XXL is an American hip hop magazine with a YouTube channel, published by Townsquare Media, founded in 1997. This magazine is based in New York City. On their channel, they upload videos about hip hop news, cypher videos, and more.
Annual Freshman List[]
In 2007, XXL has released its first annual "Freshman Class" list. Every year, the issue features around ten or so hip hop artists, all appearing on the cover of the magazine. The entire list has a history of showcasing unknown/underground rappers, as well as artists considered to be on the rise in the more recent years. All of the cyphers are recorded in April (of any year) and released in July of the same year. There is no freshman list for 2008.
Artists who appeared[]
| Year | Freshmen list |
|---|---|
| 2007 | Saigon, Plies, Rich Boy, Gorilla Zoe, Joell Ortiz, Lupe Fiasco, Lil Boosie, Crooked I, Papoose and Young Dro. |
| 2009 | Wale, B.o.B, Charles Hamilton, Asher Roth, Cory Gunz, Blu, Mickey Factz, Ace Hood, Currensy and Kid Cudi. |
| 2010 | J. Cole, Pill, Nipsey Hussle, Freddie Gibbs, Big Sean, Wiz Khalifa, OJ da Juiceman, Jay Rock, Fashawn and Donnis. |
| 2011 | Meek Mill, Big K.R.I.T., Cyhi the Prynce, Lil Twist, Yelawolf, Fred the Godson, Mac Miller, YG, Lil B, Kendrick Lamar and Diggy Simmons. |
| 2012 | Future, Kid Ink, Danny Brown, French Montana, Macklemore, Don Trip, Machine Gun Kelly, Hopsin, Iggy Azalea and Roscoe Dash. |
| 2013 | ScHoolboy Q, Trinidad James, Joey Bada$$, Ab-Soul, Logic, Action Bronson, Kirko Bangz, Travis Scott, Dizzy Wright, Angel Haze and Chief Keef. |
| 2014 | Chance The Rapper, Rich Homie Quan, Isaiah Rashad, Ty Dolla Sign, Lil Durk, Kevin Gates, Troy Ave, Vic Mensa, Jon Connor, Lil Bibby, Jarren Benton and August Alsina. |
| 2015 | Fetty Wap, Dej Loaf, Raury, Kidd Kidd, OG Maco, Shy Glizzy, K Camp, Vince Staples, Tink and GoldLink. |
| 2016 | Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Yachty, Kodak Black, Denzel Curry, G Herbo, Dave East, Lil Dicky, Anderson Paak, Desiigner and 21 Savage. |
| 2017 | Kamaiyah, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, PnB Rock, Playboi Carti, Aminé, Kap G, Kyle, Ugly God, MadeinTYO and XXXTentacion. |
| 2018 | Ski Mask the Slump God, Lil Pump, Smokepurpp, JID, Stefflon Don, BlocBoy JB, YBN Nahmir, Wifisfuneral and Trippie Redd. |
| 2019 | Comethazine, Tierra Whack, DaBaby, Lil Mosey, Roddy Ricch, YBN Cordae, YK Osiris, Rico Nasty, Gunna, Blueface, and Megan Thee Stallion. |
Artists who declined[]
The artists who were offered to be in a Freshman list but declined to include:
- Nicki Minaj
- Drake
- XV
- A$AP Rocky
- Young Thug
- PartyNextDoor
- iLoveMakonnen
- Tory Lanez
- Post Malone
- Rich the Kid
- Lil Skies
- NAV
- Juice WRLD