Dave East Reflects On The Impact Of The 2016 XXL Freshman Class [Video]

Dave East reflects on the lasting impact of XXL’s 2016 Freshman Class, his evolution over the past decade, and the responsibility that comes with his platform in a new interview with DJ Drama.

Ten years after appearing on XXL’s 2016 Freshman cover, Dave East sits down with DJ Drama to revisit the class’s lasting impact and the decade that followed. The Harlem rapper looks back at a lineup that included 21 Savage, Lil Uzi Vert, Kodak Black, Lil Yachty, Denzel Curry, Anderson .Paak, Desiigner, G Herbo, and Lil Dicky.

East describes the past decade as “fast and slow,” contrasting the ambitions he had in 2016 with the way he defines success now. The Range Rover he once associated with making it has given way to longer-term goals, including owning real estate and opening From The Deli, his store in Harlem.

The conversation also turns to the responsibility that comes with his platform. Since the Freshman appearance, East has expanded his work as an artist, actor, entrepreneur, and podcaster, while fatherhood has changed the way he approaches his lyrics. He says he is more conscious of what he puts into songs because younger listeners may look to his music for guidance.

The interview is the latest installment in XXL’s 2016 Freshman Class 10-year anniversary series, following G Herbo’s reflection and Denzel Curry’s conversation, with DJ Drama’s return to the cyphers connecting the series. Watch the full interview below.