XXL is an American hip hop magazine, published by Townsquare Media, founded in 1997. The magazine is released quarterly. XXL is well known for its XXL Annual Freshman List, which has been released since 2007 (skipping 2008).
XXL Annual Freshman List
Starting in 2007 (skipping 2008), XXL has released its annual Top 10 Freshman list. The issue features the top ten picks of upcoming artists to watch out for, who are featured on the cover. The list has become known to create buzz and is credited for giving many artists their first taste of fame.
| Year | Freshmen |
|---|---|
| 2007 | Saigon, Plies, Rich Boy, Gorilla Zoe, Joell Ortiz, Lupe Fiasco, Lil Boosie, Crooked I, Papoose, Young Dro |
| 2009 | Wale, B.o.B, Charles Hamilton, Asher Roth, Cory Gunz, Blu, Mickey Factz, Ace Hood, Curren$y, Kid Cudi |
| 2010 | J. Cole, Pill, Nipsey Hussle, Freddie Gibbs, Big Sean, Wiz Khalifa, OJ da Juiceman, Jay Rock, Fashawn, Donnis |
| 2011 | Meek Mill, Big K.R.I.T., Cyhi the Prynce, Lil Twist, Yelawolf, Fred the Godson, Mac Miller, YG, Lil B, Kendrick Lamar, Diggy Simmons |
| 2012 | Future, Kid Ink, Danny Brown, French Montana, Macklemore, Don Trip, Machine Gun Kelly, Hopsin, Iggy Azalea, Roscoe Dash |
| 2013 | ScHoolboy Q, Trinidad James, Joey Bada$$, Ab-Soul, Logic, Action Bronson, Kirko Bangz, Travi$ Scott, Dizzy Wright, Angel Haze, Chief Keef |
| 2014 | Chance the Rapper, Rich Homie Quan, Isaiah Rashad, Ty Dolla $ign, Lil Durk, Kevin Gates, Troy Ave, Vic Mensa, Lil Bibby, Jon Connor, Jarren Benton, August Alsina |
| 2015 | Fetty Wap, Dej Loaf, Raury, Kidd Kidd, OG Maco, Shy Glizzy, K Camp, Vince Staples, Tink, GoldLink |
| 2016 | Anderson .Paak, 21 Savage, Kodak Black, Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Dicky, Dave East, Denzel Curry, Desiigner, G Herbo, Lil Yachty |
| 2017 | Kamaiyah, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, PnB Rock, Playboi Carti, Aminé, Kap G, Kyle, Ugly God, MadeinTYO, XXXTentacion |