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XXL (magazine)

American hip hop magazine

XXL (magazine)

American hip hop magazine

FieldValue
logoXXL_magazine.png
editor
editor_titleFounders
staff_writerAyabulela Tshofela
frequencyMonthly
categoryMusic magazine
publisherTownsquare Media
founded1997
countryUnited States
basedNew York City
languageEnglish
website
eissn1093-0647

XXL is an American hip hop magazine, published by Townsquare Media, founded in 1997 by James Bernard and Reginald Dennis, both former co-editors of The Source Magazine.

History

In August 1997, Harris Publications released the first issue of XXL. It featured rappers Jay-Z and Master P on a double cover. In December 2006, XXL took over the struggling hip-hop producer and DJ magazine Scratch (another publication owned by Harris Publications), re-branding it as XXL Presents Scratch Magazine. However Scratch shut down less than a year later in September 2007.

Other titles with limited runs have been launched under the XXL brand, including Hip-Hop Soul, Eye Candy and Shade 45. XXL has released many other special projects including tour programs, mixtapes and exclusive DVDs. XXL also maintains a popular website, which provides daily hip hop news, original content and content from the magazine.

In 2014, Townsquare Media acquired XXL, King and Antenna from Harris Publications.

On October 14, 2014, Townsquare announced it would continue print publication of XXL. In December 2014 the company reported that the magazine would be published on a quarterly basis. Later it was changed from a quarterly basis to a monthly basis.

Past editors

The magazine's past editors include Reginald C. Dennis (formerly of The Source), Sheena Lester (former editor-in-chief of RapPages and music editor at Vibe), Elliott Wilson (formerly of The Beat-Down Newspaper, Ego Trip and The Source) and Datwon Thomas (former editor-in-chief of King).

In May 2009, Datwon Thomas resigned from XXL and executive editor Vanessa Satten, who had been with XXL since 1998, was named the new editor-in-chief.

Special releases

Magazine cover of ''XXL Presents Shade 45''

The magazine commissioned A Great Day in Hip Hop, which is a black-and-white photograph of over 200 hip hop artists and producers in Harlem, New York, taken by photographer Gordon Parks on September 29, 1998. It was commissioned by the magazine as a homage to Art Kane's A Great Day in Harlem, photographed in 1958.

In August 2005, Eminem and XXL teamed up to release a special issue titled XXL Presents Shade 45, designed to simultaneously give maximum exposure to his radio station Shade 45, the station's associated radio DJs, the Shady Records label as a whole, and G-Unit Records' artists. XXL executive publisher Jonathan Rheingold stated that typically magazines based around particular artists were not favorable, but "since Shade 45 is a truly authentic and uncensored rap radio channel, the marriage with the XXL brand made sense," feeling that it would interest rap fans.

In September 2006, XXL released a 90-minute DVD titled XXL DVD Magazine Vol. 1, which featured exclusive interviews and content with rappers such as 50 Cent, Ice Cube, Fat Joe, Paul Wall, and Mike Jones.

In November 2008, XXL released XXL Raps Volume 1, which included music from 50 Cent, G-Unit, Common, Jim Jones, and Fabolous.

On August 20, 2013, XXL marked its sixteenth anniversary by releasing its 150th issue, which featured the first solo cover on the magazine from Drake, along with rappers such as Kendrick Lamar and B.o.B reviewing classic albums.

Annual Freshman Class list

Beginning in 2007 (skipping 2008), XXL releases its annual "Freshman Class" list. The issue features 10-12 artists-to-watch, all appearing on the cover of the magazine. The list has a history of showcasing unknown/underground rappers, as well as artists considered to be on the rise. The list creates significant marketing buzz among listeners and artists alike, and is credited for giving many artists their first taste of fame.

The 10th spot winners are highlighted in bold.

