XXL Magazine has been a leading publication in the hip-hop scene since its inception in 1997. The first issue, published in August 1997, featured rappers Jay-Z and Master P. Over the years, XXL has released tour programs, mixtapes and even DVDs. The magazine has since become a household name. They have a website which gives daily hip-hop updates and loads of original content.
Every year since 2007, XXL has released its annual “Freshman Class” list. The list features ten artists-to-watch for that given year. It has featured a variety of artists, from underground rappers to A-List stars. The list gives loads of promotion to the featured artists and helps each of them gain more listeners and attention from the hip-hop community. Previous featured artists include, J. Cole, Future, Macklemore, Machine Gun Kelly, Ty Dolla $ign, Logic and more.
XXL revealed their 2023 Freshman Class this week. It includes many up-and-coming rappers that we have been watching and listening to. This year’s list is Finesse2tymes, Lola Brooke, Rob49, Fridayy, GloRilla, 2Rare, SleazyWorld Go, Central Cee, Real Boston Richey, Luh Tyler, TiaCorine, and DC The Don. Respect My Region has you covered with a rundown of these artists as well as a list of artists we feel should have made the cut. Scroll down for the full review!
2023 XXL Freshman Class Standouts
Lola Brooke
Lola Brooke started making music in 2016 and quickly signed with Team 80 Productions. She has been releasing singles since 2018 and received her first breakout hit with the song “Don’t Play With It,” in 2021. The track initially went viral on twitter and TikTok quickly followed. 2023 has been a big year for Brooke so far, she was signed to Arista Records in January and opened up for A Boogie wit da Hoodie on tour. She has also released two singles, “So Disrespectful,” and “Just Relax.” She has also been featured on many songs this year from top artists such as, Ciara and NLE Choppa. Lola Brooke is definitely an artist to look out for.
Finesse2tymes
Finesse2tymes is a rapper from Memphis, Tennessee. He has been making a name for himself in the industry since 2012, when he joined the rap collective Memphis Greatest Underground. Finesse2tymes began to gain attention for his solo music when he released his mixtape Hustle & Flow in 2019. He has since signed with Atlantic Records in 2022 and released his major label debut mixtape 90 Days in December 2022.
GloRilla
Over the past couple of years, GloRilla has exploded onto the hip-hop scene. Her first mixtape Most Likely Up Next was released in 2019 and quickly followed with her 2020 EP, P Status. She started to attract mainstream attention with her 2022 song “F.N.F. (Let’s Go).” The track went viral on TikTok and even led to a challenge. Since then, she has released many more singles and been featured on tracks with Cardi B and Moneybagg Yo. She also won the BET Hip-Hop Award for “Best New Hip-Hop Artist,” and the IHeartRadio Music Award for “Best New Hip-Hop Artist,” as well.
Artists We Feel Should Have Been Featured
Although XXL made some great choices with their 2023 Freshman Class, there are definitely some artists that got the short end of the stick. This year’s list heavily overlooked a lot of great West Coast rappers, and many Southern and Midwestern rappers were instead featured. They missed some great up-and-coming rappers such as Symba, LaRussell, 1100 Himself, lou deezi, and Young Slo-Be. All of these rappers are making a name for themselves and should’ve easily been chosen. Hopefully, XXL will continue to improve for future Freshman Classes.
