– Revisiting The XXL 2013 Freshman –
Their Success & Where Are They Now?
Every year, XXL Magazine forms a group of some of Hip-Hop’s biggest rising stars. The exclusivity and competitiveness of the freshman list makes appearing on the cover extremely valuable to young, new artists. The XXL 2013 freshman class is arguably one of the most impressive in recent years. Comprised of some of the biggest names in Hip-Hop today (Joey Bada$$, Logic, Travi$ Scott, and Schoolboy Q), these freshmen certainly took advantage of the hype created by their appearance on this list.
As we’ve done with every XXL Freshmen cover before this: 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011 & 2012, we revisit the XXL 2013 Freshman, evaluate their success and tell you where they are now.
Ab-Soul
Top Dawg member Ab-Soul is part of the popular Hip-Hop group Black Hippy with ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock, and Kendrick Lamar. Prior to the freshman class of 2013, Soulo released two mixtapes, and two albums – one of which (Control System) received widespread acclaim, and made Soul one of TDE’s most promising young talents.
Where are they now?
Following 2013, Ab-Soul released his third studio album, These Days, which was a step down from Control System in terms of critical acclaim. However, his most recent release, Do What Thou Wilt has been well received by fans despite not having commercial success.
Trinidad Jame$
Trinidad James, known by most for his hit single “All Gold Everything”, appeared on the 2013 list after releasing two popular mixtapes, Don’t Be S.A.F.E, and 10 PC Mild.
Where are they now?
Trinidad Jame$ is one of the few people in this class who did not achieve the career growth usually brought on by an appearance on the freshman list. After losing his record deal with Def Jam, he has continued to release mixtapes independently, and had a few high-profile features – most notably on the “Work (Remix)” with A$AP Ferg. Last year he released a single with Mystikal and Lil Dicky, but he hasn’t been able to resemble the buzz of 2013.
Kirko Bangz
Kirko Bangz’ career began with a string of successful singles (“What Yo Name Iz?” and “Drank in my Cup”). These songs gained more fame as they inspired remixes from a artists such as J. Cole, 2 Chainz, and Tyga. This string of hit songs landed him a spot on XXL’s renowned freshman list.
Where are they now?
Kirko Bangz announced his debut album Bigger Than Me, as well as a mixtape to be released before his album, soon after his XXL appearance. After being signed to Atlantic Records, Kirko Bangz was shelved before he was moved to Warner Music. The debut album would never see the light of day. In 2016 he sparked a comeback releasing his EP, Playa Made. He’s released several mixtapes as well, his latest being Back Flossin’ from early 2016.
Dizzy Wright
Dizzy Wright started to garner attention after signing to Hopsin’s independent label, Funk Volume, in 2012. His debut album under the label, Smokeout Conversations, rose to #42 on Billboard’s top Hip-Hop/R&B albums, and he was soon voted on to the XXL 2013 Freshman list.
Where are they now?
Since 2013, Dizzy Wright has been very busy. Having released a mixtape, two EPs, an album, and touring with Logic, Dizzy Wright has taken advantage of the attention brought on by his XXL debut. He has also had a recent falling out with Hopsin, and Funk Volume, and is no longer with the label.
Chief Keef
Chief Keef is one of the most recognizable names in Chicago’s booming Hip-Hop industry. Sosa’s come up is due to a string of popular mixtapes beginning with Finally Rich. As a result he became the face of Chicago’s drill scene, and has since worked with several high profile artists such as Gucci Mane, Kanye West, Wiz Khalifa, and Rick Ross.
Where are they now?
Soon after his XXL appearance, Chief Keef was introduced as the newest member of 1017 Brick Squad Records. Additionally, he has released several popular mixtapes such as the highly anticipated Bang, Pt. 2. However, in early 2016, he announced that he was retiring to the shock of most of his fans.
The retirement didn’t last long. Chief Keef released a new mixtape, Two Zero One Seven on January 1st 2017.
Angel Haze
Angel Haze began her musical career in 2009 with her mixtape New Moon, and continued releasing mixtapes through 2012 with her critically acclaimed tape Reservation.
Where are they now?
Angel Haze has not done very much since 2013. Having released only one album, Dirty Gold, which, despite its positive reviews, saw extremely low commercial success due to being leaked several months before its scheduled release.
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