At just 15, Lil Novi is carving his own identity in music while carrying one of hip-hop’s most legendary names. The son of Lil Wayne, Novi blends rock energy, sharp lyricism, and a new-age Young Money sound that feels both fearless and authentic.
With influences ranging from Michael Jackson to Nirvana, and a close creative bond with his father, he’s building a world around his collective Young Money Mötley Krëw — a movement representing the next wave of unapologetic youth culture. Confident, grounded, and hungry, Lil Novi isn’t chasing legacy — he’s creating his own.
Tell me about yourself. What are some things you like to do, hobbies, places you like to eat at, places you like to visit?
Lil Novi: I like to shop a lot, record music, and visit LA and NYC. Besides that, I skateboard sometimes and play basketball with the gvng.
“I like to shop a lot, record music, and visit LA and NYC — that’s really my vibe.”
What is a hidden secret about Lil Novi?
I don’t think I have one honestly.
What is one thing you need in the studio and why?
Water, any type of juice or soda that I like, probably some food or snacks depending on how I’m feeling, and definitely a lot of lighters.
What was your childhood like? What are some hobbies you engage in when you’re not working in music?
It was great. I’m not an adult yet so I’m still going through it kinda, but I used to play sports and take karate classes when I was little.
What musical inspirations did you have growing up and what did they mean to you?
Definitely Michael Jackson—he inspired me the most growing up. My dad too, and a couple of rock bands like Nirvana, Mötley Crüe, and Deftones. Watching them and seeing all the goals they achieved, especially my dad, made me realize I could do the same.
“Watching my dad and artists like Michael Jackson made me realize I could do the same.”
How was it like growing up as Lil Wayne’s son? Any specific stories or memories that stand out?
It was normal to me honestly. He’s never really told me stories, but he gives me good advice on what to do in the studio and on stage.
When did you first discover your love for art, music, and fashion?
When I turned 13, I started paying attention to fashion and discovering archive designer brands. I’ve always loved music since I was little and always played instruments growing up.
How did music shape your childhood?
Music has always been in my house growing up. I’ve always played an instrument, but I didn’t start tapping into the music I liked until I was about 11.
“Music has always been in my house — it’s something I grew up around every day.”
Do you remember what your first song was called?
It’s called Hollywood on my dad’s mixtape No Ceilings 3.
What inspired you to make music?
I wouldn’t say it was anything specific. Ever since the first time I saw a performance or heard a song on the radio, I knew that’s what I wanted to do.
Where did the name “Lil Novi” come from?
It’s my middle name backward, but my first two rap names were Lil Carter and Yvng Carter.
You constantly represent “Young Money Mötley Krëw.” What does that mean to you?
It’s the new gen of Young Money, but a completely new wave. Mötley is the gvng, the family, the supporters, the love—it’s everything.
“Mötley is the gvng — the family, the supporters, the love, it’s everything.”
Members of YMMK: Deadtomycity, Mag!c, K3n0, Beamz
You recently released the We Are Young Money Mötley Krëw album, a collective record. How did that project come to be and what did you want to achieve with it?
It came out great. We had a lot of fun making it and put a lot of effort into it. I hope to get some plaques off it. KEEP STREAMING We Are Young Money Mötley Krëw — tour and deluxe OTW!
One of my favorite songs from the project is “SAD.” I really like the guitar outro, and I noticed that Lil Wayne is featured on it. What was his contribution?
He’s actually the one playing the guitar solo.
“He’s actually the one playing the guitar solo.”
Lil Wayne has a song “Mula Komin In” on his recent #1 album Tha Carter VI. How did this song come to be and how did it feel to be featured on your father’s legendary Tha Carter series?
It felt great honestly. I’m very proud of how it came out and to be part of Tha Carter series.
How was performing in front of thousands every night on Tha Carter VI tour? Did you get a chance to record music on the tour bus?
I thought I was gonna be a lot more nervous, but I got used to it after the third show. The crowd showed me so much love every night. I recorded a couple of songs on the bus, but we usually stayed in the city we performed in, so I’d just go to the studio.
Describe your relationship with Lil Wayne. How big of a factor is he in your music?
It’s just a regular father and son relationship. He gives me a lot of advice when I record and perform, and I send him all my music.
“It’s just a regular father and son relationship — I send him all my music.”
How does it feel to see other artists go down the same road as your dad and take inspiration from his cultural impact?
I think it’s cool. It shows me that I could have that type of influence one day.
There were rumors that you and your dad are working on a Like Father Like Son 2 album. Is that something we can expect?
Stay tuned…
Are there any artists you’d want to work with in the future?
Nah, I don’t see myself collaborating any time soon, not even too much in the future honestly.
Where do you see yourself and Young Money Mötley Krëw in the next five years?
In five years, I see all of us at the peak of our careers and having our own cult fan bases.
“In five years, I see all of us at the peak of our careers — each with our own cult fan bases.”
Are you releasing any new solo projects? Can you tell us about your new album and what to expect?
I got a mixtape dropping on Halloween called BAT BOY MIXTAPE and a YMMK Deluxe dropping later.
Every magazine ends with motivational words or a quote. Could you share one?
It doesn’t matter who it is—nobody can tell or stop you from doing what you truly believe in and desire to do.
“Nobody can stop you from doing what you truly believe in.”
Photography By Sebastian Thomas