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: 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.
