Winner's Circle: XXL Freshmen 2012 Predictions

With the new year fast approaching, it's only a matter of time before XXL's annual "Freshmen" edition comes out where the magazine chooses the up and coming artists that they believe are poised to break out and have the biggest 2012. Phillmatic and I figured we'd beat them to the punch by sharing our own picks with the Winner's Circle. We're not so much predicting XXL's list as we are making our own because unlike the magazine we aren't influenced by industry pressure or label bribery influence. We encourage any and all feedback and don't hesitate to share your own list in the comments.


Mclov                                                                                   

- Danny Brown                                                                        
- Action Bronson                                                                   
- Machine Gun Kelly                                                                 
- Emilio Rojas                                                                          
- Stalley                                                                                   
- ScHoolBoy Q                                                                        
- Killa Kyleon                                                                           
- Jon Connor                                                                         
- Childish Gambino                                                                
- A$AP Rocky                                                                         
- Casey Veggies                                                                    
- XV                                                                                        

Honorable Mentions: Future, Trouble, Phil Ade, Shawn Chrystopher

Phillmatic

- Stalley
- A$AP Rocky
- Machine Gun Kelly
- Smoke DZA
- Sir Michael Rocks
- Future
- Casey Veggies
- Chip Tha Ripper
- Dom Kennedy
- ScHoolBoy Q
- Young Roddy
- Trademark Da Skydiver

Honorable Mentions: Trouble, Kirko Bangz, Fat Trel