The Decline of XXL's Freshman Credibility: EBK Jaaybo Freestyle, Gelo, and the Class of 2025

🎤 XXL 2025 Freshman Class: A Fan Favorite Who Never Made the Shoot

The 2025 XXL Freshman list dropped on June 24, and the reaction has been a mix of hype, criticism, and genuine surprise. The full class includes twelve new names, handpicked from a pool of 68 hopefuls (xxlmag.com):

• 1900Rugrat

• BabyChiefDoIt

• EBK Jaaybo

• Eem Triplin

• GELO (LiAngelo Ball)

• Ian

• LAZER DIM 700

• Loe Shimmy

• Nino Paid

• Ray Vaughn

• Samara Cyn

• YTB Fatt (according2hiphop.com)

🏆 EBK Jaaybo: Fan Favorite Who Missed Out

One of the most talked-about names has been EBK Jaaybo—a fan favorite who went viral as he made the Freshman list from behind bars. He won the coveted 10th spot, but was arrested en route to the group’s photo/cypher shoot, making him unable to participate in the live content (xxlmag.com).

Despite his absence, XXL ensured he was still officially included, even releasing his freestyle from jail—a first in the platform’s history (youtube.com). TMZ spoke with him, and he expressed disappointment: “I was disappointed I couldn’t make it in‑person… XXL allowing me to still be selected even though I’m in jail, is an honor” (tmz.com).

Unfortunately, Jaaybo is now facing federal charges that could carry up to 30 years in prison, with a trial set for July 28 (xxlmag.com).

📉 Has XXL Lost Its Edge?

Longtime fans are arguing that the list has lost its edge—no underground gems, just already-established names with name value. Reddit reactions reflect the sentiment:

“Pop Rap and XXL is so clearly dead. Look at how dumb these names are.”– THEbaddestOFtheASSES (reddit.com)

“Ray Vaughn and samara cyn are the only ones I think are worth checking out ngl.”– crypt_rat_lord (reddit.com)

And more bluntly:

“You know this shits lost all credibility when Gelo makes the cover.”– zdrawzbusi (reddit.com)

While GELO (LiAngelo Ball), Ian, and Ray Vaughn drew early attention, many fans note the absence of traditional underground breakout artists. As one prominent voice put it, “it needs to be a balance”—not just mainstream, but bubbling talent from the underground (reddit.com).

🔍 The Takeaway

• EBK Jaaybo steals the spotlight—making history from jail but missing the shoot due to legal woes.

• XXL's selection appears stacked toward names with existing fame rather than fresh street-level talent.

• Fan disappointment is real: many long for the days when the list was a launchpad for true underground stars.

Will we see more authentic talent in 2026? And how will EBK Jaaybo’s story evolve behind the scenes—or behind bars? Only time will tell.

📲 Follow the 2025 Freshmen on Instagram

Here are the official IG profiles of all 12 artists included on the list—follow to stay up-to-date:

• 1900Rugrat: https://instagram.com/1900rugrat

• BabyChiefDoIt: https://instagram.com/babychiefdoit

• EBK Jaaybo: https://instagram.com/ebkjaaybo

• Eem Triplin: https://instagram.com/eemtriplin

• GELO (LiAngelo Ball): https://instagram.com/lianjeloball

• Ian: https://instagram.com/ian

• LAZER DIM 700: https://instagram.com/lazerdim700

• Loe Shimmy: https://instagram.com/loes shimmy

• Nino Paid: https://instagram.com/ninopaid

• Ray Vaughn: https://instagram.com/rayvaughn

• Samara Cyn: https://instagram.com/samaracyn

• YTB Fatt: https://instagram.com/ytbfatt