XXL Freshman Class 2013

We were beginning to wonder when they new XXL Freshman Class list for this year would be released, but it's finally here. Gracing the cover this time around are ScHoolboy Q, Trinidad Jame$, Joey Badda$$, Ab-Soul, Logic, Action Bronson, Kirko Bangz, Travi$ Scott, Dizzy Wright, and Angel Haze. I must admit, at the time of posting this article, I'm only familiar with half of the artists on this list, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. When you think about it, a list of newcomers should for the most part be just that; newcomers.

Which leads me to my next issue. Who/what determines who makes the Freshman List each year? How much of an artist's music is judged and for how long before they are able to make the cut? Of the artists that I'm aware of, I would say Joey Bada$$, Trinidad Jame$, and Action Bronson are welcome additions as their body of work to date is fairly limited, but Ab-Soul and ScHoolboy Q have been around since 2009. Granted, they are both on the heels of releasing their major label solo debut albums, so it makes sense from that perspective, but I doubt that is something that has been consistent over the years with other artists who have made the Freshman Class list.

How do you feel about this list? Do you feel like the Black Hippy members have surpassed "Freshman" status? Do you feel like Trinidad James doesn't even deserve to be on this list? Let us know!

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