All tagged Babyface Ray

Ranking The 2022 XXL Freshman List

Ranking The 2022 XXL Freshman List

Nate Spurlin

With the release of the annual XXL Freshman list commemorating twelve up and coming Hip-Hop artists that are expected to make an impact in the genre throughout their careers. Selected to the 2022 XXL Freshman List are Nardo Wick, Doechii, SoFaygo, Babyface Ray, Kali, KayCyy, Cochise, BIG30, KenTheMan, Big Scarr, Saucy Santana, and BabyTron. Some of these names are artists I’ve written or talked about within the past year and others are artists that I’m being exposed to for the first time. Having listened to a lot of their music and curated a playlist with some of their best tracks, here are my rankings for the 2022 XXL Freshman List.

Detroit or Memphis: Where Will The Next Epicenter of Hip-Hop Be?

Detroit or Memphis: Where Will The Next Epicenter of Hip-Hop Be?

Nate Spurlin

As Atlanta’s dominance as the epicenter of Hip-Hop starts the backside of its lifespan, new cities have begun to explode with talent in hopes that their region will be stamped as the next epicenter of Hip-Hop. In my view, two cities have separated themselves from the rest of the pack to this point. The first is Memphis, Tennessee, home of break-out stars like Moneybagg Yo, Pooh Shiesty, and BIG30, as well as Hip-Hop moguls Yo Gotti and the late Young Dolph. The second city Detroit, Michigan, home to Hip-Hop mainstays Eminem and Big Sean has seen a renaissance with new rappers like 42 Dugg and Icewear Vezzo poised to carve out a niche in the game for the Detroit sound. Also sharing responsibility for Detroit's Hip-Hop renaissance is Babyface Ray and his new project FACE may solidify Detroit's up next status.