YearFreshmen
2007Saigon, Plies, Rich Boy, Gorilla Zoe, Joell Ortiz, Lupe Fiasco, Lil Boosie, Crooked I, Papoose and Young Dro.
2009Wale, B.o.B, Charles Hamilton, Asher Roth, Cory Gunz, Blu, Mickey Factz, Ace Hood, Currensy and Kid Cudi.
2010J. Cole, Pill, Nipsey Hussle, Freddie Gibbs, Big Sean, Wiz Khalifa, OJ da Juiceman, Jay Rock, Fashawn and Donnis.
2011Meek Mill, Big K.R.I.T., Cyhi the Prynce, Lil Twist, Yelawolf, Fred the Godson, Mac Miller, YG, Lil B, Kendrick Lamar and Diggy Simmons.
2012Future, Kid Ink, Danny Brown, French Montana, Macklemore, Don Trip, Machine Gun Kelly, Hopsin, Iggy Azalea and Roscoe Dash.
2013Schoolboy Q, Trinidad James, Joey Bada$$, Ab-Soul, Logic, Action Bronson, Kirko Bangz, Travis Scott, Dizzy Wright, Angel Haze and Chief Keef.
2014Chance the Rapper, Rich Homie Quan, Isaiah Rashad, Ty Dolla Sign, Lil Durk, Kevin Gates, Troy Ave, Vic Mensa, Jon Connor, Lil Bibby, Jarren Benton and August Alsina.
2015Fetty Wap, Dej Loaf, Raury, Kidd Kidd, OG Maco, Shy Glizzy, K Camp, Vince Staples, Tink and GoldLink.
2016Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Yachty, Kodak Black, Denzel Curry, G Herbo, Dave East, Lil Dicky, Anderson .Paak, Desiigner and 21 Savage.
2017Kamaiyah, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, PnB Rock, Playboi Carti, Aminé, Kap G, Kyle, Ugly God, MadeinTYO and XXXTentacion.
2018last=Breakfast Club Power 105.1 FMtitle=Editor-In-Chief Vanessa Statten Breaks Down 2018 XXL Freshman Coverdate=2018-06-14url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R16kYPMprvQaccess-date=June 16, 2018archive-date=2020-07-02archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702144607/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R16kYPMprvQurl-status=live}}
2019Comethazine, Tierra Whack, DaBaby, Lil Mosey, Roddy Ricch, Cordae, YK Osiris, Rico Nasty, Gunna, Blueface and Megan Thee Stallion.
2020Polo G, Chika, NLE Choppa, Jack Harlow, Lil Keed, Lil Tjay, Fivio Foreign, Calboy, Rod Wave, Baby Keem, 24kGoldn and Latto.
202142 Dugg, Flo Milli, Morray, Pooh Shiesty, Lakeyah, Coi Leray, Toosii, Blxst, DDG, Rubi Rose and Iann Dior.
2022Nardo Wick, SoFaygo, Babyface Ray, Big Scarr, Big30, Kali, KenTheMan, Cochise, KayCyy, Doechii, Saucy Santana and BabyTron.
2023Finesse2tymes, Lola Brooke, Rob49, Fridayy, GloRilla, 2Rare, SleazyWorld Go, Central Cee, Real Boston Richey, Luh Tyler, TiaCorine and DC the Don.
2024BigXthaPlug, That Mexican OT, Lay Bankz, BossMan Dlow, Rich Amiri, ScarLip, Hunxho, 4Batz, Maiya the Don, Cash Cobain and Skilla Baby.
2025Ray Vaughn, BabyChiefDoit, Eem Triplin, 1900Rugrat, Samara Cyn, Ian, Gelo, Loe Shimmy, Lazer Dim 700, YTB Fatt, Nino Paid and EBK Jaaybo.

Notes

Additions to the list

Occasionally, the Freshman Class list may contain extra additions to include more rappers. The 2011, 2013, 2019, 2021 and 2024 Freshman Class lists, for example, had 11 rappers. In the case for the 2013 list, XXL added an honorary extra spot for Chief Keef due to the artist being in a six-day jail stint and therefore being unable to attend the photo shoot in New York City. For the 2025 list, EBK Jaaybo, who was the 10th spot winner, was arrested prior to the photo shoot resulting in him being unable to attend. However, he was still officially included on the list. In 2014, 2020, 2022, 2023 and 2025, the Freshman Class lists included 12 rappers.

Artists that declined the cover

For most Freshman covers, after the list has been announced, an artist will come out and say that they were offered a spot on the cover by XXL but chose to decline it. Other times, XXL themselves will reveal someone that they asked to be on the cover and were directly told by the artist that they were not interested. Below is a list of rappers who have declined the offer of being an XXL Freshman, and the various reasons why they declined.

