XENA ElShazli, the Egyptian-Lebanese singer and multi-disciplinary artist, is set to release her highly anticipated EP, “Trial 1 on August 8th, 2024, marking her first bold foray into hip-hop music.

This experimental project has been in development for several years, with XENA initially concerned about how her vision would be received. However, she eventually decided to move forward with confidence.

Inspiration and Sound

Inspired by renowned artists like Kendrick Lamar and Travis Scott, “Trial 1” features a blend of fresh sounds and hardcore flows. It’s a playful and fearless expression of XENA’s creativity, allowing her to have fun with the writing process while challenging herself to explore new genres.

The lyrics are primarily directed at listeners and those who may underestimate her presence in the music scene, with deeper meanings embedded for those who take the time to engage with her work.

XENA emphasizes that if people truly looked at the lyrics of a song, they would understand it differently. This perspective is central to “Trial 1,” as she aims to convey her artistic vision clearly to those who care enough to listen closely.

Tracks Breakdown

“Killa” opens the EP with dark trap beats and aggressive lyrics, reflecting XENA’s journey of self-reinvention to adapt to the music scene’s current standards. Originally written in 2021 and edited in 2023, the track serves as a testament to her ability to write without a specific topic while exploring new genres.

“My Shit” follows, highlighting her free expression and catchy melodies. Written in late 2021 and edited in late 2022, this track gives listeners a true taste of her rap style while maintaining her originality. The lyrics are directed at fans and critics who underestimate her musical and lyrical abilities, making the song impossible to forget after the first listen.

“Geeky” comes next, with its playful and quirky beat, reflecting XENA’s embrace of her uniqueness. Inspired by a beat she received that reminded her of a Mario Kart or Tetris theme, XENA committed to the playful theme. The lyrics convey her confidence and playful attitude, even if others may not fully appreciate her creative approach. She ends the song by asserting that she won’t conform to mainstream tastes, choosing instead to remain true to herself and her artistry.

“Relax” concludes the EP, serving as a powerful outro directed at haters. In this almost 2-minute track, XENA tells her detractors to relax and stop crying because they know she’s good. The song features a mix of English and Arabic lyrics, with double meanings like “walking on boombap or running on trap.” She addresses listeners who judge her music without fully understanding it, ending with the confident refrain, “Just relax homie.”

About XENA ElShazli

Xena ElShazli, better known as XENA, was born in 1999 in Cairo, Egypt. She began her music career at a young age, writing English songs by the 4th grade and making internet covers by 2013.

In 2015, she joined the Arabic pop band “Arabish,” achieving significant success with hits like “Haheb Tani” and “Hobbak Mayetnesish,” which garnered millions of views.

In 2017, XENA released a full album with “Arabish” titled “Enharda Seheet Mn El Noom,” amassing over 100 million views and streams across platforms like YouTube, Facebook, SoundCloud, and Anghami.

In August 2019, she relaunched her independent music career with “El7elm,” followed by successful releases such as “Bad Trip” and “Superstar.” Her debut EP “ElWoroud” showcased her diverse musical talents and connected deeply with listeners, especially those experiencing hardship in relationships.

XENA’s music is known for its natural, elegant, fierce, fun, and fluid qualities. Her sound draws inspiration from artists like Miley Cyrus, 070 Shake, Tom Misch, Travis Scott, Kendrick Lamar, and Doja Cat, blending Pop, RnB, Hip-hop, and Ballads.

XENA is a versatile artist who constantly experiments with her music, pushing boundaries and defying genre limitations.

With a strong stage presence, XENA has performed over 250 times in various venues across Egypt and internationally in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Lebanon. Her fearless approach to creativity and commitment to authenticity have earned her critical acclaim and a loyal following.

In 2024, XENA aims to expand her reach with a tour in Europe and the Middle East, continuing to inspire and connect with a broader audience.

“Trial 1” is a testament to XENA ElShazli’s fearless approach to creativity and her commitment to producing authentic, impactful music.

With this EP, she showcases her versatility as an artist, pushing boundaries and inviting her audience to join her on a journey of musical exploration.

Be sure to check out “Trial 1” on its release date, August 8th, and experience the bold new sound of XENA.