Lil Yachty and Denzel Curry revisit the 2016 XXL Freshman Class in new documentary

A new documentary revisits the making of the 2016 XXL Freshman Class cover, the star-studded cypher and cover shoot that introduced 21 Savage, Kodak Black, Lil Uzi Vert, G Herbo, Denzel Curry, Lil Yachty, Anderson .Paak, Lil Dicky, Dave East and Desiigner as a single class a decade ago. The 25-minute film, titled The Making of the Most Iconic XXL Freshman Class and produced in partnership with Remy Martin, marks 10 years since the cover ran.

The documentary gathers new interviews with Lil Yachty, Denzel Curry, Anderson .Paak, Lil Dicky, Dave East and G Herbo, alongside DJ Drama, producer Sikwitit, 2026 Freshmen Chris Patrick and La Reezy, and XXL staff, tracing how the artists were selected, what happened on the day of the shoot and the class's lasting influence.

"It's not a popularity contest, and it's not just about who's the best rapper," XXL editor-in-chief Vanessa Satten says in the film. "It's who's got the best chance to be a rap star."

Denzel Curry recalls the earlier covers that pushed him to want a spot on the list himself, name-checking Curren$y, Kid Cudi, J. Cole, Nipsey Hussle, Jay Rock, Lil B, Kendrick Lamar and Mac Miller as the Freshmen who came before his class. Anderson .Paak, meanwhile, remembers arriving at the photoshoot knowing no one, until Lil Dicky introduced himself as a fan and broke the ice.

The 2016 class is also remembered for its cypher featuring Lil Uzi Vert, 21 Savage, Kodak Black, Lil Yachty and Denzel Curry, still ranked among the most iconic in XXL Freshman history. A decade on, its members have combined for No. 1 Billboard singles, multiple platinum and diamond certifications, Grammy wins and world tours.

The documentary streams now via XXL, tracing a class that helped usher hip-hop into the streaming era.