Thai rapper, musician, and now Muay Thai fighter MILLI has released 13 hard-hitting tracks on her latest album, HEAVYWEIGHT, a project that expands on her already strong sound while delivering empowering anthems that reflect her new era.
The album opens with the title track, “HEAVYWEIGHT,” an introduction to MILLI’s resilience and artistry. She raps, “My body shows what I’ve been through this period,” a nod to both her physical and emotional journey. But it’s not just her body and fighting spirit that shape this album; it’s the deeply intentional lyrics that expand on MILLI’s views as a feminist and barrier breaker.
In her conversation with The Knockturnal, MILLI described HEAVYWEIGHT as a personal “diary,” packed with high-intensity, vulnerable yet fierce songs that mirror her unapologetic nature. Fearless and unafraid to speak her truth, MILLI reclaims her strength, mentally as an artist and as a fighter (literally).
Fresh off her Muay Thai match with Buakaw, she revealed that the experience directly inspired the album’s concept and title; her plan all along.
She first announced HEAVYWEIGHT to the Head in the Clouds audience in Los Angeles earlier this year, signaling her growing global reach. With roughly 80% of the album in English, MILLI is opening her sound to an international audience.
The project also features standout collaborations with artists across Asia, including Knock2 (US), ATARASHII GAKKO! (Japan), Awich (Japan), BewhY (South Korea), Gong H3F, and HUGO (Thailand); further expanding the international spread of her music.
Drawing from her real-life journey, MILLI channels societal expectations, risk, and raw power into HEAVYWEIGHT. She hopes listeners will feel the same strength and freedom in expression that fueled its creation.
From EDM tracks to Lo-fi, HEAVYWEIGHT marks a bold new era for MILLI, one she explored in depth during her conversation with The Knockturnal. She shared stories from creating “SICK WITH IT” while battling illness, her full-blown plan to step into the Muay Thai ring, along with her hopes and dreams for the future.
This conversation has been edited for clarity.
THE KNOCKTURNAL: Let’s start with the title “HEAVYWEIGHT.” You describe it as more than just a name: “Heavyweight isn’t just a title, it’s a story you carry.” Can you expand on what this title means to you in this context as being a heavyweight?
MILLI: Heavyweight, it comes from comparing myself to being a boxer, from beginner to pro. From small weights, my experience is helping me gain more skills and improving my tolerance for the weight. I will become the heaviest weight. I am ready to fight whatever comes my way. It’s not just a title, it’s a story you carry.
Everybody has a Heavyweight that they have to carry sometimes. But, the good thing about carrying something heavy is that your body will grow stronger and toned. You’re going to understand yourself more, you’re gonna love your true self, and gain bravery to show yourself off as you are.
THE KNOCKTURNAL: This album is deeply personal, drawing inspiration from your music journey and your recent Muay Thai fight. How did stepping into the ring influence your creative process? Were there any specific songs or emotions on HEAVYWEIGHT that came directly from that experience?
MILLI: The HEAVYWEIGHT album was created because of the Muay Thai fight. It was planned, my trickster plan. I really wanted to be in a real fight. I’ve been a Muay Thai student for two years, but I wanted to get into a real fight in the ring, you know?
I told my company, and they just said no—of course, who’s gonna let their artist fight in a real fight? So, I decided to release a song called One Punch first, and then I came back again with the theme of the new album called HEAVYWEIGHT, so my company would allow me to get into a real fight! This album shows I can do what I want to do and use my career to fit my flavor.
I feel like when you are a girl, you have to prove more than a boy. It’s just my perspective. I’m a super feminist. Being an artist, I have to prove myself all the time. I have to prove that I can sing, I can rap, I can dance, I also can have a good body, I dress pretty well, I have good makeup, I’m also a good performer and entertainer, all at the same time.
I have to prove a lot. And yeah, being a woman fighter, it’s not just fighting your opponents, but fighting for your heart, fighting the pressure of society, what they want you to be. Fighting the expectations.
There is a track also called “HEAVYWEIGHT” too. It’s like an interlude for this album. I’m talking about what I’ve been through and like lifting the heaviest weight. It’s gonna make my body tone up, and I’m gonna be real to everyone.
THE KNOCKTURNAL: Let’s talk about “SICK WITH IT.” What message were you hoping to send by leading with such intense, fearless energy?
MILLI: When you hear the instrument for the first time, it’s just like “bom bom.” It wakes you up since the music is so intense.
“Sick With It” has two definitions.
“I’m sick with it.”
“I’m sick with this. I’m sick with you. I’m sick with this story. I’m sick with the environment.”The funny story behind this song is: I was sick with it. I was sick on that day. I went to the hospital because I got a rash all over my body. I got an itchy stomachache, diarrhea, headache, and vomiting. I went to the Los Angeles hospital, and it was super expensive. I waited for maybe 6 hours.
They told me that my result shows I am okay, that I’m healthy as hell. I was sick in the hospital… I dissed the doctor in the song too, but it’s in Thai, so he probably not gonna know that.
The message I’m sending in that song is: “I’m not gonna be the old MILLI. This is my new era. I can’t take this anymore. I’m gonna be a new MILLI with fearless energy.
Watch the music video for “SICK WITH IT” below!
THE KNOCKTURNAL: Your recent single “MENACE” premiered at “Head in the Clouds” in LA, an iconic moment. The song’s soft production contrasts with its hard-hitting lyrics. What was the reaction like, and did that debut influence your approach to HEAVYWEIGHT?
MILLI: My company and I thought it would be fun to announce the release on a stage like that! –“Okay, everybody, this music video is ready for you to watch on this freaking screen.”
And then we just released that. We just did it for fun. I love the way you say that it’s a contrast, hard-hitting lyrics with soft R&B singing, with my low voice. Also, this album is 80% English. I thought it would be great to release this track on the stage.
THE KNOCKTURNAL: Your sound in this era leans into punchy, low R&B while still feeling very “you,” fun, raw, empowering. What do you hope to express with this newer direction? What does MILLI want to do with this album?
MILLI: I still rap. I’m still doing hip-hop. Rap is my jam, it’s my thing, you know? I’m the kind of person who loves to speak out and explain. Rap is my tool to do that and to help me express my feelings and emotions on the inside.
For this album, I put my personal life perspectives and experiences. I’m kind of honest with myself.
This time, I’m giving you the heavier vibe. It’s emotional in every term: instrument, beat, lyrics, content, topic, messaging. It’s my true story in every track. I hope others can relate and like it. I’ve grown to be more brave, to explain my personal life through song, and I want this album to be one whole story. When you listen to the whole album, it’s gonna give you high energy, then middle energy, and then make you cry.
THE KNOCKTURNAL: You’ve always used your platform for expression, sometimes controversial, always unapologetic. How do you balance that boldness with the vulnerability we hear in Heavyweight?
MILLI: Let’s say like this: when I want to be bold, it’s because I know I can be. When I want to be soft, it’s because I know I need to be. This album is more like my diary. When I speak of bold things, it’s not that I’m trying to shock people. It’s because I feel like that in that moment. When I’m feeling weak, I also write it down.
So, it’s a balance between being brave and being honest. I think both things can live together. You can be strong and still feel pain. You can be confident and still doubt yourself. That’s what I want to say with HEAVYWEIGHT.
THE KNOCKTURNAL: What do you hope fans take away from HEAVYWEIGHT? And what do you want them to know about MILLI in this new chapter?
MILLI: I hope people can listen and feel like: “I’m not alone.” That’s the first thing. I hope it can be a friend to them. When you listen, I hope you can think, “Yeah, I feel that too.” Or, when you feel down and want to get up, you can put this album on. It’s gonna remind you that you’re strong, even when you’re sad.
I just want people to know that I’m still growing. I’m still learning. I’m not perfect. But I’m real. This is the realest thing I’ve ever made. And I’m proud to show that, even the ugly parts, even the pain. That’s HEAVYWEIGHT.
HEAVYWEIGHT showcases MILLI’s unwavering passion, not only for her message of self-empowerment and uplifting others, but also for crafting rich synths and sounds that resonate universally. In conversation, she further reveals her deep love and dedication to her art.
FOR MORE MILLI:
INSTAGRAM | X | TikTok | YouTube
