XXL just dropped their new Freshman Class for 2025. While I continue to question if we even still need list in today’s era, it still serves as an annual reminder of how old and out of touch I am when it comes to recognizing these new rappers. Let’s go:
Ray Vaughn: See, I know Ray Vaughn because he’s signed to TDE and just got into that beef with Joey Bada$$ (I even like that “Hoe Era” song).
BabyChiefDoit: When I first saw the XXL cover, I thought this rapper’s name was BabyChiefFoot and that made me mad for some reason. It’s actually BabyChiefDoit. And no, I still don’t know who this is. Probably a drill rapper? Is that still a thing?
Eem Triplin: I kinda know Eem Triplin because I heard a song once and thought it was 4Batz, but it was him. Is he the singing dude of this class?
1900Rugrat: I know 1900Rugrat from the “One Take Freestyle” that went viral last year. Is that his biggest song? I even know a couple of lines because they’re hilarious (“Yellow wide-body Hellcat look like a school bus”). This might be a white rapper we don’t have to worry about crossing over into country. But you never know.
Samara Cyn: Nothing. I thought this was Cyn Santana and got excited. I don’t know this person.
Ian: I kinda know Ian, but I feel like his time already came and went especially after Tyler, The Creator dissed him. I also always get him mixed up with Lil Mabu, so I could be completely wrong about all of this.
Gelo: We live in a world where, LiAngelo Ball, a former NBA G Leaguer is the biggest name on the XXL Freshman Class. And I’m okay with that. Props to him. But it feels like he needs another song besides “Tweaker” to shake that one-hit-wonder label. Do your job, Def Jam!
Loe Shimmy: I’ve heard of Loe Shimmy because he had that one song with Brent Faiyaz, but that’s about it. He’s giving main character energy on the cover though like he’s the biggest star in the class. I appreciate that.
Lazer Dim 700: Nah, I don’t know Lazer Dim 700, but early favorite for best name in the class. Extra points because it sounds like a character from The Boondocks.
YTB Fatt: Another rapper I have no knowledge of. I feel like I might’ve heard a song or two from him, but that could just be the generic rap name throwing me off. No diss though.
Nino Paid: Yeah, I’m putting up bricks now. I don’t know this person at all.
EBK JaayBo: I know EBK JaayBo and that one song “Boogieman,” (It made our Best of 2024 list) but it feels like I know him more for getting locked up and No Jumper interviews.