XXL Magazine Introduces the 2020 Freshman Class -

By Maisy Sullivan

As this pandemic seems to restrict us from normalcy, XXL magazine made sure to keep their tradition alive of introducing up and coming rappers. Every year, the magazine has fans select their top picks of hot rap and hip-hop artists stepping into the scene. This year, XXL presents us with Polo G, Lil Tjay, Baby Keem, Jack Harlow, Rod Wave, Lil Keed, Fivio Foreign, Chika, Mulatto, Calboy, NLE Choppa, and 24kGldn.

XXL talks about all things rap and hip-hop, including news, drama, and more for its audience. Though the magazine has been around for over 20 years, XXL has been providing an outlet for publicity to their “Freshman Class” since 2007. This year, the spotlight shines on artists from all different backgrounds, with varying levels of popularity.

The rappers show their style to the world through interviews, cyphers, showcases, and freestyles. In this edition, the twelve rappers were divided into three groups, where they performed their cyphers to beats made by popular producer, JetsonMade.

After the videos were released, XXL magazine took to Twitter with a poll, asking, “So, who had the best 2020 cypher?” Fans voted for Polo G, Jack Harlow, and Lil Keed with an overwhelming 49.2%, whereas the other two groups received 24.2% and 26.6%.

Each artist has a different level of popularity. Many received recognition on TikTok with trendy songs including, “Envy Me” by Calboy, “Valentino” by 24kGldn, and “Mood Swings” by Lil Tjay as well as the late Pop Smoke. Pop Smoke was the magazine’s first choice for the Freshman Class, but he died in early 2020, preventing him from ever making an appearance.

Many of these rappers gained popularity from collaborating with other popular artists, and even each other. Lil Tjay blew up from the hit, “Pop Out” with Polo G, who also worked with the late Juice WRLD. NLE Choppa worked with Blueface on “Shotta Flow.” Jack Harlow collaborated with DaBaby, Tory Lanez, and Lil Wayne on a remix of his hit “WHAT’S POPPIN.”

As for artists who did not make the cut for XXL’s Freshman List, many suggested artists like Doja Cat, Don Toliver, Iann Dior, and The Kid Laroi. Each of them created a platform for themselves based on their own artistry, or by collaborating with popular artists before the announcement of the 2020 list.

There is always disagreement over who is selected for the 2020 Freshman Class, but each artist showcases their own unique talents and style, all while elevating their chance for success. This year, the XXL Freshman Class join with some of rap history’s greatest for their own displays of stardom.