XXL 2010 FreshMAn

The FreshMAn:

J. Cole

Wiz Khalifa

Nipsey Hu$$le

OJ DA Juiceman

Freddie Gibbs

Big Sean

Fashawn

Donnis

Jay Rock

Pill

Every year XXL releases a list of 10 artists to watch each year called the "FreshMAn". This years list is stacked. Anyone who has been following the up and comers in the game knows that XXL almost nailed the list. Last year's list had names like Wale, Asher Roth, Kid Cudi, Curren$y, Blu and Charles Hamilton. Some have rose to stardom and other have stayed as internet hype. They all still contribute solidly to the game. Anyone who has knowledge of rap or follows rap blogs know this list accurately displays the MC's that have been putting out mixtapes and generating a good amount of buzz. Three or four of my favorite new rappers are on the list and it truly excites me. Big Sean, Fashawn, Wiz Khalifa and J. Cole are at the top of the class. MAny of us know Wiz Khalifa know him from his sMAsh single "Say Yeah". He is much more then that song, his mixtape Burn After Rolling is one of the most popular and buzz worthy of the year. Look for this weed loving rapper to blow up bigger in the 10. Fashawn has real lyrical skill, the Cali MC is just enjoyable to listen to. Big Sean is most famous for teaming up with Mike Posner on various tracks. He has a great story behind him and a great voice. J. Cole was featured on the Blueprint 3 and being co-signed by Jay-Z is more then enough to prove that his name is here to stay. I think the rest of the list is very solid. Nipsey Hu$$le and Jay Rock are the leaders of the new school on the West Coast. Pill has been featured on MTV as the up and comer in the south who has been co-signed by Andre 3000, he has a raw southern style that takes us back to old school OutKast. Donnis is straight out of ATL and brings an uptempo energy to his catchy tracks. Freddie Gibbs has been a beast on the mixtape scene and has been repping the Midwest hard which is good to see. I have one huge problem on the list and that is OJ Da Juiceman. I compare him to Gucci MAne. He sounds cool, and makes cool sounds. Neither has lyrical talent. Since his feature on Jadakiss's song "Who's Real", I haven't seen or heard much that MAkes him deserving of a spot. I think an artist like XV, from Kansas, is a much better MC and has more promise musically then OJ but hey I guess they can't get it entirely right. These MC's are all unique and I think the new sound they will bring to our ears is something to be excited about.