Who Should Have Made the 2019 XXL Freshman Class List?
The 2019 XXL Freshman Class List has been released, and the majority of people seem to agree with this year’s selections, especially Tierra Whack and Gunna. However, there are still hip hop heads that claim the XXL staff snubbed other rappers including Juice Wrld and Lil Baby. Here are some artists who fans believe deserved a spot on the coveted list.
Juice Wrld
Of all the artists who made the 2019 XXL Freshman List, Juice Wrld is the most successful. His 2018 single, “Lucid Dreams” peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and he is also currently on a world tour. Podcaster Adam 22 believes Juice Wrld may have turned the spot down.
Lil Baby
Lil Baby and Gunna have collaborated several times, and their collaborative mixtape hit number four on the Billboard Top 200. Most people assumed XXL would pick either one of them, however, the majority thought Lil Baby would have landed the spot. While some consider Gunna the better rapper, Lil Baby had a Drake feature and has more star potential.
Lil Nas X
Through the use of music sharing apps, namely TikTok, Lil Nas X scored a number one Billboard hit. It also peaked at number 19 on the country charts before its controversial removal. None of the artists who made the 2019 XXL Freshman List have achieved a number one hit, much less had a single debut on Billboard charts for two separate genres.
NLE Choppa
16-year-old NLE Choppa first tasted success after his 2019 single, “Shotta Flow,” which received 10 million YouTube views in a month. Pitchfork praised NLE Choppa for his “energetic delivery,” and the remix of the song featuring Blueface was certified platinum. Some believe he did not make the 2019 XXL Freshman List because he peaked too recently, so he most likely will land a spot next year.
Polo G
Polo G is most known for his song, “Pop Out,” featuring another rapper who people also believe should have made the List, Lil Tjay. The song peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. Polo G is well-liked for his melodic and reflective raps.
Quando Rondo
Signed to NBA Young boy’s Atlantic imprint, Never Broke Again, LLC, he is most known for his 2018 song with Lil Baby, “I Remember.” After the success of that song, he has released two mixtapes and went on tour with rap group SOB x RBE.
Sheck Wes
Sheck Wes’ 2017 single “Mo Bamba” went viral the following year. It led to him signing to Travis Scott’s Cactus Jack Records and Kanye West’s GOOD Music. He then released an album jointly through both labels in October 2018, which peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Top 200. Some believe he did not make the List because of stalking and abuse allegations from singer Justine Skye.
YNW Melly
Before going to jail on charges of murdering his two best friends, YNW Melly landed a Kanye West feature for “Mixed Personalities.” After Melly got arrested, his song “Murder on My Mind” blew up, because it details a fictitious murder. The song has since been certified double platinum. YNW Melly is loved for his ability to turn his pain into touching rap ballads.
