Lil Xxel (Zell) is the TikTok superstar taking the world by storm with his fun and unique genre-blending sound. Today, Lil Xxel is back with a brand new 2 song EP, #respecfully.

The EP features two new songs from Xxel – the rhythmic anthem “Sorry Changed” and upbeat track “Where Do I Start”. The two new tracks set the tone for a new era of Lil Xxel’s music. #respectfully showcases his R&B roots, lyrical mastery, and infectious energy. “Sorry Changed” tells the story of a broken heart and broken promises, giving a personal insight into the mind of LilXxel alongside moody and mid-tempo production. “Where Do I Start”, backed by a pulsing beat, illustrates the relatable feeling of reconciling after a break-up. This pair of tracks combine to formulate an EP that is guaranteed to continue his trend of producing viral hits. 

Q: Tell us about the genesis of your project. How did you get to where you are now?

I’ve always had an interest in music growing up. Back when I was in elementary school I joined the school’s choir. From there I went on to perform at as many of the talent shows as I could which eventually led to me creating my own music at the age of 16.

Q: What does music and being an artist mean to you? 

Music to me was always more about being able to express myself when I had no-one to talk to about my grievances or life challenges. Once I realized how creating an actual song gave me a sense of release, It slowly became my life. It was my “go-to” hobby to help me get through the darker times in my life.

Nowadays, being a more polished and developed musician has given me a purpose. I love how what I create makes me feel.  Now, being able to share that feeling with so many people is actively helping me fulfill that purpose.

Q: What are some sources of inspiration for your lyrics and storytelling?

Most of my inspiration when I create comes from everyday experiences from not only my own life but the experiences of my friends, family & even my fans.

Believe it or not, I have a record in my unreleased catalogue that tells a breakup story from the perspective of a fan. She told me her story over DM. It  was so different I felt the need to ask for her blessing to rewrite her story as a song. That same night, the record was born.


Q: Who is an artist that you look up to more than others today?

Drake.

Q: Favorite activity to blow off some steam?

Naturally I’d make more music but when I’ve done enough of that for the day, I’ll go shoot some hoops or sometimes go hit baseballs off of a lookout in the hills of LA.

Q: Tell us about your latest release and how it came about

Last minute I was able to get in with my guys Hitmaka & Prince Chrishan to be a part of their last session of the year right before Christmas. We cut 5 records in 4 hours and we called it a night. “What U Want” was born. My team heard the demo version & we’re ready to package it.
But I had deeper plans with this one so I had them reach out to Tyga and Coi’s teams’, and they both fired verses back. 

Q: You seem to be fusing rap with R&B and other musical genres. What inspires your sound?

I grew up listening to a lot of R&B and over the years have fallen in love with rap in a sense. Listening to artists like Drake, Jeremih, Justin Bieber, etc, it’s hard to remain uninfluenced.

Q: What are some things you do to deal with anxiety and creative blocks?

To be honest I just completely step away from everything such as social media, my phone as a whole, people around me, and I just relax to myself.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

At the top with the greats right now.

Q: Your style is very original and elaborate. How do you take care of your aesthetics?

I stay true to who I am despite how it makes people feel. Even if my audience looks at me weird at times.

Q: What was the most daunting moment in your career so far?

I would say stepping into my first ever label meeting. I was in insane amounts of shock that I had been receiving so much attention for my music but It felt good.

Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten?

You were born to make mistakes, not to fake perfection.

Q: Where do you think the music and entertainment industry is headed after this past year?

To be honest, I don’t really know. It moves and changes so fast. All I know is I’m on my way up and no one is stopping me. – xxel