It’s that time of year again — XXL just dropped their 2025 Freshman Class, and as always, the internet is in a frenzy. The long list of XXL Freshman covers is always a topic of conversation, having included artists like Kendrick Lamar, Wale, Nipsey Hussle, and many more on past covers. Love it or hate it, this list has become a major milestone for new artists trying to break into the mainstream. And this year? It’s a wild, exciting mix of sounds, backgrounds, and stories that perfectly captures where hip-hop is heading.
The 2025 lineup features 12 emerging artists: Gelo, Ray Vaughn, Samara Cyn, 1900Rugrat, BabyChiefDoit, Eem Triplin, Ian, Lazer Dim 700, Loe Shimmy, Nino Paid, YTB Fatt, and EBK Jaaybo. These names were pulled from a pool of 68 up-and-comers, and after months of hype, debate, and behind-the-scenes deliberation, XXL made its call.
The Class of 2025
Gelo (LiAngelo Ball)
Yes, that LiAngelo. Once known for his basketball moves, Gelo’s music career is no joke. His breakout single “Tweaker” went crazy online, and he’s followed it up with a string of surprisingly solid records. His confidence, production value, and viral presence helped land him here — and honestly, he might just pull off this crossover.
Ray Vaughn
Long Beach stays winning. Ray Vaughn earned his stripes with razor-sharp freestyles and landed a deal with Top Dawg Entertainment — the label that birthed Kendrick and SZA. His bars hit, his presence is strong, and fans have been waiting for this spotlight moment. XXL just made it official.
Samara Cyn
One of the most unique voices on the list, Samara Cyn brings a soulful, poetic energy to the table. Her blend of neo-soul and Hip-Hop is raw, emotional, and deeply personal. She’s not chasing trends — she’s carving out her own lane, and people are starting to pay attention.
1900Rugrat
1900Rugrat, although under the radar, is a gritty, energetic voice from Limestone Creek, Florida. His music doesn’t sugarcoat anything — it’s pure hunger and authenticity. For fans of real street stories and rough-edged flows, Rugrat is one to watch.
BabyChiefDoit
TikTok wins again. “Rollin’” blew up on the app, and suddenly BabyChiefDoit had a nationwide fanbase. But he’s not just a viral moment — with Chicago roots and a style that mixes drill energy with charisma, he’s proving there’s more substance behind the screen.
Eem Triplin
Eem’s in his own world. With a moody, atmospheric sound and spaced-out flows, he’s carved out a cult fanbase online. Think cloud rap meets diary entries — he’s introspective, weird (in a good way), and completely in tune with the vibe-heavy side of Hip-Hop.
Ian
Still a bit of a mystery to some, Ian is catching ears with soft-spoken flows, left-field beats, and emotionally rich lyrics. He’s not flashy — but his music lingers. He’s part of the new wave of quiet storm rappers who prioritize introspection over aggression.
Lazer Dim 700
Lazer is chaos personified. His music is unpredictable, his energy is unfiltered, and he’s collaborated with online creators like Kai Cenat and Plaqueboymax, which helped his buzz explode. He’s the wild card of the class — and every year needs one.
Loe Shimmy
With a distinct raspy vocal tone and melodic leanings, Loe Shimmy has a sound you recognize instantly. Coming out of Florida’s underground, he’s been building momentum with gritty anthems, sharp visuals, and a voice that cuts through the noise.
Nino Paid
Nino’s music is about pain, survival, and honesty. Hailing from the DMV area, he’s gained a following through deeply personal storytelling — especially on songs like “Pain & Possibilities.” He’s proof that vulnerability in rap still hits hard when it’s real.
YTB Fatt
A Southern heavyweight in the making. YTB Fatt blends street knowledge with heavy-hitting production and that classic Memphis bounce. His charisma and regional influence are growing fast — and XXL clearly sees the star potential.
EBK Jaaybo
From Stockton to the spotlight. EBK Jaaybo’s been on the grind for a minute, dropping consistent heat for fans who love West Coast authenticity. His voice is raw, his stories are vivid, and this moment feels well-earned.
What This Class Tells Us About Rap in 2025
The 2025 class is full of talented artists that all contribute to pop culture today. Social media influencers sit next to street legends. Soft-spoken lo-fi rappers share space with energetic internet personalities. The title of artists has shifted drastically and I believe that this class exemplifies the new way that artists emerge and continue to rise in society today.
Hip-Hop is wider and more diverse than ever, and this class proves XXL is leaning into that. Whether you’re riding with the melodic wave, the lyrical heads, the soulful poets, or the internet oddballs, this class has something for you.