YearArtist(s)ReasonRef.
2010DrakeRespectfully declined and felt they were chosen too late in their respective careers. In an interview with MTV, Nicki Minaj spoke on why she and Drake declined the cover by saying "With all due respect, we felt like we kinda had graduated from the Freshman Class. We felt XXL missed the mark when they didn't put us on the cover prior to that (2009). They have to pay for that".
Nicki Minaj
2011VadoIn an interview with Shade 45, Cam'ron revealed that he spoke to the Editor-In-Chief Vanessa Satten about putting Vado on the 2011 issue. However, Cam'ron wanted Vado to be the center focus and not share the cover with multiple other artists. When Vanessa revealed that she couldn't guarantee that Vado would be the "main highlight" of the cover, Cam'ron respectfully declined the offer on behalf of Vado.
Tyler, the CreatorRespectfully declined.
2012ASAP RockyRespectfully declined. Schedule was too tight due to touring.
2014Young ThugOn Sway's Universe, Vanessa Satten revealed that the day before the photoshoot took place, someone from Young Thug's camp called XXL at 10:30 pm and directly told them that he wasn't coming to the shoot the next day.
2015ILoveMakonnenNot responsive to XXL.
PartyNextDoor
2016Tory LanezOn April 15, 2016, Tory Lanez (in a since-deleted tweet) said on Twitter "I passed on the XXL cover. Don't b confused". Although he didn't give an official reason, it is believed that he felt he was chosen too late in his career.
Post MaloneStated he was tired and was not up to flying to New York for the photoshoot. However, XXL editor-in-chief Vanessa Satten claimed Malone's publicist stated that Malone did not want to be boxed in as a hip hop artist.
2017Young M.AFelt beyond the list. She asked to have a solo cover but they disagreed and said that she needed more attention to her name before that could happen.
YFN LucciYFN Lucci initially refused to play music for XXL and said he didn't want to play any music if he wasn't guaranteed a spot on the list. He later changed his mind days before the shoot but it was too late.
Cardi BAlthough not technically a "declined offer", XXL stated that Cardi B wasn't selected to be a freshman because they weren't sure if Cardi was leaning more towards having a career in television or in music.
Famous DexXXL stood away from adding Famous Dex after there was evidence shown that he beat up his girlfriend.url=https://www.xxlmag.com/famous-dex-suspect-domestic-violence-case-swat-team/website=xxlmag.comtitle=Famous Dex Is a Suspect in Domestic Violence Case, SWAT Team Called to His House: Reportdate=November 30, 2020author=Tyler Sharpaccess-date=January 27, 2021archive-date=January 28, 2021archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128110130/https://www.xxlmag.com/famous-dex-suspect-domestic-violence-case-swat-team/url-status=live}}
2018Lil SkiesOn Instagram Live, he explained that he respectfully declined due to XXL apparently telling him that he would be the 10th Spot Freshman before the voting process even began. Although he respected some decisions made on the 2018 list, he claims that the list was mostly rigged.title=Lil Skies Says He Declined XXL Freshmen List Because It's Riggedwork=HotNewHipHopurl=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/133861-lil-skies-says-he-declined-xxl-freshmen-list-because-its-rigged-newsaccess-date=June 15, 2018archive-date=August 28, 2019archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190828211455/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lil-skies-says-he-declined-xxl-freshmen-list-because-its-rigged-news.48738.htmlurl-status=live}}
Rich the KidHe "happily declined" after hearing that the reason XXL asked him to be on it was because Lil Skies declined the offer.title=Rich The Kid Says He "Happily Declined" The 2018 XXL Freshmen Listwork=HotNewHipHopurl=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/rich-the-kid-says-he-happily-declined-the-2018-xxl-freshmen-list-news.48612.htmlaccess-date=June 15, 2018archive-date=August 28, 2019archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190828211455/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/rich-the-kid-says-he-happily-declined-the-2018-xxl-freshmen-list-news.48612.htmlurl-status=live}}
2019Juice WrldRespectfully declined.
Benny the ButcherJay-Z advised him not to accept, believing that declining would be beneficial over time.
2020Pop SmokePop Smoke agreed to be on the cover but he died before he could attend the shoot. XXL originally planned to add him on the cover to honor him, but Pop Smoke's team asked them not to do so. Although XXL was not able to add him on the cover, they included an unreleased interview to honor him in the issue.date=September 3, 2020title=Pop Smoke on Brooklyn Drill, New York Hip-Hop in Final Interviewurl=https://www.xxlmag.com/pop-smoke-interview-brooklyn-drill/access-date=September 16, 2020work=XXLarchive-date=September 15, 2020archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915063435/https://www.xxlmag.com/pop-smoke-interview-brooklyn-drill/url-status=live}}
Don ToliverDon Toliver only wanted to be on the cover and did not want to take part in other aspects of the list, such as the freestyles and cyphers.
2023Ice SpiceSchedule was too tight.

