Predicting the 2017 XXL Freshman Class

Every year, the XXL Magazine releases a list of the top 10 new artists of the year. This year, several new artists burst on to the music scene with hit songs. Without further ado, here is a prediction for the 10 artists that will be part of the XXL Freshman Class.

Predicting the 2017 XXL Freshman Class

1. Aminé

Aminé has a tremendous shot at making the XXL Freshman list. After bursting onto the rap scene with “Caroline”, which peaked at 11th on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, he followed up his big hit with “REDMERCEDES”. The Oregon rapper has shown flashes of stardom throughout his previous three projects, and should make the XXL Freshman list.

2. Joyner Lucas

Joyner Lucas may be the most underrated rapper right now. Lucas recently released his “Mask On” remix of Future’s “Mask Off”, and has his fans in anticipation of his “(508)-507-2209” project. With a track record of being a tremendous lyricist and collaborating with artists like TechN9ne and Logic, Lucas has grown a solid fan base over the past few years. Lucas should rebound from his snub from last year’s list and become a member of the 2017 Freshman class.

3. KYLE

KYLE is a near-lock to make the 2017 XXL Freshman Class. With his hit song “iSpy”, KYLE was able to become a mainstream artist and grow a fairly large fan base. His sophomore album “Smyle” peaked at number seven on the Billboard Rap Album Charts. KYLE has a solid track record, and should absolutely get a spot on the 2017 XXL Freshman list.

4. Madeintyo

Madeintyo should certainly get on the 2017 XXL Freshman list. With hits like “Uber Everywhere” and “Skateboard P”, Madeintyo is a near-lock to make the Freshman class. In addition to his two hits, he has gone on tour with rapper Big Sean, and even remixed “Skateboard P” with the Detroit rapper.

5. Playboi Carti

If there was any doubt whether Playboi Carti belonged on the freshman list, it was immediately erased following his debut, self-titled mixtape released in April. Featuring hits like “Magnolia” and “wokeuplikethis”, Carti has established himself as an up-and-coming star in the rap game. The A$AP Mob member should have no problem finding a spot in the 2017 XXL Freshman Class.

6. Tee Grizzley

Tee Grizzley has become a well-known name in the rap community over the past few months. With his debut mixtape “My Moment” and hits like “First Day Out” and “From the D to the A”, Grizzley has given himself a great chance at becoming a member of the 2017 XXL Freshman Class.

7. Ugly God

There is no denying it: Ugly God is a lock for the 2017 XXL Freshman Class. With his big hit “Water”, in addition to a large social media presence, Ugly God has become a household name in the rap community. There is absolutely no doubt that he will be a member of the 2017 XXL Freshman Class.

8. YFN Lucci

With hits like “Key to the Streets” and “Everyday We Lit”, YFN Lucci has grown a solid fan base and has become a big name in the Atlanta rap scene. Lucci is not anywhere close to a sure thing for the list, but he could sneak on due to his history of big hits and collaborating with big names like Migos, Meek Mill, and Rich Homie Quan.

9. Young M.A.

There is no doubt Young M.A. will be selected to the XXL Freshman list, but there is question of whether she will accept her spot on the list. With her big hit, “Ooouuu”, the Brooklyn rapper has become a household name in the New York rap community. It wouldn’t be the first time she has turned down a major position, as she declined to accept the role of Freida Gatz on the hit TV show, “Empire”. If she turns down the position, expect someone like $ki Mask the Slump God or Famous Dex to take her spot.

10. XXXTentacion (Fan Vote)

With one of the largest fan bases of any XXL Freshman nominee in recent history, XXXTentacion is a lock to make the list in some fashion. Similar to how Lil Yachty got on the list via fan vote last year, it is likely the “Look at Me!” rapper will find his way on the list via the fan vote.

Honorable Mention: Lil Pump, Montana Of 300, Nebu Kiniza, Famous Dex, Rob $tone, $ki Mask the Slump God, Smokepurpp, Nav

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