DJ Drama – Gangsta Grillz: XXL 2014 Freshmen [Mixtape]
The tape features old and new cuts from this year’s Freshman Class. Stream or download below.
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2014 XXL Freshmen Live: Troy Ave, Rich Homie Quan, Vic Mensa, Kid Ink & Ty Dolla $ign [Video]
The 2014 XXL Freshmen performed this week live in NYC at Best Buy Theater. Check out performances from Troy Ave (abvove), Rich Homie Quan, Vic Mensa, Kid Ink and Ty Dolla $ign (below).
Read moreXXL Freshmen 2014 Roundtable (Part 1 & 2) [Video]
This year, we decided to group the MCs together just moments after their spit their cyphers. For part two of the roundtable, Rich Homie Quan, Ty Dolla $ign, and Lil Durk delve into topics such as originality, the blending of hip-hop and R&B, telling their stories and much more. Check out the video above, and let us know what you think in the comments. Part 1 after the jump.
Read more2014 XXL Freshmen Cypher (Part 1) [Video]
Ever since we unveiled the cover of the XXL 2014 Freshmen issue last month, we’ve been rolling out a ton of freestyles, behind the scenes photos, interviews, videos, and plenty more with our class of 12 guys. But now that we’ve got a slew of stories and links for you to check out, it’s time to get down to the Freshmen Cyphers, one of the most anticipated aspects of the cover shoot. This year, we’ve got an additional three cyphers for everyone to enjoy, and we’ll be rolling them out all week. The first features Chance The Rapper, Isaiah Rashad, Vic Mensa, August Alsina, and Kevin Gates, and is as entertaining visually as it is lyrically. Check out the video above, compare it with some of last year’s Cyphers right here, and let us know what you think in the comments.
Read moreLil Bibby – 2014 XXL Freshmen Freestyle [Video]
Lil Bibby is one of the 12 Freshmen on XXL’s 2014 Freshmen list revealed last Mon., May 5, on BET’s 106 & Park. All this month we’ve been providing you with a behind-the-scenes look at the selection process, the photo shoot, and the work it takes to pull it all together. But last week (May 12) kicks off the reveal of the freestyles, cyphers, videos and interviews that we captured that day. After starting things off with Chance The Rapper, Isaiah Rashad, Ty Dolla $ign, Rich Homie Quan, Vic Mensa, August Alsina, Troy Ave, and Kevin Gates, we give you Chicago’s own Lil Bibby. The 19-year-old MC made a big splash in hip-hop after dropping a pair of songs (“Kill Sh*t,” “At Night”) and his stellar debut Free Crack. He is set to drop a new EP this year. Check out the profile after the jump.
Read moreVic Mensa – 2014 XXL Freshmen Freestyle [Video]
Vic Mensa is one of the 12 Freshmen on XXL’s 2014 Freshmen list revealed last Mon., May 5, on BET’s 106 & Park. All last week we’ve been providing you with a behind-the-scenes look at the selection process, the photo shoot, and the work it takes to pull it all together. But this week kicks off the reveal of the freestyles, cyphers, videos and interviews that we captured that day. First was Chance The Rapper, then TDE’s newest signee Isaiah Rashad on Tuesday (May 13), Taylor Gang’s Ty Dolla $ign Wednesday (May 14) and Think It’s A Game Entertainment newest star Rich Homie Quan. Today we give you Savemoney’s founder Vic Mensa. The Chicago native was originally in indie band Kids These Days then went solo releasing his popular mixtape INNANETAPE show casing his huge range as a musician. Check out Vic’s Freshmen Profile after the jump.
Read more2014 XXL Freshmen: Isaiah Rashad Profile [Video]
Isaiah Rashad is one of the 12 Freshmen on XXL’s 2014 Freshmen list revealed last Mon., May 5, on BET’s 106 & Park. All last week we’ve been providing you with a behind-the-scenes look at the selection process, the photo shoot, and the work it takes to pull it all together. But this week kicks off the reveal of the freestyles, cyphers, videos and interviews that we captured that day. After kicking things off with Chance The Rapper, we give you TDE’s newest signee Isaiah Rashad. The Chattanooga native started off the year with the release of his impressive Cilvia Demo EP, and is set to release a full-length album in 2014. Check out his freestyle in the video above, and head over to his Freshman Profile page right here to see more with Isaiah Rashad.
Read moreChance The Rapper – 2014 XXL Freshmen Freestyle [Video]
The first 2014 XXL Freshmen Freestyle comes from Chicago’s very own Chance The Rapper. Watch the freestyle after the jump.
Read moreKid Ink Weighs In on 2014 XXL Freshman Class [Video]
XXL Freshman Class alum Kid Ink shares his thoughts on this year’s list and who was left out.
Read moreBootleg Kev Interview w/ XXL About The 2014 Freshman Cover [Video]
I got on the phone with the XXL boss lady Vanessa Statten! With the release of the XXL Freshman Class there were alot of questions I had about some folks who I felt might have got snubbed (Rittz, G-Eazy,IAMSU!, Etc.), and some of the reasoning behind those snubs. Plus of course we speak on the inclusion of 2 R&B artists on this years cover (Ty Dolla $ign & August Alsina). Check the interview about above! – Kev
Read moreXXL Freshmen 2014 Cover
The XXL staff was on hand to exclusively reveal the XXL Freshmen 2014 cover on BET’s 106 & Park Monday evening (May 5). Starting next week and running till June, we’ll be rolling out profiles, interviews, roundtables, and our world famous cyphers and freestyles with this year’s fine crop of talent. Plus there are a few more surprises that we’ll keep close to the vest for now. Since 2008, XXL has anointed a new breed of rappers on the rise with its annual cover — an event that many in the hip-hop community view as a sign that these young artists have “made it.” Past selections include Kendrick Lamar, YG, Future, Big Sean, and Grammy winner Macklemore. Is there a multi-award winner in our midst? via XXL
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