For many who keep up with what's happening in music, particularly when it comes to new voices making a splash, the year 2023 was certainly a time of considerable excitement. It was, in some respects, a moment when the spotlight shone brightly on a fresh crop of talent, all thanks to a well-known publication that regularly introduces us to the next big names. This particular year brought forth a collection of artists who were, you know, just starting to make their presence truly felt, and the buzz around them was quite noticeable.
The magazine, which many folks follow closely, really rolled out the welcome mat for its latest group of chosen musicians. This class, as it's often called, included a mix of folks, some of whom many people might have already had an eye on, while others were, honestly, a bit of a pleasant surprise to see. It’s pretty typical, actually, for there to be a blend like that, keeping things interesting and making sure there’s something for everyone to talk about. So, this period truly celebrated those who were ready to step into a bigger arena.
From the very start of the year, there was a sense that something special was brewing, with events and announcements that kept everyone quite engaged. From the unveiling of who made the cut to special features and even a chance for fans to have their say, 2023 was, you know, a very active time. It really showed how much the music community cares about finding and supporting new sounds and the people behind them.
Table of Contents
- Who Made the XXL 2023 Freshman Class List?
- Getting to Know One of the XXL 2023 Heavy Hitters - Finesse2tymes
- How Did the 10th Spot Voting Work for XXL 2023?
- What Kind of Content Did XXL 2023 Bring Us?
- Who Was Behind the Beats for XXL 2023 Cyphers?
- Did XXL Have Awards in 2023?
- What Magazine Issues Came Out in XXL 2023?
- What Else Was Making News Around XXL 2023?
Who Made the XXL 2023 Freshman Class List?
The announcement of the 2023 Freshman Class by XXL was, as a matter of fact, a big moment for many music followers. This particular year saw a group of eleven artists welcomed into the fold, a collection that many felt truly represented the current sound and future directions of popular music. The names brought forward were, you know, quite varied, showing a good range of styles and backgrounds. It's always a big deal when this list comes out, and 2023 was no different, sparking plenty of conversation among fans and those who follow the music scene closely.
Among the talented individuals celebrated in the 2023 edition were a few names that had already been building up quite a following. We saw folks like Finesse2tymes, who many recognized for his work, and Glorilla, whose presence certainly caught attention. There was also 2rare, Tiacorine, and Luh Tyler, all bringing their own distinct sounds to the table. Rob49 and Central Cee were also part of this notable group, adding to the diversity of the class. Fridayy and Real Boston Richey also made their mark, contributing to what many called a pretty strong lineup. SleazyWorld Go was another artist who joined this esteemed collection, and Lola Brooke was also recognized, showing a breadth of talent from different places and styles. So, too, it's almost a tradition to see such a mix of emerging stars.
The class, which included these primary artists along with DC The Don, who earned a special spot, was seen by many as having some real "heavy hitters." This phrase, you know, just means that there were artists in this group who were already making a significant impact and seemed poised for even greater things. The selection process, which is typically handled by the staff of the magazine, aims to identify those who are truly on the rise and deserving of this particular recognition. It’s a moment that, you know, really shines a light on who's next in the music world, and the 2023 group certainly delivered on that front, giving listeners plenty of new music to explore and appreciate.
Getting to Know One of the XXL 2023 Heavy Hitters - Finesse2tymes
When we look at the group of artists who made up the 2023 Freshman Class, one name that stood out as a "heavy hitter" was Finesse2tymes. He was, you know, a very recognized figure in the lineup, and his inclusion certainly highlighted his growing influence in the music world. This artist, who calls Memphis his home, had already made some significant moves before joining the class. His journey to this point included a notable release that many fans had been talking about, showing that he was already building a solid foundation for his music career. It's really interesting to see how artists like him gain this kind of recognition.
In 2022, just before his selection for the 2023 class, Finesse2tymes put out his first mixtape that was backed by a major record label. This particular project was titled "90 Days," and it marked a pretty important step in his musical path. Having a major label support a debut mixtape is, you know, a big deal for any artist, as it often means wider reach and more resources to share their creative work. This release certainly helped set the stage for his appearance in the Freshman Class, giving listeners a clear idea of his sound and what he was all about. It’s almost like a preview of what was to come for his growing audience.
Here is a brief look at some of the publicly known details about Finesse2tymes, based on the information available:
| **Known For** | Inclusion in the XXL 2023 Freshman Class, being a "heavy hitter" |
| **Hometown** | Memphis |
| **Notable Release (2022)** | "90 Days" (Debut Major Label Backed Mixtape) |
His presence in the 2023 class really underscored the magazine's commitment to showcasing artists who are not just new, but who are also making a genuine impact with their music. Finesse2tymes, with his debut mixtape and his Memphis roots, clearly fit that description, offering a distinct voice to the collective sound of the year's selected artists. It’s pretty cool, actually, to see how these selections highlight different regional sounds and artistic approaches.
How Did the 10th Spot Voting Work for XXL 2023?
One of the most engaging parts of the Freshman Class announcement each year is the "10th Spot" vote, and 2023 was no exception. This particular spot is reserved for an artist chosen directly by the fans, giving the audience a real say in who gets to join the prestigious group. It’s a way for the magazine to involve its readership directly, allowing them to champion an artist they believe deserves a place among the selected few. This process, you know, really builds excitement and allows for a more interactive experience for everyone involved.
