‘XG’ ON RAPPING THEIR WAY TO STARDOM & CREATING A CULTURE OF “BOLD” CREATIVITY

BY IRVIN RIVERA

Seven member GLOBAL girls group, XG- JURIN, CHISA, HARVEY, HINATA, JURIA, MAYA and COCONA have been making global waves on TikTok and social media with their viral HIT rap video “[XG TAPE #2] GALZ XYPHER (COCONA, MAYA, HARVEY, JURIN)” The music video definitely captured the internet’s attention- it not only gained over 13 million views but it also solidified the girls’ talents and rapping skills to their audience.

THE GROUP RECENTLY RELEASED THE MUSIC VIDEO FOR SHOOTING STAR - A REFRESHING SENSORY EXPERIENCE FILLED WITH HARD HITTING BEATS and exceptional visuals THAT UNDENIABLY SHOWCASES THE GIRLS’ TALENTS.

The group's name, "XG", stands for "Xtraordinary Girls". With their bold sense of style, fearless rap, and exceptional talent, the rising stars are definitely the hot ones to watch right now.

Their current released rap video, entitled “[XG TAPE #2] GALZ XYPHER (COCONA, MAYA, HARVEY, JURIN)”, XG’s rappers perform a freestyle rap to classic hip hop tracks, blending English, Japanese, and Korean that garnered huge acclaim from across the world.

XG were the first artists to debut from XGALX, a global entertainment production company with a mission to produce artists with a defined world view, creating a culture of “bold” creativity whose goal is to inspire and empower young people from all over the world with their music.

In this exclusive interview, read on as XG shares what makes them extraordinary, the story behind their successful viral music video, their music journey, life lessons and more.

What’s the story behind your viral rap video [XG TAPE #2] GALZ XYPHER?

JURIN

We're so happy that so many people have watched it. We had a lot of fun during the production of GALZ XYPHER, as we were able to showcase our original lyrics and flow as something like a mixtape! I feel like we were able to prove XG's strengths so I'm very proud. We'll be working even harder in the future to show you music that will definitely surprise everyone again!

HARVEY

This time, we each chose our favorite track! Each rap is filled with so much of our personalities! And for the first time, I rapped in English, Korean, and Japanese! I've been dreaming of doing this for a long time, and with GALZ XYPHER, I was able to make it come true! I hope more and more people will listen to this rap, which can be enjoyed by people all over the world!

MAYA

Seeing so many people reacting to our video made us so happy, and we had so much fun preparing GALZ XYPER. All of us were involved in choosing the beats, lyrics, and flow, which allowed us to show more of our personalities. Another great experience that I will never forget.

COCONA

This time we were allowed to choose our own track, and I chose to use a track by J.I.D., a favorite of mine since I was a trainee, and I think I was able to bring out a lot of originality. We spent an intense period of preparation, including late-night practice sessions watching each other's gestures and giving each other advice so that they could bring out each other's personalities even more.

What’s extraordinary with the members of XG? What makes XG Extraordinary?

JURIN

I think that the bond and trust among the members is extraordinary, as well as having the "XG-ness" for sure. We are always full of the desire to pursue and deliver to you what only we can do as XG. This "XG-ness" is also the bond and relationship of trust that we've developed within us. We've been together for a long time and have overcome many difficulties together, so I think we have definitely become extraordinary as a team.

How would you describe your music?

HINATA

We, as well as our music, want to be totally unconventional and out of the norm, so I think that our music falls under a new genre, like X-POP.

Which artists inspire you?

CHISA

We're inspired by American music and other global artists. We listen to a lot of genres, especially R&B, hip-hop, and pop! I love Beyoncé, Kehlani, SZA, Rihanna, and H.E.R. and get a lot of inspiration from them.

JURIN

I get inspired by many artists. It depends on the image I have of who I want to be at that time, and I am often inspired not only by artists but also by movie characters. I like TLC, Rihanna, and ROSALÍA as artists and I get a lot of inspiration from them!

JURIA

I get inspired by many artists. I am especially inspired by divas such as Whitney Houston, Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Ariana Grande, Christina Aguilera, Jessie J, and many others.

How did your music journey begin?

JURIN

I have loved singing and dancing since I was a child. I originally took snowboarding seriously as an athlete and thought about my future path as a snowboarder, but when I was 14 years old, I decided to seriously consider what I really wanted to do and decided to try my hand at the music industry. While my roots do lie in snowboarding, my parents were also music lovers and music was always close to me. I think it was around the age of 14 that I reached a kind of turning point.

