XXL Freshman List 2025 Celebrating Hip-Hop’s Rising Stars

Hip-hop's most prominent platform for up-and-coming artists, the XXL Freshman List, features magazine covers, freestyles, and legendary cyphers. Explore their solo freestyles, cypher performances, and career paths since being included on the list.

ARTIST NAME

Saigon

SUMMARY

Selected for the XXL Freshman Class, recognized as a rising hip-hop talent and emerging voice in rap.

YEAR

2007

ARTIST NAME

Plies

SUMMARY

Featured on the XXL Freshman cover, celebrated as an up-and-coming artist shaping the future of hip-hop.

YEAR

2007

ARTIST NAME

Rich Boy

SUMMARY

Named to the XXL Freshman Class, spotlighted for unique style and growing influence in rap.

YEAR

2007

ARTIST NAME

Gorilla Zoe

SUMMARY

Chosen as an XXL Freshman, gaining recognition for fresh energy and lyrical presence in hip-hop.

YEAR

2007

ARTIST NAME

Joell Ortiz

SUMMARY

Highlighted as an XXL Freshman, praised for lyrical skill and potential in the rap scene.

YEAR

2007

ARTIST NAME

Lupe Fiasco

SUMMARY

Included in the XXL Freshman Class, acclaimed for innovative approach and rising profile in hip-hop.

YEAR

2007

ARTIST NAME

Lil Boosie

SUMMARY

Featured as an XXL Freshman, noted for distinctive voice and impact on the Southern rap scene.

YEAR

2007

ARTIST NAME

Crooked I

SUMMARY

Selected for the XXL Freshman Class, acknowledged for lyrical prowess and underground buzz.

YEAR

2007

ARTIST NAME

Papoose

SUMMARY

Named to the XXL Freshman Class, admired for storytelling ability and street credibility.

YEAR

2007

ARTIST NAME

Young Dro

SUMMARY

Chosen as an XXL Freshman, recognized for energetic delivery and growing influence in hip-hop.

YEAR

2007

ARTIST NAME

Wale

SUMMARY

Featured on the XXL Freshman cover, celebrated for unique flow and rising status in rap.

YEAR

2009

ARTIST NAME

B.o.B

SUMMARY

Named to the XXL Freshman Class, known for versatility and genre-blending style.

YEAR

2009

ARTIST NAME

Charles Hamilton

SUMMARY

Selected as an XXL Freshman, recognized for creative approach and lyrical experimentation.

YEAR

2009

ARTIST NAME

Asher Roth

SUMMARY

Included in the XXL Freshman Class, praised for witty lyrics and college rap appeal.

YEAR

2009

ARTIST NAME

Cory Gunz

SUMMARY

Featured as an XXL Freshman, noted for rapid-fire delivery and technical skill.

YEAR

2009

ARTIST NAME

Blu

SUMMARY

Chosen as an XXL Freshman, respected for introspective lyrics and underground acclaim.

YEAR

2009

ARTIST NAME

Mickey Factz

SUMMARY

Named to the XXL Freshman Class, admired for innovative sound and artistic vision.

YEAR

2009

ARTIST NAME

Ace Hood

SUMMARY

Selected for the XXL Freshman Class, acknowledged for street anthems and energetic performances.

YEAR

2009

ARTIST NAME

Curren$y

SUMMARY

Featured as an XXL Freshman, recognized for laid-back style and consistent output.

YEAR

2009

ARTIST NAME

Kid Cudi

SUMMARY

Included in the XXL Freshman Class, celebrated for melodic rap and influence on new wave hip-hop.

YEAR

2009

ARTIST NAME

J. Cole

SUMMARY

Selected as an XXL Freshman, recognized for storytelling and lyrical depth in hip-hop.

YEAR

2010

ARTIST NAME

Pill

SUMMARY

Featured on the XXL Freshman cover, celebrated for raw delivery and street narratives.

YEAR

2010

ARTIST NAME

Nipsey Hussle

SUMMARY

Named to the XXL Freshman Class, praised for authenticity and entrepreneurial spirit.

YEAR

2010

ARTIST NAME

Freddie Gibbs

SUMMARY

Chosen as an XXL Freshman, acknowledged for gritty realism and Midwest influence.

