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Since 2008, XXL’s Freshmen list has sparked serious conversation amongst the Hip-Hop community, as well as being a springboard for some of today’s hottest rappers.

Past alumni include Macklemore, Meek Mill and Kendrick Lamar. However, there have also been regrettable co-signs for struggle rappers such as Fred the Godson, Charles Hamilton and OJ Da Juiceman.

The 2014 class was recently unveiled and of course, there were several artists and fans alike who found fault in it. There were even some rappers who had qualms with the storied rap publication as if being omitted (repeatedly) had hindered their career in some form or fashion. Yet, we over at Hip-Hop Wired know for a fact that you don’t have to be enrolled in that particular school to elevate your status. Namely, signing to a record label.

To be clear, being a XXL Freshmen doesn’t give you automatic fame, nor does signing a record deal. It’s what you do with it afterwards that counts. We’re just here to state the facts.

Scroll through the gallery to see 25 notable rappers who signed record deals without being XXL Freshmen.

Photo: XXL

Photo: Instagram/K Camp

K Camp

Label: Interscope

The upstart hitmaker just inked a deal with the longstanding music imprint.

2 Chainz

Label: Def Jam

The artist formally known as Tity Boi changed his name in 2011 and the rest they say, is history.

Photo: HRC/WENN.com

Sage The Gemini

Label: Republic

Both hit singles from the Bay Area rapper, “Gas Pedal” and “Red Nose” have been certified platinum. Go ahead and marinate on that.

Photo: Dennis Van Tine/Future Image/WENN.com

A$AP Rocky

Label: RCA Records/Polo Grounds Music

The Harlem native hit a home run at his first time up to bat and hasn’t looked back since.

Photo: Instagram/A$AP Ferg

A$AP Ferg

Label: RCA Records/Polo Grounds Music

Rocky paved the way for Ferg and he equally blazed up the asphalt with his own two feet.

Photo: Antwan Duncan/WENN.com

Stalley

Label: Maybach Music/Atlantic

Rick Ross went out of his way to make sure Ohio was represented in the rap game.

Photo: Instagram/Rockie Fresh

Rockie Fresh

Label: Maybach Music/Atlantic

Rick Ross went out of his way to make sure Chicago was represented in the rap game.

Photo: Instagram/Fat Trel

Fat Trel

Label: Maybach Music/Atlantic

Rick Ross went out of his way to make sure D.C. was represented in the rap game.

Photo: Instagram/Tracy T

Tracy T

Label: Maybach Music/Atlantic

Rick Ross went out of his way to make sure Atlanta was represented in the rap game.

Photo: revolutionpix/WENN.com

Tyga

Label: Young Money

T-Raw went from using his Gym Class Heroes association as buzz to becoming a bona fide rap star with each passing year.

Photo: Johnny Louis/WEN

Casey Veggies

Label: VIC/Epic Records

We’re still waiting on an official album from the nutritional MC but he’s been down with Hov’s Roc Nation management team since 2012 as well.

Photo: Instagram/Katie Got Bandz

Katie Got Bandz

Label: eOne

The reigning Queen of Chicago’s drill signed her skills to the studious eye of eOne as 2013 Christmas present to herself.

Photo: Instagram/Gilbere’ Forte

Gilbere’ Forte

Label: Anigma/Epic Records

The multifaceted talent has proven to be a musical force whether he was under contract or nah.

Photo: Instagram/Vinnie Cha$e

Vinnie Cha$e

Label: Epic

Harlem’s very own has been waiting to lead his entourage to the promised land, which he dubs “the golden army.”

Photo: WENN

Azealia Banks

Label: Interscope

Banks took offense to Iggy Azaela becoming the first female Freshman as well her own label’s refusal to drop her project. Le struggle.

Photo: Instagram/Dee-1

Dee-1

Label: RCA

New Orleans’ rapping voice of reason loves giving his followers food for thought in his raps.

Photo: WENN

RiFF RAFF

Label: Mad Decent

Jody Highroller is seeing his anticipated breakout album release this June.

Photo: Judy Eddy/WENN.com

Pac-Div

Label: Universal Motown

The Freshmen list excludes groups but an exception coulda/shoulda been made for the Cali trio after the buzz they generated for themselves at the close of last decade.

Photo: WENN

Vado

Label: We The Best

Harlem is large in the streets on this list. Here’s another one.

Photo: Instagram/Chris Webby

Chris Webby

Label: eOne

Born in Connecticut, Webby has amassed a sizeable following since releasing a mixtape with DJ Drama.

Photo: WENN

Kreayshawn

Label: Columbia

Her career may have rigor mortis, but the Oakland rapper cashed in big in 2011 while spewing the n-word.

XV

Label: Warner Bros.

Kansas isn’t your atypical launching pad for a rap star but Donavan Johnson brought his Squarian movement to the majors for a number of years.

Photo: Derrick Salters/WENN.com

Mack Wilds

Label: Ten2one

Seeing that rap-affiliated, R&B singers are seemingly edible, one time for Mike from The Wire.

Photo: Adriana M. Barraza/WENN.com

Nicki Minaj

Label: Young Money

As fate would have it, Ms. Minaj is on pace to be the biggest female rap star of all time.

Photo: Sakura/WENN.com

Drake

Label: Young Money

When XXL came knocking the year after Drizzy’s big break, the Toronto boy was already “so far gone” to be considered for just a freshman look.

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