Tierra Whack– I first heard about Tierra Whack from Anthony Fantano on NeedleDrop. This is an artist I was intrigued by immediately because her music is so different than what the main stream is pumping out.
I never thought she would blow up like she has but I’m very happy to see her represented in this year’s XXL picks.
Comethazine– Every time I even see Comethazine mentioned all I hear in my head is “BANDS BANDS BANDS BANDS THAT’S A CHECK TALKIN”.
His music goes super hard. It’s the perfect soundtrack to any flex. His energy is out of control, all his visual components stand out. Bottom line, watch out for Comethazine this year.
Roddy Ricch- Roddy Ricch is one of the few rappers out right now who isn’t acting. It seems like he stays true to himself and where he’s from. His voice and delivery is reminiscent of someone like Juice Wrld. He has a gift for turning dark subject matter into a banger in the studio.
DaBaby- This is a pick I can’t really agree or disagree with because I straight up don’t listen to his music. The track’s I have heard didn’t really impress me but I wouldn’t be surprised to see DaBaby grab some major successes in 2019.
YBN Cordae- As soon as I heard “Target” I was immediately investigating the rest of Cordae’s catalog. He has a way of blending an old school conscious feel with the newer sound of modern hip hop. YBN Cordae is an artist I think any fan of hip hop in general can appreciate. I’m excited to see what he comes up with next.
Rico Nasty- To me, Rico Nasty is the pinnacle of alternative hip hop. She’s one of those artists who probably won’t get radio play not due to lack of talent. The problem lies in being ahead of the curve. Rico is making tracks that display her natural talent and ability and will stand the test of time. Let’s be honest, she’s rapping harder and better than almost anyone out right now.
Lil Mosey- I think it’s fair to say that with over 6 million monthly listeners, Lil Mosey has already “blown up”. But even with performing at events like Rolling Loud there are still hip hop fans just finding out about him. 2019 will definitely be a takeoff year for Lil Mosey.
YK Osiris- I found out about YK Osiris as is common these days, on Tik Tok. One of the funniest series of videos on the app features his song “Worth It”. More focused on the R&B end of the spectrum, he doesn’t have a ton of released material. It seems like 2019 will be the moment for him to drop a full LP and we’ll see what he’s made of.
Gunna- He makes what I describe as “vibe music”. Similar to Future or Young Thug, they’re selling a feeling more than conscious lyrics. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, it makes for some of the most interesting songs in my opinion. The music scene as it is now is the perfect place for an artist like Gunna to flourish.
Megan Thee Stallion- Even when you listen back to her 2017 album Make It Hot, Megan Thee Stallion has been making HARD rap songs for a while now. Not sure how she got slept on this long, but 2019 is shining the spotlight on this Texas rapper. I can’t stop listening to “Hood Rat Shit”, and the Fever record in general. If you haven’t given it a full listen, definitely do yourself a favor and give it a try.
Blueface- This is one of the few picks on this list I really don’t agree with. Bay area rapper Blueface had a few solid hits, one last year with “Respect My Crippin” and then again in 2019 with “Bleed It” and “Thotiana”.
After hearing the music Blueface is releasing to try to follow up one of the biggest singles of the year, It’s my personal opinion that he’s already peaked. If he enlists the help of some great producers and songwriters maybe he will prove me wrong.
*Video directed by @travissatten
*Beat produced by @cobimixedthat
What do YOU think of XXL’s picks for 2019’s Freshman Class?
Who should be on the list and who should be taken off?