XXL magazine is a universal hip hop magazine, and a great source of news for rap/trap music. They also have a youtube channel and a website as well as various other social medias. Each year they select a “Freshman Class” of rappers who are new up and comers, and have them rap on a beat together. Though the number of rappers they pick varies, right now I am going to list 5 rappers I believe should be selected and why.
5. Famous Dex
Although know for being lyrically redundant, the Chicago rapper possesses an energy and charisma that is very rockstar like, and has had some help climbing up the ladder because of his frequent collaboration partner Rich The Kid, who will also be on this list. Also, Dex has been able to show in recent songs that he is improving lyrically, so there is no reason why he should not make waves.
4. Playboi Carti
20 years old and from the mecca of trap music(Atlanta), Carti has been compared to Lil Uzi Vert in his upbeat style. Just like Vert, Carti focuses on his flow and making fast paced songs. He also has just released his debut album, which right now sits at 12 on the Billboard top 200.
3. A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie
Boogie has already had a few songs crack the top 100 Billboard, including “Water,” a collaboration he did with the infamous Kodak black. The Bronx rapper combines his melodic voice with smooth rhymes and occasionally even vowel rhymes, not always making it a pure one.
2. Tee Grizzley
The only reason Tee Grizzley isn’t number 1 on my list is because he is almost brand spankin’ new on the scene. The Detroit rapper burst into the game, and also into the top 100 Billboard, with his single “First Day Out.” Lyrics, singing, rapping, he can do it all, and quite possibly possesses the most talent out of all the new rap artists.
- Rich The Kid
The fact that Rich The Kid hasn’t been featured on XXL magazine already is actually a bit surprising. His track record is strong, having done several songs with Migos, and even one with Kodak Black and Future, separately. With a soft voice, Rich raps quickly and certainly never lacks lyrical creativity. Though he may not be as talented as our number 2 spot, he is incredibly underrated, and his bid to XXL has been long overdue, therefore he gets the top spot.