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The Best 20 Songs From 2016 XXL Freshman Class

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Kodak Black performs onstage during the BET Hip Hop Awards 2022 at The Cobb Theater on September 30, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/Filmmagic)

21 Savage has been stirring things up between him and his fellow XXL 2016 Freshman class.  Recently, he said he would smoke all of them in a VERZUZ.  This includes Lil Yachty, Desiigner, Dave East, Denzel Curry, G Herbo, Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Dicky, Anderson .Paak, and Kodak Black.  21 sounds confident, but so are his classmates. Savage claims he’s been making diamond records and Desiigner called cap on the Atlanta rapper.  21 does have hits, there’s no denying that, but so do the other 9 artists.  Savage shouldn’t sleep on them.  In a VERZUZ battle, the artist picks 20 songs that they feel is the best in their catalog.  I have come up with who has made the best songs in this XXL 2016 Freshman Class.

Denzel Curry-Clout Cobain

Denzel Curry does a bit of half hip-hop half rock. But “Clout Cobain” cannot be denied!

https://twitter.com/east_martian/status/1218720829099241472?s=46&t=RhToBxTaQbM8NIPyTYy7XA

Lil Dicky- “Freaky Friday” (ft. Chris Brown)

Lil Dicky is one of the more interesting rappers to say the least.  Yes, he can rap, but honestly his visuals are always entertaining.  In “Freaky Friday” with Chris Brown, they did a play on the actual movie “Freaky Friday”.  It was funny and creative!  Out of this class, I don’t think anyone is as creative as Lil Dicky when it comes to making a visual.  It’s probably why he got his own TV series.

Desiigner- “Timmy Turner”

Kodak Black- “ZEZE” (ft. Offset & Travis Scott)

One of the biggest hits of 2018, Kodak Black doesn’t miss with this one.  I wonder how this would sound with just him on it.  My guess is that it still would be a hit!

Lil Yachty- “One Night”

“One Night” might be Lil Yachty’s best solo song.  It’s catchy, hip, and different!

Dave East- “Keisha”

The Dave East slander needs to stop immediately!  This man can rap circles around a lot of rappers in the game.  The 90s sounding rapper paints a vivid picture in “Keisha” and proves he is a great storyteller.  Not too many rappers are successful in this aspect of rap.  Telling stories is something that rap was started on.  I hope ya’ll heard part two!

21 Savage- “X” (ft. Future)

We all have exes and 21 Savage said how we all feel out loud.  “X” is just too catchy not to sing along with.

G Herbo- “Sessions”

There’s no doubt that G Herbo is one of the most lyrical rappers in this class.  He proves it on “Sessions”.

https://twitter.com/waviecrockett/status/1589388042933981184?s=46&t=RhToBxTaQbM8NIPyTYy7XA

Lil Uzi Vert- “The Way Life Goes”

This song was so hard that Nicki Minaj had to hop on it for the remix.  When one of the greats wants to hop on your song, you know you have something.  Uzi didn’t even need the cosign for “The Way Life Goes” as it was already a fan favorite.  One great thing about Lil Uzi Vert is his songs are relatable, which goes a long way with the listeners.

Kodak Black- “Tunnel Vision”

This is probably one of the first songs I heard from Kodak.  He hasn’t disappointed since.

21 Savage- “Runnin”

It seems like 21 Savage is always working.  He’s starting to figure this thing out. “Runnin” was a good song and now he makes even better slappers.

Lil Uzi Vert- “You Was Right”

Lil Uzi Vert is very versatile in proves it on “You Was Right”.  He has different types of songs in his catalog.  Hearing songs like this and then listening to “XO Tour Llif3” or “Do What I Want” is fun, I guess you can say.  It’s like you never know what you’re going to get from him.  But, make no mistake, Uzi can rap.  You just don’t know what kind of rap he is going to give you.

Anderson .Paak- “Smokin out The Window” (with Bruno Mars)

Silk Sonic is like a cheat code, I’ll tell you!  Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars put out a great album around this time last year, An Evening With Silk Sonic.  Anderson .Paak is really the only artist in this class who can make music like this.  Joining the likes of Bruno Mars, separates .Paak from the pack.

