XXL Magazine’s 2016 Freshmen Class edition became available on stands June 28th. This year’s class is quite the eclectic bunch. Social media and Hip Hop lovers across the globe weighed in on how they felt about who was chosen. There has been much dispute about the kind of artists that were picked because the sound of these artists is a “new wave” of sorts. Rage, Trap and Trapsoul have become a new branch on the Hip-Hop tree, leaving lovers of lyrics with only a portion of interconnection with the music…besides a catchy hook.
Unfortunately, the beats and production of the music surpasses half of this class’s lyrical dexterity, making this class very complex to fully appreciate. Don’t get me wrong, there are some very innovative and avant-garde artists included in this year’s collection. The XXL freshmen class does not signify who the best rappers in the game are or who will have the most success, it signifies what up and coming artists have the most impact and attention towards their music during the time period. However, if you are someone who appreciates the sounds and the rhymes you should brace yourself for disappointment. There are also no women on this years cover. If this year’s class had to receive a personal grade from me, it would be a C-.
The artists in this years XXL Freshmen class are:
Kodak Black
Kodak Black is a nitty-gritty Pompano beach rapper. If you enjoy testaments of street and hood life with a raspy tone, Kodak might be your pace. Kodak's music is creative and catchy, you can hear it in almost any club or radio station across the nation and world. Vocabulary choice is not always a priority for him but his music command your attention. He climbed the hip-hop totem pole very fast. Overall, he may be one of the catchiest artists in this bunch. South florida stand.
Anderson Paak
One of my personal favorites in this group is Anderson Paak, his music certainly includes word play that is worth catching. He brings a very unique and futuristic vibe when his sounds fill the room. He leaves you wondering but still feeling good. This freestyle is the perfect example.
Lil Yachty
Lil Yachty also known as Lil Boat because of his recent buzz worthy mixtape Lil Boat, is one of the more well known artists in this group. His red braids and distinct sound are unforgettable. His lyrical content isn't very respectable but by the end of the song you remember at least some of the words. Yachty is one of my favorites of this year because of the creativity and energy felt from his music. He may come off as simple minded and weird but if you take time to really listen he may feed your music appetite. This freestyle is not befitting of his full creative palate.
Lil Dicky
Another one of the stand out creatives of these freshmen. He started off underestimated because of his name and skin color but he has surely proved the world wrong. Lil Dicky is one of the most creative artists in 2016 he is reminiscent of Asher Roth. He is innovative lyrically and has a message behind his music. Dicky brings nonstop fun and humor that also packs a punch.
Lil Uzi Vert
A true love-hate relationship exists between Lil Uzi Vert's music and my personal taste. The purple dreads are cool but it takes more than a persona to stay afloat in this game. Uzi is certainly a memorable sound and what the youth is down to hear but his music lacks depth. How many times can you make a song about women, money, cars and sex? Two mix tapes worth in Uzi's case, but his music brings a fresh sound that is distinctive. This freestyle proves my point of shallow content.
Dave East
A name that was unfamiliar to me until the class was chosen. However, his flow is definitely enjoyable and reminiscent of the classic hip-hop flow.
Denzel Curry
South Florida is on the cover twice because of this fresh pair of grills. Denzel Curry is one of the new sounds coming out of South Florida and the people are loving it. However, I can't say the same. His work ethic and creativity seem to be what will get him far.
Desiigner
The talk of 2015 and 2016 hip-hop. His song has been remixed thousands of times, played across the globe in every club, radio station and streaming service. He's even gone platinum! But this "future knock off" does bring a deeper message with his lyrics in this freestyle despite his constant usage of the same panda beat that got him on the cover. Let's see if we remember Desiigner in 2017.
G Herbo
Not sure if we'll remember who G Herbo is in 2017 is all I can really say. Hopefully he can keep up with the elite of rappers who come from Chicago.
21 Savage
My least favorite in the group. His music is watered down rap about struggles of living in the hood that we've already heard, not to mention the typical degradation of real lyrics. He is a distinctive sound for sure but his music makes me want to change the song every time.
Creativity and leaving a mark on the world are definitely qualities seen within these artists. The music of this time is very much so about feels and vibes but we cant help but itch for that punch factor within some of the artists seen above.
