The entire 2012 XXL Freshman Class took the Best Buy Theater stage by storm in New York City Monday night (April 9). Fans got to see Macklemore win the unfamiliar audience over, Future perform alongside his Moon Man mascot and Hopsin and Machine Gun Kelly, crowd surf, but plenty more happened behind the stage. Concertgoers walked through Best Buy's doors roughly around 7 p.m., but XXL's staff arrived hours earlier to prep for the evening. Here's a behind the scenes look at XXL's Freshman Live Concert Finale.—XXL Staff (@XXLStaff)

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Monday April 9, 2012...3:30 p.m.

As we’re arriving to the venue, we see a line of fans sitting outside. First girl in line was Ashley, who wore a Kid Ink sweatshirt. Both Ink and his manager DJ Ill Will knew her from coming to so many of Ink’s shows. The sweatshirt she wore, which Ink wore in a music video, was specially made as a replica.

Monday April 9, 2012...5:23 p.m.

A few of the XXL staffers bump into Iggy Azalea during sound check. It’s the first time some of them have seen her since the Freshman photoshoot. “Where’s Taco?” Iggy immediately asks, inquiring about the dog of Editor-In-Chief, Vanessa Satten. Most of the freshmen had gotten pretty friendly with Taco during the shoot.  When hearing of Taco’s absence Iggy simulates a fit. “That’s bullshit,” she shouts, throwing her pink hoodie onto the ground repeatedly. Digital Content Director, Carl Chery, jumps in and throws Iggy’s hoodie on the floor as well.

Monday April 9, 2012...5:39 p.m.

Roscoe Dash and his crew go through sound check. Some chord not properly arranged on stage upsets Roscoe’s spazzing hypeman; who is somewhat reminiscent of Pastor Troy. “We just got off a flight right now, and I’m hungry! I don’t need y’all unprofessional…” the hypeman ranted. Roscoe, however, carried himself calmly and politely consulted with the sound crew. He apologized for his hypeman’s rowdy antics, while also presenting his team’s concerns.

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Monday April 9, 2012...7:37 p.m.

As the XXL staff relaxes in one of the three dressing rooms, Kid Ink arrives with his entourage, and staffers leave the room 'cause the rapper needs to blaze.

Monday April 9, 2012...7:54 p.m.

During a meet and greet featuring Hopsin, Kid Ink and Don Trip, a fan spots DJ Alamo of Brand Nubian fame—now working with Ludacris’ Soul Headphones—and shouts, “2 Chaaaaiiinnzzz!” “Negative,” Alamo, who sports long dreads like Tit, replies.

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Monday April 9, 2012...7:45 p.m.

Hopsin is the only MC left in the fan’s meet and greet session. While Don Trip and Ink, the MCs who joined him during the autograph left to prepare as the show’s opening acts. Hopsin didn’t mind signing autographs and taking pictures with seemingly every fan.

Monday April 9, 2012...8:29 p.m.

Macklemore is spotted rocking a red hoodie and a fur vest. The vest looks somewhat like an accessory from a supernatural fantasy show like Xena the Warrior Princess.

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Monday April 9, 2012...8:32 p.m.

Kid Ink enters the stage, and immediately rallies up the crowd with several smokers’ anthems. The audience from afar seems nonchalant, but the standing audience is overly thrilled as reek of marijuana permeates the venue.

Monday April 9, 2012...9:15 p.m.

Talib Kweli and his lady were spotted getting a drink at the bar. When asked whom he was most excited to see, he replied, “I don’t know a lot of these acts, but I’m definitely excited to see Danny Brown.”

Monday April 9, 2012...9:17 p.m.

After her set, Iggy Azaela goes toward the barricades below the stage and takes time off to meet and greet with her fans.

Monday April 9, 2012...9:19 p.m.

The crowd started to chant for MGK and Hopsin.

Monday April 9, 2012...9:53 p.m.

Tech Nine arrives in the building to support Hopsin.

Monday April 9, 2012...10:10 p.m.

Macklemore humbly thanks XXL and the audience. He wraps up his set by celebrating his culture and brings out an Irish flag.

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Monday April 9, 2012...10:15 p.m.

DJ Whoo Kid is spotted stage-side enjoying the concert, but is quickly put to work when the show’s left without a DJ between sets.

Monday April 9, 2012...10:20 p.m.

Hopsin stage dives into the crowd. While he stays afloat, the Cali rapper perfectly recites his lyrics.

Monday April 9, 2012...10:25 p.m.

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Roscoe sits by the DJ booth as Hopsin takes the stage. He’d remain there for the rest of the night—occasionally reciting lyrics from fellow 2012 freshmen. He appreciates Hopsin’s set. "I fucks with that shit!" the rapper yelled as “Sag My Pants” hyped up the crowd.

Monday April 9, 2012...10:29 p.m.

Tech N9ne makes a special appearance and the crowd chants along to "Am I a Psycho?.”

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Monday April 9, 2012...10:39 p.m.

Danny Brown enters the stage rocking a ruler-patterned yellow sweat suit and turns things up with “Blunts After Blunts.”

Monday April 9, 2012...10:43 p.m.

The crowd surprisingly boos Danny Brown.

Monday April 9, 2012...10:51 p.m.

Future sets the place ablaze with "Tony Montana."

Monday April 9, 2012...10:55 p.m.

Dante Ross, a music industry OG and the current manager of Action Bronson, is spotted chatting with Macklemore and Hopsin's manager.

Monday April 9, 2012...11:00 p.m.

At the side entrance when he was arriving, French Montana rolled in with a group of 19 affiliates, which was followed by a separate group of 18 acquaintances.

Monday April 9, 2012...11:36 p.m.

Roscoe Dash stands behind the DJ booth on stage and raps every verse to French Montana’s "Stay Schemin’.”

Monday April 9, 2012...11:54 p.m.

While most freshmen left after their performances, Kid Ink, Macklemore, Hopsin and Roscoe Dash stuck around to catch a glimpse of Machine Gun Kelly’s performance.

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