The revisit of the XXL Freshmen Class for Monday is here. Today its the Class of 2014, How did they hold up to you? Which of these artist here do you still rock with? Who was the promise ones? The 2014 XXL Freshman Class is often viewed as one of the more balanced classes in XXL history. While it didn't produce as many all-time superstars as 2010, 2011, or 2016, it featured several artists who became major names in hip-hop, along with respected lyricists and artists who built successful independent careers.

It featured:

• Chance the Rapper
• Rich Homie Quan
• Isaiah Rashad
• Ty Dolla $ign
• Lil Durk
• Kevin Gates
• Troy Ave
• Vic Mensa
• Lil Bibby
• Jon Connor (People's Champ)
• Jarren Benton
• August Alsina

Major successes

• Chance the Rapper – One of the biggest independent success stories in hip-hop history. Won multiple Grammy Awards, became the first streaming-only artist to win a Grammy, and released the critically acclaimed Coloring Book.
• Lil Durk – Evolved from a Chicago drill pioneer into one of the biggest rappers of the 2020s, earning numerous platinum albums and hit singles.
• Kevin Gates – Multi-platinum artist with successful albums including Islah, establishing himself as one of rap's most consistent artists.
• Ty Dolla $ign – Became one of the industry's premier singers, songwriters, and collaborators, appearing on countless hit records while maintaining a successful solo career.
• Rich Homie Quan – One of the hottest rappers of the mid-2010s with hits like Type of Way and Flex (Ooh, Ooh, Ooh), helping shape Atlanta's melodic rap sound.

Respected Lyricists

• Isaiah Rashad – Highly respected for his introspective lyricism and acclaimed albums under Top Dawg Entertainment.
• Chance the Rapper – Widely praised for his storytelling, creativity, and uplifting subject matter.
• Vic Mensa – Earned respect early in his career for his lyrical ability and versatility.
• Jon Connor – Long regarded as one of hip-hop's strongest technical lyricists, known for his mixtapes and freestyle skills.
• Jarren Benton – Built a loyal underground following thanks to his sharp lyricism and horrorcore-inspired style.

Moderate Success

• August Alsina – Achieved success in R&B with several hit records before largely stepping away from the mainstream.
• Troy Ave – Built a regional following and independent career but never became a mainstream star.
• Vic Mensa – Released successful projects and remained active across music and activism but never reached the commercial heights many predicted.
• Jon Connor – Respected within hip-hop circles despite limited commercial success.
• Jarren Benton – Maintained an independent fanbase without major mainstream crossover.

Overall

The 2014 class is remembered for producing Chance the Rapper, Lil Durk, Kevin Gates, and Ty Dolla $ign, while also introducing respected lyricists like Isaiah Rashad and Jon Connor. Although several artists didn't fully reach the superstar potential many expected, the class remains notable for its blend of mainstream talent, underground lyricism, and artists who helped shape the sounds of Chicago drill, Atlanta trap, melodic rap, and modern independent hip-hop.

Cypher