The inception of hip-hop, which started 50 years in the past this August, will be likened to the formation technique of a diamond. Via the applying of warmth and strain over a sure time period, a flawlessly imperfect gem is shaped. And like rap, the method is all about evolution.
Sounds, musical landscapes, cadences, lyricism, supply of rhymes and extra have modified all through the final six a long time. And staying true to XXL’s yearly custom, the Freshman class for 2023 was chosen primarily based on the artists’ plain influence.
Inside each pivot hip-hop has skilled over time, a crop of rising people proudly attain for and tightly grasp the baton. Narrowing down over 80 artists this 12 months to 12, these abilities haven’t solely been the cream that has risen to the highest, however function a illustration of the present pulse of this 12 months’s sound: inimitable, eclectic, vibe-y, nostalgic and rattling good. Navigating the business’s impediment course, these newcomers have taken on the duty by releasing mixtapes and EPs, in the end resulting in debut albums, creating and sustaining momentum amongst followers and touring quite a few cities.
Becoming a member of lyrical savants like J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar, major-leaguers reminiscent of Future and Travis Scott, and chart-toppers like Lil Durk, Lil Uzi Vert and Megan Thee Stallion, to call a number of, the 2023 XXL Freshman are the brand new children on the block, however they’re guaranteeing they depart indelible marks that etch themselves in hip-hop’s historical past books.
Over the following month, XXL can be releasing freestyles, cyphers, interviews and extra with every Freshman. Pioneering producer Pi’erre Bourne created the beats for this 12 months’s much-anticipated cyphers.
The Freshman problem hits stands in every single place on July 18 and, along with the 2023 Class and Pi’erre Bourne, it contains interviews with Lil Child, NLE Choppa, Boosie BadAzz, Toosii, DDG, Saba and extra, plus, a glance again at what the 2022 XXL Freshman Class has been doing. Additionally, there are tales on hip-hop’s love {for golfing}, 10 rookie artists simply getting into the sport and the most effective A.I. hip-hop songs launched so far. The difficulty is on sale right here.
See the 2023 XXL Freshman Class
2023 XXL Freshman
