Rising Pontiac, Michigan artist Markell2Timez has officially dropped his highly anticipated mixtape, I Wish I Could Explain, on February 22, 2025. At just 16 years old, Markell has already proven himself as an artist with a deeply personal and introspective approach to music. His latest project is a raw and unfiltered journey through grief, heartbreak, and self-discovery, reflecting his growth both as an artist and as a person.
The Inspiration Behind I Wish I Could Explain
The mixtape’s title itself carries deep meaning. Markell describes it as representing those moments in life when words fail—when emotions run so deep that they can’t be neatly put into sentences. The project was inspired by real-life events, including the tragic passing of his 16-year-old sister, Desiree, in 2023, the emotional rollercoaster of a toxic relationship and its painful aftermath, and the all-too-familiar feeling of being misunderstood.
Through 18 powerful tracks, I Wish I Could Explain serves as a diary of Markell’s past two years, chronicling his struggles, failures, and triumphs. “It’s like a journey through the darkest tunnel, but by the end, I finally find some light,” he says.
Delivering a Message of Hope and Resilience
At its core, I Wish I Could Explain is about connection and perseverance. Markell wants his listeners to understand that they are not alone. He hopes that by openly sharing his experiences—his deepest pains, regrets, and lessons learned—he can help others find strength within themselves.
“We all go through things, and life can be hard,” Markell says. “But I want people to know that it gets better. If I can make it through my struggles, so can they.”
Beyond personal reflection, the mixtape also serves as a bold declaration of his artistic intent. Markell is here to stay, and whether people like it or not, he is determined to achieve his biggest goals.
Artistic Growth and Evolution
From a technical perspective, I Wish I Could Explain is a massive leap forward for Markell2Timez. It showcases his growth as a vocalist, his ability to experiment with new flows, and his willingness to push the boundaries of his sound.
“It’s nothing like what I’ve done before,” he explains. “I come as I am, and everything on this project is real. I didn’t hold anything back.”
The beats, the melodies, and the vocal delivery all reflect an artist who is constantly evolving. Thanks to producers like Thesshabo, who contributed heavily to the project, Markell was able to explore new sonic landscapes while staying true to his signature raw and emotional style.
The Creative Process Behind the Mixtape
Markell’s songwriting process is deeply introspective and emotional. He writes from experience—whether he’s going through something in the moment or recalling a past event.
“Sometimes I cry while making music. Sometimes I feel even worse by the end of a session,” he admits. “But every time, I come out with more clarity.”
The entire mixtape was recorded in his living room, using a Neumann TLM 103 microphone, an Apollo Twin interface, and PreSonus Studio One as his DAW. With nothing but his couch and gaming chair, he turned his home into a creative sanctuary.
Fan and Community Reception
The response to I Wish I Could Explain has been overwhelming. Markell’s hometown of Pontiac, Michigan, has rallied behind him, showing immense support for his artistry. Even his family, who previously didn’t fully invest in his music, has now taken notice.
“My fans are shocked at how deep I went,” Markell says. “People knew I had talent, but this project showed them a different side of me.”
The mixtape’s standout tracks, “Xiena’s Lullaby 3” and “Bittersweet Goodbye”, have resonated deeply with listeners. These tracks, in particular, carry the most personal weight for Markell, to the point where he almost didn’t want to release them.
“They’re the realest words I’ve ever spoken on a mic,” he says. “I put my heart into them.”
Visuals and Artistic Inspiration
While music videos for the project are still in the works, Markell promises that each visual will be carefully crafted to match the emotion of the track. He draws inspiration from creative visionaries like Kanye West, Tyler, the Creator, Rod Wave, and NBA YoungBoy, blending cinematic storytelling with artistic symbolism.
Promotion, Marketing, and Upcoming Plans
Markell is fully hands-on when it comes to promoting I Wish I Could Explain. His strategy includes:
- Heavy Instagram promotion to engage with fans
- Performances (details are private for now)
- Flyers and local support throughout Pontiac
- Giveaways and merch drops to build a stronger connection with his audience
While the mixtape is currently a solo effort, Markell is open to collaborations and remixes in the future if the right names come up.
A Glimpse Into the Future
With I Wish I Could Explain now out in the world, Markell2Timez is already thinking ahead. While he doesn’t know exactly where the next year will take him, he’s certain of one thing: growth.
“All I know is, I’m going to be a better and bigger artist than I am today,” he says. “I’m just going with the flow.”
For Markell, music isn’t just a career—it’s a lifeline. It has given him a voice, a purpose, and a way to heal.
“This journey has changed my whole perspective on life,” he reflects. “It’s like a superpower. I feel deeply, and music helps me understand things that most people never even think about.”
A Message to Fans and Supporters
To those who have supported him, Markell has one thing to say:
“I love you. And I hope that in the middle of healing myself, I helped heal you, too. Stop being so mean to yourself. Life is an adventure—smell the roses, enjoy the experience, and remember: there is no such thing as getting it ‘right’—there’s only being yourself.”
Stay Connected
To keep up with Markell2Timez and his latest releases, follow him on all social media and streaming platforms:
@markell2timez
As his journey continues, one thing is clear—Markell2Timez is not just another rapper. He’s an artist with a story to tell, and he’s only getting started.
