XXLMAG https://xxlmag.ca Wed, 16 Apr 2025 19:12:51 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8 https://i0.wp.com/xxlmag.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/cropped-Screen-Shot-2024-11-08-at-10.47.38-PM.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 XXLMAG https://xxlmag.ca 32 32 229961142 Mello Ollem Climbs Higher with New Single “Steep” https://xxlmag.ca/mello-ollem-climbs-higher-with-new-single-steep/ https://xxlmag.ca/mello-ollem-climbs-higher-with-new-single-steep/#respond Wed, 16 Apr 2025 19:12:51 +0000 https://xxlmag.ca/?p=1688

From the southside of ATL, CLAYCO’s own Mello Ollem is back with a new track that cuts deep and hits hard. His latest release, “Steep,” is more than a song—it’s a statement of survival, growth, and unstoppable ambition. With a gritty tone and unfiltered emotion, Mello taps into real-life pain and turns it into fuel for his climb.

“I was expressing my emotions with everything I’ve been going through in life—dealing with untrustworthy people, backstabbing peers,” Mello shares. “People I would’ve gave the shirt off my back for turned they back on me. You can’t let that get to you. Keep grinding, keep climbing. That road to the top is steep.”

The track came to life in yet another raw, energetic session with engineer Jarvis GATEZ, a key collaborator in Mello’s creative circle.
“We have that chemistry together when we get in the studio,” he says. “A lot of blunts n drank in rotation. We lock in and make magic.”

But “Steep” isn’t just another single—it marks a turning point in Mello’s journey.
“I told Imperial I was coming—I don’t like repeating myself!” he declares. “I’m coming to save the industry. It’s what I was put on this earth for. I talk with God every day. It’s my destiny.”

The momentum is real. Fans are still riding high off “CAN’T LOOSE” featuring Yung L.A. from his GUITAR HEROalbum, and visuals like the CODEINE video (shot by 4k cam) continue to make noise across platforms.
“The fans love whatever I give them, tbh,” he says. “I can’t name a bad track I have honestly.”

And now, fans can expect to see “Steep” too. The official video—shot by NEWWRLDMEDIA—is either out or about to drop as this article goes live.
“Me and NEWWRLDMEDIA been cooking with grease lately,” Mello adds. “So many videos loaded in the vault for this year.”

So what’s next for Mello Ollem?
“Expect a lot… visuals, collabs, singles, EPs, albums, etc. Me and my team ready to make a serious PUSH.”

From Clayco to the world, Mello Ollem is proving that no matter how steep the path, he’s built for the climb—and he’s bringing the whole Southside with him.

 

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 Meet Arshae: The New Voice Shaping the Future of Hip-Hop  https://xxlmag.ca/meet-arshae-the-new-voice-shaping-the-future-of-hip-hop/ https://xxlmag.ca/meet-arshae-the-new-voice-shaping-the-future-of-hip-hop/#respond Mon, 14 Apr 2025 00:04:52 +0000 https://xxlmag.ca/?p=1680

In an industry overflowing with talent and ever-evolving trends, one name is emerging with a vibrant blend of authenticity, versatility, and empowerment. Enter Arshae—a fresh face in hip-hop who is redefining what it means to be a female rap artist today. 

A Unique Blend of Influences 

Born in Minnesota and partially raised in Houston, Arshae’s music is a compelling fusion of Midwest grit and Southern swagger. This geographical duality seeps into every beat and lyric, creating a sound that is both relatable and refreshingly original. “Being authentically me is what makes me stand out,” Arshae explains, underscoring the importance of embracing one’s roots and experiences. Instead of chasing fleeting trends, she forges her own path, drawing strength from the diverse cultures that have shaped her life. 

Classy Hood Princess with a Girly Twist 

Arshae’s style is best described as a “classy hood princess”—an aesthetic that effortlessly combines bold street sensibilities with an undeniably feminine touch. “I’m in a girly era but not preppy,” she confesses, admitting that her look can sometimes be as unpredictable as her mood. This playful indecision is precisely what fuels her creative expression. Her dynamic style mirrors the versatility of icons like Nicki Minaj, who masterfully blends multifaceted personas, and Glorilla, whose unapologetic authenticity in the rap game serves as a beacon of inspiration. 

Motivational Rhymes with a Story to Tell 

What truly sets Arshae apart in today’s rap scene is her dedication to crafting motivational music tailored for women. Her lyrics are more than just catchy hooks—they are battle cries urging females to “get it on their own” while celebrating the power and individuality that each woman holds. Every verse is steeped in personal experience, telling stories that resonate with listeners on a deep, emotional level. With each track, Arshae invites her audience to rediscover themselves and reclaim their inner strength. 