HARVEY

When I was in elementary school, I was shocked to see Michael Jackson singing and dancing! I wanted to bring dreams and hopes to people all over the world through singing and dancing just like Michael Jackson, so I decided to pursue my dream of music!

COCONA

As long as I can remember, I felt that music was something that allowed me to express myself, I started dancing at the age of 6 and discovered the joy of sound, I also became interested in singing and rapping and started studying it for real when I was 9 years old. Music is my life, always has been and always will be the one beside me the most!

How did music affect and change your life?

HINATA

Music is a very big part of my life, it's changed my life 180 degrees. Music allows me to meet new people as well as experience and feel so many things, and it is a presence that is close to my heart at all times.

HARVEY

Music has given me color in my life! I can listen to whatever music I want to listen to when I'm happy, happy, sad, or whatever I'm feeling, and when I feel like I need to share or relate to something, I listen to music! It makes the vibes of that moment deeper! There is not a day that goes by that I don't listen to music.

What are the highs and the lows of your career so far?

JURIA

Nothing comes to mind now about the biggest obstacles. However, there were times when we hit big walls and had a hard time. But no matter how hard we hit a wall, we were able to get up and move forward again because the members were by our side, communicating and supporting each other. And the best moment is every day. I love the fact that I get to play the music I love every day with such a wonderful, family-like group of people.

COCONA

Right now is the best moment! This is something we all say often, but right now is the happiest and most important moment. I believe that we'll face big obstacles in the future. Still, I believe that as long as XG sticks together, we can overcome any difficulties.

Aside from music, what else keeps you busy?

HINATA

I've always loved painting, so while not often, I paint whenever the mood strikes. I'd also like to paint oil paintings someday when I have time.

HARVEY

I've always been interested in fashion and really like collecting clothes! I try on different styles and am always trying to find my own unique look! Whenever I have free time, I check out online stores from around the world to check out the latest items and research the next fashion trends!

COCONA

Lately, I've been meditating and collecting figurines! My hobbies change from time to time, but meditation has always been my passion! I like to meditate with incense and relaxing sounds playing in the background. I love anime, so I get excited when I buy figurines of my favorite characters!

How do you adapt and keep yourself relevant?

JURIN

When I am lost, I go back to my roots. That helps me remember what makes me, me. After that, I try not to think too much about who I am. Letting my emotions steer me and doing what I want to do helps me stay authentically me.

HARVEY

I love who I am, I am confident in who I am, I cherish what is uniquely me, and I stay true to who I am! I'm not afraid of the path I've chosen, I believe in it, and moving forward, I'm finding more and more courage to be who I am!

MAYA

I feel that remembering who I am helps me stay true to myself.

Always knowing what makes me who I am is very important to me.

What’s the most exciting thing that happened in your career so far?

HINATA

Shooting music videos! We were so excited to create our own video with our own music! We were almost in tears when the shoot was over because everything we had done up to now is packed into that video.

COCONA

Preparing for the release of our music! In particular, the period leading up to "SHOOTING STAR" and "LEFT RIGHT" was really fun. I tried expressing various concepts in my own way, and I got really excited thinking about how the ALPHAZ are going to be able to experience our work!

MAYA

Shooting for the new singles and preparing for the comeback!

I get so excited about making new content for the ALPHAZ and seeing everyone's reaction! Also, it makes me really happy that through all the shoots that we do during this period, I've made so many precious memories with all the members!

What are you excited about the most this year?

CHISA

Firstly, the fact that our new songs are going to be released! Also, meeting the ALPHAZ, as well as preparing an album and new songs!

HARVEY

I can't wait to meet all the ALPHAZ, who always give us so much support from afar! I can't wait to give back all the love that you've given us, in person! I'm also looking forward to putting out more music and further expanding the XG world.

What’s a valuable lesson that you’ve learned from your career that you think is universally relevant?

CHISA

There are two things. First, "it's all over if you give up." The second is that "miracles are something that you make happen." We were taught that no matter what, it's important to never give up until the very end and see it through, cherishing every moment. Also, our producer Simon says this often, but miracles and good fortune are something that you can make happen on your own, and I truly believe that!

MAYA

"Everyone goes through ups and downs, but never forget that it all has meaning behind it."

"Never forget to pat yourself on the back."

Everything always has some meaning to it.

It's okay to fall, and it's okay to fail. What's important is to tell yourself not to let the same mistakes happen again.

I believe that's what leads to growth.

What’s Your definition of success

HINATA

Being happy. I think it's incredibly important to feel happy. Even if you get good results, if it doesn't make you feel like you had fun or feel happy, I don't think you can call that a success.

