X-Sirenn Discusses His Journey and ‘1 ToucH’ – X-Sirenn, a young dynamic hip-hop artist emerging from the Vaal 016 city triangle, is ready to captivate listeners with his unique blend of modern Trap and old-school rap. With influences ranging from Lil Wayne to Kanye West, X-Sirenn is forging a path in the music industry with a distinct sound and compelling lyrical content.
Our SA Music News Magazine team had an opportunity to catch up with him after he dropped his new single and video ‘1 ToucH’ on 6 September, to discuss his artistic journey, his inspirations, and what fans can expect from his new track.
Q: You’ve been making music since you were 11 years old. How has your music evolved from your early tracks to your latest projects?
X-Sirenn: My music has evolved massively. Back then, I wasn’t as professional or polished, but my talent still shone through as I kept pushing, practising, and perfecting my craft. Persistence has played a huge role in my growth as an artist.
Q: Who were some of your biggest musical influences growing up, and how have they shaped your music today?
X-Sirenn: In my early years, I listened to a lot of Lil Wayne, Drake, Kanye West, and artists from We The Best Music. Seeing how these artists carry the culture and represent hip-hop inspired me to test myself and see if I could do the same. Today, I’m proud to say I’m one of the best rappers to come out of the Vaal 016.
Q: ‘1 ToucH’ has a distinct UK Drill influence. What attracted you to this style, and how did the idea for the track come about?
X-Sirenn: I’ve been listening to a lot of Chicago Drill and UK styles recently, which really drew me in and inspired me to start spitting more bars. “1 ToucH” came to me as a Drill beat, and I began writing and free-styling based on how I felt at that moment, which led to the creation of the track.
Q: Collaborations have been a big part of your career to date. Can you tell us more about your experiences working with artists like Gully Seth, as well as your upcoming release with Emtee, set to drop after ‘1 ToucH’?
X-Sirenn: Before dropping “1 ToucH,” I was very active online with Gully Seth from 2022. Working with him has been fantastic; we learn from each other as independent artists and have formed a strong wave together. Gully Seth is not just a rapper; he’s also a great sound engineer. As for Emtee, we recorded a track back in 2021, and I’m excited to create more content with him and explore what rappers typically engage in.
Q: As an artist from the Vaal 016 city triangle, how does your background and community influence your music and message?
X-Sirenn: I have a lot of day-one supporters back in my city, and the vibe in Vaal 016 is amazing, especially when it comes to creating events. I’ll always represent Vaal 016 because it’s the place that shaped me, even through tough times.
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your journey as a hip-hop artist, and how have you overcome them?
X-Sirenn: Financial challenges have been a big struggle for me, but I learnt that not everything requires money. I stayed persistent, even when I had nothing, and that drive helped me overcome obstacles and reach a better place.
Q: Your music often explores themes of hope and resilience. How do your personal experiences shape the stories you tell through your lyrics?
X-Sirenn: My stories come from my personal daily life … the things I go through, see, and feel. I channel those experiences into rhymes and lyrics, aiming to present everything within a single cohesive concept in my songs.
Q: Can you talk about the role your family plays in your music career and how they influence your artistic direction?
X-Sirenn: Absolutely, my family plays a huge role in my career by always having my back, showing me love, and supporting me every step of the way. They guide me towards success, even if it doesn’t happen overnight.
Q: Hip-hop is constantly evolving. How do you see your music fitting into the current landscape of South African and global hip-hop?
X-Sirenn: I see my music fitting into the current hip-hop landscape by consistently blowing people’s minds with each release. My sound has its own unique flavour that sets it apart.
Q: What message do you hope listeners take away from ‘1 ToucH’?
X-Sirenn: Stay true to yourself and aim to reach heights that were never expected of you. Push beyond the limits that others set for you as an individual.
Thank you for the time to chat to us, and we wish you all the best as you aim to push the boundaries of hip-hop with your sound and lyrics. Be sure to stream and watch ‘1 ToucH’ available on all platforms Here
More about X-Sirenn
X-Sirenn is a young South African hip-hop artist from the Vaal 016 city triangle, located south of Johannesburg. He began rapping at the age of 11, influenced by renowned artists and labels such as YMCMB, Ty Dolla $ign, Maybach Music Group, We The Best Music, and OVO. His early inspirations include Lil Wayne, Drake, Tyga, Chris Brown, The Game, Wiz Khalifa, Young Thug, Kanye West, and Future.
At 16, X-Sirenn immersed himself deeper into music and began releasing his own tracks. Initially drawn to Trap hip-hop, he developed a strong affinity for old-school rap, viewing Trap as the commercial evolution of hip-hop. Mastering both styles, he has crafted expansive and dynamic musical compositions.
Since 2016, X-Sirenn has been actively creating music, transitioning to a more professional approach in 2019. He has collaborated with established artists such as Emtee and Gully Seth. X-Sirenn is also affiliated with groups including Internet Society Gang, Wave Time Entertainment, Re-birth Studios, Money Films, and Vaal016.
X-Sirenn aims to achieve recognition while staying deeply connected to his roots. His goal is to create music and art that will resonate and leave a lasting impact on the world through his unique artistic expression.
