This year’s XXL Freshmen cover was revealed yesterday, with the ‘Dirty Dozen’ being Ty Dolla $ign, August Alsina, Chance The Rapper, Rich Homie Quan, Isaiah Rashad, Lil Durk, Kevin Gates, Troy Ave, Vic Mensa, Lil Bibby, Jon Connor and Jarren Benton…the latter of whom was voted in by fans. One person who should have been on the list but cancelled at the very last minute, though? Young Thug! I’ll get into those details in a second…but I’d like to add my little inside info first. I originally received the list before everyone got together to shoot the cover, and there were 10 people listed, as well as one slot that was TBA. The only two missing from that list were Kevin Gates and Chance The Rapper, and judging by the popularity of Chance, I’m going to make an educated guess that Kevin was the last-minute addition. Just a little tidbit! Now on to Young Thug! During her interview with Sway In The Morning this morning, XXL’s Editor in Chief Vanessa Satten revealed the ATL rapper was scheduled to be on the cover, but called 10:30pm the night before the cover shoot and said he wouldn’t be making it. Interesting move! They also discussed other artists who are bubbling right now that didn’t make the cut…like Sage The Gemini (he was left out because he had a major label debut already) and IAMSU!, who they said is likely to be a contender for next year, and broke down why they included singers for the…
(Photos) 2014 XXL Freshmen Class Revealed!
It’s official! The 2014 Freshman class has finally been revealed. Live on 106 & Park right now, all 12 artists have been revealed, and while some are unexpected, some were definitely expected as well! Check out the gallery to find out who made the cut and see the cover!
Billboard’s Top 10 Album Sales, Week Ending 4/20/14 … Congrats To August Alsina On A #2 Debut!
There is no sign of the Frozen soundtrack stopping its reign any time soon! Fueled by Easter shopping, the soundtrack to the hit Disney film reached its biggest sales week yet, marking its 11th week at number 1 on the Billboard charts with 259k copies sold. To date, Frozen has sold 2.3 million copies, and now surpasses The Lion King as the longest-running number one soundtrack by an animated film. Also winning big this week is August Alsina, whose debut album Testimony comes in at number 2 on the Billboard 200 and number 1 on the Hip-Hop and R&B chart! Congrats, homie! Get the full top 10 below.
(Video) August Alsina ‘My Testimony’ Documentary
BET has taken an slight in-depth look into the influences behind R&B’s successful rookie August Alsina with ‘My Testimony’, and the new Orleans native makes sure that everyone knows that NOLA is where his heart is. Watch the 3 part documentary series below.
(Video) Throwback Thursday: Check Out August Alsina Back In The Day!
August Alsina has been buzzin’ recently from his hit single “I Luv This Sh*t” taking over the airwaves to his new album “Testimony” which is available for purchase via iTunes. To celebrate Throwback Thursday, take a look at the New Orleans artist before the fame below!
(Video) August Alsina: ‘My Testimony: New Orleans’ [Episode 1]
Lousiana native August Alsina has recently taken the music game by storm. After the release of his first studio album entitled “Testimony” which is available on iTunes, the “I Luv This Sh*t” artist launched a new docu-series called “My Testimony.” Check out episode 1 in New Orleans below!
