Cyrus Langhorne
Def Jam rapper 2 Chainz might skip grabbing this month’s XXL Magazine issue at newsstands. The hip-hop veteran has publicly checked the hip-hop publication over its new Freshmen ’18 list.
Deuce went to Instagram Tuesday (June 12) and questioned why XXL missed giving some major chart-topping artists shine on its prestigious annual roundup.
Meet the 2018 XXL Freshman Class! 🏆⭐🔥
Congratulations @theslumpgod, @lilpump, @smokepurpp, @jidsv, @stefflondon, @blocboy_jb, @ybnnahmir, @wifisfuneral and @trippieredd! 🎉https://t.co/rWa1nMHkrn
— XXL Magazine (@XXL) June 12, 2018
[5 Things You (Probably) Didn’t Know About The XXL Freshman Class]
Recently, hip-hop veteran Mysonne talked to SOHH about his issues with the annual list.
“My opinion of the XXL Freshman class is it appears to only appeal to one demographic and one particular style and genre of music. It doesn’t appeal to everyone. Most of those artists have similarities. I also think Don Q should definitely be on the Freshman list and you know it is an injustice that he’s not there! He should’ve been there last year but I’ve lost all faith in the XXL Freshman class. There was a time when I just had decided to pretty much boycott it so I’m not surprised at the lack of diversity or lack of what I will call talent in the class.” (SOHH)
Back in March, Migos’ Quavo shared words of encouragement toward Canadian hip-hop artist Nav over getting snubbed by XXL for its latest roundup.
Don’t Trip @beatsbynav @XXL Didn’t Pick Migos Either!!!! 🖕🏾Freshman List
— QuavoYRN (@QuavoStuntin) March 20, 2018
In the past, social media has fired shots at XXL over the criteria used for picking its Freshmen.
Every single year there seems to be a handful of people upset with those chosen. XXL isn’t perfect; nobody is. On the contrary, you would expect such a highly regarded publication to be pretty accurate. Despite having past picks such as Kendrick Lamar,, that hasn’t always been the case. In 2016, comedy-rap artist Lil Dicky was chosen to the dismay of many people, considering much of his work is satire. The prior year many were mad that Kidd Kidd, who has been rapping since 2004, was chosen due to the longevity of his career. There are always valid claims that artists on a XXL Freshmen List didn’t belong there (think Trinidad James and Diggy Simmons) but one year, we’ll all be able to confidently say XXL got it right. (SOHH)
kidd kidd the best rapper in the retirement community i guess or somethin
— ricky eat acid (@rickyeatacid) June 3, 2015
I can think of a quintillion rappers that deserve a look more than a privileged snarkster named Lil Dicky, please don't @ me
— link in bio (@broazay) June 13, 2016
