Rap-themed publications XXL has announced its 2019 “Freshman Class” nominees, a list of 80 rappers viewed as having high potential to succeed in the industry. The publication has already selected nine rappers and has opened up voting for the tenth slot. You can vote as often as you like, but only once every four hours. The “Freshman Class” ten will be revealed with XXL‘s June issue.
There are a total of 18 female nominees including Abby Jasmine, Asian Doll, Bali Baby, Bhad Bhabie, Bri Steves, Coi Leray, Cuban Doll, DaniLeigh, DreamDoll, Kodie Shane, Megan Thee Stallion, Melii, Molly Brazy, Queen Key, Rico Nasty, Saweetie, Tierra Whack and Tokyo Jetz.
While 18 may seem like a lot, in 2018 the magazine had 17 female nominees and just one woman, Stefflon Don, made the cover. In 2017, 11 women were nominated and once again, just one, Kamaiyah, laded the cover. In 2016, no women made the final ten at all.
And while there have been a lot of calls on Twitter this year to create an all-female “Freshman Class,” based on the pub’s history it’s not likely we’re going to see that happen. As a guide, keep in mind XXL passed by on Cardi B in 2017 because they concluded she had bigger potential as a TV entertainer than a hip hop artist.
Check out all the pitches by female nominees who provided them below.
Abby Jasmine
Asian Doll
Bhad Bhabie
Bri Steves
Coi Leray
DaniLeigh
DreamDoll
Kodie Shane
Megan Thee Stallion
Molly Brazy
Queen Key
Rico Nasty
Tierra Whack
