Flint rapper BabyFxce E is “Born Ready,” according to XXL magazine, which just named him to its 2026 Freshman Class.
The 23-year-old, born Efrem Blackwell, is part of the magazine’s 12-member group of rising stars, which was unveiled Monday. The magazine has been annually pointing toward and highlighting the hottest up-and-comers in the hip-hop world since 2007.
Joining Babyfxce E in the 2026 class are La Reezy, Slayr, Trap Dickey, Sosocamo, Belly Gang Kushington, Chris Patrick, Ykniece, Skrilla, Miles Minnick, Trim, and Hurricane Wisdom.
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Babyfxce E’s began his career in Flint in 2021 and he released his debut album “Love of the Reaper” the following year. He’s been steadily releasing new material ever since; XXL praised him for his consistency after releasing six projects in four years.
He was previously tapped as one of “15 Artists to Watch in 2026” by Billboard and one of “26 Rappers to Watch in 2026” by Complex.
His latest album, “Da Realest,” was released in February, and he released a new single, “Bussin,” last week.
Meanwhile “PTP,” a track off 2024’s “Real Striker Music,” has amassed more than 33 million plays on Spotify.
Babyfxce E was a part of the performance lineup at last week’s Hart of Detroit Summer Festival, along with Kash Doll, Babytron, Fetty Wap and more.
In May, he performed at Detroit’s Majestic Theatre, a show which was bumped up after originally being announced at El Club.
Babyfxce E is the latest Michigan talent to make the cut in XXL’s Freshman Class.
Detroit rapper Skilla Baby was named to the list in 2024, Babyface Ray and BabyTron were featured in 2022, 42 Dugg in 2021, Dej Loaf in 2015, Angel Haze in 2013, Danny Brown in 2012 and Big Sean in 2010. Flint rapper Jon Connor was on the list in 2014.
Superstar rappers who were once part of the XXL Freshman Class include Kid Cudi (2009), J. Cole (2010), Kendrick Lamar (2011), Future (2012), Travis Scott (2013), Lil Uzi Vert (2016), Playboi Carti (2017), Megan Thee Stallion (2019) and Rod Wave (2020).
