The highly anticipated 2022 XXL Freshman Class, which features the hottest new hip-hop acts that are making it in the industry, has been revealed. The yearly list, which has featured rappers such as Kendrick Lamar, Chief Keef and Megan Thee Stallion in the early days of their careers, has become the gold standard for which artists are next up in its 15 year history.
Nardo Wick
Hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, the 20 year-old rapper has already had an exciting career since he started in 2020. His collaborations with Lil Durk, 21 Savage and G Herbo on 2021′s “Who Want Smoke”, and with Future and Lil Baby on “Me or Sum”, have made him one to watch in the industry. His debut album, “Who is Nardo Wick”, was released last December and peaked at 19 on the Billboard 200.
Doechii
At just 22 years-old, the Tampa, Florida, rapper is another hot name in the list of female rappers taking over the industry. Her 2020 single, “Yucky Blucky Fruitcake”, gained immense popularity on TikTok, and her unapologetically black lyrics have garnered her a loyal following.
SoFaygo
The Michigan rapper’s 2020 song, “Knock Knock”, reached a ridiculous level of popularity on TikTok last year, and even inspired its own trend called BBL Behavior. Since then, SoFaygo has become a favorite among others in the industry, even signing onto Travis Scott’s label, Cactus Jack.
Babyface Ray
Although the Detroit rapper has only gained his massive success in the past few years, he has been working in the industry for over 10 years. All that work seemed to pay off this year when he was featured on Future’s most recent album. His own album, “Face”, was released this year to massive critical and commercial success.
Kali
This Atlanta-based rapper reportedly started rapping at just 12 years old, using her stepdad’s home studio to experiment with the genre. Her first attempt at a big break, on Netflix’s “Rhythm and Flow”, was cut short when she didn’t make it to air. However, in late 2020 she posted a snippet of her song, “Do a B*tch”, on TikTok, which quickly went viral. She was even able to get a verse from Rico Nasty for the song’s remix.
KayCyy
Born in Kenya and raised in Minnesota, the 24 year-old rapper has worked mostly behind the scenes, writing and providing backup vocals on projects for Kanye West, Lil Baby and Lil Wayne, among others. Now he’s ready to pop out on his own, with his debut album, “Who is KayCyy”, set to release later this year.
Cochise
The Florida native has already carved out his own unique space in the industry, with his modern sound already becoming a mainstay on TikTok, particularly his songs “Tell Em” and “Pocket Rocket”. His sound, which has been compared to XXL alum Playboi Carti, allowed him to find a large fanbase.
Big30
Hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, the 22 year old rapper has already become an industry favorite, with his 2021 debut album having features from artists like Future, Lil Durk and his childhood friend, Pooh Shiesty. He’s even already been bestowed a huge honor in the rap industry — a short-lived feud with Gucci Mane.
KenTheMan
Houston’s KenTheMan has found acclaim for her sex-positive lyricism and songs perfect for TikTok, including her hit from this year, “Feeling Sexy”.
Big Scarr
The 22 year-old Memphis rapper released his debut mixtape just last year. “Big Grim Reaper” peaked at 25 on the Billboard 200. Since then, Big Scarr signed with Gucci Mane’s label, 1017 Records.
Saucy Santana
Miami local Saucy Santana has already had a huge year so far, with his songs “Material Girl” and “Shisha” — a collaboration with his good friends the City Girls — releasing to massive success. As a gay, black man, he has found acclaim with his explicitly queer sound both among members of the LGBTQ+ community as well as mainstream rap fans.
BabyTron
This year’s 10th spot winner — voted in by fans — hails from Detroit, Michigan, and has found a rabid fan base due to his reference-heavy rhymes and unique beats. The 21 year-old rap star is part-meme and part-next big thing to his internet-based fandom.
The 2022 XXL Freshman cypher, where all the artists selected will be able to show off their chops in a group freestyle, is set to be released sometime this month. Watch last year’s cypher below.
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