2022 XXL Freshman Class

6.24.22

2022 XXL Freshman Class

The time has come, as XXL has officially released the cover and full list to the 2022 XXL Freshman Class list. This list has got to be one of the better ones in recent years, covering the whole landscape of what hip-hop is today. Cyphers, freestyles, and much more are still to come, but for now we can discuss, did they get it right?

This year’s XXL Freshman Class list consists of the following twelve artists:

1) Nardo Wick

2) Doechii

3) SoFaygo

4) Babyface Ray

5) Kali

6) KayCyy

7) Cochise

8) Big30

9) KenTheMan

10) Big Scarr

11) Saucy Santana

12) BabyTron (10th Spot Winner)

The list overall is pretty solid. You have the heart of Memphis, you have Florida, Michigan, Houston, all the sass, and more. The XXL Freshman cover theme feels like a sophisticated, granite stone texture, and the class dressed to fit the picture. All in all, the list is solid. But of course, there is always feedback.

If you look back at the lists that we put together earlier this year on For The SoUle, to guess the class, Nardo Wick was a for sure choice for the cover. I also had KenTheMan, Saucy Santana, Big Scarr, and Big30. Five out of twelve is not bad, but I still have feelings on the rest.

Nardo Wick has had a sensational year. When you come out with a hit like Who Want Smoke? it can sometimes be difficult whether or not the next hit will stick. Everything he has put out so far has been a total hit, and he’s already released a full album. Saucy Santana just went on tour with Latto, and if you do not know his music, you know his personality. I love seeing him here on the list, and the looks were fantastic. Big Scarr and Big30 are currently running Memphis with their head honchos behind them (Gucci Mane and Moneybagg Yo). Loosing is not an option for these guys. Although I was not sure if the XXL team would get behind them, they made the right move here.

SoFaygo and Babyface Ray definitely deserve their spots on the list and probably some of the bigger names sitting there, currently. I did not choose them on my original list, because I felt that it may have been a bit late for them, but it makes sense to have them here, nonetheless. From who is missing, I still they think could have went global with Aitch. Ever since Stefflon Don repped the UK with her Freshman appearance, I have been looking for the international talent, and it is there with Aitch, but perhaps they just had not caught on at this point.

I did think that B-Lovee would at least make it with the 10th spot seeing how much NYC loves him, and all the great hits he has produced. This is definitely one that is going to blow this year, and will be too late by 2023. Same with EST Gee. He was not even available to vote for during nominations, so perhaps either party was not interested in the opportunity. However, he deserves a room in the conversation for hottest new cats out.

As for the others, they have been grinding on social, getting radio play, and taking opportunities as they arise. There are a lot of good choices on the list, looking forward to seeing the rest of the 2022 XXL Freshman rollout.

Photos are Travis Shinn for XXL