JURIN

I think the definition of success is having fun. It's very important to me that I ask myself if I'm enjoying it or not. I'm also very conscious of being in touch with my emotions and my physical condition. Am I having fun? Am I tired? Am I happy? Am I unhappy? These are questions I ask myself frequently. While you may occasionally go through tough moments when pushing toward your goals, if it's going to lead to having fun in the future, I'll keep pushing on. It's always important to enjoy each moment!

COCONA

Cherishing what you love. Continuing to do something that you love or enjoy is something that I actually think requires a lot of courage and determination. No matter how old I get, I want to be someone that can go all-in with music and the things I love, with the people I love.

How do you stand out from the crowd?

HINATA

Our sense of unity. We're all very unique and different, but I think our unity as we move forward to accomplish our goals or when we want to accomplish something is out of this world.

JURIN

Not comparing ourselves to others. We have our own style, our own pace, and our own sense of direction, so we're just going to keep pursuing what it means to be XG and to stay true to ourselves!

What’s your ultimate goal?

JURIN

Ultimately, it's to be globally-renowned artists. I want to be doing world tours and seeing the world, meeting all the ALPHAZ around the globe. Also, another goal I have is to stay happy with the XG members.

MAYA

There are a lot of goals we want to accomplish, but one of them is definitely going on a world tour and meeting all the ALPHAZ!! But I also think it's important for all of us to have fun.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

CHISA

I like to quietly write poems.

HINATA

Sleeping on the floor and talking to myself. I always catch myself speaking to myself, but I guess it helps me relax.

JURIN

Eating late at night when I worked hard on something!

HARVEY

Making unique faces whenever I see a mirror!

JURIA

I love the smell of gas stations.

COCONA

I love the smell of the little beans on dogs' feet.

MAYA

I actually like the smell you get after candles are blown out on birthday cakes.

I also secretly love watching Modern Family while eating breakfast.

If someone were to play you in a movie, who would it be?

HINATA

I'd love for a high school girl who knows nothing about show business to play me! I was just a regular high school girl, and joining XGALX changed my life completely, so I think it would be more realistic if a regular high school girl played me.

HARVEY

I want JURIA to play me! She imitated me a while back, and embarrassingly enough, she totally nailed it! I think JURIA is really good at picking up on sounds and characteristics, so I honestly do want to watch her play me for real!

COCONA

I'd want the role for myself! I bet it would be fun to reflect later on what I was feeling and going through while acting.

When was the first time you were starstruck?

JURIN

When I saw a dance video of a dancer named Koharu Sugawara on YouTube. I was about 12 years old at the time, and I was shocked! I was overwhelmed by the power of the way she showed and expressed herself. I would be very happy if I could meet her in person someday.

COCONA

It wasn't an artist, but it was when I met this Japanese character called Anpanman! I think everyone has a favorite character when they were little, but my parents said that Anpanman was my hero when I was little, so I was really happy when I actually met him.

First place you performed your music?

CHISA

My local bar and diner! I've always loved singing, so I performed with other people who'd play instruments. I felt so much freedom!

JURIN

It was a small stage in Shibuya, Japan. This was about seven years ago, but I was performing with Harvey since way back then, and that was our first performance. I still vividly remember that day. The venue is unfortunately gone now, but the memory of it lives on in my heart.

HARVEY

My living room! That was the first time I danced and sang my favorite song in front of my family! I loved music so I remember being very confident! Looking back now, it's such an embarrassing memory!

MAYA

I first performed for my parents, in front of my house!

I sang Japanese music, and my parents filmed me!!

It's super embarrassing to watch that video now, but that was the first time in my life that I performed in front of people.

If you were a book, what book would you be and why? (Open question. Could be a title/a genre/a made-up book/ your own book, etc)

CHISA

My book title would be Laughter Brings Happiness or The Power of Laughter! I can't live without laughter! Laughing just automatically makes me so happy. I love laughing, so that's my title.

JURIN

My book title would be Butterfly! I think the butterfly is my personal symbol. I love how they fly freely through the air and have different, unique patterns on their wings. I also think about how little pupas change into beautiful butterflies, and I also want to become a beautiful butterfly.

COCONA

My book title would be 1. The number 1 is my favorite number, and it gives me a lot of strength. I also think the number represents humility, and it's also my lucky number. The number 1 gives me more strength and is the reason why I fell in love with music. Actually, I've always dreamt of writing a book, so when that time comes, I'll tell you more in-depth about why I like number 1!