The Relevancy of XXL's Freshman List

Three things always advised not to argue: Politics, Religion... and Hip Hop.

One of hip hop culture’s most visible platforms, XXL, offers “new” artists the chance to further their career to an even higher level by releasing an annual spread of “who to look for” artist called the “Freshman 11“ (known as the freshman ‘10 in 2009). With the release of 2011's list, hip hop fans have been buzzing. On the list this year are artists YG, Lil Twist, Meek Mill, Lil B, Diggy, Yelawolf, Fred the Godson, CyHi the Prince, Kendrick Lamar, Mac Miller and Big K.R.I.T.

Hip hop fans are typically self proclaimed critics who have that “distinct ear” for the good, the bad and the real hip hop. Compared to 2010 and especially 2009, this list is pretty “versatile”(to say the least). A lot of these artists really have no talent, but are backed by popular labels (often said to inevitably have a good year in sales). And if not backed by popular labels, the artist is more or less self made with a strong fan base (that also overlooks the “talent” aspect).

When you look at past “freshman“ issues, XXL has been on the money. (i.e J.Cole, Wiz Khalifa, Big Sean, Wale, Kid Cudi, B.O.B). But two artist in particular have been on the chopping block and questions the relevancy of XXL as a whole since the 2011 issue has been released... YG and Lil Twist.

Who are these two artists?

YG: (short for Young Gangsta) is a Compton-based rapper and songwriter YG is best known for his catchy hit song “Toot It and Boot It” (which garnered 6 million views on Youtube) and being apart of the “jerkin" movement of California. But other than that there is not much known about YG, musically. Not enough to justify him signing to Def Jam 2 years prior to the listing (let alone being listed).

Lil Twist: It is still not known why he was listed, especially since rumor has it that he was a last minute addition. What is known is that Lil Twist is signed as the youngest member of Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment Label. He has had a handful of guest appearances on a few of Lil Wayne's recordings and the “we are young money" compilation. He is set to release his debut record “Don’t Get It Twisted” (which has yet to have an official release date). Compared to the other youngster on the list, Diggy, Lil Twist is subpar.

The freshman list is supposed to draw attention to the up and comers, the artist on the rise or the ones set to make a big impact on that year. It’s just another forum in helping hip- hop gain more recognition away from the negatives and uplift each artists, getting the genre back to the throne it once held. However, this issue might just show a decline in not only the talent, but the artistry of hip hop. There are definitely more artists listed that deserve to be there, then those who don’t. Why place those “less deservant" artist there when there are other, more relevant artists? (ie any Odd Future artists orVado, who was made exempt due to Cam'Ron's wishes). In XXL’s defense, the magazine always has at least 1 artist listed in there annual freshman lists that makes absolutely makes no sense. Hip Hop is subjective, but is XXL’s list still as relevant today as it was before?

-Ricki Ryan