By: Naya Ali

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Every year XXL comes out with their much anticipated Freshman list, full of the newest and brightest young rap stars coming up. It’s usually in a swirl of controversy, seeing as though everyone always has an opinion on who should have made it, and who shouldn’t have. This year there’s a new 10, so the debating will begin soon.

They picked a handful of artists that they believe are the youngest and hottest out, but is it correct?

There’s Kamaiyah, who dropped the stellar A Good Night In The Ghetto project a year ago. A Boogie, who’s been holding down New York for quite some time. PNB Rock has been buzzing hard during Meek Mill‘s troubles and showing more promise out of Philly. Ugly God is somewhat a troll, but has a very loyal fanbase and drops music pretty often. There’s Kap G, who honestly got snubbed last year, but seeing him make it this year is sort of refreshing. Kyle is also a guy who should have made it a few years ago, but in 2017 he’s finally getting his shot led by his hit “I Spy.” Playboy Carti is easily one of the hottest on this list, with songs like “Magnolia” and “Woke Up Like This,” propelling his debut into most rap fans’ rotation. Madeintyo, Amine & XXXTenacion round out the rest of the list because of their appeal, popularity, and a hit song in Amine’s case.

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Now let the debating once again. Who got snubbed? There are a few obvious answers that could have been on this list. Signed to 10 Summers records, RJ has been dropping tape after tape for years and his debut album rang out just as hard. YFN Lucci has everything you need to be an XXL Freshman, such as popularity, radio play, features and good music in general. XXL noticed A Boogie but forgot about Don Q? Crazy. He’s had some of the best bars out of New York for sometime now. G Perico just dropped his excellent All Blue mixtape, and if anything it should secure him a spot on next years list. The greatest snub of all has to be Detroit’s Tee Grizzley. He has a bigger song than arguably anybody on this list, and dropped a tape after that which only took his buzz further. Of course no one can get everything all the way right, but leaving Tee Grizzley off was a big mistake, hopefully he gets the green light next year.

Expect the Freshman rollout to take place soon — this includes the show in NYC, the cyphers, and interviews getting to know the new guys. It’s always exciting to see who’s going to do what, and who takes off from the list. Where does this list rank against some of the old ones? Sound off in the comments below and stay tuned for more from the new Freshmen.

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The post XXL Unveils 2017 Freshman List appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.