Before the 2019 XXL Freshman class will be revealed this summer, the Freshman hopefuls are here to show and prove why they deserve a spot in this year’s class. The 10th Spot voting will launch on March 25, which means hip-hop's rising newcomers are vying for a spot on the 2019 XXL Freshman cover.

The birthplace of hip-hop has been well-represented as of late, thanks to the likes of Cardi B and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie. Next up to carry the torch for the historic borough of The Bronx is Lil Tjay. Hailing from the South Bronx, the 17-year-old rapper first popped out on the scene with tracks like “Resume” and “Optimistic,” which have both been streamed more than 10 million times on SoundCloud.

Focused on getting to the bag, not stressing over the ladies and overcoming the struggle, the “Bad to the Bone” rhymer continued his hot streak last year with a slew of other in-demand singles, including 2018’s “Brothers,” which is nearing 30 million views on YouTube. Signed to Columbia Records, Tjay dropped his five-track EP, No Comparison, towards the end of last year, and has appeared on records alongside the likes of Asian Doll and Polo G, who dropped their collab “Pop Out” earlier this year.

Now that you've heard his pitch, remember to vote for your favorite artist beginning March 25. The 2019 XXL Freshman 10th Spot will run for one week. This is where the public gets the chance to vote an artist into the XXL Freshman Class. Go here to make your vote count for your favorite artist.

Once you've voted, head over to XXL’s YouTube page to take a look back at the 2018 XXL Freshman Class, which featured Ski Mask The Slump God, Lil Pump, Smokepurpp, J.I.D, Stefflon Don, BlocBoy JB, YBN Nahmir, Wifisfuneral and Trippie Redd.

See Every XXL Freshman Class Cover Over the Years

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