Like the cyphers from the BET Hip Hop Awards or a new summertime hit from Drake, the XXL Freshman cover has become something that ignites hip-hop culture every year.

Panelists at the hip-hop magazine XXL have selected the best annual “freshman” artists in the rap game since 2007. Some of these artists, like J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar and Big Sean, have proven to be hits, while others failed to meet expectations.

The latest “freshman class” is expected to be announced soon. So, with hindsight being 20/20, let’s take a trip in the time machine and evaluate each XXL Freshman Class from 2015 on, then make predictions for 2018’s list.

2015: Fetty Wap, DeJ Loaf, Raury, Kidd Kidd, OG Maco, Shy Glizzy, K Camp, Vince Staples, Tink and GoldLink

New Jersey native Fetty Wap was THE GUY in 2015. While Jersey knew about him earlier than most, this is the year songs like “Trap Queen,” “My Way” and “679” completely took over. He was a shoo-in to the Freshman cover. Outside of Fetty Wap, and more recently Vince Staples, none of these rappers have fulfilled their potential. This was the class of regional buzz. None of these other artists have received awards or had any bangers, but they remained highly popular around their hometowns.

Redrafting this list, for the sake of potential, I would keep Fetty Wap, Shy Glizzy, Vince Staples, K Camp, Tink, DeJ Loaf and GoldLink. While none of them have “blown up,” the clock on their success hasn’t run out. There were a lot of talented young rappers who didn’t make the cut the first time. I would replace OG Maco, Kidd Kidd, and Raury with SZA, D.R.A.M. and Rae Sremmurd.

2016: Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Yachty, Kodak Black, Denzel Curry, G Herbo, Dave East, Lil Dicky, Anderson .Paak, Desiigner and 21 Savage

Hip-hop had a great year in 2016. At the top, artists like Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Future, Kanye and Chance the Rapper continued to make hits and lead the charts. Mid-level rappers like YG, Young Thug, Kevin Gates and ScHoolboy Q released quality albums with a few sustained radio hits. And up-and-comers like Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Yachty, Kodak Black, G Herbo, Dave East, Anderson .Paak and 21 Savage all became notable players in the hip-hop landscape.

In recreating this class, I would keep Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Yachty, Kodak Black, G Herbo, Dave East, 21 Savage and Anderson .Paak. They all seem to have a lot more in store for their careers. Lil Uzi has released multiple successful projects, and his place is solidified. Yachty has become a semi-household name through his music, his persona and his business acumen. Dave East has also gained a lot of momentum in his career both inside and outside rap. Seven of these artists have proven their ability to make hit records. Outside those seven, I would replace Desiigner, Lil Dicky and Denzel Curry with Tory Lanez, Post Malone and Bryson Tiller.

2017: Kamaiyah, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, PnB Rock, Playboi Carti, Aminé, Kap G, Kyle, Ugly God, MadeinTYO and XXXTentacion

Last year’s Freshman Class was a mix of semi-established rising stars and one-hit wonders. Artists like A Boogie, PnB Rock, Playboi Carti and XXXTentacion had a strong online following. Their early popularity called into question the importance of including them on the XXL list in the first place.

Nevertheless, alongside those already popular acts, artists with one hit song — like Aminé, Kap G, Kyle, Ugly God and MadeinTYO — also got a place on the list. Thus far, none of the rappers in the latter group have made much of a dent with their music — although Ugly God is becoming more of a celebrity — while those in the former have excelled.

That said, in redrafting this list I would keep A Boogie wit da Hoodie, PnB Rock, Playboi Carti and XXXTentacion. They’ve proven they’re here to stay. Kap G, Kyle, Aminé, Ugly God, Kamaiyah and MadeinTYO have not. I would replace them with 6lack, Cardi B, Famous Dex, Mozzy, YFN Lucci and Tee Grizzley.

2018 Predictions: Smokepurpp, Lil Pump, Trippie Redd, Rich the Kid, 6ix9ine, Jaden Smith, Tee Grizzley, Mozzy, Jay Critch and YoungBoy Never Broke Again

Each of these young artists has shown star potential this past year. Trippie Redd and Lil Pump tout an amazing amount of support among teenagers. Smokepurpp, Tee Grizzley and YoungBoy Never Broke Again give you the hard, hype music you’ll want to hear at a party or at the gym. Mozzy provides you with the vivid lyricism and calm beats. The four stars of this class blend each of these aspects together. They will be Jay Critch, Jaden Smith, Rich the Kid and 6ix9ine.

Jalen Nash is a sophomore political science major. His music column appears biweekly in Pulp. You can email him at janash@syr.edu or follow him on Twitter @ja_nash3.

Published on April 3, 2018 at 10:52 pm