XXL (magazine) explained

Editor Title:Founders
Staff Writer:Ayabulela Tshofela
Frequency:Monthly
Category:Music magazine
Publisher:Townsquare Media
Founded:1997
Country:United States
Based:New York City
Language:English
Eissn:1093-0647

XXL is an American hip hop magazine, published by Townsquare Media, founded in 1997.

History

In August 1997,[1] Harris Publications released the first issue of XXL. It featured rappers Jay-Z and Master P on a double cover.[2] 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.[3]

In 2014, Townsquare Media acquired XXL,[4] King and Antenna from Harris Publications.

On October 14, 2014, Townsquare announced it would continue print publication of XXL.[5] In December 2014 the company reported that the magazine would be published on a quarterly basis.[4] 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 Vibe music editor), Elliott Wilson (formerly of The Beat-Down Newspaper, ego trip and The Source, currently locked in at #7 slot on The Source's Digital 30 list.)[6] [7] 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.[8]

Special releases

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

In September 2006, XXL put a special 90-minute DVD called XXL DVD Magazine Vol. 1, which featured exclusive interviews and content with big-name rappers such as 50 Cent, Ice Cube, Fat Joe, Paul Wall, & Mike Jones.[9]

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),[10] 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.[11] [12] [13]

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.[14]
2009Wale, B.o.B, Charles Hamilton, Asher Roth, Cory Gunz, Blu, Mickey Factz, Ace Hood, Currensy and Kid Cudi.[15]
2010J. Cole, Pill, Nipsey Hussle, Freddie Gibbs, Big Sean, Wiz Khalifa, OJ da Juiceman, Jay Rock, Fashawn and Donnis.[16]
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.[17]
2012 Future, Kid Ink, Danny Brown, French Montana, Macklemore, Don Trip, Machine Gun Kelly, Hopsin, Iggy Azalea and Roscoe Dash.[18]
2013 Schoolboy Q, Trinidad James, Joey Bada$$, Ab-Soul, Logic, Action Bronson, Kirko Bangz, Travis Scott, Dizzy Wright, Angel Haze and Chief Keef.[19] [20]
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.[21]
2015Fetty Wap, Dej Loaf, Raury, Kidd Kidd, OG Maco, Shy Glizzy, K Camp, Vince Staples, Tink and GoldLink.[22]
2016Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Yachty, Kodak Black, Denzel Curry, G Herbo, Dave East, Lil Dicky, Anderson .Paak, Desiigner and 21 Savage.[23]
2017Kamaiyah, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, PnB Rock, Playboi Carti, Aminé, Kap G, Kyle, Ugly God, MadeinTYO and XXXTentacion.[24]
2018Ski Mask the Slump God, Lil Pump, Smokepurpp, JID, Stefflon Don, BlocBoy JB, YBN Nahmir, Wifisfuneral and Trippie Redd.[25]
2019Comethazine, Tierra Whack, DaBaby, Lil Mosey, Roddy Ricch, Cordae, YK Osiris, Rico Nasty, Gunna, Blueface and Megan Thee Stallion.[26]
2020Polo G, Chika, NLE Choppa, Jack Harlow, Lil Keed, Lil Tjay, Fivio Foreign, Calboy, Rod Wave, Baby Keem, 24kGoldn and Latto.[27]
202142 Dugg, Flo Milli, Morray, Pooh Shiesty, Lakeyah, Coi Leray, Toosii, Blxst, DDG, Rubi Rose and Iann Dior.[28]
2022Nardo Wick, SoFaygo, Babyface Ray, Big Scarr, Big30, Kali, KenTheMan, Cochise, KayCyy, Doechii, Saucy Santana and BabyTron.[29]
2023Finesse2tymes, Lola Brooke, Rob49, Fridayy, GloRilla, 2Rare, SleazyWorld Go, Central Cee, Real Boston Richey, Luh Tyler, TiaCorine and DC the Don.[30]
2024BigXthaPlug, That Mexican OT, Lay Bankz, BossMan Dlow, Rich Amiri, ScarLip, Hunxho, 4Batz, Maiya the Don, Cash Cobain and Skilla Baby.[31]

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 Chicago rapper 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.[19] In 2014, 2020, 2022 and 2023, 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.

