XXL Magazine“s anticipated freshman class of 2013 has finally been revealed. Joey Bada$$, Ab-Soul, Action Bronson, Kirko Bangz, Travi$ Scott, Angel Haze, Dizzy Wright, Logic, School Boy Q, and Trinidad James all appear in this group shot while, “the hate being sober artist“, Chief Keef appears on the side individually. Every year XXL puts together this list and every year I usually disagree. But this year they have a couple of heavy hitters but is this their “best ever”. Of course Hip Hop heads are going to debate but what’s Hip hop without controversy?

Congrats to all of you artists that made the cut! There are still some artists on this list I have yet to listen to like some of you readers so I decided to do a run down on the artists that are not mainstream.

The yearbook of XXL’s Freshman Class of 2013….
Joey Bada$$

I’ve already explained in my last post about how I felt about Joey Badda$$. This is one of my favorites from the his mixtape 1999:

Ab-Soul

Ab-Soul is a rapper from Carson California known as The Future of West Coast Rap. He is currently signed to Top Dawg Entertainment and Interscope Records. He has done tracks with Kendrick Lamar and Schoolboy Q to name a few. I love the message in this song, him and Kendrick Lamar were speaking to me:

Action Bronson

Action Bronson is an artist I was not aware about till this list was released. Born as Ariyan Arslani, Bronson grew up in Forest Hills, Queens, the son of an Albanian immigrant father and a Jewish mother. The New York Times named Bronson as “one of the most promising prospects in New York hip-hop. I like the throwback instrumental on this track and his flow is nice. I will be adding him to my playlists, I found a couple of tracks that I liked.

Dizzy Wright

Dizzy Wright is putting Las Vegas,NV on. I love the messages in his music, I feel like his music is filled with soul. The fact that he is my age but so wise and self-conscious is sexy. I love the Anita Baker sample in this track, I love to walk on campus with this tune in my ear:

Angel Haze

I have been on Angel Haze for almost four years ago. I actually first saw her funny Youtube videos before I listened to music. This girl is not only hilarious but she is a lyrical beast. I am so happy for her success because she deserves all the recognition. I am just confused with her look right now.
First she was a stud looking rapper now she is a girly looking rapper. Don’t mind me though I just was curious if she was straight now or is she still werkin Girls:

Logic

Rapper Logic, is fairly new to my ears but he is a Maryland native on the rap scene since he was 17. Logic started his fan base at University of Maryland and now his followers are multiplying. I like the vibe on this track, he is really artistic with his sounds and samples.

Travi$ Scott

Travi$ Scott is signed to GOOD Music and is working on his first album. THis guy’s music can range from classic hip hop to techno. I respect his flow and the fact that he is changing the typical sound of Hip Hop. This generation is experimenting with everything musically and breaking the barrier. This “animal” track gives me a Kanye West vibe but it’s definitely dope.

Schoolboy Q

Schoolboy Q is a rapper representing South Central, LA. He also is signed to TopDawg ENT and has does numerous songs with Kendrick Lamar and Ab-$oul. The west coast has been adding players to the game lately. I think he is talented but i don’t know if he is my type of rap artist I would listen to everyday.
I like this track produced by Boi 1da though.

Who is your favorite on this List? Do you agree with XXL that this is their “Best Ever”
Leave your opinions below.