Where Are They Now? XXL Freshmen 2010

The XXL Freshman franchise has consistently embraced hip-hop’s rising stars and helped push them to the forefront of the culture. With a few months to go until the end of the century, we take a look at the XXL Freshmen class of 2010 and see if XXL were correct with giving them a spot.

J. Cole 

As of 2019, J. Cole is considered to be one of the best rappers of this generation. Dropping albums to be critically acclaimed and considered to some as classics, Cole has become the top rapper in the game. He has been selling out arenas on tours and collaborated with some of the biggest artists such as Drake, Big Sean, Jay-Z and more. XXL definitely got this slot right with Jermaine on the list. 

Pill

After receiving praise from André 3000, the Georgia rapper earned a spot on XXL freshmen list then ended up signing with Maybach Music. After 2010, Pill dropped a number of tapes before taking a 6 year hiatus from releasing music. In 2018, he reappeared with the single ‘Back Right’.

Nipsey Hussle

The late Crenshaw rapper recently passed and it impacted the world as we lost someone who was more than a rapper. Nipsey was an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and a business man as he looked to change the lives of many around him. Dropping tons of projects that made waves on the west coast and would ultimately make their way to the East coast. Nipsey would also collaborate with big names such as Drake, Kendrick Lamar, YG and a lot more. His discography speaks for itself, as his last album ‘Victory Lap’ was on the brink of Nipsey breaking on to mainstream. 

Wiz Khalifa

As of 2019, Wiz Khalifa has might’ve taken a step back from the radio music but has become more of a business man who can still sell-out shows. Wiz Khalifa made radio hits such as ‘Black & Yellow’, ‘Roll Up’, and his biggest fast and furious 7 hit ‘See You Again’ that will always make Wiz Khalifa a legend in Pittsburg and remembered. Wiz started a wave in 2010 by having everyone dying their hair and smoking weed. Not much has changed, Wiz still produces hits but not as frequently. 

OJ Da Juiceman 

Before 2010, the East Atlanta rapper released a ton of tapes that caught the attention of the underground hip hop world. Mostly known for his ad-libs, he also was widely known for his hit ‘Black Tee’ in 2004. After 2010, he’s been very quiet but still releasing tapes such as ‘6 Ringz 4’ that was released this year. 

Freddie Gibbs

Freddie Gibbs has had a wild career. After being dropped by Interscope Records, he got signed to Young Jeezy’s label and released projects there. Gaining fans from his albums and other projects, he was thrown in jail for rape allegations in another country before a show. Despite the fallings, Gibbs has managed to stay relevant with each release. His last solo effort ‘Freddie’ was considered successful despite not being on the radio. 

Big Sean

There’s too many accolades to list for the Detroit rapper that was signed by Kanye West to his label. Sean dropped a few tapes at the beginning of him being signed but would later soar in popularity with his studio album ‘Finally Famous’ in 2011. Now Sean is producing hits like a factory and getting ready to gear up for another album release soon. 

Jay Rock

The TDE signee has been an underground success as of 2019. Jay Rock has collaborated with pretty much everyone from the TDE label and other veterans in the game such as Lil Wayne, J. Cole, and Future. Jay Rock has been in the game for a long time now and doesn’t look like he’s slowing down. The west coast rapper is still relevant and dropping music relatable to this time of music.

Fashawn

As of 2019, the California rapper has taken a hiatus from music with his latest project ‘The Ecology’ dropping in 2015. The album had features from Nas, BJ the Chicago Kid, and Dom Kennedy.

Donnis 

Besides releasing a single in 2017, Donnis has been inactive in music. Based in Atlanta, he released his first tape ‘Diary of an ATL Brave’ in 2009 and signed to Atlantic Records. Donnis dropped more mixtapes and Ep’s but hasn’t been able to get out an album under the label. I would say this is a miss from XXL.