The Ladies of XXL's 2019 Freshman Class
Editor // @Brifromthed
The ratio of men to women on XXL’s 2019 Freshman Class list is three to one. This statistic is represented on much more than just their magazine cover. That ratio represents the place women hold in the music industry today. Even with the rise of the presence of women in rap they are still undermined, undervalued, and underestimated. Despite this disadvantage three FEMCEE’s —Rico Nasty, Tierra Whack, and Megan Thee Stallion —have created and dominated in their own space.
Rico Nasty
Maryland rapper Rico Nasty has put a modern twist on the early 2000’s eccentric style and cadence in songs from her debut album “Nasty” such as “Countin’ Up” and “In the Air (ft. BlocBoy JB)”. Rico’s songs have also been featured on HBO’s Insecure soundtrack. People love her for her powerful voice and presence. Since her “iCarly” bars when Rico said:
“When the opposition ain’t no competition / XXL bitch it’s new edition/ we just gotta get it / we just gotta flex on bitches who said that we couldn’t get it”
Rico has toured the nation, signed to Atlantic Records, performed at Coachella, graced the cover of many magazines, all while raising her son.
Tierra Whack
Most music consumers were not ready for the whirlwind that is Tierra Whack. The Philly native is extraordinary beyond belief and is strapped with the bars and flow to match. Whack is widely known for her mindblowing videos that accompanied songs from her 2018 album “Whack World”. Her freestyle from Funk Flex has gone viral earning her a cosign from many rap veterans like Remy Ma and her idol Missy Elliott.
@TierraWhack much love to u @TierraWhack I’m happy to be your influence👏🏾👍🏾 makes me proud following u
— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) May 14, 2015
As if she wasn’t endearing enough Whack’s XXL pitch which was just a video of her smashing some potato chips. No words necessary seeing as she has always been in her bag.
Megan Thee Stallion
Megan Thee Stallion has quickly become everyone’s H-Town homegirl. She’s been on the scene since 2016 after her “Stalli Freestyle” went viral. She climbed to the top of everyone’s radar when singles “Big Ole Freak” and “Freak Nasty” from her 2018 project “Tina Snow” caught the wave. She’s done nothing but soar since she released her album “Fever” and travels city to city (Editor’s note: except Detroit *rolls eyes*) to host Hottie Parties. Megan has everyone trying to drive the boat in and out of the studio.
These women are on go and have no signs of slowing down. Other members of the XXL Freshman Class include DaBaby, Gunna, Blueface and others who the general public actually agree with XXL’s prediction that these artists are soon to blow
