Dive into the world of XXL Freshman Freestyles, where promising rappers aim for glory. Some impress while others, well, stumble hilariously.
A notable theme in this year’s XXL freestyle lineup was an abundance of baby rhymes. Despite talented artists stepping up to the mic, some performances lacked energy and creativity, leaving listeners wanting more.
One standout moment came from Babyface Ray, who appeared fatigued throughout his freestyle. His extended monologue, lasting 84 seconds, still left audiences struggling to catch any significant lines or energy. Unfortunately, he joined the list of those who tried to force a rhyme without much success.
Big Scar took the cake for brevity, dropping only six unique bars in 21 seconds, inadvertently setting a record for one of the shortest freestyles ever. With rhymes that barely went beyond elementary-level wordplay, the performance left much to desire.
Meanwhile, Nardo Wick faced criticism for his monotonous delivery and unclear lyrics. Nevertheless, his use of double entendres, like “brush my teeth with scope but promise I got aim,” showcased glimpses of his lyrical ability amid a sea of sleep-inducing delivery.
Ken the Man brought a balanced performance, highlighting her impressive flow and cadence while keeping the energy consistent throughout her verse. She was the exception to the predominantly flat performances, giving audiences a fresh breath of relief.
Saucy Santana, on the other hand, delivered an uninspired and forgettable freestyle, overshadowed by more energetic peers. Yet, even the best intentions to support the LGBTQ community couldn’t save a lackluster performance characterized by bland rhymes and uninspired punchlines.
In contrast, Big 30 managed to inject life into the session with his energetic delivery. Although his lyrics followed the well-trodden path of gangster talk, the enthusiasm was enough to outshine others in the cypher.
BabyTron’s brief yet impactful performance stood out for its sharp lyrics and playful references, but the short length left listeners craving more.
Overall, the 2023 XXL Freshman class presented a mixed bag of performances ranging from dull, repetitive lines to rare flashes of brilliance and humor.
While this year’s performances had their highs and lows, they undeniably showcased the varying levels of preparation and skill among the XXL Freshman class. Some rappers may need to polish their freestyle game, but there’s potential for growth and future excitement.
