Xcellence! – Best Life

By starrymag | March 13, 2021

By: Alejandra Gil M

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) Imagine if Lady Gaga, Diplo, M.I.A., Jay-Z, The Beatles and the Notorious B.I.G. all had a baby. What would that sound like? Xcellence!

 

Q) For your new single “Best Life,” what was the songwriting process like?

 

A) Like all my records, I do what the music tells me. The horns in the record in a somber yet energetic tone reminded me of all we survived in 2020. The music told me to speak on living through that.

 

Q) The single captures some of the joy of a new year, the new administration, and the hope for a brighter future. What do you expect people to take away from it?

 

A) That life is beautiful – hard – but beautiful. that we must live life to the fullest and not take anything for granted. As Forest Gump says, “Life’s a box of chocolates, you never know what you gone get.”

 

Q) The lyric video features art by koloreverywhere. Why did you choose to work with them?

 

A) Koloreverywhere is brilliant. He gets me. I can send him a song and he’ll make the emotions and feelings come to life on screen.

 

Q) You mentioned that 2020 was one of the hardest years you can remember and that you spoke to friends who thought of committing suicide and were in really dark places, is there anything that you have been doing to stay positive?

 

A) Yes, the fact that I’m alive, that I can make the music I love and be with people I care about. Every day I wake up and go outside is a gift. It’s important to be grateful for the little things in the world, to find beauty in them.

 

Q) You were part of the iVoted campaign with over 1M combined streams and virtual performance, tell me about that experience.

 

A) It was an inspiring experience. I wanted everyone to vote! I’ll always be an advocate for making other’s voices heard! That’s why I wrote a new record specifically for the event. I wanted a song that would inspire others to go out and “Vote!” A song that can be played every time there’s a need for a Vote!

 

Q) Your song “Vote” was a part of it. It featured Billie Eilish, TI, 3Oh3! and Red Hot Chili Peppers to name a few. How was it being involved in the festival?

 

A) It was an amazing experience! I’m sure thousands of Americans left more inspired and ready to make a difference.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) Miley Cyrus! We would make #Bangerz.

 

Q) Your first EP I’m Coming 2.0 has had over 1.5 million streams. As an openly gay rapper you have a very loyal fanbase and community online as well. How do you feel about that response?

 

A) It makes me happy that people enjoy my music! It’s the best thing I know how to do.

 

Q) With concerts currently on hold, what do you miss most about live performances?

 

A) I miss the ability to connect with an audience, to reach out and touch people, to see someone’s reaction to my art.

 

Q) What would you like to say to fans and supporters of you and your music?

 

A) 2021 will be the summer of Xcellence! Buckle up Buttercup!