PAUSE Meets:
Hunxho
Talks exclusively to PAUSE about growing up in Atlanta, dealing with fame at a young age & his upcoming album
“Everything happened for me the way it was supposed to.”
Hunxho burst onto the scene in 2021 with the trap-heavy “Let’s Get It,” which quickly established the young artist as one of the leading figures of Atlanta’s new wave of rap. It wasn’t until this track blew up and got a 21 Savage remix that Hunxho realised that his dream of being a rapper was finally becoming a reality.
The Atlanta rapper carried this momentum into future projects and showcased his versatility as he switched his style with the R&B-leaning For Her EP in 2023. The introspective project took his career to the next level as he debuted on the Billboard 200 and his music resonated with millions as he laid himself bare and was unashamedly vulnerable.
Within a couple of years, he proved the doubters wrong as he amassed a huge fanbase with hit songs like “Your Friends” and “By Tomorrow.” Not to mention, touring with Lil Baby, performing at Madison Square Garden, selling out his own hometown headline show, and collaborating with industry giants like 2 Chainz and Summer Walker.
As he prepares for the release of his next full-length project, Hunxho recently dropped the Before the Album EP. The opening track “Ups and Downs” sets the tone for the project. It is painfully honest and raw as Hunxho raps about heartbreak, fatherhood and mental health struggles. The Atlanta rapper isn’t afraid to show his vulnerable side and wear his heart on his sleeve.
As Hunxho continues his rise to the top of the rap game, one thing is for certain: he won’t compromise his artistry for virality or fame and continue to be true to himself, as he has done throughout his career.
I loved the R&B-leaning For Her, did you approach the album any differently? Did the studio sessions feel different?
It was just more about me locking into my headspace and focusing on where I was at in that moment. I didn’t let anyone in the studio that did not have to be there. For Her was just different.
Does this success change your outlook on what music you’ll make going forward?
I make music based on how I’m feeling and where I’m at in that moment, that will always be my outlook. I’m just going to keep being myself.
Is it easier to express yourself with this style of music?
I don’t really think it’s this style of music, it’s just me connecting with what I’m hearing. The sound is not really new, it’s still street poetry, just more elevated.
Ken Carson described ATL as the “black Hollywood” – what makes it such a breeding place for young creatives?
Atlanta is always going to be Atlanta, we just different. What’s creative for y’all is really just us telling our story.
What was your upbringing in Atlanta like?
It was hard. But it’s always hard not trying to go the wrong way. But I survived, you feel me? It made me who I am today, and I thank God for that every day.
Do you remember the moment that rap could be a career?
When I made “Lets Get It.” It went off, and a lot happened for me that year. 2022 was a big year for me.
It wasn’t an easy road to get here – You used to DM labels to get signed but they didn’t respond. Are you thankful you did it your own way?
Everything happened for me the way it was supposed to. I always felt that the choices I was making were right, as far as my music goes.
Summer Walker jumped on the remix of “Your Friends” – how did this come about? And what do you think Summer added to the track?
Just on some Atlanta sh*t. I feel like Summer added the female angle to it. Gave my female fans another perspective, Summer did what she was supposed to on that.
How do you stay humble and grounded amongst this breakthrough moment?
I stay down with those who stayed down with me. I’m still around my family, my kids, my friends, my team. That’s what keeps me grounded and humble.
Fame can be a lot to deal with at any age, never mind at the tender age of 25! What lessons have you learned throughout your career – and life – that have helped you prepare to deal with this?
Growing up, I learned that a lot of people that say they’re there for you, aren’t there for you. People always want a piece of you. That’s why I don’t take certain things too seriously, I do things the way I want to do them. Fatherhood too, I feel like I learned patience when I had my kids, patience helped me really deal with everything.
Top – Criminal Damage.
You toured with Lil Baby, what did you learn from that experience?
I f*ck with Baby, I did that tour right before I dropped For Her. I really learned more about my style of performance. Now, I’m headlining my own tour and feel like I really connect with my fans on a different level.
You performed at MSG, how did you feel ahead of that show? How do you prepare for a show at such an iconic venue?
The whole experience just felt big. I performed on tours in the past, but performing at MSG reassured me I was getting further.
How are you feeling after coming off your first headline tour?
It feels big, I can’t lie. After my first headlining show in Atlanta back in February, I just knew this was only the beginning.
What can fans expect from a Hunxho show?
A good time! But nah for real, my fans definitely get a bit of each project that got me here, even my unreleased sh*t, they’re really locked in with me.
Vest – askyurself, Pants – Rick Owens, Boots – Balenciaga.
Top/Bottoms – Dolce & Gabbana, Sneakers – Nike.
When reviewing your hometown show, the AJC said “Hunxho is only in competition with himself.” Does it feel like that?
Yeah, I’m not really worried about what anybody else is doing, I’m just being me. I just make sure I’m better today than I was yesterday. That’s really it.
How would you describe your fashion style? Is fashion important for you?
My fashion style really just be me, I like flared pants and stuff like that, things that make me feel and look good. Fashion is for sure important to me, as I go, I learn more about what I like and what I don’t like.
As you’re tall, how do you navigate fashion and shopping?
Man, being tall for sure plays into my fashion and shopping. But I’ve found brands that really work for me too, like Rick Owens.
Aside from the “One Night Only” tour, what is next for Hunxho? Can we expect more music soon? If so, what style or genre will this be in?
I’m coming off my EP Before The Album while I’m still perfecting the album. My next album is going to be a reflection of how far I’ve come and how grateful I am; it’s really going to be all me. The style is always going to be me but more elevated. I don’t really think genre, just music.
Follow Hunxho on Instagram