YEAR

2010

ARTIST NAME

Big Sean

SUMMARY

Included in the XXL Freshman Class, known for punchlines and Detroit rap style.

YEAR

2010

ARTIST NAME

Wiz Khalifa

SUMMARY

Featured as an XXL Freshman, recognized for laid-back flow and mainstream appeal.

YEAR

2010

ARTIST NAME

OJ da Juiceman

SUMMARY

Named to the XXL Freshman Class, noted for Southern flavor and catchy hooks.

YEAR

2010

ARTIST NAME

Jay Rock

SUMMARY

Selected as an XXL Freshman, praised for West Coast revival and group collaborations.

YEAR

2010

ARTIST NAME

Fashawn

SUMMARY

Included in the XXL Freshman Class, admired for lyrical content and underground buzz.

YEAR

2010

ARTIST NAME

Donnis

SUMMARY

Featured as an XXL Freshman, recognized for versatility and emerging presence in hip-hop.

YEAR

2010

ARTIST NAME

Meek Mill

SUMMARY

Named to the XXL Freshman Class, celebrated for energetic delivery and street anthems.

YEAR

2011

ARTIST NAME

Big K.R.I.T.

SUMMARY

Selected as an XXL Freshman, praised for Southern roots and soulful production.

YEAR

2011

ARTIST NAME

Cyhi the Prynce

SUMMARY

Featured on the XXL Freshman cover, acknowledged for sharp lyricism and collaborations.

YEAR

2011

ARTIST NAME

Lil Twist

SUMMARY

Included in the XXL Freshman Class, known for youthful energy and industry connections.

YEAR

2011

ARTIST NAME

Yelawolf

SUMMARY

Chosen as an XXL Freshman, recognized for rapid-fire flow and Southern influence.

YEAR

2011

ARTIST NAME

Fred the Godson

SUMMARY

Named to the XXL Freshman Class, respected for punchlines and lyrical ability.

YEAR

2011

ARTIST NAME

Mac Miller

SUMMARY

Featured as an XXL Freshman, celebrated for independent success and relatable content.

YEAR

2011

ARTIST NAME

YG

SUMMARY

Selected as an XXL Freshman, praised for West Coast sound and party anthems.

YEAR

2011

ARTIST NAME

Lil B

SUMMARY

Included in the XXL Freshman Class, known for internet influence and experimental style.

YEAR

2011

ARTIST NAME

Kendrick Lamar

SUMMARY

Featured as an XXL Freshman, recognized for storytelling and impact on modern hip-hop.

YEAR

2011

ARTIST NAME

Diggy Simmons

SUMMARY

Named to the XXL Freshman Class, admired for youthful perspective and lyrical growth.

YEAR

2011

ARTIST NAME

Future

SUMMARY

Selected as an XXL Freshman, celebrated for innovative sound and influence on trap music.

YEAR

2012

ARTIST NAME

Kid Ink

SUMMARY

Featured on the XXL Freshman cover, known for catchy hooks and radio appeal.

YEAR

2012

ARTIST NAME

Danny Brown

SUMMARY

Named to the XXL Freshman Class, praised for unique voice and boundary-pushing style.

YEAR

2012

ARTIST NAME

French Montana

SUMMARY

Included in the XXL Freshman Class, recognized for hit singles and street credibility.

YEAR

2012

ARTIST NAME

Macklemore

SUMMARY

Chosen as an XXL Freshman, celebrated for independent hustle and crossover success.

YEAR

2012

ARTIST NAME

Don Trip

SUMMARY

Named to the XXL Freshman Class, admired for raw emotion and storytelling.

YEAR

2012

ARTIST NAME

Machine Gun Kelly

SUMMARY

Featured as an XXL Freshman, known for high-energy performances and rapid delivery.

YEAR

2012

ARTIST NAME

Hopsin

SUMMARY

Selected as an XXL Freshman, praised for thought-provoking lyrics and independent grind.

YEAR

2012

ARTIST NAME

Iggy Azalea

SUMMARY

Included in the XXL Freshman Class, recognized for global appeal and bold persona.

YEAR

2012