Desiigner- “Panda”

In 2016, Desiigner probably dropped the song of the year with “Panda”.  You heard this song everywhere you went.  I’m guessing this is the main reason why the ex-G.O.O.D. music artist made the list.  Ye saw something in him too and I believe he is the only one in this class to work with the legend himself.

Kodak Black- “Roll In Peace” (ft. XXXTentacion)

Yak is no stranger to making hits. It’s weird because it’s so early in his career, and he has racked up some big records!  Whether the songs are his or he is featured on them, Yak has solidified himself as a hitmaker.  It’s like he studied from Drake as a lot of his songs have catchy bars and nuances that are easy to rap along to.  He keeps this up and he may become the biggest rapper ever.

Dave East- “Handsome”

Dave East can really rap and is certainly not the typical Harlem rapper.  He isn’t like Cam’ron, Jim Jones, or even Mase.  Dave East is in his own lane amongst the Harlem rappers and in this XXL Freshman Class, too!  One of the more underrated rappers in the game, please don’t sleep on East’s lyrical ability.

Anderson .Paak-“Leave The Door Open” (with Bruno Mars)

“Leave The Door Open” was one of the biggest songs last year.  Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars together is a tandem that can’t be beat.  Anderson .Paak just makes good music, whether it be hip-hop, pop, soul, etc.  Of course, this is one of his best songs in his career.

Lil Uzi Vert- “XO Tour Llif3”

No lie, Lil Uzi Vert had everyone singing this song.  His catchy chorus along with his vibrant flow makes it easy to join along with him.  Just go on YouTube and see him perform this in front of thousands, quite insane!  One of the brighter spots in this XXL class, “XO Tour Llif3” is at the top of Uzi’s catalog!

https://twitter.com/hiphopdx/status/1573567248605716480?s=46&t=RhToBxTaQbM8NIPyTYy7XA

21 Savage- A Lot (ft. J.Cole)

This might be 21 Savage’s biggest song and his best!  Of course, it features J.Cole on it, but the Atlanta rapper made his stamp on this track.  21 Savage gets better every time he touches the mic it seems.  The song probably didn’t even need Cole, but the way the Dreamville boss talks about 21 Savage before he raps makes the song all that much better!

Kodak Black-Super Gremlin

Kodak Black is the MVP of 2022, let’s face it!  He was on a lot of albums this year and even dropped a few albums himself.  He arguably has the top two songs of the year: “Super Gremlin” and his feature on Kendrick Lamar’s “Silent Hill”.  These two tracks are definite song of the year candidates.  Yak keeps getting better and better every year.  He dropped “Super Gremlin” around the top of this year and for it to still be relevant at the end of the year says a lot.

You know what, 21 can really talk his stuff as he does have many hits.  But, saying he would smoke his other classmates in a VERZUZ might be too much.  I would give Savage the edge here against most of these artists, but a couple would give him some trouble.  Will we ever find out?  Who knows, but I’m sure Timbaland and Swizz Beatz are watching.

Written By: Brandon Simmons

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Feds using pictures on Instagram to indict Pooh Shiesty

Feds using pictures on Instagram to indict Pooh Shiesty

The indictment of Pooh Shiesty based on evidence from Instagram posts

Pooh Shiesty got indicted by the feds. The rapper is currently in federal custody. His court date in Miami-Dade state court is on July 1st. Shiesty had allegedly participated in the shooting and robbery at the Landon Hotel back in October 2020. According to a report, the rapper and two other men (Bobby Brown and Jayden Darosa) set a meeting to buy marijuana and shoes, eventually turning into a shootout. At some point, the rapper was also freed on bail but later retaken in custody. The reason was a non-related charge of shooting a guard. 

