The Yearbook: Upperclassmen Superlatives
When XXL started doing their now annual “Freshmen List” it wasn’t originally expected to gain as much notoriety as it has. Nowadays making the list is at the top of every up and coming rapper’s bucket list. Since there have been four classes to matriculate through the game, it’s about time to award some superlatives. We compiled a couple of artists from each class and gave them the awards that they rightfully deserve. Check out our yearbook page below.
- Wiz Khalifa (c/o 2009)- Mr. Popular
Two albums, multiple mixtapes, and a strong following of potheads. Wiz has found a formula for success and stuck to it.
- Big Sean (c/o 2010)- Most Improved
The G.O.O.D. music artist has debatably & surprisingly dropped maybe the best rap album of the summer (To-date). He can definitely flow but he also has a great team behind him.
- J. Cole (c/o 2010)- Most Left to Prove
Cole World? Literally! The good news is he finally has a release date and album title. The bad news is fans are starting to grow restless and critical of everything he releases.
- Wale (c/o 2009)- Most Persistent
He had a track with Lady Gaga and didn’t blow! Nevertheless, Wale can still rap. He has regained momentum by joining up with Ross’s MayBach Music Group and still has many supporters. It’s just too bad not many of those supporters actually come from the place he calls home…
- Asher (c/o 2009)– Most likely to Dropout
Where’s Waldo? I think they put out an APB for Asher a few months ago. I never had serious expectations for him anyway.
- Kendrick Lamar (c/o 2011) – Best All Around
In my opinion K. Dot dropped the best project of the summer in Section 80. Lyrically he is a problem, his music has a message, yet he still has fun on tracks. I’m starting to understand the comparisons he has received from another notable West Coast rapper.
- Lil B (c/o 2011)- Class Clown
What do you do when someone says “Hoe’s on my dick cuz I look like Jesus?” If you’re me you never take seriously anything else they say from that point forward. Sometimes freshmen should be held back in 8th grade.
- Lupe (c/o 2008)- Most Likely to start a Riot
To say that die-hard Lupe fans were underwhelmed with his latest album would be a huge understatement. But he really took the cake by trying to defend his “Obama is a terrorist” statement on the Bill O’Reily show. Hopefully he can turn around and stop going in the wrong direction.
- Lil Boosie (c/o 2008)- Most Likely To Do Time
Since arriving his freshmen year Boosie has gone from one of the most played Southern underground artists to the newest Southern rapper to be locked up. The Twitter community even tried to place Boosie on Death Row before his trial even started. SMH
We are aware that we left some notable artists off the list but not everyone gets the recognition they truly deserve. Drop your comments below and feel free to award any artists that you feel have earned a title.
-Chei
I like this. I really like this. Good content and you already know i like the hip hop breakdowns.
Good: Superlative titles and those mentioned.
Room for Improvement: Mention those who were runner ups in every category.
My changes:
Most Improved – Kid Cudi. Guy took his sound and career to a whole new level. Honestly, he’s the 2nd most succesful out of the G.O.O.D. music camp. However, success is hard to define and compare.
Dropout – Charles Hamilton. Asher is a one hit wonder. Sonic kid had the Brooklyn girl then fell the fuck off terribly. It’s so many people that could’ve been nominated from Mickey Facts to YG. Asher is middle of the pack.
Clown – I can’t fight against Lil B. OJ the Juiceman is a super close second though.
Add ons:
Most Likely to Fall – BOB. Never liked that guy, at all. He had a few smash hits, but whatever.
Best Dressed – Wale & Wiz tied. Wale has the exclusive kicks (Nike samples) and Wiz starts trends like no other (afros, tanktops & cutoff tees)
Too Much Hype Too Early: Corey Gunz. Self explanatory.
Most Likely to Succeed: Diggy Simmons. He’s the youngest, on a great label (Atlantic), has a good circle around him. Sure.
Biggest Challenger to Drake’s Crown: Sounds like another blog post. Ha. Drake is the answer though.
Good article Chaz. Keep writing.
Take Care.