XXL freshman class 2011

I do believe I have the above magazine laying around and obviously there's always mixed reactions and discussions as to who is left out of the cover and who doesn't belong in there but as always with these things, XXL can't please everybody. It all comes down to styles of the different rappers. From the 2010 class it seemed to me that J. Cole & Wiz Khalifa came out on top even though I was also loving songs from Nipsey Hu$$le, Freddie Gibbs and Fashawn but the rest didn't seem to be on my radar even though they had albums and songs out here and there.
Pill and OJ Da Juiceman don't have songs I know anything about and Big Sean has been outhere for some time since he has the cosign from Kanye and G.O.O.D. Music but I'm afraid he's becoming more and more like a Memphis Bleek with a fresher style though. Donnis & Jay Rock made a bit of noise due to cameos and a few songs but nothing more.

Obviously XXL's 2011 freshmen will be up for a heated debate again and this time I'm sure this group are faced with the same hype, anticipation and disappointments like the class before them.
Meek Mill, Big K.R.I.T., Fred The Godson, Lil' Twist & YG I know little to nothing about and haven't heard them make any noise and in the time of fast info and online communities that doesn't show for a promising future. I guess I have to see what music will come from those guys since I did get to hear 8/10 rappers from the 2010 class even though I wasn't necessarily impressed by everything I heard.
Cyhi The Prynce became a household name due to his appearances from the G.O.O.D. Fridays songs coming from Kanye and of course being on Kanye's latest album didn't hurt at all. Besides he had some memorable verses too. He could deliver something interesting and I hope he doesn't become a new Big Sean.
Kendrick Lamar is another westside rapper who has been working with Dre which of course can go either way since the good doctor either skyrockets your career or leaves it to be forgotten in his vault of beats.
Yelawolf seems to stand out from the Shady Records cosigns and being with Eminem should give you quite a big support from other big names in the music industry.
Lil' B already is known for his cooking dance and being the BasedGod and has been using the online community to gain a loyal following like Souljah Boy and seems to be on the same lane for superstardom like Wiz Khalifa.

However, my two favorites on this cover are rappers Mac Miller & Diggy Simmons. Mac Miller's Kickin' Incredibly Dope Shit album aka K.I.D.S. were a enjoyable listen.
Diggy Simmons, obviously having some easier options to get his music out due to his father being Rev. Run from Run-DMC and having Pharrell as his mentor, has so far released two "mixtape" albums. He has a wicked flow too and his latest offering shows some growth and more aggressive rhymes and with more guidance I'm sure he could grow out of his father's shadow and make his own path. Having already done a sneaker line (I posted about Chivalrous Culture and the Hamachis some time ago) and possible clothing next, he seems to be well on his way whether he wants to succeed in music or making clothes.

Anyway, XXL did some behind the scenes material for the 2011 shoot and they even blessed us with a couple of cyphers from the freshmens.
With little knowledge regarding YG and Lil' Twist, they seem to be able to hold their own alongside my two favorites Mac Miller and Diggy. The cypher part 1!