The 2025 XXL Freshman Class is formally in session. Every rap star on the rise enters the proverbial hallways of hip-hop historical past with their personal superlative model. Rappers like Loe Shimmy, Lazer Dim 700 and Nino Paid deliver a brand new wave of artistry to the sport whereas MCs like Ray Vaughn, Eem Triplin and Samara Cyn showcase next-level lyricism. BabyChiefDoit, Gelo and Ian ship an simple sense of swagger and EBK Jaaybo, 1900Rugrat and YTB Fatt personify the sounds of the streets. Each facet of what all these 12 artists deliver to the sport is on show by every of their XXL Freshman freestyles.
For the higher a part of the previous 20 years, over 160 rappers who’ve acquired the glory of being named an XXL Freshman have flexed their abilities by particular person a cappella freestyles. This yr is actually no totally different. In actual fact, 2025 marks the primary time since 2022 wherein each member of the Freshman Class laid down freestyles. Even the fan-voted tenth spot winner EBK Jaaybo throws down bars from behind bars regardless of having been arrested in Arkansas whereas en path to the duvet shoot.
Traditionally, a number of standout XXL Freshman freestyles have discovered hip-hop’s hottest up-and-comers taking very distinctive approaches of their a cappella supply. Artists like KayCyy and Fridayy had been accompanied by choir singers in 2022 and 2023, respectively, whereas Finesse2tymes famously offered himself with a rhythm harking back to a lunchroom cafeteria by pounding his fist on a close-by stool. Very like these freestyles of the previous, viewers can anticipate some extraordinary moments of creativity from this yr’s class due to Ian and YTB Fatt.
First up is Ray Vaughn, who goes deep together with his ambition and drops a fireplace Mufasa line.
Watch Ray Vaughn’s 2025 XXL Freshman freestyle under and examine again this week to see extra as every member of the class is unveiled.
