXL with Jay-Z and Master P gracing its first double cover. Over the years, XXL expanded its brand with various special projects, including tour programs, mixtapes, and exclusive DVDs. In December 2006, XXL absorbed Scratch Magazine, rebranding it as XXL Presents Scratch Magazine. Other ventures included limited-run titles like Hip-Hop Soul, Eye Candy, and Shade 45.
The annual Freshman Class list began in 2007 (with a skip in 2008) and quickly became one of hip-hop's most important institutions. When the rising rap talent of the mid-2000s-from Lupe Fiasco to Plies to Papoose-graced the 2007 cover of XXL magazine, no one foresaw the "Leaders of the New School" tagline evolving into one of hip-hop's most important institutions. Eighteen years and 18 Freshman magazine covers later, XXL has knighted plenty of promising rookies poised to become staples of the culture.
Selection and Impact
Each year, XXL confidently assumes the responsibility of predicting the next rap stars. The selection process identifies artists who exhibit the qualities of a hitmaker, demonstrate the potential for longevity, and possess strong rapping skills. While the criteria may seem straightforward, the "Freshman" title has been proudly held by 194 artists to date, each offering something different and unique to themselves, as well as the music community as a whole. Annually, a group of artists, whether it’s 10, 11 or 12 (and one year even nine), grace the cover after showcasing the qualities of a hitmaker, becoming a long-standing artist, possessing respectable rapping skills and more. No two artists are the same. Since 2007, XXL has highlighted and provided a platform for these buzzing talents, who eventually become hip-hop figures in their own right.
The list has a history of showcasing unknown/underground rappers, as well as artists considered to be on the rise. Occasionally, the Freshman Class list may contain extra additions to include more rappers. The 2011, 2013, 2019, 2021 and 2024 Freshman Class lists, for example, had 11 rappers. In the case for the 2013 list, XXL added an honorary extra spot for Chief Keef due to the artist being in a six-day jail stint and therefore being unable to attend the photo shoot in New York City. For the 2025 list, EBK Jaaybo, who was the 10th spot winner, was arrested prior to the photo shoot resulting in him being unable to attend.
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Notable Freshman Classes and Artists
Over the years, the XXL Freshman Class has featured artists who have gone on to become some of the biggest names in hip-hop. Every day, new artists burst onto the scene with the makings of the next J. Cole or Kendrick Lamar, two former XXL Freshmen from the 2010 and 2011 classes, respectively.
The 2009 cover is literally stacked, as the artists are divided into three dope ensemble shots laid atop each other to open the mag. In 2011, the class theme went literal, with the likes of Kendrick Lamar and Mac Miller portrayed in a school setting. By 2013, classes were being compared to those of the past (we wondered aloud and on the cover line if Travis Scott, ScHoolboy Q and Logic's class was G.O.A.T. level).
Chance The Rapper sported overalls with no shirt in 2014. The 2016 and 2017 classes were color coordinated, with the former crew having an all-white party and the latter artists rocking all-black on a set drenched in red. In 2020, the likes of Polo G, Rod Wave, NLE Choppa, Lil Tjay and Mulatto appeared on the cover. Out-of-this-world artists for the 2021 XXL Freshman Class included 42 Dugg, Coi Leray, Pooh Shiesty, Flo Milli and Rubi Rose, among others.
For 2022, Nardo Wick, Doechii, Saucy Santana, Babyface Ray and SoFaygo were a few of the rappers who broke the mold. The 2023 class was comprised of spitters like GloRilla, Central Cee, Finesse2Tymes and 10th spot winner DC The Don, to name a few.
The Freshman Cypher: A Proving Ground
The XXL Freshman Cypher is more than just a stage; it’s a statement. Every year, XXL handpicks a new roster of up-and-comers, setting them loose in a raw, unfiltered rap battle where they make their claim as Hip Hop’s next big thing. These shows are pivotal - they bring together hungry MCs, eager to prove their lyrical muscle. The cyphers are about presence, attitude and that undeniable spark that makes the audience pay attention. For many of these artists, this is their first national spotlight moment, where they can grab or lose fans with every line.
