While the position isn't a ticket to 'making it', it's a huge shout-out to the grind and work that's been put in over the 12 or however many months in moving up the list of those on the breakthrough.
 |
| They spoke of 2013's class as the best ever, can '14 live up? |
http://www.xxlmag.com/10spot-artist/2014/03/gunplay/
The link is to for MMG artist Gunplay, one of the more standout names amongst this year's nominees, below him are the other few dozen candidates to take the inspired 'People's choice' as the 10th and final graduate to this year's Freshman front cover.
Question is; who's in your 10?
XXL editorial squad know their isht, they don't put up anyone who isn't worthy, a flop or no-name that hasn't fought for their right.
I remember reading (Editor-in-Chief) Vanessa Satten's words on the 2013 Freshmen, 'from the moment they all meet for the photoshoot, we can instantly tell who has the talent, the persona and the ego to make it'.
That stuck out to me, it's one of the earliest chances for one of Hip Hop's leading publications to gauge their opinions on the up-and-coming, someone whining in make-up or refusing to spit a few bars without their own demands.
Someone already too big for their boots amidst these talented younguns.
After rattling on my feels about the significance of appearing on the cover, now to stick my neck out and be decisive, there are multi-millions worth of ability on this list, rappers of all styles and backgrounds, all well and truly making their names.
Ok..so.
My List:
Gunplay - BIG name, he's got to make it, his 2013 saw the release of mixtape; 'Cops & Robbers' to follow up his 2012 effort '601 & snort'. Let's face it, Gunplay has broken the top levels acquiring a spot at MMG and he has the funds to push his efforts through now. His verse of Cartoons & Cereal is borderline legendary & a fanbase ready to see him go far.
Chance The Rapper - Try and keep this guy OUT of the limelight, everywhere you look Chance's name pops up, every summer festival - in the States or even over the pond here in the UK. His platinum mixtape 'Acid Rap' even saw mainstream breakthrough, not from content, from ability and class. BET nominated, embarking on his own big solo tour. Come on guys, he's pushing the boundaries.
Casey Veggies - The 20 year old Cali native has a popular style and is already attracting a keen following, I mean, he's not an unknown entity, even in his young years. A founding 'Odd Future' member Casey split to do his own things, on a good note he brings the contacts of Tyler and Earl - plus since working closely with Mac Miller, Kendrick Lamar, Wiz Khalifa and Rita Ora to name a few. 'Life Changes' and 'Fresh Veggies' were dope, expect a big debut in 2014.
Dillon Cooper - A personal favourite, not as household as some above but by no means without quality. Cooper has everything in his package, the youth appeal, the diversity, the guy is a musician, graduating from one of New York's highest reputable colleges. His debut work 'Cozmik' screamed of potential and his proposed 2014 EP can back it up with some hopefully original beats - he's got a long way to go.
Isaiah Rashad - Yes, predictable, I know, maybe. Maybe you lot are sick of this youngun grabbing headlines lately? Rashad became (along with SZA) TDE's latest signing and with it the pressure and expectation of joining rap's leading pack. His alternative feel is a brand in itself & def something Top Dawg picked up on. Peep the BET Cypher, making his name standing tall with K Dot, Rock, Soulo & Q, his 2014 tape Cilvia Demo is so replayable, you can't leave him out.
Troy Ave - Troy will make this year's cover - and deservedly so. The man wants to single-handedly carry NY rap back to the top of the game, wave the flag for Brooklyn, repping his self-titled home street, Troy Avenue. He may claim rival Kendrick Lamar is just a 'weirdo rapper' but when he debuts with the likes of Raekwon, N.O.R.E, Prodigy, Tony Yayo and Pusha T on his back, he's got some claim. His catalogue is massive, he drops music at ease on eager, gagging supporters - he's gonna be a huge player.
Ty Dolla $ign - Ty has been bubbling under nicely for a minute now, accustomed to singing and an instrumental background, his breakthrough in 2012 revealed his signature was gathered by Taylor Gang Records. Listen, that aint an all bad backing. He's worked with Jeezy and of course Wiz on a number of projects and makes my list because it's all going on NOW. His 2014 Beach House EP bought strong features but performed strongly, desrervedly so, even at Billboard level. Debut album to pursue this year and tour with Wiz, you know.. Freshman..
Vince Staples - Is well on track to hitting the lights, on the day of writing this he released his fourth tape Shyne Coldchain V2 while on road with ScHoolboy Q and fellow nominee Rashad on the Oxymoron World Tour. His mixtape with Mac Miller alias Larry Fisherman drew headlines, again, he brings that alternative feel. And it's just nice to know the new skool isn't afraid to push boundaries, try different things, push through how they see the music, how they learnt the music. Vince is unique and has big times ahead.
Rich Homie Quan - Quan is a big deal at the minute, his music is dropping to some note, the mixtape 'Still Going in (Reloaded)' part of the humorously named quadruple of projects reached Complex's top ten tapes of the year, that's no mean feat. 'I Promise I'll Never Stop Going In' came next, media attention was hitting, buzz was growing, the name is everywhere. It doesn't grab him a spot, but, in terms of progress, there are few better nominees in putting themselves up on the map. Just ask Michigan State Football on 'Type of Way'.
Riff Raff - Controversial, maybe he aint everyone's cup of tea as we say in England. The times of the 2010's you can't keep media out of anything, this is the figure to epitomise such claims. Who knows where Raff would be without that powers that be pushing through his eccentric, crazy, OTT style, one thing though that sticks out amidst all the humour and jokes - he don't know when to stop, when he's defeated. His hunger to make it through all the knockbacks is quite unique and impressive, the respect is clearly feeling, to work with Drake and Wiz is testament to that. Whatever feels he gives you, whether talent is where it should be, the Freshman list is about the development of rap, the new-skool - this is partly where it's at.
 |
| Isaiah Rashad |
 |
| Gunplay |
 |
| Troy Ave All dead certs to be making 2014's class for me. |
There's my ten, trust me that's difficult - everyone has stakes for their own position. To leave out a female MC was daunting, Nitty Scott, 3D or Sasha could've easily made it. Big names left out, Stalley, Kevin Gates, Young Thug, Nast and Twelvy of the A$AP Mob - all bring their own unique aspect.
The list is just my pick, what I'm enjoying right now personally, I'm probably missing out someone right now, missing out on something I should be enjoying, but..
Hey, that's the joy of music, joy of hip hop, each to their own, provoke though, debate and rivalries - this year's XXL Freshman is wide open.
Just for yall I've created a poll to see how far you go to agree with my list, or who I should've put up, peep it and get choosing, it aint easy!
Peace.
No comments:
Post a Comment