2017 XXL Freshmen Cover Thinkpiece
I know most of you guys know me for mainly reviewing most of the recent album releases coming out almost daily (well, I at least try to!). However, I think it would be great if I started a new segment called Thinkpieces, in which I address certain things that are happening around the music industry. With the first issue of this series, I think it would be a great time for me to address my thoughts on the new XXL Freshmen selections of 2017.
XXL, as many of you may be aware, is a renowned hip-hop magazine known for it’s yearly selection of the newest, up-and-coming rappers. Although the most recent years have been received with lukewarm reactions due to the lack of more lyrical or musically talented acts, it’s still interesting to see what many deem as the possible future sound and look of the rap game. With this piece, I want to go through what I currently know about each rapper and what I think about them going forward in the future.
Kamaiyah
I know Kamaiyah was going to be a selection for 2017, as she’s had some major buzz going into this cover thanks to her recent feature on YG’s hit single “Why You Always Hatin’?” with Drake, which really put her in the spotlight. Additionally, I know she’s released a mixtape within the last year or two with A Good Night in the Ghetto. The project is packed with feel-good, Bay area slaps, with nothing too heady or deep topically. You can’t play “How Does It Feel” without wanting to move. With the bass-heavy, upbeat, G-funk inspired songs that don’t really deviate away from each other sonically, I pray that she finds her own lane and doesn’t fade into oblivion as her music can get tiring after a while.
A Boogie Wit a Hoodie
This guy I couldn’t really get into. I know he’s had some success with some hit singles in “My Shit” and “Drowning” with Kodak Black, as well as a project last year in Artist. However, quickly going through the tracklisting, a majority of the songs lack any form of originality or anything that makes him really stand out in comparison to his contemporaries. He does have the notion of being a singer-rapper similar to Drake, however the trap-flavored instrumentals and commonplace flow make it hard to separate him from others. There’s no song I can hear and say “Only A Boogie Wit a Hoodie can make shit like this!” He has potential since he has thing singer-rapper persona, and if he fleshes it out into something unique it can be interesting.
PnB Rock
PnB Rock happens to be one of the more non-essential rappers on this album. Similar to A Boogie Wit a Hoodie, he embraces a singer-rapper persona that sounds way to similar to other artists such as Fetty Wap or Future, both artists who themselves are starting to fade in relevancy. I gave his most recent album a pretty negative review, and the fact that it has no resonating singles off of it make a foreshadowing notion that PnB Rock isn’t going to be around come 2 or 3 years.
XXXTENTACION
You know you’re doing something right if the Internet accuses Drake for stealing your flow. XXXTENTACION is a true anomaly in the game, known for his bombastically bass-heavy trap songs, punk rock-esque delivery on a handful of tracks, and his reputation as a hoodlum. Remember the first time you heard “Look at Me”? No other song destroyed my headphones than said track. Despite his popularity, he’s only released one mixtape that doesnt really showcase what his true sound is on Revenge. We get tracks that borderline pop appeal. We also get tracks that sound like a demo of a 90′s high school garage rock band. Then we get those heavy bass-slapping bangers that blown your ears off. With XXXTENTACION, I hope for his sake that he finds his distinct sound and sticks with it. Giving us a mixed bag of ideas is cool, but going forward he can give listeners a sound that establishes himself as XXXTENTACION. He’s unique enough, but just needs some work to do regarding choosing a stylistic path.
Playboi Carti
Playboi Carti makes probably one of the most one-dimensional music out of everyone on this list. However, it’s undeniably catchy. Singles like “Magnolia” and “wokeuplikedis” with Lil Uzi Vert aren’t songs I should like on paper, but get everyone moving once they come on in the club. Unfortunately, this calls for a relatively short shelf life. As he is in no way lyrical and offers nothing more than silly ad-libs, Playboi Carti may be gone within the next couple of years for sure when the next ad-lib/ mumble rapper comes along.
MadeinTYO
Considering it’s been a hot while since “Uber Everywhere”, Atlanta rapper MadeinTYO has made a name for himself dropping some hot singles such as “Skateboard P” with Big Sean and “I Want” with 2 Chainz, as well as a couple projects here and there to hold over fans. He doesn’t have the most distinct flow or unique angle to his music, however, as he strives off making lowkey, atmospheric bangers meant to be bumped in the club. Hopefully, he comes out with more projects that display something genuine, as his flow and subject matter are both commonplace and lightweight snoozeworthy.
Aminé
Aminé is one of those rappers who I deem to be more self-aware and goofy, similar to fellow 2017 Freshmen Ugly God and Kyle. Amine offers a relatively distinct flow and vocal delivery to his music, which is definitely showcased on his debut track “Caroline”. I especially enjoyed his collaboration with Kehlani on “Heebiejeebies”, an unexpected quality R&B-flavored track displaying high levels of chemistry. Although “REDMERCEDES” can take some time to get used to its offbeat production and lowkey, monotone flow, his short discography so far isn’t bad at all. Hopefully within the near future, Aminé can follow through with an actual project.
Kap G
I don’t know much about Kap G other than the fact that he’s praised for his interesting angle in the game being a Mexican-American from Atlanta, Georgia. However, his music isn’t anything too noteworthy other than the fact that he makes a really good Future impersonation on the track “Girlfriend”. Autotune and Migos-inspired flow really isn’t going to make you stick out. Hopefully, with his later projects, he can make more of a distinction of who he really is as opposed to wearing his influences on his sleeves on his songs.
Kyle
Kyle is one of the more oddball characters of the XXL Freshmen list. He’s already dropped several projects, building a buzz and collaborating with big-name artists such as Chance the Rapper, Lil Yachty and G-Eazy. With his newer singles going for a goofy, trap-flavored sound, Kyle is easy to distinguish from his contemporaries, especially on his singles “iSPY” and “Doubt It”. I see him with probably the most staying power, as he is the most established and unique out of everyone else on the list.
Ugly God
Making a song about jacking off to the iPhone xylophone ringtone is definitely something that Ugly God would do. Another rap oddity, Ugly God is known also for his hit single “Water”, which is supposedly an out-of-pocket freestyle he made that somehow blow up on Soundcloud for no reason. I hope that Ugly God maintains this level of of-the-wall silliness, and embraces his image when creating his music for the near future.
Going forward, I realistically see about half of these artists having any remote staying power for the future to come. Most of them seem to be fads that have generic flows and lyrics, rapping over the same trap beats everyone else is rapping over. However, you never know when it comes to who really has that potential to really become the next biggest star. As of right now, I’m already on the lookout for those that may make 2018′s list!
