Key Takeaways
- Lil Xelly (Elijah Johnson), a rising 24-year-old rapper from Rockville, Maryland, tragically passed away on January 16, 2024.
- Starting at age nine, he grew into a groundbreaking artist known for his massive releases, including a 105-track mixtape in 2017, and maintained an incredible pace of at least two projects per month during 2018-2019.
- While the cause of his demise remains unconfirmed amid reports of shootings in Rockville, fans are mourning the loss of an innovative artist who seamlessly blended melody with distortion.
The music world has been rocked by the tragic news of Lil Xelly’s passing.
Born Elijah Johnson, the 24-year-old rapper from Rockville, Maryland, was known for his incredible work ethic, groundbreaking mixtapes, and unrelenting passion for music.
Lil Xelly’s sudden demise on January 16, 2024, has left fans and fellow artists mourning the loss of an artist who had only begun to scratch the surface of his potential.
A Life Dedicated To Music
Lil Xelly’s journey into music began early. As a nine-year-old, he was already jotting down raps in his journal, inspired by the likes of Soulja Boy and other early internet-era rappers.
By the time he reached middle school, he was recording music and sharing it on platforms like Spinrilla.
However, it was his transition to SoundCloud that catapulted him into the rap underworld’s spotlight.
Xelly’s debut mixtape, More Xelly, released in 2017, was a staggering 105-track project that showcased his commitment to his craft.
While many artists aim to captivate listeners with a standout single, Xelly flipped the script, delivering over a hundred tracks in one go.
This approach not only redefined what a mixtape could be but also cemented Xelly’s reputation as one of the most hardworking and prolific rappers of his time.
A Work Ethic Like No Other
Lil Xelly wasn’t just about quantity—he brought versatility and innovation to the table.
Whether he was crooning melodically over a BasedTJ beat or delivering frenzied bangers with Noir Brent, Xelly had a knack for adapting his style to match the energy of his producers.
His ability to blend melody with distortion set him apart from his peers, earning him a devoted fan base that eagerly awaited his next release.
Between 2018 and 2019, Xelly maintained an unparalleled pace, releasing at least two projects every month.
Fans often joked that keeping up with his discography felt like a full-time job, but it was this very relentlessness that endeared him to his audience.
The Shock Of His Passing
The news of Lil Xelly’s demise has left fans devastated.
While no official cause of demise has been confirmed, speculation arose following reports of two separate shootings in Rockville.
Law enforcement has yet to identify the victims, leaving fans searching for answers.
In the hours following his departure, fans flooded Xelly’s social media pages with heartfelt messages.
One fan wrote,
“You was on my everyday rotation brodie. It can’t be true yo, I refuse to believe this sh*t.”
Via Instagram
Another added,
“Xelly, you my fav artist. I’ve said it many times—your music is forever. Love you, thanks for everything.”
Via Instagram
In Case You Didn’t Know
- His final social media post was a clip from a music video uploaded just hours before his demise.
- Xelly’s work ethic serves as an inspiration to up-and-coming artists, proving that success in the music industry requires not just talent but relentless passion and drive.
- His ability to experiment with sounds and collaborate with diverse producers showcased his versatility, ensuring his music will continue to resonate with listeners for years to come.
