David Willis, known best by his moniker of QWillis, is a name rapidly making waves in the hip-hop, rap, and pop scenes. At just 16 years old, this American Christian rapper and producer has already achieved what many aspiring musicians only dream of, turning a lifelong passion into a burgeoning career.
From dropping his first track at 12 to founding an independent label this year, QWillis's journey is a testament to resilience and an unwavering dedication to his craft. We recently had the chance to chat with him about his incredible rise, his deeply personal debut album, ‘Error404’, and his mission to create a more supportive space for independent artists.
Thanks for dropping by to chat about your new album! Before we get right into the record, when did you first start making music? Where did it all begin?
“I first started making music at 6 and released my first song when I was 12. The origin is a bit dark, but, I was feeling really low when I was 6, and I felt like I didn't have anybody, I was depressed and felt like my parents who had adopted me didn't love me. I was about to take my life when I heard NF's song ‘Paralyzed’, and I knew that I wasn't the only one who had felt how I felt. As an artist, I want to one day be just like NF and help people with my music.”
The new album has been making waves online. Can you tell us a bit about it and what it means to you?
“My latest release is my first album ‘Error404’. This album was inspired by an event that happened in the December of 2024. I met a girl at a library, and I felt really close to her. When we met she was being harassed by her ex, and I went over to talk to her. We stayed at the library talking for a couple hours and I felt an attachment to her that I've never felt with anyone else. When the library closed, I walked her home and got her number. She said that she would always be there if I ever needed her, and that night we wanted to see each other again, so we snuck out, I picked her up at her house and we walked to the park there in town. We laid on the grass and looked up at the stars, we held hands and talked a lot. I then walked her home a couple hours later. and then the next day she ghosted me after we hung out at her house for a couple hours.”
Were there any artists or other releases that helped shape the album? And any moments that really made their mark?
“NF inspired my album a ton. I'd say the other artists and producers who inspired my album is Tommee Profitt, djsunnysideup, Dissy, M!l4n, Joyner Lucas, Baby Tron, XXXTENTACION, TOKEYO'S REVENGE, etc.. The main moment that inspired the album is when a girl I really liked ghosted me...right before Christmas too, I might add. Also, the one who showed the most support is definitely Jujuswrld1. He introduced me to new artists, and his streams were really the high point of my days whenever he streamed. I had a song with Dissy on two of the songs on the album, and they songs are definitely some of my favourite songs that I've made.”
What was your songwriting process for the release? How did it all come together?
“The songwriting process for ‘Error404’ was honestly a way for me to heal. I didn't write it like, "Let me make a project," it started with me just writing what I felt after getting ghosted, and I felt hurt. To me, those emotions I put into the album and the music were heavy. I’d stay up late, just looping sad beats or building my own from scratch, and freestyling lines until something clicked emotionally.”
“A lot of the lyrics came straight from journal entries or real conversations that stuck with me. Once I realized how much pain was building up, I knew this wasn’t just a single, it had to be an album. Every song was me closing a chapter, processing something real I didn’t know how to say out loud.”
How would you describe the sound on your latest release? Has there been a change or evolution in style since you first began?
“The sound of ‘Error404’ is definitely just me exploring my sound and voice. Some songs are emotional, melodic, and kind of dark; some songs are just hard trap. There’s a mix of hip-hop, alt-pop, reggaetón, and a little bit of emo influence in there too. I feel like it’s got energy when it needs to, but also space to breathe. Compared to my early music, this project is more polished. I used to just rap bars to get thoughts out, or just to flex, but now I feel like I’m painting scenes with my production and lyrics. My flow’s definitely better than when I first started, my melodies are more intentional, and the vibe is more personal than I've ever been.”
Is there a central message or theme you were trying to convey in the album, or any moments listeners should really look out for?
“The core message of ‘Error404’ is feeling lost — like you’ve been disconnected from love, people, even yourself. It’s that feeling when someone tells you they’ll always be there and then just vanish, like they were never real. That’s the ‘Error404’ feeling, like your heart is trying to load something that just doesn’t exist anymore.”
“A couple tracks that captures it pretty well is ‘Pass Out’, ‘Find My Way Back’, and ‘Error404’. They are basically just me saying that I’m tired of pretending I’m okay, I feel broken, and I don’t want to fake it anymore. I believe that these songs set the emotional tone for the rest of the album.”
What sort of reception have you had to the album now it’s out in the world?
“The love has been overwhelming. I’ve had people DM me saying songs from ‘Error404’ helped them through depression, breakups, even just feeling misunderstood. One person told me ‘Lies’ made them feel like they weren’t crazy for feeling stuck in life, and that hit me hard. Another person told me they played the album on repeat when he found out that his girlfriend was cheating on him, and that it felt like I was telling their story. That’s what it’s all about. I’m not just trying to get streams, I’m trying to make people feel something real.”
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations as an artist? Where do you see yourself in the next few years, both musically and personally?
“I want to keep making music that tells honest stories and hit deep emotionally. Musically, I want to level up my production even more, collaborate with artists I admire, and eventually headline my own tour. Personally, I just want to keep growing in my faith and stay grounded. I want to build something bigger than me. I want to build a community for artists who feel like the industry’s never had their back, I want to build a community where people can open up and feel understood.”
“In a few years, I hope people see QWillis and think, "That’s the guy who helped me get through it." I want people I know now to say, "I knew that guy", or "I baptised him", or "I went to school with that guy". I want to make my parents and family proud of me.”
What's next after this release? Do you have any new releases or shows on the horizon?
“Yeah, definitely. I’m already working on new music. I’ve got a few singles lined up and some ideas for a concept EP that might go even deeper than ‘Error404’. Production-wise, I’m also working with a couple underground artists from my label to help them get their own sound out there. No official shows yet, but I’m looking into organizing small events or live sessions, even just acoustic pop-ups or studio sessions I can livestream. I want to connect more directly with fans now that the album’s out.”
Is there anything you would like to say to our audience? How can they connect with you and help support you?
“To anyone taking time out of their day to read this, thank you. Whether you’ve been here since my first song, found me through ‘Error404’, or just found me while reading this. I appreciate you more than you know. If you want to support me, stream the album and my music, share your favourite track, follow me on Instagram, sub to my YouTube, or even just DM me and let me know what a song meant to you. I’m not a brand, I’m a person, and I want to build a real connection with the people who relate to what I’m saying.”
QWillis' story is a powerful reminder that creativity can blossom from even the toughest circumstances. His commitment to authenticity, both in his music and in his support for other artists, sets him apart in an industry often criticised for its commercial focus.
As he continues to evolve and share his deeply personal narratives, it's clear that QWillis is not just making music; he's building a community. We're excited to see what the future holds for this inspiring young artist.
To join QWillis on his journey, be sure to follow him on Instagram, and stream his music on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music.
