The cyphers are about presence, attitude and that undeniable spark that makes the audience pay attention. For many of these artists, this is their first national spotlight moment, where they can grab ...

Here is XXL‘s 2011 Fresman Class: Lil B, Big K.R.I.T, CyHi Da Prynce, Diggy, Fred The Godson, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Twist, Mac Miller, Meek Mill, Yelawolf, and YG.

Before XXL's staff selects the class members, they hold daily meetings with nearly 100 of rap's newest stars starting in January before wrapping in April with the final 12 artists chosen. Over the ...

Who’s the biggest and best Freshman of all time? You get to decide. Words: Peter A. Berry, C. Vernon Coleman II, Kyle Eustice and Grant Rindner Editor’s Note: This story appears in the Summer 2025 ...