Lil' Mike Discusses "Rise," Career Beginnings, and More

Lil’ Mike is a twenty-seven-year-old French artist who started music in 2024, and he dropped his first EP, HotD*mn, in 2026.

With “Rise” out now, we took some time to hear from Lil’ Mike. Read below to learn more about Lil’ Mike, the story behind “Rise,” and what’s to come.

Stream “Rise”: https://open.spotify.com/track/3l7IwQX6XQdinKy6chligv

Hi Lil’ Mike! Let’s start with how did you choose your artist name?

It’s my stage name from when I was doing dance competitions. It comes from the fact that I started dance at 10. As a Michael Jackson fan, I was reproducing his steps everyday and people started calling me “the little Michael.” It turned into “Lil’ Mike.”

What city are you from, and where are you based now?

I’m from Achères, still based here for now.

At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?

At some point it was a normal thing to write text and rap during parties with my friends. It was just a funny game. So, I already grew the habit to write. One day, I wanted to try and make a real song, so I went to the studio and it started there.

How would you describe your sound?

Electric, awake, and positive.

Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?

I’m a Hip-Hop dancer and a TikTok creator.

Who are some of your main musical influences?

Michael Jackson, Travis Scott and Don Toliver.

Who would be a dream to collaborate with?

I would love to collaborate with Don Toliver and/or Travis Scott and take advices from their experiences.

What’s one of the proudest moments of your music career so far?

The dropping of my first EP. Each song on that project made me discover at least one thing about what I want my music to sound like.

What would you say are the greatest lessons that you’ve learned so far?

You always remain open-minded no matter what.

Now onto your release, “Rise.” What inspired this song? What is “Rise” about?

I wanted to make a song about standing up for yourself and I chose to target the message to SA’s victim because it’s not a big subject in Rap music.

What was the inspiration behind the cover artwork for “Rise?”

Every picture was taken during a shoot by the talented Loan BARBARIN (@apocalypse.already.here), and we added the HotD*mn logo. I told her about my music and the aesthetic, and she immediately knew what to do during the shoot.

What was the creative process like when making “Rise?”

At first, the instrumental (made by Mova prod) wasn’t part of the project, then I heard it again when I was scrolling through my files, and the inspiration came instantly.

How long did it take to complete “Rise?”

It actually took less than 2 hours to complete the song.

What is your favorite lyric in “Rise” and why?

“They think nobody won’t give a damn and they’ll keep on doing this sh*t

But guess what, nobody don’t give a damn and they still doing it”

It’s my favorite part because it points out the lack of awareness that we have during the current state of the world.

What do you hope fans take away from “Rise” and your music in general?

That every style can be used to pass messages.

What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects, or do you have any upcoming shows that we should be on the lookout for?

I have some singles coming up for the summer, new styles I have never explored before.

Where can we follow you on social media?

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6PFzw6oqBJsSyHwOuRcA30