XXL Magazine dropped the 2026 Freshman Class cover on June 24, 2026, and made history: Miles Minnick became the first openly Christian rapper ever selected.
The Bay Area artist won the fan-voted 10th spot after campaigning to “push the Kingdom forward”. Minnick wrote: “We’re stepping into this representing something that’s deeper than music”.
The 2026 class also includes Skrilla, Xaviersobased, Star Bandz, Joony, Hurricane Wisdom, Lelo, Trap Dickey, Babyfxce E, La Reezy, Slayer, Chris Patrick.
Since 2007, XXL Freshman has launched Kendrick, J. Cole, Future, Megan Thee Stallion. Minnick is the first CHH artist to break in, after becoming the first Christian rapper to perform a solo Rolling Loud set in 2025.
