Rod Wave’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.

Rod Wave is considered one of the more promising voices to emerge out of the Sunshine State as of late. The soulful and melody-driven artist from St. Petersburg, Fla. caught the attention of fans with the release of his Hunger Games mixtape series, which kicked off n 2017. The third installment in the buzzworthy trilogy, released last year, features the Moneybagg Yo-assisted “Feel the Same Way,” as well as records like “Yessir” and “Weight On My Shoulder.”

Ranging from heartfelt to celebratory, Rod’s music is full of emotion and is a reflection on many of the things the 19-year-old rhymer has experienced throughout his life. Slated to hit the stage at this year’s Rolling Loud Miami festival in May, the Alamo Records signee has said fans have compared him to the likes of Kevin Gates. His plans for his future include being the "next big nigga out the bottom."

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 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