!Year!Artist(s)!Reason!Ref.
2010DrakeRespectfully declined and felt they were chosen too late in their respective careers.[32]
Nicki Minaj
2011VadoRespectfully declined and felt he was chosen too late in his career.
Tyler, the CreatorRespectfully declined.
2012ASAP RockyRespectfully declined. Schedule was too slim due to touring.
2014Young ThugXXL claims he never showed up to the photoshoot.
2015ILoveMakonnenNot responsive to XXL.
PartyNextDoor
2016Tory LanezDeclined as he believed he was chosen too late in his respective career.[33]
Post MaloneStated he was tired and was not up to flying to New York for the photoshoot. XXL editor-in-chief Vanessa Satten claimed Post's publicist stated that Post 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.[34]
YFN LucciYFN Lucci initially refused to play music for XXL. He later changed his mind days before the shoot but it was too late.
Cardi BXXL was not sure if Cardi had a better television career or rap career at the time and felt she was leaning more towards television.
Famous DexXXL stood away from adding Famous Dex after there was evidence shown that he beat up his girlfriend.They further spoke on XXXTentacion's addition to the 2017 list (as it was controversial), saying that although he was accused of beating up his ex-girlfriend, the incident was not caught on camera, XXXTentacion had not been found guilty, and that he was arguably having a major influence on his generation.[35]
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.[36]
Rich the KidHe "happily declined" after hearing that the reason XXL asked him to be on it was because Lil Skies declined the offer.[37]
2019Juice WrldRespectfully declined.[38]
Benny the ButcherHe was asked by Jay-Z to not accept because Jay thought declining would be for the better.[39]
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 were able to add an unreleased interview to honor him in the issue.[40]
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.[41]
Lil TeccaRespectfully declined.
2021$notRespectfully declined because he felt like other artists needed it more.[42]
Kenny MasonRespectfully declined.
2022Ken CarsonDeclined the list because Destroy Lonely could not be added.
YeatRespectfully declined.[43]
2023Ice SpiceSchedule was too slim.[44] [45]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Potential Markets . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20151208125313/http://www.freelancewriting.com/magazinewriting/write-for-music-magazines.php . December 8, 2015 . December 4, 2015 . Freelance Writing.
  2. Web site: August 2013 . Drake on the Cover Of XXL's 150th Issue . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20130915033435/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/08/drake-on-the-cover-of-xxls-150th-issue/ . September 15, 2013 . January 4, 2014 . XXL mag.
  3. Web site: Hip-Hop News, Rap Music . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20141015011253/http://www.xxlmag.com/ . October 15, 2014 . October 14, 2014 . XXL.
  4. News: Marc Schneider . December 18, 2014 . XXL Magazine to Print Quarterly Issues . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20150822132251/http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/6413798/xxl-magazine-print-quarterly-issues-townsquare . August 22, 2015 . August 17, 2015 . Billboard.
  5. News: Rob Markman . October 14, 2014 . Exclusive: XXL Magazine Isn't Going Out Of Print . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20141016191359/http://www.mtv.com/news/1963042/xxl-magazine-isnt-going-out-of-print/ . October 16, 2014 . October 14, 2014 . MTV News.
  6. Web site: Jacobs . Allen . 2008 . XXL Editor-in-Chief Elliott Wilson Fired . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20100330151059/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6179/title.xxl-editor-in-chief-elliott-wilson-fired . March 30, 2010 . January 8, 2007 . www.hiphopdx.com.
  7. Wolfe, Roman: "XXL Magazine Fires EIC Elliott Wilson", AllHipHop, 2008. Web site: XXL Magazine Fires EIC Elliott Wilson. January 8, 2008. dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20080109012852/http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2008/01/07/19099530.aspx . January 9, 2008 . Retrieved January 8, 2007.
  8. Web site: Former XXL Editor-In-Chief Looks Beyond Publication, "It Was A Hard Decision". Langhorne. Cyrus. May 27, 2009. Sohh.Com. January 4, 2014. March 20, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120320072000/http://www.sohh.com/2009/05/former_xxl_editor-in-chie.html. dead.
