Here is part 1 of the 2012 XXL Freshmen class cypher. In this 1st segment you’ll get to see Hopsin, Roscoe Dash, Machine Gun Kelly, Future and Danny Brown all kick a few bars while DJ Whoo Kid spins a ...

As traditions go, XXL‘s annual “Freshman Class” issue is neither all that time-honored or worthwhile. The magazine’s been putting rappers it calls freshmen on its cover since 2008, but hasn’t exactly ...

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 ...

Better than: Ten rappers you’re completely unfamiliar with. Every year, XXL selects a group of rappers to label as “freshmen”—supposed up-and-comers that the magazine feels are ready for the limelight ...

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A new generation of hip-hop stars has been crowned. XXL magazine released its annual freshman class list on Monday, highlighting 11 promising rappers who are poised to make their mark on hip-hop.