With this year's XXL Freshman list, hip-hop fans aren't necessarily expecting to be blown away with clever double-entendres and well-thought-out verses during the freestyle portion of the magazine's rollout. Perhaps Lakeyah from Quality Control has the best opportunity to show off her lyrical skills on the microphone when her time comes. The freestyles have started to arrive with 42 Dugg kicking us off this week. So far, fans have shared their mixed reactions to his display.
While 42 Dugg has wowed the world with his recent mixtapes, as well as his unique vocal stylings and infectious whistle, the Detroit rapper isn't known yet for his top-tier lyricism. He's got some bars in him but the people who commented on his XXL Freshman freestyle don't really seem to be enjoying his video, making jokes about how short the freestyle was, and more.
Some hip-hop fans are criticizing XXL for sticking with the a capella format for non-lyrical rappers, like 42 Dugg, who would have a better chance to showcase their strengths over some fresh production. Much like with Lil Keed's freestyle from last year, which didn't do him any favors, people are divided on Dugg's go at it, wondering what he could have done if he had a beat to guide him. Some people have even taken the liberty of adding their own instrumentals to his freestyle.
Listen to 42 Dugg's new freestyle above and check out what people have been saying below.
https://twitter.com/_/status/1409561756180041731
https://twitter.com/_/status/1409561202250891271
https://twitter.com/_/status/1409632045035245571
https://twitter.com/_/status/1409614105217015809
https://twitter.com/_/status/1409550022060953609
https://twitter.com/_/status/1409606006657724417
https://twitter.com/_/status/1409697604607250432
