He’s worked with some of the best in the biz — the likes of Kendrick Lamar, YG, Eric Bellinger and, notably, Bino Rideaux on the Sixtape EP. But now it’s time for Blxst to shine with his own music. This year’s “My Emotions” single is superb, and he’s just dropped an animated video to go with it that sees him flying over Los Angeles on a giant hawk. We chatted about all that and more…

IRVINE WEEKLY: When did you start singing, rapping and producing, and when did it get serious?

BLXST: I started producing simultaneously. This was right after high school, and that was the same time I took music more seriously. That was around 2012.

How would you describe your sound, and how has it evolved in those eight years?

First and foremost, I really started rapping rather than singing. I just felt like the melodies were in me. Some songs as a producer, you reach out for other R&B singers to sing but come to the conclusion that I can try it myself. Then I fell in love with my own sound, developing a sound.

You’ve worked with some top names, such as Kendrick, YG, Eric Bellinger — do you prefer doing your own thing or collaborating?

Mostly, I enjoy working by myself. Sometimes I do enjoy the collaborative process if I’m involved in it. I don’t like sending songs to another artist — I like being involved, in the studio with the artist so I can be in control as well.

Do you have a favorite of the collabs you’ve worked on so far?

So far, Bino Rideaux.

Tell us about the video for “My Emotions” — the song came out earlier so why now with the visual?

I just thought it was a great time for my fans to get a piece of a visual. During a pandemic, we thought an animated video would display the song well. We wanted to give everyone in L.A. that feel of authenticity. It came out better than I expected, actually.

How have you been keeping busy in lockdown, musically and otherwise?

What’s been getting me through it music and also video games — I play Call of Duty a lot. I don’t play Fortnite, but I definitely saw the Travis Scott thing on there — it was crazy.

What’s next for you this year, particularly after lockdown?

My main goal is getting my fans used to Blxst — just how I move, my characteristics. I want to press heavy on visuals. I have a lineup of visuals that are sequenced with each other. Like, four videos that tie into each other. So I’m excited for my fans to see the storyline that I put together

“My Emotions” is out now.

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