A BarBarian's Guide to the XXL 2017 Freshman Class

By: @deoludeolu  Of: @barbarlagos

It's that time of the year again, yup that's right . . .  it's time for the annual XXL Freshman Class. If you haven't heard of some these guys don't worry the BarBarians have your cheat sheet right here.

Kamaiyah (Oakland, CA)

Notable Songs: Fuck It Up - Feat. YG,  How Does It Feel

  • Things to Know:

    • Kamaiyah has collaborated with both YG and Drake

    • Kamaiyah is the only female rapper of this XXL Class

    • Kamaiyah is signed to Interscope and plans to release a full album at the end of 2017

 

A Boogie With Da Hoodie (Bronx, NY)

Notable Songs: Timeless, Drowning - Feat. Kodak Black

  • Things to Know:

    • A Boogie opened for Drake during his Summer Sixteen Tour 

    • A Boogie is currently opening on Future’s Nobody Safe Tour

    • A Boogie plans to release his next mixtape titled "ARToven" with award-winning producer Zaytoven in early August

PNB Rock (Philadelphia, PA)

Notable Songs: Selfish, Misunderstood

  • Things to Know:

    • PNB just released a new freestyle over French Montana's single "Unforgettable"

    • PNB features on Kodak Black’s song, Too Many Years and is the highlight on the song

 

XXXTentacion (Lauderhill, FL)

Notable Songs: Look At Me!, I don’t wanna do this anymore

  • Things to Know:

    • XXX was arrested for allegedly beating his pregnant girlfriend

    • XXX was recently sucker punched on stage while performing in San Diego by an alleged affiliate of  San Diego rapper Rob $tone

    • XXX claimed Drake stole his flow from his hit single "Look At Me!" On Drake’s Song K.M.T from "More Life"

Playboi Carti (Atlanta, GA)

Notable Songs: Magnolia, Fetti, woke up like this

  • Things to Know:

    • Carti is A$AP Rocky’s protege, however he is not part of the A$AP mob

    • Carti recently released his self titled debut album in April

    • Carti is one of the front-runners of the new “mumble rap” trend

MADEINTYO (Atlanta, GA)

Notable Songs: Uber Everywhere, Skateboard P, Kelly Rowland

  • Things to Know:

    • MADEINTYO is most known for his single “Uber Everywhere”,

    • Travis Scott remixed "Uber Everywhere" to transform to song into a commercial hit

    • MADEINTYO coined the notable ad lib “Skrr Skrr”

    • MADEINTYO has worked with the likes of 2 Chainz, Big Sean and A$AP Rocky

Anime (Portland, OR)

Notable Songs: Caroline, REDMERCEDES, La Danse

  • Things to Know:

    • Anime’s hit song Caroline was inspired by Outkast’s Roses

    • Anime has made songs with powerhouse producer Kaytranada

    • Anime's latest single REDMERCEDES has a remix featuring Missy Elliot

Ugly God (Houston, TX)

Notable Songs: Water, Bitch!, FTBT

  • Things to Know:

    • Ugly God is completely self produced

    • Ugly God's lyrics are mediocre at best and often times poor but his production balances his lack of bars

Kap G (College Park, GA)

Notable Songs: Rings, Girlfriend, Power

  • Things to Know:

    • Kap G's first single was included in HBO's "Insecure" soundtrack, curated by Solange Knowles

    • Kap G's long-awaited mixtape, "SupaJefe" was released on April 14th

    • Kap G begins his SupaJefe Tour on July 6th

Kyle (Ventura, CA)

Notable Songs: I Spy - Feat. Lil Yatchy, Don’t Wanna Fall In Love

  • Things to Know:

    • Kyle gained mainstream popularity with his single “ I Spy” ft. Lil' Yatchy, despite having two studio albums under his belt

    • Kyle has worked with Chance the Rapper and Boston native, Cousin Stizz

    • Kyle has been referred to as "Drake Lite", however he believes their own styles are different