Don Toliver’s Pitch for 2019 XXL Freshman

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.

Don Toliver first started making waves with his music in 2017. It was only after being inspired by the music of Musiq Soulchild during a barbershop visit that he decided to pursue music seriously. According to the multi-faceted Trap & B artist, he grew up listening to soul singers like Teddy Pendergrass, Sade and Bobby Womack, who was a huge inspiration for Toliver’s first full-length solo project. Released digitally last summer, Toliver’s debut mixtape, Donny Womack, featured the records “Backend,” “Diamonds” (which has more than 400,000 YouTube views) and “Holdin’ Steel” with Dice Soho. The 13-track project, which showcases his love of both hip-hop and R&B, was right on time, dropping 24 hours before Travis Scott’s monster Astroworld arrived.

Building a local buzz landed the 24-year old from Houston a major cosign from the “Sicko Mode” rapper, as well as a scene-stealing appearance on Astroworld’s “Can’t Stay.” Toliver, who also popped out on dates throughout the first leg of the Astroworld tour, is now signed to Scott’s Cactus Jack Records imprint.

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.

And watch all the 2019 XXL Freshman pitch videos that have been released on XXL's YouTube page here.

See Every XXL Freshman Class Cover Over the Years