Shaping the Future of Hip-Hop 

Arshae is not just another voice in the crowd; she’s a storyteller with a mission. Her music challenges the status quo by combining empowerment with entertainment—a duality that is often rare in the fast-paced world of hip-hop. By staying true to herself and drawing inspiration from a 

diverse array of influences, she paves the way for a future where female rap artists are celebrated not only for their lyrical prowess but also for their unyielding authenticity. 

In a genre that is constantly reinventing itself, Arshae stands as a reminder that the most powerful music comes from being unapologetically you. As she continues to break boundaries and inspire a new generation of female artists, there’s no doubt that Arshae is a force to be reckoned with—a true game changer in the ever-evolving landscape of hip-hop. 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theonlyarshae?igsh=OHBobDhqM2VteTJj 

Music: https://unitedmasters.com/m/b-t-b-been-that 

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Leanfacee Taps Into Raw Emotion With New Single “Gift Of Gab” https://xxlmag.ca/leanfacee-taps-into-raw-emotion-with-new-single-gift-of-gab/ https://xxlmag.ca/leanfacee-taps-into-raw-emotion-with-new-single-gift-of-gab/#respond Fri, 11 Apr 2025 01:36:50 +0000 https://xxlmag.ca/?p=1665

Daytona Beach’s own Leanfacee is back with a powerful new single, “Gift Of Gab,” a track that dives deep into personal battles, emotional control, and the unshakable confidence of someone who refuses to be defined by their demons. Known for his gritty honesty and melodic style, Leanfacee delivers one of the most polished pieces in his catalog—both sonically and emotionally.

“Gift Of Gab” was inspired by Leanfacee’s ongoing battle with lean addiction—a struggle that he doesn’t shy away from addressing in his music. “It’s about what it has caused me, how it helps control my emotions,” he explains. “I’m just trying to show even though I have this lingering demon I’m working on, I still feel like the world champ and I’m always coming out on top. That’s my message to other artists—just because you have a demon doesn’t mean you can’t feel like this.”

This new track represents growth and self-awareness, packaged in a way that still maintains Leanfacee’s signature confidence. “I think it’s one of the most well put together tracks I have in my catalog,” he says, noting how the song stands out among his previous work.

The creative process behind “Gift Of Gab” was both intimate and intense. Leanfacee worked solo for hours, obsessively looping the beat until the lyrics came to life. “I need to be BY MYSELF,” he says. “I feel I annoy people with how often I play back the beat. When I find a beat I’m in love with, I’ll play that thing over and over.”

That beat came courtesy of Florida-based producer @lowtyde, a YouTube discovery who’s played a key role in shaping Leanfacee’s evolving sound. The result is a vibe that’s both uplifting and triumphant—an anthem for anyone fighting personal battles and still finding ways to win.

But Leanfacee isn’t stopping there. He’s gearing up to drop a visually stunning animated music video for “Gift Of Gab,” crafted by @lilfromdahill_999. “This music video is going to be something special,” he promises, hinting that even bigger things are on the horizon.

With raw lyrics, an infectious beat, and an empowering message, “Gift Of Gab” is more than just a song—it’s a statement.

Listen to “Gift Of Gab” and connect with Leanfacee here:
https://linktr.ee/Leanfaceshawtyyy?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=e35ed2a0-6079-45f1-b253-95655dbca71b

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Outrageous, Unfiltered, and Unapologetically Hers: A Chaotic Chat with Sarah Herrera of The Tommy Lasorda Experience https://xxlmag.ca/sarah-herrera-me-more-mine/ https://xxlmag.ca/sarah-herrera-me-more-mine/#respond Sun, 06 Apr 2025 00:21:40 +0000 https://xxlmag.ca/?p=1660

Sarah Herrera doesn’t ask for your attention — she demands it, often with a scream, a punchline, and an unapologetic guitar riff. As the brain (and mouth) behind The Tommy Lasorda Experience, she’s long made noise with satire-soaked punk that flirts with chaos. But with her latest solo endeavor, she doesn’t just crank up the volume — she breaks the dial.

Her debut solo record — the gloriously self-indulgent “Me Me Me Me More More More Mine Mine Mine” — isn’t just a title, it’s a dare. Herrera is here to reclaim the narrative, hijack your expectations, and throw glitter bombs at everything polite and predictable.


