The annual “Freshman Class” issue of XXL magazine aims to predict hip-hop’s future stars, but it increasingly spotlights artists who are already hot. The 11 rappers in the 2019 class, which was announced in June, include the two most sought-after MCs of the summer: Houston’s Megan Thee Stallion and Charlotte’s DaBaby. In the XXL Freshman […]
Tag: Freshman Class
Posted inMusic
How did the ‘industry plant’ take root?
The ‘industry plant’ is hip-hop’s favorite conspiracy theory, used to discredit breakout successes—and it’s spreading to other genres, where it’s no more plausible.
Posted inMusic
Chicago blog Lyrical Lemonade shares its juice with rising rappers
By showing love to potential stars as well as certified sensations, hip-hop outlet Lyrical Lemonade has built a community alongside its brand.