Lil Westside Is Putting On For Florida

Lil Westside is a Jacksonville, FL native who is currently bubbling up in the hip-hop industry with her rapid and clever flows. Rapping since the age of 5, it comes to no surprise the level of greatness Lil Westside displays when it comes to her lyricism. Learn more about Lil Westside below in an exclusive conversation here at On Tha Rize Mag!

You’ve been passionate about music since your childhood, at what moment did you decide music would be your full-time passion?

I knew music was going to be my full-time profession when I found out I couldn’t play basketball any longer. My GPA was too low, I was going through a lot of stress because my best friend died, and my mama was struggling. So I just had to figure out something else I liked to do quickly. 

While growing up in Jacksonville, would you say it was a musically influential place? Or was your influence pulled from several different experiences?

I’d say a little bit of both. The only influence at home specifically began when I was in the 9th grade, and a guy named Khiry (aka Sk8tie) was a senior. He was known for his music, image, and having women. That’s when I knew I wanted to be cool just like that. I also looked up to New York artists growing up too. 

“Demon Time” is your first solo release in two years, how come you took (what seems to be) a break?

I was battling a lot of demons while trying to find myself again. A lot of passing and falling out with people took control over me. At one point I felt like I was going to die next, because it kept happening around me. I was trying to perfect my craft at the same time, making sure it was perfect – but I wasn’t ready to put anything out at that time.  

How did your friendship with Billionaire Burke begin? You guys have released a few tracks together this year.

Last year I got posted on Say Cheese TV, and he reached out to me giving me my props. I’d say a month later, he hit me again and said “Let’s work.” I flew to Atlanta a week later, and it’s been love ever since. 

“Big Pimpin” with Billionaire Burke and Sada Baby is a bop. How did that track come about?

I was in the studio with my producer Eddy, just listening to beats. As soon as he played the beat, I just had to have my brother Burke on it. That man is the goat when it comes to making it happen. I told him I could hear Sada Baby on the song as well. A week later, we got the verse back with Sada Baby on it. 
Even though you are primarily an artist, do you aim to be -or- are you already a jack of all trades? 

Yes of course, I want to learn it all. I already know how to record myself, and I do also songwrite for other artists. I’m also learning the visual part of things and how to shoot music videos. 

Any tips to artists watching your current journey?

My advice to artists is: Whatever you do, give it hell!

Now that you’re super active, what can fans and newcomers briefly expect for 2023?

In 2023 fans and new faces are going to be hearing my name everywhere! The goal is to make sure me and my team are in better positions. I’m definitely going to be dropping a lot more as well.  

Where can we keep up with you?

Follow me on all platforms @lilwestside1k.