From the Ground Up: How JXMill$ is Forging his Own Path in Phoenix

Phoenix is known for its scorching heat, but perhaps less so for its vibrant and diverse streets filled with musical talent. JXMill$, a rising rapper raised in the Valley, wants to change that narrative.

After being a part of a friend’s cypher, JXMill$ realized he wanted to further explore his musical ability and has since been writing and performing his own music for the past year. Although he is still new to the game, he has realized that his goals are bigger than anything he has seen before.

“Being from Phoenix, we don’t really have any stepping stones to get to the level I want to be at,” JXMill$ says. “I haven't seen anyone in Phoenix accomplish what I want to accomplish. I'm out here trying to figure it out for myself.”

Despite his his inexperience on stage, JXMill$ still performs as though he’s been doing it his whole life.

“I take a lot of pride in my performances. It doesn’t matter if there are 7 or 700 people [in the crowd],” he says. “Every time I'm performing, I give them a connection and the energy I would be looking for.”

In addition to his live performances, JXMill$ also utilizes social media to make connections and grow his audience, with his thought process being that once he releases his first EP in April, his pre-established audience will be waiting and eager to listen.

In just a year, JXMill$ has already added several accomplishments to his repertoire. With seven performances under his belt —including the Arizona HipHop Fest— and a collaboration with local and well-known musician Indi Clouds, JXMill$ is quickly making his mark in the Valley music scene and shows no sign of slowing down.

“[Toshi Flow Remix] was my first feature, and a lot of people saw it,” he says. “For me, being new and to have someone that talented look at me in that light, that's really cool.”

While he clearly has a knack for performing, it’s not something JXMill$ wants to do long-term. He instead hopes to work in the music industry itself, helping other artists achieve their goals in Arizona.

“I want to put Phoenix on every map. As far as culture and talent, there's so much of it in Phoenix, but we’re not known for it,” he says. “Everyone who comes out here has all of these opinions…I want to change people's opinions.”

As a rising musician navigating the Phoenix music scene, he’s encountered his fair share of challenges, but the support of his family is a constant reminder that the struggles are all part of the growth.

“My family is a big part of it,” he says. “My support group is really large.”

While music is his current journey, the rapper also hopes to branch into other creative outlets, such as comedy, fashion, and film. As he continues to strengthen his connections throughout the Valley, there is no question that JXMill$ is an artist at heart and will find success as he brings the city of Phoenix to his level.