Rap platform XXL has announced its 2020 Freshman Class, a list that highlights 10-12 up-and-coming rappers showing potential to take their careers to the next level. In a year in which female rappers have dominated headlines and charts, it’s disappointing that XXL continues to overwhelmingly select males with a list that includes just two women, Mulatto and Chika (both of whom are very deserving!)
Additional members of the Freshman Class for 2020 are Chicago’s Polo G, Louisville’s Jack Harlow, Memphis’ NLE Choppa, St. Petersburg, Florida’s Rod Wave, Carson, California’s Baby Keem, Atlanta’s Lil Keed, Chicago’s Calboy, Montgomery, Brooklyn’s Fivio Foreign, San Francisco’s 24goldn and Bronx’s Lil Tjay.
The publication announced the list of nominees in April with a list of 36 rappers, 16 of whom were women. Female rappers who were nominated but didn’t make the cut include Queen Key, Ms Banks, Coi Leray, Cuban Doll, DaniLeigh, FloMilli, BbyMutha, Asian Doll, Abby Jasmine, Yung Baby Tate, Stunna Girl, Renni Rucci, BigKlit and Jucee Froot.
The Freshman Class cover in 2019 included three women: Rico Nasty, Tierra Whack and Megan Thee Stallion. the highest number of women selected since the list was launched in 2007. While the 2019 list provided some hope of progress, this year’s step backward feels like a slap in the face.
Check out the cover below:
