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Taking influence from The Notorious B.I.G.’s storytelling and Foxy Brown’s cadence, to Jodeci’s style with Nicki Minaj’s epic flows and deliveries, McKell tries hone his craft by creating catchy hooks and melodies, writing a song from start to finish, and finding a way to have all elements exist within a song harmoniously.
Our conversation with McKell takes us inside the mind of a creative powerhouse — and what continues to inspire them.
McKell: An idea can come from anywhere—hearing a beat, a conversation, or even random lyrics that get stuck in my head. My process really depends on that starting point. If I hear a beat that inspires me, I’ll get it and start writing right away. If it begins with lyrics I can’t shake, I’ll record them first and then connect with a producer to build a beat around my vocals. From there, I keep shaping the track until it feels complete.
PapersPlanes: What part of the creative process do you find most challenging?
McKell: One of the most challenging parts of my creative process is that it’s never the same thing every time. Sometimes it’s finding a beat that really speaks to me. Other times, it’s taking longer than I’d like to write lyrics I’m fully satisfied with. There are also moments when finding the right feature for a track can be difficult. It really varies from project to project—there’s no single challenge that defines the process for me.
PapersPlanes: Have there been any recent shifts in the way you think about your sound or style?
McKell: Not in any forced or deliberate way—it’s more of an organic evolution. I don’t overthink my sound or try to shape it too intentionally. It naturally develops through inspiration, life experiences, and staying open-minded. As I grow, the music grows with me.
PapersPlanes: What influences your decisions when experimenting with new musical ideas?
McKell: My decisions when experimenting with new ideas are driven by whatever sparks something in the moment. It can be as simple as a word I like the sound of, a flow or melody from an older song, or even a random social media video where someone says something witty that sticks with me. Inspiration can come from the most unexpected places, and I try to stay open to all of it.
PapersPlanes: What skills have become more important to you as your career has progressed?
McKell: Patience has become one of the most important skills for me as my career has progressed. Things don’t always move as quickly as I’d like. Creating a strong body of work is one challenge, but getting it in front of the right audience is another. There are times when you’re ready to perform but don’t have many opportunities locally, or you’re waiting for momentum to build before the right people take notice. It’s taught me to stay consistent, trust the process, and keep pushing forward regardless of timing.
PapersPlanes: How do you evaluate which opportunities are worth pursuing?
McKell: I try to be intentional about the opportunities I pursue. Sometimes it’s obvious when something isn’t genuine—like when a proposal leans more on flattery than real value. In those cases, I take a step back. Other times, I’ll run it by people I trust, do my research, and see what kind of track record is there. And beyond all that, I trust my instincts—if something doesn’t feel right, I don’t force it.
PapersPlanes: What aspects of your latest project feel most representative of where you are now?
McKell: This project feels like a true reflection of where I am right now—it’s upbeat, witty, and full of positive energy, while still expressing my thoughts and emotions with clarity. That balance really represents who I am as a person, and it’s the same mindset I try to hold onto, even on days when things feel off.
PapersPlanes: Were there any unexpected challenges that shaped the final outcome?
McKell: There weren’t any major or unexpected challenges behind the scenes. The only real change was with a feature—I initially had a different artist lined up for one of the tracks, but their vocals never came through, so I ended up bringing someone else onto the record. Aside from that, the process was pretty smooth overall.
McKell: I’d say I’m still in the process of building that connection as more people discover my music. My goal is for listeners to hear something they genuinely connect with and want to keep coming back to. I touch on a wide range of topics and try to offer a bit of everything, so different people can find something that resonates with them.
PapersPlanes: What role do listeners play in motivating you to continue creating?
McKell: It’s always a great feeling when someone tells me they enjoy my music, recites lyrics back to me, or shares how much they relate to it. That kind of connection is a big motivator for me. I love the idea of putting a smile on someone’s face or having them nodding along, windows down, listening while they drive. Moments like that remind me why I create in the first place.
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