From Girl Group to Solo Star: Makhyli Boldly Leaps with “Breaking Bad”

Makhyli has officially stepped into her solo era with the release of her debut single, “Breaking Bad,” on April 23. The genre-bending, unapologetic anthem marks the beginning of a bold new chapter following the disbandment of her former group, Boys World. 

“Sometimes it’s really invigorating, sometimes it’s scarier, so I think I’m just navigating that right now,” Makhyli shared. “I’m figuring out how to move through the industry as my own unit.”

The rising star joined EnVi on Zoom to discuss her solo debut and the story behind her new track. 

“Ultimately, this was something that I feel like my soul really needed because this was my breakout song,” Makhyli said. “This was me saying, ‘Hello World, I’m here. I’m here to stay. This is who I am.’”

Breaking Down “Breaking Bad”

Makhyli’s debut track, “Breaking Bad,” is a fearless declaration of independence and self-worth that commands attention. The single is packed with swagger and attitude while wrapped in a bold fusion of alt-rock grit, pop catchiness, and sharp rap flair. 

“I feel like I always say that the music that I make is for the volatile feelers, because I’m someone who feels everything to the 10th degree,” Makhyli said. “I feel like I make music for people who can’t be nonchalant; I make music for the chalant people.” 

Originally written over a year ago while she was still part of Boys World, “Breaking Bad” became a personal mission she held onto until the timing felt right. 

“I feel like it’s metaphorical, but also realistic in a way, because I am breaking away,” Makhyli said. “I am breaking away from the group, and I am stepping into my own.”

On the other hand, much like the same-named TV show it’s partly inspired by, the song lets her tap into a rebellious alter ego: a criminal on the run. The music video features Makhyli stealing stacks of cash, being pushed in a jail cell and ending with her mugshot, all in between scenes of her serving fierce looks and choreography. 

Makhyli created the “Breaking Bad” music video in just a few hours with a four-person team: herself, her mom, her cousin, and her producer-boyfriend, Robbie. “We made magic out of that,” Makhyli said. 

Defining Makhyli the Soloist

“Breaking Bad” refuses to be confined to one genre.  Makhyli embraces genre fluidity as she draws from pop, hip-hop, alt-rock and more to build something that is uniquely hers. She shared that when she uploads her music to streaming platforms, she’s often unsure which boxes to check. “I have to choose multiple because it’s so difficult for me to pin down,” Makhyli said.

But rather than seeing it as a limitation, she celebrates the ambiguity. 

“I also feel like there’s so much beauty in that because I kind of leave it to the fans and to anyone who listens to it,” Makhyli explained. “Because I hear them give me other artists that they feel like could coincide with me, and I feel like that’s really encouraging because it makes me feel like there’s a place where my music can live. There’s a demographic out there who’s excited to hear me. So yeah, I don’t know exactly what to call it, but I know it sounds good.”

Paired with playful visuals and strong production value, “Breaking Bad” is riddled with clever rhymes and sharp lyrics. Makhyli shared that she truly enjoys songwriting for its wordplay, energy and chance to build characters. She said writing this track was a lot of fun and that it gave her a chance to “just escape.”

“I was like, ‘Call me Bugs Bunny with the carrots in the row’ and I just felt like I wanted to play this character,” she said. “Even though we’re in the roughest time, we’re in a recession, but let me just pretend that I have diamonds and jewels for a moment.” 

Despite Makhyli’s natural talent, the writing process didn’t come easy,. Managing ADHD and bursts of creative inspiration, she found herself both energized and exhausted. “It’s something that also takes a lot of energy and a lot of time,” she explained.

Among the track’s cheekier lyrics is a line about Makhyli drunk texting her mom — loosely inspired by a real experience. “I have drunk called her before, um, wasn’t my best moment,” she admitted with a laugh.

“I played it for her and you can imagine playing this type of song for your mom, but she loved it,” Makhyli said.

What’s Next?

As for what’s next, Makhyli is not slowing down anytime soon. “I have a good handful of songs that could end up in a body of work,” she teased. 

While live shows might be tricky with just one track out at the moment, she’s ready for when the time comes. “If anyone wants me on that stage, I will be on that stage,” Makhyli said. “I’ll give them one song, I’ll give them a good two minutes and go.”

Performing is transformative for Makhyli and she’s eager to return to the stage. “My shows are gonna be everything — I want people to scream so loud they cough up a lung.”

With a final message to EnVi readers and her fans — who she lovingly calls “the batpack” and represents  every day by wearing a bat necklace every day — Makhyli shared: “This is just the beginning for me, I have lots and lots up my sleeve. I stay up all night coming up with ideas of what I can do and how I can make my artistry even better. It’s something that consumes me every day, and it’s just something that I want to share. And I’m excited for anyone who’s willing to come along this journey with me. And keep streaming ‘Breaking Bad’ on all platforms.”

To keep up with all things Makhyli, follow her on Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube. Stream “Breaking Bad” on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. 

Interested in more artist interviews? Check out our exclusive interview with Japanese hip-hop artist Awich here!