XXL Freshman Class: A Legacy of Hip-Hop's Rising Stars
In August 1997, Harris Publications launched XXL, a magazine dedicated to hip-hop culture, with Jay-Z and Master P gracing its inaugural double cover. Over the years, XXL has expanded its brand to include various special projects, such as tour programs, mixtapes, and exclusive DVDs. It even briefly took over Scratch, a DJ magazine, rebranding it as XXL Presents Scratch Magazine. However, one of XXL's most enduring and influential contributions to hip-hop is its annual "Freshman Class" list, a tradition that began in 2007 (with a skip in 2008).
The Genesis of a Hip-Hop Institution
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. Yet, that was the foundation from which XXL's annual tradition, the Freshman Class, was built. Eighteen years and 18 Freshman magazine covers later, XXL has knighted plenty of promising rookies poised to become staples of the culture, word to Vince.
At this point, you can set your watch to it. Every year in June, XXL unveils a new class of hip-hop neophytes that we've stamped as names you need to know (plus, one fan-voted pick per year).
The Freshman Class Concept
The "Freshman Class" list, typically revealed annually, showcases 10-12 artists-to-watch, all featured on the cover of the magazine. This list has become known for highlighting both relatively unknown or underground rappers and artists who are considered to be on the cusp of mainstream success. Occasionally, XXL includes extra additions to the list to accommodate even more deserving rappers, for example, 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.
The 2007 Freshman Class: Leaders of the New School
The inaugural Freshman Class in 2007 featured a diverse group of artists who would go on to varying levels of success in the hip-hop industry. This class included:
Read also: Do Colleges Care?
- Lupe Fiasco: Known for his complex lyricism and socially conscious themes.
- Plies: A Florida rapper known for his raw and explicit storytelling.
- Papoose: A veteran New York rapper recognized for his lyrical dexterity.
Impact and Influence
The XXL Freshman Class has become a significant platform for emerging hip-hop artists, often providing a career-boosting level of exposure. Inclusion in the list can lead to increased media attention, record sales, and overall recognition within the industry. The list has a history of showcasing unknown/underground rappers, as well as artists considered to be on the rise.
Declining a Spot: A Matter of Perspective
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. Respectfully declined and felt they were chosen too late in their respective careers. Several artists have declined the offer to be featured on the cover, citing various reasons. Nicki Minaj and Drake, for example, declined the cover, explaining "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)."
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 and respectfully declined. Other artists, like 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.
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 artists such as Lil Skies and Rich The Kid have declined the list. Ice Spice Turned Down XXL Freshman Cover due to hectic schedule. Don Toliver Wasn't A 'XXL' Freshman Because He Refused To Participate. Benny The Butcher Says Jay-Z Told Him Not To Do 2019 XXL Freshman Cover. Tory Lanez Declines XXL Freshman Cover Spot. Juice Wrld Explains Why He Turned Down XXL Freshman.
Evolution of the Freshman Class Covers
While celebrating hip-hop's future, it's only natural to dwell on the past to look at how far the franchise has come and which Freshman covers predate the latest. The XXL Freshman Class covers have evolved over the years, reflecting changing styles and trends in hip-hop.
Read also: A Prequel's Party Problems
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.
Read also: Washington University Admissions Guide
tags: #xxl #mag #freshman #class #2007
