MLIZZY INTERVIEW: One of the hottest rising Drill rappers coming out go the UK right now, MLizzy is a South London native flying the flag for his generation’s contemporary take on UK drill with Gen Z’s viewpoint. Get familiar…

What five words define your sound?

Charismatic, honest, authentic, motivational and realistic.

Tell me something unique about your creative process.

I can write to a completely different beat at home, but when I get to the studio, I can adjust it to suit a whole other beat.

Which song of yours would you like people to hear first?

‘Sixteen’, because it’s personal. SW16 — that’s where I’m from. If you listen to my other songs, they’re hard, but ‘Sixteen’ really represents me.

What inspired you to make that song?

At the time, we had just dropped ‘Like Von’, and the hype around it was huge. But I felt I needed to release a banger that was deep, something that truly represented where I’m from — my community, everyday life and everyday struggles.

What’s the most vulnerable you’ve allowed yourself to be when writing or making music?

Normally, I write songs without fear, but there’s an unreleased track called ‘Common Sense’ that made me feel vulnerable. I’m quite a reserved person when it comes to my deep personal life, so this was the first time I really opened up about my family. Even in the studio, it felt different — it was a moment of me letting people in.

What’s the best experience you’ve had on stage?

My best moment on stage was performing at a show in Oxford. The whole crowd knew every single song, word for word — even my very first single. That was my first show outside London and it was a mad experience.

What about your worst experience?

I wouldn’t say I’ve had a bad experience, but one time in Camden, the microphone and sound system were playing up while I was performing some unreleased songs. I felt like the audience didn’t get to properly connect with the music because of it.

What is your favourite song to perform?

‘CDM’, it really connects with the people.

Which artist, song, or album made you want to make music?

Dave and Central Cee’s joint tape. The message in a lot of the songs was motivational — it made me realise that if they could do it, I could too.

What’s the meaning behind your name?

Back in school, they used to call me ML. At that time, I was still finding myself, building and refining who I was. MLizzy represents a new chapter — me knowing myself more.

If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing instead?

Honestly, I think I’d be on the wrong path. Music changed a lot for me.

What does success mean to you?

Comfortable stress. Stress never really goes away, so I’d rather it be comfortable. I’d rather be stressed out with a million pounds than with just £100.

What moment in your life or career forced you to change direction?

Seeing other people my age go from nothing to something. Even seeing my mutuals elevating — if they can do it, I can do it too but even better.

Where can people keep in touch with you?

In Streatham Vale, SW16 — for now. One day, Hollywood Hills! Haha. Instagram: @mlizzy.81, TikTok: @mlizzy81, and MLizzy on all streaming platforms.