Few things get the internet goin nuts quite like XXL's annual freshman series these days, so when we got invited to check out the official showcase @ the Highline Ballroom in NY, we had to swing through.
Of course, we've already gotten acquainted with a couple guys that were on the bill here in these pages and at SXSW. But XXL was really throwing its weight behind this party, and seeing Jay Rock, Freddie Gibbs, Nipsey Hussle, Pill, Big Sean and Donnis all stacked in a row with a packed house of fans and industry insiders was certainly a different experience.
That's not to say it was necessarily a very good experience. Jay Rock had energy and an intangible vitality behind his hard-edged rhymes. Freddie Gibbs personified his brand of no-frills, no-bullshit hip-hop in a plain blue sweater and saggy jeans. Donnis and Big Sean come from more of a swagger-based school, and probably had the most fun during their performances.
But there was a big problem with lip-syncing, and a deeper sense of monotony that plagued the night. At least half the performers - including Camron and the U.N. (read Vado, his mom and 30 other dudes and their cousins from Lenox Avenue) who showed up an hour late and overconfident - rapped over tracks with full vocals on the speakers. It was distracting, and an odd decision for a show meant to showcase new talent. Vado was especially unbearable - snarling into a mic that was ultimately drowned out by a studio recording.
My main criticism of this year's Freshman Class has been the fairly shocking lack of a wow-factor from any of the spotlighted artists. This show seemed to reinforce my feeling that we're looking at a team of roll-players with no bonafide superstars - the Detroit Pistons circa 2008.
Nevertheless, the show was a good effort. It was inspiring to see an establishment magazine like XXL put a new generation on stage in front of a full and eager audience that may help them shape hip-hop. Props.
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