One day that is huge for hip-hop fans every year is the day that XXL Freshman Class is revealed. For the past 16 years, XXL has made it their mission to highlight the stars that will shape the game’s future. Since its first edition in 2007, the XXL Freshman List has been a key milestone for the artists who have been fortunate enough to be named to it. From Nipsey Hussle to Lil Uzi Vert to Megan Thee Stallion, each year a new batch of talent is celebrated for the work they’ve already put in and the impact they will surely have on the culture in the future. Today (June 21), we found out who the latest group of up and coming artists are who will be featured on this year’s list.
The 2023 XXL Freshman Class theme is “All Eyes On Us.” The artists who were named to the list this year have made it nearly impossible to stop watching them. Whether it be through their infectious music, their effortless swag or undeniable social media followings, the 12 artists who were selected this year have proven that they have what it takes to not only make a splash in the game but also end up on top of it. As hip-hop is set to turn 50 later this year (August 11), these artists continue to push the envelope and influence the next generation to continue advancing what we look at as hip-hop today. The future is indeed bright for this group.
XXL will release freestyles, cyphers, interviews and more with each Freshman over the next month. Producer Pi’erre Bourne, who created the beats for the always anticipated freestyles, will also be interviewed about how the whole process went for him. The Freshman issue will be available everywhere July 18 and will also give us an update on last year’s class and what they are up to.
Congratulations to all of the artists who were voted to be Freshman this year! Until the issue officially drops, enjoy a gallery of some of our favorite songs from the 2023 XXL Freshman Class. Let us know who your favorites are and if there’s anybody that you would’ve wanted to see make the list who didn’t in the comments.
1. TiaCorine
Birthplace: Winston Salem, NC
Suggested Listens: 34Corine (2020), The Sage of 34Corine (2021), I Can’t Wait (2022)
2. Freaky T
3. 2Rare
Birthplace: Philadelphia, PA
4. Q-Pid ft. Lil Durk
5. Finesse2Tymes
Birthplace: Memphis, TN
Suggested Listens: 90 Days (2022)
6. Back End
7. DC The Don
Birthplace: Milwaukee, WI
Suggested Listens: Come As Your Are (Deluxe)(2020), My Own Worst Enemy (2022), FUNERAL (2023)
8. WORST DAY 🙁
9. Rob49
Birthplace: New Orleans, LA
Suggested Listens: 4our the World (2020), Vulture (2020), Krazy Man (2020), 4GOD (2021), Welcome To Vulture Island (2022), 4GOD II (2023)
10. Vulture Island V2 ft. Lil Baby
11. Luh Tyler
Birthplace: Tallahassee, FL
Suggested Listens: My Vision: Reloaded (2023)
12. Law & Order
13. Fridayy
Birthplace: Philadelphia, PA Suggested Listens: Lost In Melody (Deluxe)(2022)
14. Don't Give Up On Me
15. GloRilla
Birthplace: Memphis, TN
Suggested Listens: Anyways, Life’s Great…(2022)
16. F.N.F. (w/ Hitkidd)
17. Lola Brooke
Birthplace: Brooklyn, NY
18. Don't Play With It ft. Billy B
19. SleazyWorld Go
Birthplace: Grand Rapids, MI Suggested Listens: Big Sleaz (2020), The Sleazy Way (2020), Thug You (Ep)(2021), Sleazy (2021), Where The Shooters Be (2022)
20. Sleazy Flow (Remix) ft. Lil Baby
21. Real Boston Richey
Birthplace: Tallahassee, FL Suggested Listens: Public Housing, Pt. 2 (2023)
22. Bullseye 2 ft. Future
23. Central Cee
Birthplace: Ladbroke Grove, London, United Kingdom Suggested Listens: Wild West (2021), 23 (2022), Split Decision – EP (2023)
24. Doja
25. Pi'erre Bourne
Birthplace: Fort Riley, KS (Columbia, SC) Suggested Listens: Sli’merre (2019), The Life of Pi’erre 4 (2019), The Life of Pi’erre 5 (2021), Yo!88 (2021), Space Age Pimpin (2022), Good Movie (2022)
