Miles Minnick Becomes First Christian Rapper Named to XXL Freshman Class
Minnick won the final fan-voted spot after campaigning heavily, and XXL said the 2026 class will roll out freestyles, cyphers and interviews in coming weeks.
- XXL officially unveiled its 2026 Freshman Class, featuring Christian hip-hop artist Miles Minnick as the first openly Christian rapper selected for the magazine's annual showcase of rising talent.
- Since launching in 2007, the XXL Freshman Class has become a closely watched showcase for emerging talent, introducing mainstream stars like Kendrick Lamar, Cole, Future, Megan Thee Stallion, and Jack Harlow to wider audiences.
- Minnick earned the final fan-voted 10th spot after campaigning heavily with supporters, marking a milestone for Christian Hip-Hop, a genre that has often existed outside major industry institutions.
- The 2026 lineup includes artists such as Skrilla, Xaviersobased, Star Bandz, Joony, Hurricane Wisdom, and Lelo, with the full rollout of freestyles, cyphers, and artist interviews scheduled for the coming weeks.
- Nearly half of the Class entered the list with strong hype and growing fan bases, positioning the 2026 cohort as one of the most anticipated lineups in the showcase's history.
16 Articles
16 Articles
Black America Web
XXL Freshman Class Of 2026: An Old Head’s Guide To The New Wave Of Hip-Hop
Source: @lareezymusic/@itsmstrim/@trapdickey / Instagram The XXL Freshman Class of 2026 has officially arrived, and we got the full breakdown for the people. Last year’s class had its highs, and it definitely had its lows. Gelo caught lightning in a bottle with his viral hit, “Tweaker.” What started as a song previewed on a livestream quickly turned into one of the biggest records of the year, leading him to put the basketball down, pick up a m…
Miles Minnick Becomes First Christian Rapper Named to XXL Freshman Class
Christian hip-hop artist Miles Minnick has been named to XXL’s 2026 Freshman Class, becoming the first openly Christian rapper ever selected for the magazine’s annual list of rising hip-hop artists. Since launching in 2007, the XXL Freshman Class has become one of rap’s most closely watched showcases for emerging talent. The annual list has helped introduce artists like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Future, Megan Thee Stallion and Jack Harlow to wide…
BLK ALERTS - XXL Freshman Class Of 2026: An Old Head’s Guide To The New Wave Of Hip-Hop
Source: @lareezymusic/@itsmstrim/@trapdickey / Instagram The XXL Freshman Class of 2026 has officially arrived, and we got the full breakdown for the people. Last year’s class had its highs, and it definitely had its lows. Gelo caught lightning in a bottle with his viral hit, “Tweaker.” What started as a song previewed on a livestream quickly turned into one of the biggest records of the year, leading him to put the basketball down, pick up a m…
Get Up! Mornings With Erica Campbell
praisedc.comMiles Minnick: Meet The First Christian Rapper on XXL's Freshman List
Source: Robin L Marshall / Getty Christian Hip-Hop is on the come up, and thanks to Miles Minnick, it just got its biggest platform yet! On Wednesday (June 24), XXL Magazine dropped the cover of its annual “Freshman Class” issue. Since 2007, XXL has highlighted rising stars in the rap game, with past cover stars including J.Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Nipsey Hussle, Latto, and more. This year, Minnick made the cut as the winner of the magazine’s “10th…
Michael Ebenger Thu., June 25, 2026 - 11:33 AM Tags XXL XXL Magazine Freshman Class 2026 Freshman Class 2026 XXL Freshman Class 2026 Channel (formerly: Article Type) News Teaser Text The new XXL Freshman Class is here Page Sections It's that time again: The XXL Magazine Freshman Class 2026 is here. The US portal presents an annual list of the most promising rap newcomers of the year. This year, several acts who have already garnered some attenti…
2026 XXL Freshman Class Revealed
The 2026 XXL Freshman Class artists have been revealed. Chris Patrick, Belly Gang Kushington, Slayr, La Reezy, Trim, Trap Dickey, Babyfxce E, Hurricane Wisdom, YKNiece, Skrilla, Sosocamo and 10th Spot winner Miles Minnick. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nc03j8v6NVI&pp=ygUnWFhMIE1hZ2F6aW5lIFJldmVhbCBUaGVpciAyMDI2IEZyZXNobWFu
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 100% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
