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XXLTARIK is a first-generation Moroccan American singer, dancer, and performer rising out of North Jersey. With his captivating blend of dark pop and rhythm & blues, XXLTARIK creates an immersive experience with every song.
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XXLTARIK’s journey into music was unexpected. He built a studio in his mom's basement as a space for him and his friends to have fun, chill, and record their own music. Initially, he had no plans to be on any tracks himself, but his friends urged him to try. What started as a fun experiment turned into a passion for writing and singing over a variety of dark rhythm and blues instrumentals.
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For over a year, his friends insisted he release the music they helped bring to life. Reluctant at first, XXLTARIK was simply enjoying the creative process. His friends said "keeping this music hidden from the world would be just wrong". Push came to shove, their persistence paid off as they all agreed to begin releasing songs for your ears only.
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With influences like James Brown, Michael Jackson, Ray Charles, and Prince, XXLTARIK found his sound—marked by a piercing falsetto slicing through "forever" beats off YouTube. His tracks, including "TINDER TAPES," "PLOTTIN," and "BAD FRIENDS," explore modern love, desire, and introspection, blending retro dance synths with sultry dark vibes.
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"Masochist" tells a deeply personal story of conflict, self-awareness, and emotional complexity. The song reflects on themes of medicating to cope with pain, feeling love most intensely when high, and the scars left by broken trust.
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The hook delivers a powerful realization: a dynamic between someone with masochistic tendencies and himself, described with considerably sadistic habits; creates a toxic mix, one that can only lead to deeper turmoil. XXLTARIK ultimately wrestles with the need to walk away for self-preservation.
Set to a captivating beat, "Masochist" combines vulnerability and strength, making it a raw and relatable anthem about recognizing red flags and choosing to protect your own peace.
"Plottin" explores the subtle, yet powerful dynamics of attraction and seduction on the dance floor. The song captures the magnetic energy of late-night encounters, where eye contact becomes a silent language, signaling desire and intent. It delves into the psychology behind the glances and gestures that draw people together, highlighting the complexity of modern relationships and the struggle to resist temptation while staying true to one’s feelings.
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With a rhythm that’s as intoxicating as the club scene itself, "Plottin" captures the tension of wanting to connect while maintaining boundaries, making it a compelling anthem for those navigating the emotional currents of desire.
"Bad Friends" delves into the complexities of blurred lines in relationships. With a bold and seductive hook, the track captures the tension between desire and detachment, exploring the push-and-pull dynamics of casual connections. The sultry lyrics paired with a moody, dark R&B vibe make this song a provocative anthem about temptation, power, and bad decisions.
"Tinder Tapes" is a raw reflection on emotional turmoil and the fleeting comfort of online dating. XXLTARIK explores the tension between personal trauma and superficial connections, creating a poignant anthem for the struggles of modern relationships.
