XXL Freshman 2013 Mixtape Review

XXL Freshman Class of 2013 - The Freshman Tape

1. Freshman Class 2013 – “Bars” - [3.5]
2. Action Bronson – “November Rain” produced by Party Supplies - [3.5]
3. Ab-Soul – “Back Then” produced by Nez & Rio - [4]
4. ScHoolBoy Q – “She Like” produced by Sap - [2.5]
5. Joey Bada$$ feat. Action Bronson – “Beyond A Reasonable Doubt” produced by Chuck Strangers - [4.5]
6. Angel Haze – “Lofticries” produced by HiriiThe$kyGod - [3]
7. Travi$ Scott – “God Level” produced by Travi$ Scott - [3.75]
8. Kirko Bangz feat. Big K.R.I.T. – “So Trill” produced by Platinum Handz - [1.75]
9. Logic – “Gone” produced by Kevin Randolph - [4.5]
10. Trinidad Jame$ – “I Need Mo” produced by SMKA - [2]
11. Dizzy Wright feat. Joey Bada$$ – “Maintain” produced by DJ Hoppa - [4.75]
12. Angel Haze – “Element” produced by HiriiThe$kyGod - [3]
13. ScHoolboy Q – “Yay Yay” produced by Boi-1da - [3.25]
14. Kirko Bangz – “Long Time” produced by Knucklehead - [3.75]
15. Dizzy Wright – “Impeccable” produced by DJ Hoppa - [3.5]
16. Trinidad Jame$ feat. Gucci Mane – “No Hook” - [4]
17. Travi$ Scott feat. T.I. & 2Chainz – “Upper Echelon” produced by Travi$ Scott - [4.5]

Overall Score: [70% 3.5, Good; Worth Listening To]
It's that time of year again. Time for each rapper in the freshman class to showcase all of their individual talent which makes for a surprisingly amusing listen. This class has been called the "best class ever" and even though I don't agree (freshman class of 2009) it does come pretty close in some instances.

The tape did a pretty good job of immediatly capturing my attention with the first song "Bars", which was basically each rapper taking a turn on the mic, making for a cypher like feel that felt like a suitable opening for the tape. From there on each artist has at least one individual song which is a little bit of a double edged sword. I know it's the freshman class and all but do I really have to suffer through two Trinidad James songs? I couldn't tell you how many times I almost pressed the skip button on Kirko Bang'z "So Trill". Fortunately K. R. I. T saves the song, but good luck getting through the first half. And do I really only get to hear Logic once on the ENTIRE tape? He clearly one of the best songs on there. It's decision making like this that makes me wonder about XXL's rating system and which rappers they really think should be up next. The production on the project varies widely. You have anything from chill piano beats that allow for wordplay to straight up crack house trap music. On the same note, major props to Mr. Scott for producing his own beats. All that being said, there's something for everyone on this tape. Soon we'll get to see which of these class members will have their own cover. Who do you think had the best song? Did you like this freshman class? Tell us what you think in the comments!

- Reviewed by RA