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In what has become an annual tradition in hip-hop, fans anxiously anticipated the reveal of the 2025 XXL Freshman Class. The publication goes viral each year for choosing who editors feel are the best rappers who debuted in the last year.
2025 XXL Freshman Class Revealed
Per XXL, the eligible pool of rappers included 68 people. Out of those 68 artists, the publication’s final draft saw them select just 12 of those artists. Below is the official 2025 XXL Freshman Class list.
1900Rugrat
BabyChiefDoIt
EBK Jaaybo
Eem Triplin
GELO (LiAngelo Ball)
Ian.
LAZER DIM 700
Loe Shimmy
Nino Paid
Ray Vaughn
Samara Cyn
YTB Fatt.
As part of the honor, the artist will get to participate in the always-anticipated XXL Freshman Class Cypher.
However, the publication did note that EBK Jaaybo, who was selected in the number ten spot on the list was arrested on the day of the Cypher and accompanying photoshoot. So he was unable to participate.
In usual fashion, fans on social media went crazy with their reactions once the official list was released.
“I’m so glad I know the majority of these artists,” one fan said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Ain’t no way Gelo on there off one song,” another fan said, disappointed with the selection of Liangelo Ball.
“This used to be like NBA DRAFT! Like who is gonna be the next superstar… 2016 was the last best freshman!!,” another disappointed fan added.
As for the selection process, XXL says that there are several factors that influence who is chosen for the list each year.
However, they noted that the 12 artists that they chose for the 2025 class were chosen because they are “the head of their class with raw bars, real stories, and unshakable energy.”
They also added: “From the recording studio to the cover, these are the artists shaping the next era of hip-hop.”
