34 Former XXL Freshmen Reflect on How Being Picked for the Cover Affected Their Careers

Look Back at It
Thirty-four past Freshmen reflect on how being picked affected their careers and why the franchise is important for hip-hop.
Compiled by Georgette Cline and Sidney Madden
Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in the Summer 2017 issue of XXL Magazine, on stands now.

Check out more from XXL’s Summer 2017 issue including the cover story with the 2017 XXL Freshman class, our interview with actor Demetrius Shipp Jr., Ski Mask The Slump God's grind for self-made success, Doin' Lines with Yo Gotti, $uicideboy$ opening up about how they use hip-hop as therapy, Sonny Digital taking the helm of the 2017 XXL Freshman Class cyphers, Jazz Cartier's rise to fame,  Moriah Mills' head-turning curves, the best projects from 104 past and present XXL Freshmen, T-Pain sharing details about his last album on RCA Records, a look back at the 2016 XXL Freshman class and where they are now and more.