MXZI: The versatility behind one of Phonk’s rising artist

In the fast-moving world of modern phonk, few artists have risen as quickly as MXZI. The London-born producer born Dominic Balog  has built a global audience of over 16 million monthly listeners on Spotify, with tracks like “Montagem Xonada” surpassing 240 million streams on the platform alone. But while MXZI first gained recognition as a producer, he has increasingly stepped forward as a rapper and vocalist, expanding his artistic identity in ways that continue to surprise listeners.

MXZI By The Numbers

• 1.6+ billion total streams across platforms
• 4 Billboard chart placements
• 8+ million daily streams at peak momentum in 2025
• Co-creator of the globally recognised Ladrao Style

Returning to His Roots as a Rapper

Long before viral success, MXZI’s first connection to music came through rapping and performing. That side of his artistry re-emerged on “FAVELA,” a collaboration with UK rap artist Deno. Released in November 2025 through NoCopyrightSounds (NCS).  

While many listeners expected MXZI to remain behind the production, the producer steps forward with his own verse. For fans who primarily knew him as the architect behind modern phonk records, hearing MXZI on the mic offered a new perspective on the artist behind the beats.

Fans quickly responded in the comments, with one listener writing, “No one does it better  same applies to creating this masterpiece, it’s absolutely fire 🔥.” Another summed up the collaboration’s unexpected chemistry: “Deno x MXZI is something I never wanted, but needed.”

With “FAVELA”, the producer known for building the beat was now fully participating in the performance itself. reminding audiences that his voice as an artist is just as powerful as the beats he creates.

A Different Side: The Singer

But rapping isn’t the only way MXZI has stepped beyond the producer’s role.

On “Mistakes,” officially released on 17 October 2025 through Rubix Records and distributed by The Orchard, he reveals a more melodic and emotional side of his artistry. The track moves away from the high-energy intensity of phonk, allowing MXZI to step forward as a vocalist.

Though it remains one of the more under-the-radar releases in his catalog, many listeners consider “Mistakes” a hidden gem. Through layered melodies and a reflective tone, the song explores themes of vulnerability and self-reflection, highlighting another dimension of his creative identity.

Rather than focusing purely on rhythm-driven production, the record places greater emphasis on songwriting and emotion, a reminder that MXZI’s creativity was never limited to a single role. Producer, rapper, and singer are all part of the same artistic voice.

A Glimpse of What’s Next

MXZI’s exploration of vocals may only be beginning. In March 2026, the artist began sharing  previews of an unreleased track titled “Again” on his TikTok page giving fans another glimpse of his singing ability.

Unlike the high-energy phonk records that built his global audience, “Again” leans into a softer, more melodic direction. The snippet reveals MXZI singing over a gentle instrumental, delivering a reflective love song that highlights the emotional side of his artistry.

Although the track has not yet been officially released, the posts suggest that MXZI’s evolution as an artist is still unfolding. And if the preview of “Again” is any indication, the months ahead may reveal even more of the versatility that has quietly been part of his musical identity all along.

@mxziofc Song Name: Again (Unreleased) #fyp #rnb #dance #edits #trend ♬ original sound – MXZI

FOLLOW MXZI:

Instagram: @mxziofc
TikTok: @mxziofc 
Official YouTube: @MXZIOFC
YouTube Music: MXZI Artist Page