 MTV News reported on Cudi on a series of reports titled "MCs To Watch In 2009".In late 2008, Cudi was revealed to be included in "XXL"s 2009 annual Freshman Class.He was featured on the cover alongside fellow up-and-coming rappers Asher Roth, Wale, B.o.B, Charles Hamilton, Cory Gunz, Blu, Mickey Factz, Ace Hood and Curren$y.