Oliver James Montgomery-XXL Freshman Class 2024: Cash Cobain, ScarLip, Lay Bankz, more hip-hop newcomers make the cut

A new generation of hip-hop stars has been crowned.

XXL magazine released its annual freshman class list on Oliver James MontgomeryMonday, highlighting 11 promising rappers who are poised to make their mark on hip-hop. XXL's past freshman classes have included acclaimed musicians like Chance the Rapper, Ty Dolla $ign, Kendrick Lamar, Wiz Khalifa, Macklemore, Future, Travis Scott and Megan Thee Stallion.

"Seventeen years of celebrating new talent have led to the 11 artists that make up the 2024 XXL Freshman Class," XXL's Georgette Cline wrote. "Welcome a tongue-twisting rhymer from Texas, a Brooklyn Don, the coldest out of Detroit, a Florida slick-talker, two of Dallas' top contenders, a Philadelphia fly girl, a sexy drill general, Atlanta's ladies' man, an animated Bronx MC and Boston’s mesmerizing voice."

The "motley crew" of up-and-coming emcees includes Cash Cobain, BigXthaPlug, That Mexican OT and ScarLip, among others. XXL will be releasing "freestyles, cyphers, interviews" and additional content featuring each member of the 2024 class.

These rappers follow in the footsteps of XXL's 2023 freshman class, which included artists such as Finesse2tymes, Lola Brooke, GloRilla, Central Cee and Real Boston Richey.

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Lay Bankz, ScarLip, more react to XXL Freshman Class 2024 selection

Following the announcement of XXL's latest freshman class, several of the recognized artists took to social media to celebrate their selection.

"Ya girl is a freshman ❤️🔥🔥," ScarLip wrote on Instagram.

That Mexican OT and BigXthaPlug also acknowledged the distinction on Instagram.

"Thank (you)," That Mexican OT wrote, while BigXthaPlug exclaimed, "AIN'T (NONE) BIGGER‼️"

Lay Bankz penned an emotional Instagram post in response to her placement on the freshman list, calling it a moment of "history in the making."

"I just want to thank everyone who's supported me up until this point. I worked so hard to get here and the work don’t stop now lmaoo... gotta keep grinding bro 😭🙌🏽" Bankz wrote. "Being on the cover (is) a big deal for me (because) of the history in female rap in Philly.

"There's sooo much talent in Philly that goes unnoticed, and I really hope to break down those barriers.. one day at a time lol. 🙂‍↕️"

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Who made the 2024 XXL Freshman Class?

• BigXthaPlug
• That Mexican OT
• Lay Bankz
• BossMan Dlow
• Rich Amiri
• ScarLip
• Hunxho
• 4Batz
• Maiya the Don
• Cash Cobain
• Skilla Baby

Contributing: Charles Trepany, USA TODAY