Don’t sleep on Lil Tjay‘s knowledge of rap facts. While the Bronx native may have stumbled a bit during the opening rounds of XXL‘s Rhyme and Risk, presented by Stake, he ultimately mounted an impressive comeback that showcased his deep appreciation for the culture.
The game mechanics are straightforward but demanding: contestants spin a wheel to determine point values, then select trivia cards to earn those points. A correct answer secures the score, while an incorrect one forces the player to draw a challenge from a hat. The goal is to reach 1,500 points or answer 15 questions correctly, with a limit of seven strikes before the game ends.
At the start of the session, Lil Tjay was visibly confident, assessing the board with a focused intensity. “I’m a competitive person,” he insisted, setting the stage for a spirited performance. However, the game began with a hurdle; Tjay failed to identify the city synonymous with the “chopped and screwed” sound. As a penalty, he was tasked with calling a friend to deliver the phrase, “Have a nice day,” leaving his acquaintance understandably confused by the sudden, polite gesture.
Despite the rocky start, the “Calling My Phone” rapper quickly found his rhythm. He navigated a wide array of topics, from identifying Ice Spice‘s home borough to detailing the specific aesthetic choices on Future‘s Mixtape Pluto cover. His knowledge extended to technical milestones, including identifying the rapper who holds the Guinness World Record for the most words in a single hit, as well as correctly naming his own role model’s classic 2017 project.
The experience wasn’t without its physical trials, however. Tjay faced several “risk” challenges, including a mystery jelly bean that left him visibly disgusted, prompting him to exclaim, “They went crazy with that one!” Ultimately, the trivia session served as a testament to his dedication to the craft. Fans can watch the full video below to see if he managed to secure the trophy.