XXL Faces Controversy After Not Having Any West Coast Artists On 2024 Cover + Using 'Not Like Us' Banner

XXL magazine has unveiled its 2024 Freshman Class, coinciding with the hype surrounding Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us." However, the selection has sparked controversy as it includes no West Coast artists, despite the song's theme of West Coast pride. The annual cover features 10 spots, with this year's lineup heavily favoring New York and other East Coast cities, including artists like Cash Cobain. Texas rappers BigXthaPlug and That Mexican OT also made the cut, celebrated for their skills.

Fans and industry insiders expressed confusion and disappointment over the lack of West Coast representation. Bootleg Kev highlighted Los Angeles rapper 310Babiii, who just graduated high school and received a platinum plaque for his hit "Soak City." The omission continues a trend from last year when XXL used a play on Tupac Shakur's "All Eyez on Me" for the 2023 Freshman Class but left out West Coast artists.

Jason Martin, formerly known as Problem, praised the unity in Compton led by Kendrick Lamar, emphasizing the disconnect between the city's revival and the recognition from publications like XXL.

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