XXL Mag’s Freshman Class of 2010
Once again it’s time for a very popular annual happening in the rap world. XXL, the premiere publication for all things Hip-Hop in the game today is unveiling their picks for the top 10 artists on the brink of stardom in 2010. Just as there was in ‘09 there is much debate among the fans and blog sites as to who exactly is worthy of making such a list.
Last year’s picks have experienced a range of outcomes following being selected for the honor. Drake, the most successful product of ‘09 was not on the last list due to the fact that his buzz became widespread just after the collective of wordsmiths was assembled. That being said, Kid Cudi, Wale and Ace Hood have solidified themselves as the most commercially accepted of the group. B.O.B has remained strong artistically and continues to amass a following in anticipation of his debut album which has been moved up to an April 27th drop (originally May 25th). The group’s white knight Asher Roth remains a respected player even though his debut album Asleep In The Bread Aisle failed to attain desirable sales figures (65,000 units in its 1st week). Charles Hamilton is on a sort of hiatus after making some poor choices on when to check himself (i.e. dissing the wrong people and getting smacked by a chick during a freestyle). Curren$y, Cory Gunz and Mickey Factz seem to be in the same boat as they were last year (although the latter has obtained endorsements from Honda and Supra). As for Blu, he’s nowhere to be found at the moment.
The mystery surrounding this year’s list has only been multiplied by the fact that it has supposedly leaked and is now all over the web. While the list does include some of the actual picks, (the magazine has released 8 videos to date in a series which hides their faces as they freestyle) some choices are most likely not in the real class of 2010. One possible clue to this fact is that although Young Money’s female MC Nicki Minaj is on this questionable list, rumor has it that both her and label mate Drake declined to be featured in the issue which hits newsstands March 16th.
Here is the list that’s circulating online:
A statement was released by XXL in response to the matter which reads as follows:
“I’m writing from XXL to let you know the email about XXL’s 2010 Freshman Class is a fake list that did not come from our magazine. While we are flattered about the enthusiasm and heat The Freshman Class generates, this list did not come from XXL and was most likely created and leaked by someone in hopes of boosting their career. We are always on the lookout for the most promising artists who do, in fact, make it into XXL. The current issue of XXL (our double Dec/Jan 2010 issue with 50 Cent on the cover) is on stands now.”
Freestyle videos already released building hype for the release of the list include Nipsey Hussle, Wiz Khalifa, Pill, Fashawn, J. Cole, Big Sean, Freddie Gibbs, and Oj Da Juiceman. Lyrically the standouts are J. Cole, Fashawn, Freddie Gibbs and Nipsey Hussle who gives viewers twice as many bars as the rest of the artists. While you may not expect much from Oj Da Juiceman, his 15 seconds of rhymes seems like a complete waste, making many question his presence in this year’s class.
My predictions for the artists that will find the most critical acclaim in the months to come are without a doubt J. Cole, Fashawn and Nipsey Hussle. Big Sean may be a contender as well especially since he’s backed by Kanye under the G.O.O.D Music umbrella. I’d definitely keep an eye out for Freddie Gibbs. He’s bound to show his talent through a new lane, being that we’ve yet to really see an artist from the state of Indiana at this level.
On a final note there’s a lot of talk about who should have made the list but probably won’t. The names being thrown out there include Donnis, The Cool Kids, Kidz In The Hall, Jay Rock and Pac Div. I’d say we might be seeing Jay Electronica, The Knux, El Prez and Rich Hil getting handpicked in 2011. Look out for the official 2010 list and the new issue of XXL on March 16th.
-N. Middz
Dom Kennedy – Choose Up
To be honest with you I’ve never really been a big fan of Dom Kennedy, but if his new shit is anything to go by I might just be converted. Check out his new single Choose Up from his From The Westside With Love project due March.
Diamonds&Guns
DOWNLOAD: Stevie Crooks – Diamonds&Guns
The Relaunch of all the WW tee’s are finally here. Go & stock-up on all the goods from the lovely ladies of Weekend Warriors.
Skeme – All Rap’d Up (Mixtape)
Melody Ehsani
I want every piece of jewelry that she makes. I love ME’s creativity & sense of style.
Pac Div – “Shut Up” Music Video Coming Soon Teaser from MCM on Vimeo.
I’m patiently waiting for this video to drop. Most of you already know how I feel about the Pac Div boys 
Ms. Right Video
Ms. Right from The Cafeteria Line on Vimeo.
You cant help but to love these two. One of the cutest videos I’ve seen in awhile. Be sure to download Ayomari’s latest project.
Happy Birthday Michael Jordan
February 17, 2010 by rap
Filed under Blog, Front Page
Although he was drafted the year I was born, Michael Jordan is my all-time favorite athlete. No competition. He’s the reason I do not like Kobe “I think Im better than Mike and crush his final all-star appearance, I need to humble myself” Bryant, no matter how remarkable of a talent he may be (thats a whole other post). A disorganized and messy personal life he may have, but on the court, there will never be another Michael Jordan. So today is his birthday. All of us want to be like Mike in some way. Children who have never seen him play a single game first had spend their allowances on his sneakers. If there was a basketball czar deserving of having his pinky ring kissed and palm leaf fans following him, it’s MJ.
I remember that commercial so well. May we forget his failed attempt to re-enter the league , coming out of retirement a 2nd time to play with the…who? See I have already forgotten
And now for my favorite activity on MJ Day, the Highlights.
So Happy Birthday to Michael Jordan, the standard in which basketball excellence is measured.
1 more day..
Stevie Crooks highly anticipated mixtape Diamonds&Guns drops tomorrow. You all are in for a rude awakening…
“I told Court ima shine even tho these niggas hate. It’s go time, I’m sorry homie I couldn’t wait..”
