Melodic Rise of Xav: Xavier James Trudeau's Journey into R&B
written by a member of the WCB
Xavier James Trudeau, known professionally as Xav, is making waves in the Canadian R&B scene. Born on October 18, 2007, in Montreal, Quebec, the 17-year-old artist is the eldest son of former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Despite his political lineage, Xav is determined to carve his own path in the music industry.
Xav's musical journey began in early 2025 with the release of his debut single, "Til The Night's Done." This moody R&B track, produced by Vishal "Duava" Daluwatte and recorded by Joey "Tekika" Boyer, features backing vocals from his sister Ella-Grace Trudeau. The song draws inspiration from artists like Drake and Don Toliver, with lyrics boldly asserting his individuality: "What you know about me, I ain't like him," addressing the challenge of stepping out of his father's shadow.
Following his debut, Xav quickly released two more singles: "Everything I Know" in March 2025 and "Back Me Up" in May 2025. The latter garnered significant media attention, partly due to a viral video showing Xav watching the music video with his father, Justin Trudeau, who playfully critiqued his son's dance moves.
Xav's musical style blends R&B and hip-hop, with artists like Don Toliver, Travis Scott, and Drake serving as his inspirations. His lyrics, while not about specific individuals, are crafted to be relatable, reflecting themes of love and relationships.
Despite his high-profile background, Xav has chosen to pursue his music career independently, signing with Ottawa-based record label Pathway Music Group rather than a major label. This decision underscores his desire to establish himself on his own merits and develop his artistic voice.
Looking ahead, Xav has expressed ambitious goals for his music career. He plans to continue producing, singing, and writing melodies, with hopes of securing a dream collaboration with Canadian rapper Drake. Music industry experts believe that if Xav can maintain strong songwriting and consistent releases, he has a real chance of carving out his own space in the industry.
While pursuing his musical aspirations, Xav is also focused on completing his high school education. He has mentioned plans to attend McGill University in Montreal, although he remains open to exploring other options.
Xav's entry into the music scene represents a new chapter for the Trudeau family, as he seeks to create his own legacy distinct from the political world he grew up in. With supportive parents and a growing fan base, Xav is poised to make his mark on the Canadian music landscape. As he continues to release new music and potentially venture into live performances, the industry and fans alike will be watching to see how this young artist develops his unique voice and style in the competitive world of R&B and hip-hop.