Most hip-hop fans are familiar with XXL‘s annual “Freshman” class of up-and-coming rappers. As rap music–and its fans–get older, we thought it would be fun to discuss which rappers are part of the Sophomore, Junior and Senior classes. In this episode, we try to answer the following questions: What does it it take to become an Upperclassmen? What keeps hip-hop Freshman from moving on to the next class and into long-term success? What does a mature hip-hop career look like? Whose next to graduate?
We also highlight a documentary that served as an inspiration for this episode: “Adult Rappers.” The film features older, independent hip-hop artists discussing what it’s like to continue to follow their dreams of making music in their 30s, 40s and 50s. Definitely check it out–it will give you a totally new perspective on the work it takes to be a working artist. The hour-long film can be viewed on YouTube and Vimeo.
Lastly, we give a quick shoutout to Camp Brooklyn Fund, a nonprofit that raises money to send low-income kids living in Brooklyn to summer camp in Upstate New York. It’s a great organization that helps kids get out of the city and into nature. Michael from Camp Brooklyn joins us in the beginning of the episode to talk about their latest fundraising initiatives: a gala and silent auction. Visit CampBrooklyn.org for more info.
Thanks to our special guests, Michael and Marques, for coming on the show.
