The 2018 XXL Freshman Class has been revealed. Now, the artist profiles, freestyles, and cypher are set to follow suit. Today, XXL has shared some behind the scenes footage of the Freshman shoot, which features brief interviews from each artist, as well as hints toward who might be paired up with who. Still, the biggest question mark centers around the cypher, which has left like a bit of an underappreciated art since last year's session.
Wifisfuneral teases that the cypher is going to "shock a lot of people," adding that it's going to get people "upset." Ski Mask is clearly taking the process serious, detailing his ritual of "mirror rapping" to himself, in order to prepare. There's little doubt that both rappers will use the opportunity to prove they can hold it down on the mic. And they'll have to, especially if they're spitting alongside J.I.D.
Though he may seem like the odd man out on paper, J.I.D. has no problem with that. "I'm rapping better than everybody," he says, with a knowing smile. "They gon' hate it." For those who follow the Dreamville rapper, rest assured that he'll bring his A game to somewhat of a lyrically-lacking class. Still, that's not to say all hope is lost. London based Stefflon Don, Wifisfuneral, Trippie Redd, Ski Mask The Slump God are more than capable of holding it down; should they team up for a cypher, the results could lead to an upgrade from last year's attempt.
Editor in chief Vanessa Satten proceeds to explain that Lil Skies was originally intended to be the tenth member, but decided to turn it down at the last minute. "We tried everything to get him there," she explains, before deciding against replacing him.
Peep the behind the scenes footage below, and sound off. Do ya'll think these cyphers will amount to anything special?