Feds using pictures on Instagram to indict Pooh Shiesty
Click to Check Out the Video of the Shooting

What gave federal agents evidence to indict are Darosa’s Instagram posts. According to Billboard, they show photos of him holding a Draco used by Pooh Shiesty in the shooting. Another evidence in the investigation was a post of Shiesty a couple of days before the shooting, which captured “several long rifles and plethora of $100.00 bills.” One of the pictures had a Louis Vuitton bag stuffed with around $40,000 in cash and the rented McLaren that fled the shootout scene. 

Shiesty’s lawyer Saam Zangeneh told Herald they “have been in communication with the U.S. Attorney’s Office” and “believe they…are likely to file federal charges.” They also pointed out that the current situation “doesn’t change our position as to his 100 percent innocence.” 

Be sure to check other parts of our chronicles on Shiesty’s case. 

Nikita Serdiuk | IG: @nikitasrdk

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2 Years Later: Remembering The Life Of Nipsey Hussle

It was just like any given day. I was watching television, scrolling on my Instagram feed. Then suddenly, I came across a post that seemed impossible of being true. Before I knew it, an unsettled feeling came over me. I could not quite explain it.

Rapper Nipsey Hussle shot in L.A.

As I stare at the headline, I knew it could not be. It had to be fake. Unfortunately, it was not. Because if so, I would not be writing this:

Nipsey Hussle was born as Ermias Joesph Asghedom in Los Angeles, California. To an African American mother and an Eritrean father. Something I could relate to, like Hussle, I too was half African. As a kid, Hussle’s life was not all ‘Ocean Views,’ but that did not stop Hussle from ‘Hustle And Motivate.’ Described by his family and friends, Hussle was loyal, dependable, intelligent, and always had an eye for entrepreneurship. You did not have to know him personally to see him in that light. His rhymes, the way he moved and carried himself are indications of his character.

By the time of 2008, Hussle was gaining local success but also success in the music industry. Appearing alongside Drake and Snoop Dogg, Hussle was making his mark. But it was ‘Hussle In The House’ for me at the age of 16 that made me pay attention to the rapper. From featured singles to being on The XXL Freshman Cover and even projects shelved, Hussle thought it was better to do things his way.

Additionally, he left Epic Records and started his record label, All Money In. And the rest is history. Because at this moment, this was the start of ‘The Marathon’ series. ‘The Marathon’ (2010) and ‘The Marathon Continues’ (2011) were huge successes. But it was ‘Crenshaw’ (2013) that set the tone and the true entrepreneurship of Nipsey Hussle. Hussle sold 1,000 copies of ‘Crenshaw’ at $ 100 apiece. Jay-Z personally brought 100 copies. Less than 24 hours, Hussle reportedly raked in $100,000.

Later, Hussle released ‘Mailbox Money (2014) and ‘Slauson Boy 2’ (2016). After many delays, Hussle released ‘Victory Lap’ in 2018. Intended to be a mixtape at first, ‘Victory Lap’ was the last and final installment of ‘The Marathon’ series. It debuted #4 on the Billboard Chart and sold 53,000 sales in the first week. Plus, receiving widespread reviews from critics who could not get enough of the album. Although losing for ‘Best Rap’ Album at the 61st Grammys Awards to Cardi B’s ‘Invasion Of Privacy,’ things were looking up for Hussle. But who would ever think ‘Victory Lap’ was indeed his last victory lap…

Here we are two years later since Hussle tragically was from us. And it does not even seem surreal at times. As stated, you did not have to know him personally to know him. You knew who he was by his actions. He never left his community and hood. Despite being a millionaire, he was always there, and he gave back. Nipsey Hussle was the 2Pac of my generation. You can not prove to me otherwise. To seeing him first on MTV Jams to the Grammys stage– is like watching your kid riding with training wheels and suddenly taking off the training wheels. To see your kid ride the bike perfectly fine.

After all, I was there from the beginning of his career up until his death. So it feels like I lost an older brother or uncle despite not knowing him personally. Nipsey Hussle may not any longer be here with us. But he has a catalog of music that is timeless. Whenever you need a little motivation, there are videos online to watch. Just like 2Pac, Nipsey Hussle left behind memories. And even on this day, we celebrate him as Nipsey THA GREAT. Because that is what he was. And that is what he is.