Lil Lotus

John Elias Villagran III, known professionally as Lil Lotus, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. Born on March 1, 1994, in Dallas, Texas, Villagran began his musical journey playing in local metalcore bands before transitioning to a solo acoustic career in 2016 under the name Tremor. His early life was marked by exposure to diverse musical styles and a personal tragedy with the death of his father at eighteen, leading to a period of homelessness. The birth of his son, Luca, served as a turning point, prompting him to focus on his solo music career.

His career gained momentum in 2017 with the release of the ‘Bodybag’ EP, featuring collaborations with GothBoiClique members like Cold Hart and Nedarb. This period established him as a pioneer in the emergent emo rap genre. Between 2018 and 2019, Lil Lotus toured extensively, opening for established acts such as Nothing,Nowhere, Senses Fail, and Papa Roach. A significant milestone occurred in December 2019 when he signed with Epitaph Records, a label that had influenced him during his formative years in post-hardcore bands. This signing coincided with the release of his single “Never Get Away,” which explored themes of pain and sobriety, reflecting his personal struggles and eventual triumph over addiction.

Lil Lotus continued to broaden his musical scope, releasing a trilogy of EPs, “All My Little Scars,” in 2020. His debut album, ‘ERRØR BØY,’ released in August 2021, showcased a shift towards pop-punk. In addition to his solo work, Villagran has been involved in several collaborative projects, including the alternative hip-hop group Boyfriendz and the metalcore band If I Die First. These collaborations demonstrate his versatility and willingness to explore different genres, solidifying his presence in various music communities.