Rising rapper Ian is gaining attention after being featured in XXL’s 2025 Freshman Class. His “XXL Freshman Freestyle” performance has sparked a wide range of opinions across social media.
The performance begins with Ian saying, “Walk in that b*tch like, ‘How the hell y’all doing? How y’all feeling today?’ / Ready to turn myself in down at the station, I made a killing today.” The freestyle was shared on XXL’s official YouTube channel, where fans quickly voiced their thoughts.
Some viewers criticized the freestyle. One commenter wrote, “Real talk, I thought this freestyle was gonna be ass but if you listen to what he’s saying he’s actually spitting some garbage.” Another said, “Everyone hyping it but it went from a trash preview to a mid freestyle lmao. Ya give him too much credit.”
However, not everyone agreed with the negative reviews. Some fans defended Ian’s style and lyrics. “This was actually fire. Y’all was hating before hearing the full freestyle,” one supporter said. Another fan added, “Ian is just as good as many rappers in his class. Y’all need to stop pretending like you suddenly care about ‘lyrics’ and ‘rhyme schemes’ if Carti is your favorite rapper.”
XXL announced its 2025 Freshman Class last month. The lineup includes several rising talents such as 1900Rugrat, BabyChiefDoIt, EBK Jaaybo, Eem Triplin, GELO (LiAngelo Ball), LAZER DIM 700, Loe Shimmy, Nino Paid, Ray Vaughn, Samara Cyn, and YTB Fatt.
In his interview with XXL, Ian expressed how meaningful this moment was for him. He pointed to the 2016 XXL Freshman Class as his inspiration. “This is a legendary thing in hip-hop,” he said. “It’s a really beautiful thing to be part of.”
As debates continue online, one thing is clear — Ian’s appearance in XXL’s Freshman spotlight has made a lasting impression.Read how fashion icon Vera Wang surprised fans with a bold new hair transformation after her 76th birthday
