On Episode 132 of the Guest Speaker Series, Springfield, Mass. native and rising alternative hip-hop artist Jxylen joined the show to dive into his layered artistic journey — one defined by bold visuals, experimental sonics, and a steadfast commitment to putting the art first.
Representing the often-overlooked Western Massachusetts creative scene, Jxylen took time to spotlight the talent bubbling in the area. “There are so many dope artists where I’m from that don’t get the shine they deserve,” he shared, highlighting the importance of building community and creating space for regional voices in music.
The conversation then turned to his latest musical chapter, DIVINE ORDER: ACT II, a collaborative effort with E.N.G Creation. The project pushes the boundaries of alt-rap with lush, cinematic production and introspective storytelling — a natural continuation of Jxylen’s signature style. He also teased A Look Inside of My Creative Mind, a new visual project that provides fans with a deeper understanding of his artistic process.
Beyond the music, the episode explored key moments and influences that have shaped Jxylen’s perspective. He reflected on his very first performance — opening for underground rap duo Armand Hammer — as a pivotal and humbling moment in his career. He also gave flowers to Domo Genesis, calling him “one of the most underrated artists out right now,” and praised the writing of cultural theorist bell hooks, describing her as one of his favorite authors.
The conversation wasn’t without humor and vulnerability. Jxylen spoke candidly about his past job at Ocean State Job Lot, jokingly referring to it as “PTSD-inducing,” while emphasizing how such experiences pushed him to go harder with his creative work.
Through it all, Jxylen remained grounded in his core message: stay true to the art. “Everything I do stems from the creative first,” he said. “If that’s not the focus, then what are we really doing this for?”