🚨 A Solo Album That Screams “Main Character Energy”

Let’s be clear: this isn’t a side project. This is Sarah Herrera’s full-tilt manifesto. “I’m the alpha female. I write it all. I scream it all. I am it all,” she proclaims with a crooked grin. Sure, Jimmy and Miguel — long-time bandmates from Tommy Lasorda — are still on board, but “they’re basically glorified roadies at this point,” she laughs.

Distributed by Insurrectionary Records NYC, the record hits streaming services soon, but Sarah Herrera warns, “It’s not a vibe — it’s a threat.”


📜 The Birth of Chaos: Enter the “Ungodly Document”

Every great revolution starts with a doctrine — or in this case, a deranged, drug-fueled writing binge. Sarah Herrera penned what she calls The Ungodly Document, a 20-page stream-of-consciousness explosion where every sentence had to include one of six words: stealing, lawyer, taxes, homosexual, politician, or drink and drive.

“It’s like Mad Libs for the criminally insane,” she says, adding that at least three songs lifted lines straight from this masterpiece of mayhem. Tracks like “What’s Yours Is Mine” and “A Collect Call From Nowhere” drip with manic genius, but the album’s crown jewel might just be “I Like To Drink And Drive Because I Want To Be A Giant Pinball Going Down The Road.” Yep. That’s real.


🎬 Films, Narcotics, and Found Poetry

How does one write an album while “redecorating the soul with stimulants?” Simple: combine cinema obsession with stimulant bingeing. For three straight days, Sarah Herrera inhaled coke and benzos while rewatching her ten favorite movies. Any time a line struck her fancy, she paused the screen, dug her notebook from a pile of cans and rolling papers, and scribbled it down.

Later, those lines transformed into songs. The lyrics? A surreal mashup of Tarantino-meets-Waters dialogue set to punk chords and audio mayhem.


🔥 Track Titles You’re Probably Not Ready For

The song list reads like someone live-blogged a fever dream:

  • Lick My Love Pump

  • Mark It Zero

  • How Would You Like One Cross Yo Lip?

  • Shooting The Devil In The Back

  • Welcome To Emerald City

  • You Should Not Drink And Bake

  • I Can Drink And Drive Because It Is My Right To Express Myself (yes, it’s instrumental)

It’s as if The Velvet Underground had a baby with a bootleg Tarantino DVD collection.


🎱 “This Is My Jam!”: How A Jersey Pool Hall Became Punk Lore

The phrase that launched a thousand inside jokes? “This is my jam!” It came from a gritty 9-ball pool tournament in Jersey. “Some guy said it while salsa music played,” Sarah Herrera explains. “I laughed so hard I almost concussed myself on the table.”

Naturally, it became a track. Naturally, it’s one of the catchiest.


🚌 The “Tour” That’s Either Performance Art or Perjury

Their upcoming “tour” feels like a dare issued by Hunter S. Thompson. According to their questionably lucid manager, stops include:

  • A live show outside Sarah’s Bronx apartment

  • A set in the Meadowlands Arena Men’s Room

  • A swingers club in Queens

  • Several gun shops and cemeteries

  • A fictional Clockwork Orange milk bar in Europe

  • A Holocaust museum in Poland (yes, really)

  • And… The Shady Rest Funeral Home in the Bronx

Tickets? Free. Because none of it is happening. “It’s a concept tour,” she explains, deadpan.


💬 Sarah’s World, We’re Just Living in It

Sarah Herrera is the chaos conductor of punk’s most theatrical rebellion. Her work is dark, unhinged, and often brilliant. The new album’s title says it all — this isn’t for you, but you’re lucky to hear it.

Whether she’s penning satirical anthems or booking fictional tours, Sarah Herrera reminds us that art doesn’t have to behave. Sometimes, it just needs to scream back.


🎧 Follow Sarah Herrera and The Tommy Lasorda Experience via Insurrectionary Records NYC.
Look out for “Me Me Me Me More More More Mine Mine Mine” on streaming platforms soon.

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Xavi3000 Captivates Global Audiences with Awe-inspiring “Lies” Music Video Shot in Kabalagala, Uganda https://xxlmag.ca/xavi3000-lies-song-uganda/ https://xxlmag.ca/xavi3000-lies-song-uganda/#respond Sat, 05 Apr 2025 19:26:09 +0000 https://xxlmag.ca/?p=1649

In a musical landscape often saturated with synthetic visuals and hollow lyrics, Xavi3000 offers a refreshing divergence—rooted in authenticity, emotion, and a bold commitment to storytelling. With the release of his latest music video “Lies,” filmed in the vibrant, gritty heart of Kabalagala, Uganda, the rising artist cements himself as one of the most promising and compelling voices of his generation.

