Written by Alexandria Anglade
Music has been a constant presence in $onny XL’s life ever since he can remember. Raised in a home where hip hop, R&B, and Dancehall set the backdrop of his everyday surroundings, his fascination with sound began early. Long before he wrote his first verse at age seven, he was imagining visuals for the beats and rhythms his mother played while she cleaned and he played. That childlike wonder never faded; instead, it evolved. After internalizing the raw emotions of artists like Tupac, The Notorious B.I.G., DMX, and The Lox, he realized that true power lies not only in a compelling instrumental, but in the vivid stories woven through the lyrics.
For $onny XL, every track is an opportunity to paint scenes from real life. Whether he’s rapping about sorrow in his neighborhood or recalling a moment of levity, he believes listeners should be able to see themselves—or someone they know—reflected in his lyrics. That sense of authenticity stems from his creative process: whenever he hears a good instrumental, he imagines a scene and brings it to life with honest, relatable stories. Some songs are gritty, some lean into R&B-inspired melodies, others take on a spoken-word vibe he calls “Street Poetry.” Underlying them all is a sense of truth: they’re meant to represent life as it is, not a corporate-friendly interpretation of it.
This commitment to realism also shapes the message at the heart of his music. He wants people to feel they’re not alone when facing difficult circumstances. Whether it’s waking to the sound of gunshots or wrestling with mental health in an environment that doesn’t leave room for vulnerability, he refuses to sweep these issues under the rug. Instead, he puts them front and center, offering a voice to individuals and communities that are often overlooked. He believes everyone deserves to see themselves honestly reflected in art—flaws, struggles, and all.
In pursuit of that artistic vision, $onny XL has encountered his share of obstacles, from perfecting his craft in neighborhoods filled with distractions, to competing in an industry that often overlooks new voices. But for him, the question isn’t about avoiding challenges; it’s about conquering them. Viewing every hurdle as a chance to execute a plan, he’s steadily made his way onto bigger stages. One of his most gratifying moments to date was receiving encouragement from icons like Jadakiss, Styles P, Dave East, and the late DMX. That recognition reaffirmed the potency of his story and talent—and fueled his drive to push onward.
Looking ahead, $onny XL’s main priority remains his young daughter. Balancing fatherhood with the rigors of an emerging music career isn’t easy, yet he sees that role as his biggest source of motivation to keep evolving, keep creating, and keep pursuing his dream. Ultimately, his goal is to live comfortably on his own terms, making music that resonates with truth—refusing to compromise on sincerity, and staying dedicated to telling stories that need to be heard.
Instagram: @sonnyxl_
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