Every year, XXL releases their Freshman list, touting 10 rappers aimed to break through in the year’s to come. Noted names to be named XXL Freshman? How about J.Cole, Wale, Meek Mill, YG, Chance The Rapper, ScHoolboy Q, Travis Scott, Kirko Bangz, Future and Kendrick Lamar to name a few. The 2018 list is no different, highlighting acts who broke through from SoundCloud obscurity to national relevance.
But WHO are the XXL Freshmen this year? Glad you asked. Peep the gallery below and hit the next page to see our official breakdown.
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WifisFuneral, Ski Mask The Slump God, SmokePurpp and Lil Pump all originate from Florida, the proverbial home for what is commonly referred to as “SoundCloud” rap. High on energy and repetitive choruses, the style has come to dominate the platform in the past two years or so. WifisFuneral represents West Palm Beach, Pump and SmokePurpp represent Miami and Slump God represents Fort Lauderdale. Lil Pump may be the most famous of the three of his Florida Freshmen co-horts as “Gucci Gang” became a national sensation in 2017.
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Blocboy JB, he of the hit singles “Rover,” “Shoot,” and “Look Alive” featuring Drake exploded onto the scene in 2018 and probably is the freshest name on the list.
J.I.D, fresh from the ATL, has the biggest label rep as he’s signed to J.Cole’s Dreamville imprint and released a lauded album last year with The Never Story.
Stefflon Don reps London and her “Hurtin’ Me” single combines all of the special flavors London hip-hop is known for: an appreciation for Caribbean sounds, dancehall and more.
YBN Nahmir is from Birmingham, AL
Trippie Redd‘s from Canton, OH and you know of him for three things: his rather menacing look no matter what color his dreadlocks are, his beefs and his grungy, melodic rap style. He, also allegedly has heavy hands.
Lil Skies, the tenth rapper on the Freshman list, declined to participate in the cover shoot but was nominated anyway by the fans. His 2017 cut “Red Roses” is what skyrocketed him to fame and his debut album landed in the top 10 of Billboard just this year. Not a small feat for a rapper who just released his first mixtape last year.
So that’s the 2018 XXL Freshman list. Were there any snubs? Weigh in!
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