XXL Reveals the Highly Anticipated 2025 Freshman Class

It's that time of year again - XXL has revealed the highly anticipated 2025 Freshman Class, showcasing the next generation of rising hip-hop talent. This marks the 18th edition of the coveted list, and as always, it's already sparking passionate discussions among fans and critics alike.

The 2025 XXL Freshman Class

In alphabetical order, the 12 artists selected for the 2025 XXL Freshman Class are:

1. 1900Rugrat

2. BabyChiefDoIt

3. EBK Jaaybo

4. Eem Triplin

5. GELO (LiAngelo Ball)

6. ian

7. LAZER DIM 700

8. Loe Shimmy

9. Nino Paid

10. Ray Vaughn

11. Samara Cyn

12. YTB Fatt

The Standout Selections

While the full list features a diverse array of up-and-coming artists, a few names are standing out among the 2025 class:

GELO (LiAngelo Ball): The former NBA prospect-turned-rapper has already made waves with his debut single, earning a lucrative deal with Def Jam and an upcoming album. His inclusion on the list has sparked some controversy, with fans questioning whether one hit song is enough to warrant a Freshman spot.

Ray Vaughn: The TDE signee has been steadily building buzz, most recently with the release of his album "The Good The Bad The Dollar Menu." His ability to hold his own alongside veteran rappers like Joey Badas$$ has impressed many.

ian: Hailing from Dallas, ian has developed a dedicated cult following thanks to projects like his "Valedictorian" mixtape. His collaborations and cosigns from the likes of Lil Yachty, Chief Keef, and VonOff1700 have further elevated his profile.

The Road Ahead

As always, the true test for the 2025 XXL Freshman Class will be how their careers unfold in the coming years. Will these artists be able to capitalize on the Freshman platform and achieve lasting success? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain - the hip-hop community will be closely watching to see who emerges as the next breakout stars.

The 2025 XXL Freshman Class represents the next generation of hip-hop talent, featuring a diverse array of up-and-coming artists. While the list has sparked its fair share of debate, there's no denying the potential of this year's selections. As the artists embark on their respective journeys, fans and industry insiders alike will be eagerly anticipating what they have in store.