  9. Web site: September 11, 2006 . Saigon & Ice Cube I'm Talkin' To You - XXL . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20090318045708/http://www.xxlmag.com/online/?p=4543 . March 18, 2009 . January 4, 2014 . Xxlmag.com.
  10. Web site: Schwab. Isabel. The 'XXL' Freshman Class List Is a Joke: Kidd Kidd, Iggy Azalea, and More Rap Lunacy. The Daily Beast. June 19, 2016. June 4, 2015. August 10, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160810074013/http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/06/03/the-xxl-freshman-class-list-is-a-joke-kidd-kidd-iggy-azalea-and-more-rap-lunacy.html. live.
  11. Web site: Grading XXL's Top 10 Freshman List. Refinedhype. January 4, 2014. April 9, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140409090333/http://www.refinedhype.com/hyped/entry/grading-xxls-freshman. dead.
  12. Web site: July 14, 2011 . 2010 XXL Freshmen class . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20130125060848/http://www.xxlmag.com/homepage-highlight/2010/03/xxclusive-xxl%E2%80%99s-10-freshmen-for-%E2%80%9910-cover-revealed/ . January 25, 2013 . July 14, 2011 . XXL.
  13. Web site: July 14, 2011 . 2011 XXL Freshmen class . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110713174920/http://www.xxlmag.com/2011-freshman-class/ . July 13, 2011 . July 14, 2011 . XXL.
  14. Web site: March 27, 2012 . Where Are They Now?: 2007 Freshman Recap - XXL . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20131114065701/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2012/03/where-are-they-now-2007-freshman-recap/ . November 14, 2013 . January 4, 2014 . XXL.
  15. Web site: March 24, 2011 . Where Are They Now?: 2009 Freshman Recap - XXL . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20140104204349/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2011/03/where-are-they-now-2009-freshman-recap/ . January 4, 2014 . January 4, 2014 . XXL.
  16. Web site: XXcLusive: XXL's 10 Freshmen for '10 Cover Revealed - XXL . XXL . March 1, 2010 . January 4, 2014 . https://archive.today/20130209194553/http://www.xxlmag.com/xxl-magazine/2010/03/xxclusive-xxl%E2%80%99s-10-freshmen-for-%E2%80%9910-cover-revealed/ . February 9, 2013 . dead . mdy-all .
  17. Web site: February 22, 2011 . XXL Presents 2011's Freshman Class - XXL . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20140122095927/http://www.xxlmag.com/xxl-magazine/2011/02/xxl-presents-2011s-freshman-class/ . January 22, 2014 . January 4, 2014 . XXL Magazine . XXL.
  18. Web site: JP DelaCuesta . February 28, 2012 . XXL Reveals Cover For Its 2012 "Freshmen Class" . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20131212110628/http://allhiphop.com/2012/02/28/xxl-reveals-cover-for-its-2012-freshmen-class/ . December 12, 2013 . January 4, 2014 . All Hip Hop . AllHipHop.com.
  19. News: 2013 XXL Freshman Issue Explained: Why Logic? Where's Chief Keef? . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20190910143135/http://www.mtv.com/news/1704569/chief-keef-2013-xxl-freshman/ . September 10, 2019 . June 15, 2018 . MTV News . en.
  20. Web site: March 27, 2013 . XXL Freshman Class 2013 Cover Revealed - Page 2 of 2 - XXL . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20170514133059/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/03/xxl-freshman-class-2013-cover-revealed/2/ . May 14, 2017 . January 4, 2014 . XXL Magazine . XXL.
  21. Web site: Sia . Nicole . May 5, 2014 . XXL Freshman 2014 Cover and 10 Spot Revealed . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20171019161607/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/05/xxl-freshmen-2014-cover-revealed . October 19, 2017 . May 5, 2014 . XXL Magazine . XXL.
  22. News: . June 3, 2015 . The Wait Is Over: Here Is the 2015 XXL Freshman Class . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20200518144523/https://www.xxlmag.com/news/2015/06/2015-xxl-freshman-class-cover/ . May 18, 2020 . July 20, 2018 . XXL Magazine . XXL.
  23. News: . June 13, 2016 . It's Here: The 2016 XXL Freshman Class . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20200529214027/https://www.xxlmag.com/news/2016/06/xxl-freshman-class-cover-2016/ . May 29, 2020 . July 20, 2018 . XXL Magazine . XXL.
  24. Web site: Cline . Georgette . June 13, 2017 . XXL Freshman 2017 Cover Revealed . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20170830234130/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2017/06/2017-xxl-freshman-cover/ . August 30, 2017 . June 13, 2017 . XXL Magazine . XXL.
