Ep.17 - I Was At XXL Just Trying To Excel

If you're into Hip-Hop in any format, whether you follow certain artists, writers, YouTubers or even just your mate that's really into Hip-Hop, you know about the yearly content dump that is the XXL Freshman List.10 artists who are on the come up get the opportunity to say "Hey World, I'm here!" They drop a quick freestyle, attend the Freshman Cyphers and of course, join together for a cover shoot.But why is this still a thing? Is the List simply moonlighting as something for Hip-Hop fans to talk about in the Summer months? Goaded by the virality that Social Media has? Or is it a genuine attempt to try and hail 10 artists that are responsible for pushing the art forward?This is a rare episode where Ben & Charlie start off on different sides of the fence, but they find a middle ground by the end... And then Ben tries to put Charlie's business out on the street. Big mistake.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Round-up - (1:11) Oh yea! The ACTUAL topic of the show! - (19:28) Ben gives numbers on the importance of The XXL FL - (21:15) Charlie's contention with the List - (24:36) What is the criterion of the List? - (26:45) Does the fact that artists have rejected the invitation make it less 'definitive'? - (30:52) The *possible* negative Ben has - (34:52) More numbers explaining XXL's possible change in motive - (45:31) Is it simply just something to talk about & nothing more? - (55:08) Lighter Note - (1:01:33) Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence