I first discovered Domini Forelli<\/a> through the work of the young Italian producer Dom 2XL<\/a>, whom I\u2019ve followed for some time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When their latest two collaborative EPs dropped – the first of which, Quiet Luxury<\/em>, came out in February- I was immediately captivated by Domini’s distinctive style as a rapper and fashion-savvy lady. She caught my attention right away, thanks to her references and delivery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her second release, Velvet Smooth<\/em>, which dropped in March, was preceded by the single “First Date<\/em>,” featuring The Musalini<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I listened to both projects on repeat for days and, surprisingly, never grew tired of them. My curiosity for her future releases has only intensified, and I truly believe she\u2019s an artist worth following. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I decided to get in touch with her to ask a few questions about fashion and delve into her style icons, especially considering her bold and defined look, influenced by retro elements. I’d love for you to introduce yourself and tell us about your path. I know you went from studying theatr<\/strong>e to running your own business. How have these chapters of your life shaped your evolution as an artist?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n My name is Domini Forelli. I was born in 1995 in Washington D.C., where I spent most of my childhood. Growing up, I moved frequently: spending summers in New York, living for a time in Florida, and later moving to North Carolina, where I studied theater and film.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Eventually, I returned to Washington D.C. and later graduated high school in Maryland. At 23, I leaped and moved to Los Angeles to pursue music while studying nail anatomy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There, I opened Forelli Nails & Beauty, a boutique salon that quickly gained success. Running my own business taught me discipline, creativity, and the importance of pushing forward even when things get tough – the same qualities that also shape my music. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, when the pandemic hit, I had to close it and decided to focus entirely on my artistic path. Your stage name Domini Forelli has an interesting backstory. Can you tell us what first inspired you to make music and how your style has evolved?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I came up with my stage name back in 2009. “Domin<\/em>i” comes from my Dominican heritage: my father is from the Dominican Republic, so I shortened the name as a nod to my roots. <\/p>\n\n\n\n “Forelli<\/em>” actually comes from a character in the video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. He was a fictional mob boss, and for some reason, the name stuck with me. So, I paired the two together and got Domini Forelli.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I started rapping when I was 8. Even as a kid, I was always outspoken, always expressing what was on my mind. I\u2019d put on performances in the living room for my mom, rapping along to artists like 2Pac<\/strong>, Biggie<\/strong>, Wu-Tang<\/strong>, e DMX<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Music was a huge part of our household, it was something we could all relate to, so getting into it felt natural for me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By the time I was 14, I was drawn to female artists like Lil\u2019 Kim, Foxy Brown, Mary J. Blige, and Armani Caesar. Their confidence, style, and presence were unlike anything I\u2019d seen before, and they influenced the way I approached my music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Quiet Luxury” has a unique sound and aesthetic, reflecting a sense of understated elegance. Your collaboration with Dom 2XL played a big role in shaping its vibe. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n How did your connection with him come about, and how did that initial collaboration evolve into a full project?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The imagery I create in my music really comes from the vibe I get from the beats Dom sends me, along with the headspace I\u2019m in during my real life. That\u2019s how \u201cQuiet Luxury\u201d came about, honestly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dom has an incredible ear for music. Back in 2022, he messaged me on Instagram about working on a track called \u201cHustla Talk<\/em>\u201d. When I heard the instrumental, I was blown away. I thought, “Yooo, where is this guy from?!” I had never heard a beat like that before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There were also two other guys on the track, shoutout to Zay and Ron. I was the last to record my verse, and it came together so quickly and smoothly, like butter. Dom loved it. We ended up making the charts on Insomniac Magazine, landing in the top 10. I\u2019ll never forget that moment. <\/p>\n\n\n
In this interview, Domini Forelli shares insights into her evolution and the story behind her music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/strettoblaster.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DOM-FORELLI--1024x538.jpg\")
Now, in 2025, I\u2019m back in my hometown, continuing to evolve as an artist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Domini](\"https:\/\/strettoblaster.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/forelli-shooting-.jpeg\")