For the 2023 Freshman Class, the polls for the 10th Spot were open for a specific period, giving fans a clear window to cast their votes. The voting period lasted for seven days, a short but intense time frame where supporters could show their enthusiasm for their favorite artist. This window was set to close on April 9, at exactly 11:59 p.m., making it a true race against the clock for many. It's a system that, you know, really encourages active participation from the audience, turning the selection into a community event.
To help their chosen artist secure the spot, fans were encouraged to use an official hashtag when talking about and promoting their favorite contenders. This method helps to organize the online conversation and also gives a clear way to track which artists are gaining the most support. It's a pretty common way, actually, to rally support in today's digital landscape. Ultimately, the artist who gathered the most votes for the 2023 10th Spot was DC The Don, confirming his place among the other selected artists and showing the collective power of fan engagement. So, it's pretty clear that fan voices matter quite a bit in this annual tradition.
What Kind of Content Did XXL 2023 Bring Us?
Once the 2023 Freshman Class was officially announced, the magazine wasted no time in rolling out a whole host of special content featuring these new artists. Over the course of the following month, fans could look forward to a steady stream of exclusive material that gave them a closer look at each member of the class. This included, you know, a variety of formats designed to showcase the artists' skills and personalities, providing much more than just a list of names. It’s pretty much a standard practice, actually, to follow up the announcement with such a wealth of material.
Among the highly anticipated releases were the freestyles and cyphers, which are always a big draw. These videos allow the artists to demonstrate their lyrical abilities and how they interact with other musicians in a live setting. We saw exclusive outtakes from the 2023 cypher featuring Luh Tyler and 2rare, giving a glimpse into the creative process. There were also previews of the 2023 cyphers that included Finesse2tymes, Lola Brooke, Fridayy, Real Boston Richey, Rob49, Luh Tyler, and the 10th spot winner, DC The Don. Watching these videos, you know, offers a real sense of the talent present in the class, and they are often some of the most talked-about pieces of content.
Beyond the freestyles and cyphers, the magazine also released a series of interviews with each freshman. These conversations provided a chance for the artists to open up about their experiences, their music, and their thoughts on the industry. Viewers were encouraged to have their YouTube notifications on to catch these videos as soon as they dropped, ensuring they didn't miss any of the insights. We also saw videos featuring many of the 2023 Freshman Class artists, including Central Cee, Glorilla, Finesse2tymes, Luh Tyler, SleazyWorld Go, 2rare, Tiacorine, Rob49, and Fridayy. This wide array of content really helped fans get to know the new faces and sounds of the 2023 XXL class, offering a comprehensive look at their individual artistic journeys.
Who Was Behind the Beats for XXL 2023 Cyphers?
A significant part of what makes the Freshman Class cyphers so impactful is the quality of the musical backing, and for the 2023 XXL cyphers, a truly influential figure stepped up to create the beats. This person is well-known for their unique sound and their work with a wide range of artists, particularly those who first gained attention through online platforms. Having someone of this caliber provide the instrumental foundation for the cyphers is, you know, a pretty big deal, as the beats play a crucial role in how the artists perform and how the overall session sounds.
The pioneering producer Pi'erre Bourne was the creative force behind the beats for the 2023 XXL Freshman Class cyphers. He is widely recognized for his distinct production style, which has shaped the sound of many popular tracks and helped define a particular era of music. His involvement meant that the artists in the 2023 class had a strong, recognizable soundscape to work with, allowing their individual voices to shine while still being part of a cohesive musical piece. It’s pretty interesting, actually, to hear how his signature style comes through in these sessions.
Pi'erre Bourne, who has been a foundational producer for a legion of artists, including many who started on platforms like SoundCloud, weighed in on the process of making these specific beats. His perspective on crafting the sound for the 2023 cyphers offers insight into the thought and artistry that goes into supporting such a diverse group of performers. The beats he created provided a fitting backdrop for the various styles and flows of the 2023 freshmen, helping to make those cypher sessions truly memorable for listeners. So, it's pretty clear his contribution was a vital piece of the puzzle for the 2023 XXL experience.
Did XXL Have Awards in 2023?
Beyond the excitement of the Freshman Class, 2023 also marked the launch of another significant event for the magazine: the XXL Awards. This initiative, which began its journey on January 16th, aimed to recognize talent and achievements across various categories within the music industry. It was, you know, a pretty broad effort to celebrate the artists, producers, and other figures who made an impact throughout the year, extending beyond just the new faces. This kind of recognition is, honestly, a good way to highlight the wider contributions to the music world.
The awards kicked off with the reveal of nominees across a total of twelve different categories. These categories covered a wide range of aspects, ensuring that many different types of contributions to music were acknowledged. The selection of these nominated artists was handled by the staff of XXL, who put together the lists based on their observations and expertise within the industry. This process means that the choices reflect the insights of those who regularly follow and report on the music scene. It’s pretty much a way, actually, to formally acknowledge excellence in various forms.
Over the course of the week following the initial launch, more details about the nominees and the awards themselves were shared. This staggered release of information kept the conversation going and built anticipation for the full scope of the awards. The XXL Awards 2023 served as a distinct platform to honor established and emerging artists alike, providing a comprehensive look at the standouts from the previous year and the ongoing impact of their work. So, in some respects, it was a very comprehensive way to celebrate the music landscape of that period.
What Magazine Issues Came Out in XXL 2023?
Throughout 2023, the magazine continued its tradition of releasing various issues, each featuring prominent artists and offering insights into the music scene. These physical publications are, you know, a way for fans to collect and engage with the content in a different format
