XXL is a hip hop magazine founded in 1997 that focuses on music and culture. It is published bi-monthly by Harris Publications and was led by editors such as Reginald Dennis and Elliott Wilson. In addition to music news and content, XXL is known for its annual "Freshman Class" issue that highlights up-and-coming rappers expected to break out. Past Freshman lists have helped launch the careers of artists such as Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Wiz Khalifa. Currently under Editor-in-Chief Vanessa Satten, XXL maintains its print magazine as well as a website that delivers daily hip hop news and content.

1. XXL

2. What is XXL?
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XXL is a hip hop magazine, published by Harris
Publications, founded in 1997. The magazine's past
editors include:
Reginald C. Dennis (formerly of The Source),
Sheena Lester (former editor-in-chief of Rap Pages and
Vibe music editor),
Elliott Wilson (formerly of ego trip and The Source,
currently locked in at #7 slot on The Source's Digital 30
list.)
Datwon Thomas (former Editor-In-Chief of King).
In May 2009 Datwon Thomas resigned from XXL and
executive editor Vanessa Satten, who had been with XXL
since 1998, was named the new Editor-in-Chief.

3. Brief History
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In August 1997, XXL released
its first issue. It featured rappers
Jay-Z and Master P on a double
cover. In December 2006, XXL
took over the struggling hip hop
producer and DJ magazine
Scratch this was also owned by
Harris Publications, re-branding
it as XXL Presents Scratch
Magazine. However Scratch
shut down less than a year later
in September 2007.
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Other titles with limited runs
have been launched under the
XXL brand, including Hip-Hop
Soul, Eye Candy and Shade45.
XXL has released many other
special projects including tour
programs, mixtapes and
exclusive DVDs. XXL also
maintains a popular website,
which provides daily hip hop
news, original content and
content from the magazine.

4. Information
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Editor-in-Chief
Categories
Frequency
Publisher
First issue
Country
Based in
Language
Website
Vanessa Satten
Music Magazine
6 Per Year
Harris Publications
1997
United States
New York City
English
www.xxlmag.com

5. Top 10 Freshmen
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XXL also releases an annual Top 10 Freshmen list. The issue features the ten picks of
whom to watch out for, and on the cover of the magazine and showcases new rappers
that aren't well known, but are considered to be on the rise. The list has become
known to create buzz and is credited for giving many artists their first taste of fame.
Year
Freshmen
2008
Lupe Fiasco, Lil Boosie, Joell
Ortiz, Plies, Saigon, Rich Boy, Gorilla Zoe, Young
Dro, Papoose and Crooked I
2009
B.o.B, Kid Cudi, Curren$y, Wale, Ace Hood, Asher
Roth, Mickey Factz, Cory Gunz, Blu and Charles
Hamilton
2010
J. Cole, Jay Rock, Wiz Khalifa, Big Sean, Nipsey
Hussle, Pill, OJ da Juicema, Fashawn Freddie
Gibbs and Donnis
2011
Kendrick Lamar, Big K.R.I.T., Mac Miller, Lil
B, Yelawolf, Lil Twist, Meek Mill, Cyhi The
Prynce, YG, Diggy Simmon and Fred Tha Godson.
2012
Danny Brown, Hopsin, Machine Gun
Kelly, Macklemore, French Montana, Future, Kid
Ink, Don Trip, Iggy Azalea and Roscoe Dash.
2013
Ab-Soul, Schoolboy Q, Joey Bada$$, Action
Bronson, Dizzy Wright, Angel Haze, Trinidad
James, Logic, Kirko Bangz, Travi$ Scott,