  25. Web site: June 12, 2018 . XXL Freshman 2018 Cover Revealed . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180612211010/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2018/06/2018-xxl-freshman-cover/ . June 12, 2018 . June 12, 2018 . XXL Magazine . XXL.
  26. Web site: June 20, 2019 . XXL Freshman 2019 Cover Revealed . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20190620235242/https://www.xxlmag.com/news/2019/06/2019-xxl-freshman-cover/ . June 20, 2019 . June 21, 2019 . XXL Magazine . XXL.
  27. Web site: XXL 2020 FRESHMAN CLASS REVEALED. XXL. Cline. Georgette. August 11, 2020. August 11, 2020. August 12, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200812141625/https://www.xxlmag.com/xxl-2020-freshman-class-revealed/. live.
  28. Web site: X. X. L. Staff . 2021 XXL Freshman Class . dead . 2021-06-16 . XXL Mag . en . 2021-04-18 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210418153630/https://www.xxlmag.com/freshman/ .
  29. Web site: Cline . Georgette . June 14, 2022 . 2022 XXL Freshman Class Revealed . 2022-06-14 . XXL Mag . en.
  30. Web site: Woods . Aleia . June 21, 2023 . 2023 XXL Freshman Class Revealed . 2023-06-21 . XXL Mag . en.
  31. Web site: Cline . Georgette . June 24, 2024 . 2024 XXL Freshman Class Revealed . 2024-06-27 . XXL Mag . en.
  32. News: Lyons. Patrick. 3 April 2017. 9 Rappers Who Turned Down Spots On XXL's Freshman List. HotNewHipHop. September 4, 2019. 25 April 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200425114604/https://bigappwashere9-rappers-who-turned-down-spots-on-xxls-freshman-list-news.30723.html. live.
  33. Web site: Walker . Angus . 2016-04-15 . Tory Lanez Declines XXL Freshman Cover Spot . 2023-09-01 . . en.
  34. News: Kyles. Yohance. 15 June 2017. XXL Editor Explains Cardi B, Young M.A, YFN Lucci & Famous Dex Omissions From 2017 Freshman Class. All Hip Hop. August 12, 2020. 18 December 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191218063744/https://allhiphop.com/music/xxl-editor-explains-cardi-b-young-m-a-yfn-lucci-famous-dex-omissions-from-2017-freshman-class-sn1vcTTTF0CI1JCTcvjBPA/. live.
  35. Web site: Famous Dex Is a Suspect in Domestic Violence Case, SWAT Team Called to His House: Report. xxlmag.com. November 30, 2020. Tyler Sharp. January 27, 2021. January 28, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210128110130/https://www.xxlmag.com/famous-dex-suspect-domestic-violence-case-swat-team/. live.
  36. News: Lil Skies Says He Declined XXL Freshmen List Because It's Rigged. HotNewHipHop. June 15, 2018. August 28, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190828211455/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lil-skies-says-he-declined-xxl-freshmen-list-because-its-rigged-news.48738.html. live.
  37. News: Rich The Kid Says He "Happily Declined" The 2018 XXL Freshmen List. HotNewHipHop. June 15, 2018. August 28, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190828211455/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/rich-the-kid-says-he-happily-declined-the-2018-xxl-freshmen-list-news.48612.html. live.
  38. Web site: June 22, 2019. Juice Wrld Explains Why He Turned Down XXL Freshman. July 25, 2019. All Urban Central. July 2, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200702144623/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfYoOs1AcH4. live.
  39. Web site: Watson . Elijah . 2019-08-16 . Benny The Butcher Says Jay-Z Told Him Not To Do 2019 XXL Freshman Cover . 2019-08-16 . Okayplayer . en-US.
  40. Web site: September 3, 2020. Pop Smoke on Brooklyn Drill, New York Hip-Hop in Final Interview. September 16, 2020. XXL. September 15, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200915063435/https://www.xxlmag.com/pop-smoke-interview-brooklyn-drill/. live.
  41. Web site: 2020-08-13. Don Toliver Wasn't A 'XXL' Freshman Because He Refused To Participate. January 22, 2021. UPROXX. en-US. 2021-01-24. https://web.archive.org/web/20210124151130/https://uproxx.com/music/don-toliver-xxl-freshman-explanation/. live.
  42. Web site: r/Snot - $not declined to be a xxl freshman he still probably mad they "lost" his pitch. 2021-07-13. reddit. 3 April 2021. en-US.
  43. Web site: Fans react to Yeat turning down XXL. 2022-06-16. Instagram; Our Generation Music. 15 June 2022. en-US.
  44. Web site: Ice Spice Turned Down XXL Freshman Cover Due to Hectic Schedule . 2023-06-22 . TMZ . en.
  45. Web site: Savoy . Starr . Ice Spice Reportedly Turned Down XXL Freshman 2023 Class Cover Inclusion . 2023-06-22 . Complex . en-us.

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