XXL'S FRESHMAN 10 COVER

The results are in, and the cover has been revealed for XXL's Freshman 10 issue. Shouts out to Freddie Gibbs and Fashawn as well as Nipsey Hu$$le and Jay Rock!

The new breed of hustlers includes: Roc Nation’s first signee J. Cole, gangsta rap up-and-comer Nipsey Hu$$le, newly-minted Asylum lyricist Pill, 1017 Brick Squad member OJ Da Juiceman, indie-sensation Wiz Khalifa, G.O.O.D. music’s own Big Sean, underground favorite Fashawn, Gary, Indiana rep Freddie Gibbs, West Coast phenom Jay Rock and the latest addition to the Atlantic roster, Donnis.

In addition to the special issue, XXL will also be dropping an exclusive DJ Whoo Kid mixtape next Monday (March 8)— available for free on XXLMag.com, radioplanet.tv and thisis50.com— featuring new music from all ten of the cover stars. Whoo Kid will also be playing select cuts from the tape while the artists call into his show this coming Saturday (March 6) on Sirius/Shade45.

Keep an out for behind-the-scenes footage of the shoot and interviews with all the Freshmen on mtv.com/news, MTV2’s Sucker Free and here at XXLMag.com. More info to come soon on the XXL 10 Freshmen for ’10 concert later this month in New York City. (You’ll also be able to win tickets to the show here.) – XXL

- Drew

VIDEO: FREDDIE GIBBS - XXL FRESHMAN 10 FREESTLYE

Freddie Gibbs drops a freestyle for XXL's Freshman 10 for 2010... Gangsta Gibbs is definitely a dude to look out for!
Straight Killa No Filla coming soon.

- Drew

XXL'S FRESHMAN 10 2010 LIST

XXL's 2010 Freshman Class list has been leaked online... What do you guys think about their choice of 10 up and comers? Who do you think is missing from this list?

Each year, hip hop magazine XXL releases their ‘Freshman Class’ issue, that features the top ten up and coming rappers on their cover. But no need to wait until 2010 to see who made the cut, thanks to an intrepid tipster who claims to have taken a spy shot of the roster. Although we can’t independently verify the authenticity of the list, it’s very likely that it’s legit, after all, this wouldn’t be the first time they got scooped on their own content.

Via: AnimalNY

- Drew

DEF JAM'S 25TH IN XXL

XXL is celebrating Def Jam's 25th anniversary with a tribute in their upcoming issue. The issue features a special cover featuring some of the top names from the history of Def Jam as well as a few features about the label.

In celebration of Def Jam’s quarter century in the music business, XXL has selected a handful of the label’s roster, past and present, to grace the cover of the November issue.

XXL’s new issue will include memorable tales from the MCs about the famed label, along with a complete discography of Def Jam releases and a comprehensive timeline of the brand’s biggest moments. Behind the scenes masterminds, Russell Simmons, Lyor Cohen and Kevin Liles sit for the first time to share their memories and Rick Rubin also takes a look back at the legacy of Def Jam.

- Drew