After 30 years, XXL Freshman Class of…
After 30 years, XXL Freshman Class of ’96 
From Jay-Z building a billion-dollar legacy to Lil Kim and Foxy Brown redefining what female rap looked and sounded like — this wasn’t luck, it was a takeover in real time.
At the same time, Busta Rhymes was bringing unmatched energy, The Fugees were blending hip-hop with global sound, and Master P was quietly building one of the most powerful independent empires the game had ever seen. Different styles… same dominance.
What makes this class different isn’t just the talent, it’s the impact. Decades later, their influence is still everywhere. This wasn’t just a moment in hip-hop… it was the blueprint.
A generation that changed hip-hop forever. 
Art by: jslayart