S. Samuel
Teenage rapper Diggy Simmons has shared his reaction to being named to XXL Magazine's Freshmen 2011 list and what the future holds for him.
Simmons believes the XXL recognition will elevate his buzz and status as a legit emcee.
“Being here means a lot. It’s always been something I thought was real cool, as a new artist to be on, and it was something that I wanted to be on this year…I’ve still got people that don’t even know that I rap and XXL is a big outlet; a real big magazine so more it’ll just show people, and they’ll be like, ‘Yo that’s Diggy he looks older.’ Or, ‘I didn’t know he rapped.’ So for those people and also for my fans and my supporters I hope they go out and get [the issue] and enjoy it.” (XXL Mag)
Diggy shared the cover amongst the likes of rap newcomers Lil Twist and Yelawolf.
Since you all can’t wait anymore here is the official XXL 2011 Freshmen cover. More information tomorrow. 2011’s Freshmen Class featuring: Meek Mill, Big K.R.I.T., Cyhi The Prynce, Lil Twist, Yelawolf, Fred The Godson, Mac Miller, YG, Lil B, Kendrick Lamar, Diggy Simmons. (XXL Mag)
Prior to the list dropping, rap newcomer XV told SOHH about his personal picks for the ’11 Freshmen.
“I would definitely have to say Diggy Simmons, he’s gonna have a great year,” XV told SOHH. “I would also say Yelawolf is another great artist. Kendrick Lamar, he’s really shown out in 2010 and now with 2011, it’s gonna be a great year. I gotta also say Mac Miller should be in there. Gotta shout him out. I was just in the studio with him not too long ago. And one more pick I’d go with is Cyhi The Prynce. That dude is a hard worker. He’s already got the Kanye West co-sign, he’s got the music backing him and I think he’s gonna be a new break-through for Atlanta just the way OutKast was.” (SOHH)
Diggy recently spoke to SOHH about building his profile.
“So far, things haven’t really blown up too, too, too big yet. I’m still building as an artist and putting in that groundwork. So right now things are still developing and that’s a good thing. A lot of people I know like my uncle [Russell Simmons], my dad [Joseph “Reverend Run” Simmons], they really have a big legacy in hip-hop and music as a whole.But I’ve always been a very independent person and just coming into this game, I’ve just really set out to be myself, past my last name. Just straight up Diggy.” (SOHH Guest Star)
