5 most deserving rappers for 2024 XXL Freshman 10th spot

That Mexican OT

This current generation of Texas rappers are making a lot of noise in hip hop in the early 2020s. Dallas's BigXthaPlug and Houston's That Mexican OT and Megan Thee Stallion have all pushed the envelope into the mainstream in their own respective lanes out of Texas.

That Mexican OT has already gained the respect of established names in Texas hip hop for decades, like Paul Wall and Slim Thug. His writing and pure rapping abilities give That Mexican OT an old-school influence with a refreshing new trap spin on Houston hip hop.

The Houston rapper and songwriter has garnered comparisons to the likes of DaBaby, Moneybagg Yo, and Kevin Gates. But he insists that his flow and delivery are more comparable to female rap superstars like Megan Thee Stallion and Nicki Minaj.

That Mexican OT has not only gained the respect of his pears and supporters from Houston and other big cities in Texas, but he's also seen mainstream success with his last two projects. His first two studio albums, 2023's Lonestar Luchador and 2024's Texas Technician, both debuted on the Billboard 200.

His breakout single "Johnny Dang" is among four singles that have charted on either the Billboard Hot 100, US R&B/Hip Hop charts, or both, since the start of 2023.

Given how quickly That Mexican OT has made waves in Texas and throughout the United States with his unique flare and rapping style, he should be a shoo-in theoretically for the XXL Freshman Class.