At just 18 years old, North West London rap artist and producer WHYDEE is stepping into the spotlight with his highly anticipated debut single, “Jack In The Box.” This hard-hitting melodic drill anthem has already made waves, amassing over one million views and inspiring more than 500 user-generated videos on TikTok. WHYDEE is no stranger to viral fame, boasting an astounding 3.5 billion views across social media platforms, thanks to his sharp wordplay and innovative content.

His dynamic journey from digital sensation to serious contender in the UK rap scene includes a breakout performance at the Reading & Leeds Festivals and an upcoming live debut at the O2 Arena, opening for US rap star Lil Tjay. In this interview, we delve into WHYDEE‘s creative process, the story behind “Jack In The Box,” and what the future holds for this multifaceted talent poised to redefine the music landscape.

Your journey from a viral content creator to a music artist is quite unique. Can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to pursue music seriously?

The moment I rebuilt the home studio for my mom when I was just 12 years old is when I realized how much I loved music. What started as me just trying to encourage her to get back into it turned into something that I became really passionate about myself. As I kept experimenting, recording, and producing, I knew this was something I wanted to pursue seriously, beyond just content creation.

What inspired you to write “Jack in the Box,” and what themes do you explore in the song? 

“Jack in the Box” was inspired by feeling like I had so much potential inside me that people hadn’t seen yet—like something ready to pop off. It’s about breaking out of the box people try to put you in and proving your worth, but I also flipped it to highlight how females now pop out when they have seen me rising when they initially didn’t care.

Can you share some insights into your creative process when writing and producing music?

More time it starts with the beat then the words come to compliment the beat. I spend a lot of time experimenting with different sounds, layering beats, and letting the vibe of the track take me on a journey.

You wrote, arranged, and engineered “Jack in the Box” yourself. What was that experience like, and how did you feel about taking on such a hands-on role in your debut? 

It felt good to have full creative control on my music and doing it myself made me realize how much effort goes into every part of the process, but it also allowed me to stay true to my vision and be a perfectionist. There were definitely challenges, but when the track was done, I felt good knowing that I had a hand in every part of its creation.

You collaborated with P YouGotThat on this track. How did that collaboration influence the sound and direction of “Jack in the Box”? 

To be honest, I found the beat online, and his production style really complemented the style and sound I was going for. He is a good producer.

How important do you think social media is for emerging artists today, and how do you plan to leverage it moving forward?

It’s extremely important to be honest. We need it to build a following and fan base and get people to know what your are all about as a creative. I plan to keep using  TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to promote my music and carry my followers on the journey with me.

With your background in viral content creation, how do you think your approach to music production differs from traditional methods?

Coming from content creation, I think I approach music with a more visual and storytelling mindset. I’m always thinking about how the track will resonate not just in sound but as part of a bigger narrative. Viral content is all about quick impact and engagement, so I aim to create music that hits hard from the first listen or first few seconds—something that catches attention immediately, kind of like a hook in a video.

You’ve performed at major events like the Reading & Leeds Festivals and will soon open for Lil Tjay at the O2 Arena. What are you most looking forward to about performing live?

Its Live and i love seeing how people react to my music in real-time. There’s nothing like performing on stage and the energy i get from the crowd. Plus, performing at the O2 Arena is a big dream, so I’m really looking forward to that and having fun with it.

Looking ahead, what are your goals for your music career in the next few years? Do you have plans to explore other avenues, such as acting or gaming, as hinted?

Definitely. I have done a bit of acting and want to do a lot more. I definitely have big goals for my music, gaming and just staying creative. I want to keep pushing boundaries, collaborating with artists i respect, and putting out music that resonates globally.

Finally, what advice would you give to other young artists looking to make a name for themselves in the industry?

Try and Learn as much as you can about the music and the business side of music. Join the MU and PRS.  It’s also really important to know how to record yourself as a minimum, and just keep practising and experimenting until you know your music is solid. Surround yourself with likeminds, winners and hardworkers!