XXL's 2016 Freshman Class Celebrates Ten-Year Anniversary The 2016 XXL Freshman Class, a group of emerging hip-hop artists that made a significant mark on the music industry, is set to commemorate its ten-year anniversary. The class, which included artists such as 21 Savage, Denzel Curry, Kodak Black, Lil Yachty, Lil Uzi Vert, Anderson .Paak, Desiigner, Lil Dicky, G Herbo, and Dave East, was celebrated for its collective impact and individual contributions to the genre. XXL, the publication that recognized them as the Freshman Class of 2016, has launched a special anniversary project to honor their legacy. The anniversary initiative features an anniversary landing page powered by Rémy Martin, which includes artist bios, freestyles, cyphers, and a detailed write-up on the class's history and influence. The page also highlights statistical data on their commercial success, chart placements, and other metrics that underscore their enduring relevance. This project serves as a nostalgic look back at a pivotal moment in hip-hop history, as fans and artists alike continue to reflect on the class's contributions. The celebration coincides with renewed interest in the 2016 class, as fans have been reminiscing about their achievements in recent years. Many of the artists have also expressed pride in their legacy, with 21 Savage notably stating in 2022 that he could outperform his peers from that class in a hypothetical Verzuz matchup. This sentiment reflects the competitive spirit and lasting influence of the group, which helped redefine the sound and style of hip-hop during their rise. In contrast, the 2026 Freshman Class, which was recently unveiled by XXL, includes artists such as La Reezy, Slayr, Sosocamo, Trap Dickey, Belly Gang Kushington, Chris Patrick, Babyfxce E, YKNIECE, Skrilla, Trim, Miles Minnick, and Hurricane Wisdom.#21_savage #xxl #denzel_curry #kodak_black #lil_yachty
