From the trap house to Ellen, from the Dungeon Family to the top of the Billboard charts, Future has been everywhere. But like many artists, the XXL Freshman cover was one of the rapper's very first stops on the road to true superstardom.

Just over five years ago, Hendrix was named a 2012 XXL Freshman alongside acts like Macklemore, Danny Brown, French Montana and more. With his distorted vocals, a knack for style, dynamic songwriting and an unmatched work ethic, Future has since become one of the defining artists of a generation, earning himself platinum plaques for several hit singles and projects like DS2, and his self-titled album in the process.

With the omnipresence of hip-hop culture and his continued success, Future doesn't have to look too far to see or hear himself in some form or another. Still, Hendrix appreciates the chance to pop up on the front of a magazine, which, in conjunction with his prominence, is why he's received his own cover for XXL's 20th Anniversary issue.

"It just reminds you of how far you’ve come and it always gives you that moment of clarity," Future says in his interview for our XXL Fall 2017 cover story, written by XXL Editor-in-Chief Vanessa Satten. "Your hard work’s paying off and you can be able to see it right before your eyes."

Future is just one of the artists selected to appear on XXL's 20 special edition covers. Like the Freebandz boss, these rappers have been documented by XXL through the extent of their careers and have always shown love to the brand that helped raise their profiles along the away. Future's fellow cover stars are 50 Cent, the cover king with 15 total XXL covers and a career we’ve been documenting from the start; Nicki Minaj, a queen in hip-hop building her own pinkprint in the game; Diddy, the man who not only reinvented the remix but paved the way for rap moguls; Wiz Khalifa, the cool, calm and collected superstar; Cam’ron, Harlem’s swag connoisseur; Lil Uzi Vert; the face of hip-hop’s new generation; Migos, three rappers who helped redefine the culture; Snoop Dogg, the Doggfather of the game; Pusha T, a success story as a group member, solo artist and record executive; T.I., rap’s gangsta and gentleman; Fabolous, a highly respected New York MC; Rae Sremmurd, the real crowd-pleasers; Birdman, a No. 1 stunna with a revered empire; Run The Jewels, partners in rhyme and reason; Yo Gotti, a testament to tenacity; Gucci Mane, the true comeback kid; Tech N9ne; an independent icon; E-40; hip-hop’s in-the-know uncle; and The Lox, a trinity representing for the streets.

Check out Future's full Fall 2017 cover story here, watch his interview video below and keep it locked to our exclusive 20th anniversary hub for more content coming in honor of XXL's 20th anniversary.

Travis Shinn for XXL
Travis Shinn for XXL
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Watch Future Discuss How He Doesn't Let Fame Get to Him

Travis Shinn for XXL
Travis Shinn for XXL
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See All XXL Magazine 20th Anniversary Covers

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