Notes

References

References

  1. Wartofsky, Alona. (January 1, 1999). "More Magazines Jostling to Cover Lucrative Hip-Hop Beat". [[Los Angeles Times]].
  2. "Potential Markets". Freelance Writing.
  3. (August 2013). "Drake on the Cover Of XXL's 150th Issue". XXL mag.
  4. "Hip-Hop News, Rap Music". XXL.
  5. (December 18, 2014). "XXL Magazine to Print Quarterly Issues".
  6. Rob Markman. (October 14, 2014). "Exclusive: XXL Magazine Isn't Going Out Of Print". MTV News.
  7. Jacobs, Allen. (2008). "XXL Editor-in-Chief Elliott Wilson Fired".
  8. "XXL Magazine Fires EIC Elliott Wilson".
  9. Langhorne, Cyrus. (May 27, 2009). "Former XXL Editor-In-Chief Looks Beyond Publication, "It Was A Hard Decision"". Sohh.Com.
  10. (September 17, 2019). "10 Must-See Films At The 2019 Urbanworld Film Festival".
  11. (November 30, 2018). "Unearthed Photos of Hip-Hop Royalty from the 80s and 90s".
  12. (September 11, 2006). "Saigon & Ice Cube I'm Talkin' To You - XXL". Xxlmag.com.
  13. (June 4, 2015). "The 'XXL' Freshman Class List Is a Joke: Kidd Kidd, Iggy Azalea, and More Rap Lunacy".
  14. "Grading XXL's Top 10 Freshman List". Refinedhype.
  15. (July 14, 2011). "2010 XXL Freshmen class". XXL.
  16. (July 14, 2011). "2011 XXL Freshmen class". XXL.
  17. (March 27, 2012). "Where Are They Now?: 2007 Freshman Recap - XXL". XXL.
  18. (March 24, 2011). "Where Are They Now?: 2009 Freshman Recap - XXL". XXL.
  19. (March 1, 2010). "XXcLusive: XXL's 10 Freshmen for '10 Cover Revealed - XXL". XXL.
  20. (February 22, 2011). "XXL Presents 2011's Freshman Class - XXL". XXL.
  21. JP DelaCuesta. (February 28, 2012). "XXL Reveals Cover For Its 2012 "Freshmen Class"". AllHipHop.com.
  22. "2013 XXL Freshman Issue Explained: Why Logic? Where's Chief Keef?". MTV News.
  23. (March 27, 2013). "XXL Freshman Class 2013 Cover Revealed - Page 2 of 2 - XXL". XXL.
  24. Sia, Nicole. (May 5, 2014). "XXL Freshman 2014 Cover and 10 Spot Revealed". XXL.
  25. . (June 3, 2015). ["The Wait Is Over: Here Is the 2015 XXL Freshman Class"](https://www.xxlmag.com/news/2015/06/2015-xxl-freshman-class-cover/). *XXL*.
  26. . (June 13, 2016). ["It's Here: The 2016 XXL Freshman Class"](https://www.xxlmag.com/news/2016/06/xxl-freshman-class-cover-2016/). *XXL*.
  27. Cline, Georgette. (June 13, 2017). "XXL Freshman 2017 Cover Revealed". XXL.
  28. "Lil Skies Says He Declined XXL Freshmen List Because It's Rigged". HotNewHipHop.
  29. "Rich The Kid Says He "Happily Declined" The 2018 XXL Freshmen List". HotNewHipHop.
  30. Breakfast Club Power 105.1 FM. (2018-06-14). "Editor-In-Chief Vanessa Statten Breaks Down 2018 XXL Freshman Cover".
  31. (June 12, 2018). "XXL Freshman 2018 Cover Revealed". XXL.
  32. (June 20, 2019). "XXL Freshman 2019 Cover Revealed". XXL.
  33. (September 3, 2020). "Pop Smoke on Brooklyn Drill, New York Hip-Hop in Final Interview". XXL.
  34. (2020-02-19). "Rapper Pop Smoke Is Dead After Los Angeles Home Invasion, Label Says". The New York Times.
  35. Cline, Georgette. (August 11, 2020). "XXL 2020 FRESHMAN CLASS REVEALED". XXL.
  36. X. X. L. Staff. "2021 XXL Freshman Class".
  37. Cline. (June 14, 2022). "2022 XXL Freshman Class Revealed".
  38. Woods. (June 21, 2023). "2023 XXL Freshman Class Revealed".
  39. Cline. (June 24, 2024). "2024 XXL Freshman Class Revealed".
  40. Cline, Georgette. (2025-06-24). "2025 XXL Freshman Revealed".
  41. (3 April 2017). "9 Rappers Who Turned Down Spots On XXL's Freshman List". HotNewHipHop.
  42. Walker, Angus. (2016-04-15). "Tory Lanez Declines XXL Freshman Cover Spot".
  43. (15 June 2017). "XXL Editor Explains Cardi B, Young M.A, YFN Lucci & Famous Dex Omissions From 2017 Freshman Class". All Hip Hop.
  44. Tyler Sharp. (November 30, 2020). "Famous Dex Is a Suspect in Domestic Violence Case, SWAT Team Called to His House: Report".
  45. (June 22, 2019). "Juice Wrld Explains Why He Turned Down XXL Freshman". All Urban Central.
  46. Watson, Elijah. (2019-08-16). "Benny The Butcher Says Jay-Z Told Him Not To Do 2019 XXL Freshman Cover".
  47. (2020-08-13). "Don Toliver Wasn't A 'XXL' Freshman Because He Refused To Participate".
  48. (21 June 2023). "Ice Spice Turned Down XXL Freshman Cover Due to Hectic Schedule".
  49. Savoy, Starr. "Ice Spice Reportedly Turned Down XXL Freshman 2023 Class Cover Inclusion".
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