AceShowbiz - Ten years ago, the hip-hop scene witnessed a pivotal moment when XXL spotlighted a group of ten emerging artists destined to redefine the genre. The 2016 XXL Freshman Class included some of the most influential names in rap, such as 21 Savage, Kodak Black, Lil Uzi Vert, G Herbo, Denzel Curry, Lil Yachty, Anderson .Paak, Lil Dicky, Dave East, and Desiigner. This collective marked a significant turning point in hip-hop culture and sound.

To honor the decade-long impact of this iconic class, XXL has partnered with Rémy Martin to release a new documentary titled The Making of the Most Iconic XXL Freshman Class. This 25-minute film delves into the selection process behind the cover, the atmosphere on shoot day, and the lasting legacy this group has created within the hip-hop community.

Featuring candid interviews from members of the class including Lil Yachty, Denzel Curry, Anderson .Paak, Lil Dicky, Dave East, G Herbo, as well as insights from DJ Drama, producer Sikwitit, 2026 Freshmen Chris Patrick and La Reezy, music executives, journalists, former managers, and XXL staff, the documentary offers an intimate look at how these artists were chosen and the cultural shift they helped usher in.

Since its debut in 2007, the XXL Freshman list has been a key platform for identifying the next wave of rap stars. However, in the streaming era where new artists emerge rapidly, predicting who will break through has become increasingly challenging. Despite this, the goal remains clear: to highlight rappers with the strongest potential to become future superstars.

The editor-in-chief of XXL, Vanessa Satten, has emphasized that the Freshman selection is not merely a popularity contest or a measure of who is the best rapper but rather a forecast of who is most likely to rise as a rap icon. This perspective shaped the 2016 class’s composition, which quickly proved to be prophetic.

Reflecting on his motivation for joining the 2016 Freshman Class, Denzel Curry cited the influence of previous covers that featured legendary artists such as Curren$y, Kid Cudi, J. Cole, Nipsey Hussle, Jay Rock, Lil B, Kendrick Lamar, and Mac Miller. Being part of such a legacy was a significant driving force for him and others in that group.

The 2016 class emerged during a transformative period for hip-hop, moving away from the earlier blog-era sound and aesthetic. As streaming platforms changed how listeners consumed music, these Freshmen helped redefine the genre’s sound and image, signaling a new era in rap music.

Lil Yachty has remarked on sensing a paradigm shift in hip-hop during 2016, a feeling that the class embodied and helped propel. Meanwhile, Anderson .Paak recalled initially feeling isolated at the photoshoot but soon experiencing a strong camaraderie among the artists, which fostered lasting friendships.

One of the most memorable aspects of the 2016 Freshman Class was their cypher, featuring a lineup of Lil Uzi Vert, 21 Savage, Kodak Black, Lil Yachty, and Denzel Curry. Their performance stood out for its playful and carefree energy, capturing the spirit of a youthful generation and becoming one of the most iconic cyphers in XXL Freshman history.

Industry voices, including Laura Stylez from the Ebro Laura Rosenberg Show, have noted that while some critics dismiss the 2016 class as part of the “mumble rap” era, this group actually marked the beginning of hip-hop’s streaming era. Their emergence shifted the industry’s focus and audience engagement significantly.

A decade later, the members of the 2016 XXL Freshman Class have achieved remarkable commercial and critical success. They boast multiple No. 1 Billboard singles, numerous platinum and diamond certifications, several Grammy Awards, and have headlined major world tours. Their influence continues to resonate across the music industry and hip-hop culture.

Leighton "Lake" Morrison, CEO of GenerationNow and former manager of Lil Uzi Vert, has recognized the class’s pioneering role in shaping modern hip-hop. He notes that the artists themselves view their inclusion in the 2016 Freshman Class as a landmark moment that confirmed their place as trailblazers of a new musical era.

The documentary produced by XXL and supported by Rémy Martin offers fans and industry insiders alike a chance to revisit the making of this legendary class. It provides a behind-the-scenes narrative that celebrates the vision, energy, and impact of the 2016 XXL Freshman Class—a group that helped transform hip-hop and set the stage for the future of the genre.

For those interested in exploring the stories of Lil Yachty, Denzel Curry, G Herbo, and other members, the documentary offers an engaging and comprehensive look at the artists who changed the rap game forever. The legacy of the 2016 XXL Freshman Class continues to inspire new generations of artists and fans around the world.

This article is based on reporting originally published by Xxlmag.