Shot and directed by visionary Ugandan filmmaker @phillosofar_de_don, the video is more than a visual companion to a single—it’s a living, breathing narrative experience that fuses sound, scenery, and soul. Released five months ago and still gaining traction, “Lies” continues to spark dialogue across platforms for its raw emotional depth and immersive visual storytelling.

One of the most striking decisions in the making of “Lies” was the choice to shoot in Kabalagala, a buzzing district in Kampala, Uganda. Known for its eclectic nightlife, bustling streets, and colorful character, Kabalagala offers an unfiltered look into the soul of urban Uganda. But in the hands of director Phillosofar, it becomes much more than scenery—it becomes a character in the story itself.

Related: YLA Howe’s Biggest Project Yet: Is The Flame His Breakout Moment?

The camera glides through narrow alleys, captures the faded elegance of local buildings, and lingers on candid street scenes. These details build the narrative’s texture and underscore the themes of betrayal, reflection, and the search for truth.

“Kabalagala provided the perfect setting for ‘Lies’—the energy, the textures, the people,” says Xavi3000. “Working with phillosofar_de_don in Uganda brought the story to life in ways that feel real and meaningful.”

There’s a subtle genius in the way Ugandan culture and community are organically integrated into the video. The environment doesn’t distract from the song—it elevates its message, turning every frame into a poetic reflection of the internal conflict Xavi3000 lays bare in his lyrics.


“Lies”: The Song as an Emotional Confessional from Xavi3000

At its core, “Lies” is a soul-baring exploration of love gone wrong. But Xavi3000 avoids clichés and instead dives into complex emotional territory—not just sadness, but confusion, anger, realization, and eventually, self-empowerment.

His lyrics reflect a mature emotional intelligence uncommon in much of contemporary trap or R&B. It’s not just about being hurt; it’s about recognizing the patterns, owning the pain, and finding clarity in the chaos.

Musically, the track blends afrobeats rhythms, R&B smoothness, and hip-hop cadence into a sonic landscape that feels both familiar and fresh. The genre-bending production gives the song a cross-continental appeal, drawing fans from Africa, the diaspora, and beyond.

“Lies” isn’t just about heartbreak—it’s about waking up to the truth, even when it hurts. And that’s something audiences everywhere can relate to.


Phillosofar_de_don: The Director Behind the Vision

Uganda’s phillosofar_de_don is quickly becoming known for his ability to transform urban visuals into emotional journeys. In “Lies,” he doesn’t just shoot a performance video—he weaves a cinematic short film that reflects the inner world of the artist.

His eye for composition, use of natural light, and intuitive editing style breathe life into the narrative. There’s a seamless harmony between sound and scene, making each moment in the video feel deliberate and resonant.

Together, Xavi3000 and Phillosofar have delivered a visual that transcends borders—one that speaks to the power of storytelling when it’s born from real places and real people.

Though still on the rise, Xavi3000’s impact is growing fast—especially across social platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where he connects with fans not just through music, but through honesty and relatability.

What separates Xavi3000 from other artists in the genre is his consistent emotional transparency. He invites his audience into his personal journey, allowing them to experience growth, pain, and joy alongside him.

In a time when image often overrides substance, Xavi3000 stands out as a rare talent who blends both—an artist whose aesthetic vision supports his emotional depth, and whose global appeal stems from a deeply rooted authenticity.

“Lies” is also a marker of what’s possible when African artists and creatives are given the space to tell their own stories, in their own cities, through their own lenses. Instead of outsourcing storytelling to the Western gaze, Xavi3000 and Phillosofar choose to center Uganda, showing its beauty, grit, and humanity unapologetically.

As a result, the video feels both hyper-local and universally emotional. It speaks to a broader movement happening across the continent—where artists are reclaiming their narratives and producing work that rivals international standards in both quality and emotional resonance.


Final Thoughts: “Lies” Is a Must-Watch, and Xavi3000 Is Just Getting Started

Five months after its release, “Lies” continues to resonate because it’s more than a song—it’s a story, a confession, and a cinematic love letter to place and pain. With Kabalagala as its heartbeat and Xavi3000 as its narrator, the track has become one of the most impactful cross-cultural releases in recent memory.

It also signals what’s to come. As Xavi3000 grows his catalogue, his influence is bound to stretch even further—connecting continents, hearts, and stories through the power of truth told through music.


🎬 Watch “Lies” now on YouTube
🎧 Stream the single on all platforms (Apple Music, Spotify, etc.)

📲 Connect with Xavi3000:

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