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Here's a look back at some of the Freshman Cyphers that truly left a mark:
- 2011: The 2011 XXL Freshman Cypher was a mixed experience, it laid down the blueprint for what these showcases would mean to Hip Hop. The publication stacked the class with unforgettable names: Mac Miller, Kendrick Lamar, YG, Meek Mill, Yelawolf and Big K.R.I.T. Each rapper had something to prove, and while they varied in quality, the talent in the room was undeniable. Lamar was a lyrical beast, and Big K.R.I.T. brought Southern grit to the mix.
- 2013: The 2013 class was stacked with some of the most impactful artists of the last decade. Travis Scott, Logic, Joey Badass, Dizzy Wright and Angel Haze didn’t disappoint, coming through with standout verses that showed their skills and versatility. Even the more laid-back MCs like Kirko Bangz and Trinidad James brought style to the table.
- 2014: 2014 is one of the best lineups XXL has ever put together. Kevin Gates, Chance the Rapper, Isaiah Rashad, Ty Dolla Sign and Lil Durk were all hungry, each bringing a unique style that complemented the others. From Ty Dolla Sign’s smooth melodies to Gates’ gritty bars, this class proved itself from start to finish.
- 2017: 2017's XXL Freshman Class brought talent, but not everyone hit the mark. KYLE, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, Aminé, Kap G and XXXTENTACION held it down, each bringing something unique to the table. However, as much potential as this class had, not everyone brought their A-game. Some verses fell flat, leaving fans to wonder what could have been if everyone had stepped up.
- 2018: In 2018, the publication's chosen artists were all about energy. Stefflon Don brought Caribbean fire, showing up as one of the most memorable in the lineup. While some bars were hit or miss, the overall vibe was playful and lively. Ski Mask The Slump God and JID added their own flavors, and BlocBoy JB’s verse was arguably the weakest.
- 2019: The 2019 XXL Freshman Cypher brought some heat and a little chaos. Megan Thee Stallion took no prisoners, coming through with the type of energy that stamped her as a star. DaBaby’s confidence and flow were on full display while Roddy Ricch, Rico Nasty and Cordae each brought their own style to the stage. Even Blueface, with his unique cadence, added a little spice.
- 2020: The lineup in 2020 showed us a new era of Hip Hop personalities and styles. Jack Harlow, Polo G and NLE Choppa made it clear they were here to stay, while Rod Wave brought soulful energy that shook things up. While Chika and Latto came through with bars, 24kGoldn added his melodic touch.
Declining the Invitation
For most Freshman covers, after the list has been announced, an artist will come out and say that they were offered a spot on the cover by XXL but chose to decline it. Other times, XXL themselves will reveal someone that they asked to be on the cover and were directly told by the artist that they were not interested.
Several artists have declined the invitation to be featured on the XXL Freshman Class cover for various reasons:
- Feeling Beyond the List: Some artists feel they have already surpassed the point in their careers where being on the Freshman list would be beneficial. In an interview with MTV, Nicki Minaj spoke on why she and Drake declined the cover by saying "With all due respect, we felt like we kinda had graduated from the Freshman Class. We felt XXL missed the mark when they didn't put us on the cover prior to that (2009).
- Creative Differences: Cam'ron revealed that he spoke to the Editor-In-Chief Vanessa Satten about putting Vado on the 2011 issue. However, Cam'ron wanted Vado to be the center focus and not share the cover with multiple other artists. Respectfully declined. Don't b confused".
- Scheduling Conflicts: Some artists decline due to being too busy or not wanting to travel for the photoshoot. Stated he was tired and was not up to flying to New York for the photoshoot.
- Integrity Concerns: YFN Lucci initially refused to play music for XXL and said he didn't want to play any music if he wasn't guaranteed a spot on the list. On Instagram Live, he explained that he respectfully declined due to XXL apparently telling him that he would be the 10th Spot Freshman before the voting process even began. Lil Skies said he declined the XXL Freshmen List because it's rigged.
- Personal Tragedies: Pop Smoke agreed to be on the cover but he died before he could attend the shoot. XXL originally planned to add him on the cover to honor him, but Pop Smoke's team asked them not to do so.
- Other Declined Artists: Other artists who have declined the XXL Freshman cover include Rich The Kid, Tory Lanez, Juice Wrld, Benny The Butcher, Don Toliver, and Ice Spice. Ice Spice Turned Down XXL Freshman Cover due to hectic schedule.
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