XXL Freshmen 2014 Cover Revealed

It’s what you all been waiting for, ain’t it? It’s XXL‘s Dirty Dozen: Chance the Rapper, Isaiah Rashad, Ty Dolla $ign, Rich Homie Quan, Vic Mensa, August Alsina, Troy Ave, Kevin Gates, Lil Bibby, Jon Connor, Lil Durk, and as voted by YOU, our 10 spot winner and the People’s Champ, Jarren Benton.

The XXL staff was on hand to exclusively reveal the XXL Freshmen 2014 cover on BET’s 106 & Park Monday evening (May 5). Watch the episode below, including performances by some of our cover stars.

Starting next week and running till June, we’ll be rolling out profiles, interviews, roundtables, and our world famous cyphers and freestyles with this year’s fine crop of talent. Plus there are a few more surprises that we’ll keep close to the vest for now.

Since 2008, XXL has anointed a new breed of rappers on the rise with its annual cover — an event that many in the hip-hop community view as a sign that these young artists have made it. Past selections include Kendrick Lamar, YG, Future, Big Sean, and Grammy winner Macklemore. Is there a multi-award winner in our midst?

What do you think of the XXL Freshmen 2014 picks? Hit us with your feedback on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Instagram using hashtag #XXLFreshmen14. We might even feature your comments in a future roundup, if you manage to make us smile, laugh or even cry.