Posted by This year marks the 10th anniversary of the 2016 2016 XXL Freshman Class, a collection of artists that remains one of the most influential groups ever assembled in hip-hop history. The legendary class introduced the world to ten distinct voices: Lil Uzi Vert, 21 Savage, Kodak Black, Lil Yachty, Denzel Curry, Anderson .Paak, Desiigner, G Herbo, Dave East, and Lil Dicky.
In a reflective look back at that pivotal moment, G Herbo sat down to discuss the memories of that era and how his perspective on success has shifted from the hunger of his youth to the grounded, charmed life he leads today. “When I look back at it, it has seemed like it hasn’t been 10 years, for real,” Herbo admits. “Ten years is so long, but in this industry, in the business, it goes by like this.”
Defining a Generation
For Herbo, the 2016 class represented a unique intersection of styles where every artist occupied a distinct lane. As one of the primary architects of the Chicago drill sound, Herbo stood out by staying true to his roots rather than chasing fleeting trends. He credits the success of that period to a sense of “divine timing,” noting that the years surrounding 2016 were among the most fertile for his generation of hip-hop.
“I really feel like it was divine time,” he says. “I wasn’t focused on making melodic records or trying to make hit records. Just rap and do you. People are going to appreciate it.”
Success on His Own Terms
A decade later, the 30-year-old artist has evolved into a multiplatinum-selling, Grammy-nominated force. However, his definition of success has matured alongside his career. Today, it is less about the accolades and more about the ability to maintain autonomy and balance.
“Success is being able to do what I love, but to do it on my own pace, on my own terms,” Herbo shares. “Balance fatherhood, I’m about to get married, and still being able to navigate through the industry and still have success at this level.”
As he continues to navigate his career with intention, Herbo remains a testament to the longevity that comes from authentic storytelling and unwavering consistency.