NOTE: Originally written the week of April 4, 2011:
OK, so I just saw XXL’s Freshmen class of 2011. As always, lists of this nature are hardly unanimous. Of all my years reading XXL, this year’s class may be the most questionable in my mind. Sure, you have your no-brainers (check my “Dean’s List” below), but the others…? Anyway, my assessment goes as follows:
DEAN’S LIST [Shoo-Ins]
-Big K.R.I.T.: Won me over with the first listen to “Country Sh*t”. Definitely the brightest star of this bunch, with dope production skills to match his lyrics.
-Diggy Simmons: I would’ve preferred he be in the 2012 class (more time to develop), but cuz’s buzz is undeniable. Two stellar mixtapes, guidance from one of Hip Hop’s pioneers, signed to a major label at age 15 AND an AT&T endorsement? Talk about “Great Expectations”.
-Mac Miller: Same case here. He’ll need some time to develop. But the success of his K.I.D.S. mixtape – and a penchant for “weed raps” that he shares with a certain fellow Pittsburgh native – make him one of this year’s most likely to succeed.
-CyHi Da Prynce: More versatile than I was expecting from a rapper outta the A. Caught my full attention with a show-stealing verse on “I’m So Appalled” and the “Bone flow” – pause – displayed on Bobby V’s “Gotta Get Dat Money”. I figured he’d make it once I found out he was with G.O.O.D. Music.
-Kendrick Lamar: Definitely one of the most consistent MCs this year. Kinda slept on him back when he went by K.Dot, but his self-titled “EP” coupled with leaked track “The Relevant” made me recognize real quick. My sentiments are with the rest of his fans, hoping that his newfound affiliation with Dr. Dre actually amounts to something.
-Yelawolf: I can’t speak on him since I’m not familiar with his music. A cosign from Slim Shady and an ever-growing fanbase is good enough for me.
LATE ADDITIONS [Surprise Selections]
-Fred the Godson: Once you can get past his voice, dude’s kinda nice. Your typical New York MC: slick flow, swagger (f*ck “swag”, I hate that word) & presence on the mic, witty punchlines. Should grow on me the more I hear from him.
-Meek Mill: Still kind of an unknown to me. But I guess his signing with Maybach Music pushed his hat in the ring.
INCOMPLETE [Needs More Seasoning]
-Lil Twist: Aside from his Young Money status, I don’t feel he’s put in enough work at the major level to earn his spot.
-YG: Ditto. He needs WAY more than “Toot It & Boot It” to justify this selection.
DUNCE [WTF?!?! aka FAIL!!!!!! aka "Prerequisite Wack Artist On the List"]
-Lil B: Lil B? LIL B?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! I would’ve even tolerated Waka in this category.
NOT SHOWN [Should've Been On the List]
-XV: There’s not really much to say here. Vizzy’s now been snubbed THREE years in a row (Yes, I believe he could/should have been on the ’09 list, but I guess they had enough “alternative” MCs, namely Kid Cudi & B.o.B). Who in their right mind would seriously pick Lil B over this guy?!?! I guess a “visitor from the planet Squaria” is somehow less marketable than a “pretty b*tch” who “looks like Jesus” that says he’d “f*ck Kanye in the @$$”? Smh *Kanye shrug*
-Skewby: Three words: More. Or. Less. Easily the frontrunner for the 2012 cover now.
-Stalley: Surprised he wasn’t in this year, but whatever. He’ll reach the top on his own terms.
-Dom Kennedy: Son’s get the Left Coast goin’ nuts. The rest of the country shall wise up VERY soon.
WAIT TIL NEXT YEAR (My 2012 Nominees)
-Skewby
-Dom Kennedy
-Stalley
-Jon Connor: Made a late push for this year’s cover, but it wouldn’t be wise to bet against him being there in ’12.
-Vado: Another one who fell just short this go-round. But would he accept a nomination?
-Thee Tom Hardy: Not sure if he’ll make it, but he’ll likely be in consideration.
-Gilbere Forte’: If his progression from “’87 Dreams” to “Eyes of Veritas” is any indicator, we’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg..
-Phil Ade/Lyriciss/G-Two: Gotta go for the hometown boys.
