In the heart of rural Vermont, where the landscape is more known for maple syrup and ski slopes than booming bass lines, a 16-year-old prodigy is flipping the script on hip-hop’s geography. Noah Persons, better known by his stage name Faxo Hxzrd (often stylized as FAXOHXZRD), is an independent rapper, engineer, and producer who’s turning heads with his self-made beats and raw lyrics. From humble beginnings in a small town to landing a spot on one of the most anticipated video game soundtracks of the decade, Faxo’s story is a testament to grit, family support, and unrelenting hustle. As of October 2025, with GTA VI on the horizon, this young artist is poised for a breakout moment that could propel him from local stages to global streams.
From Small-Town Roots to Studio Sessions
Noah Persons grew up in Bennington, a quiet town in southern Vermont known more for its historic sites and fall foliage than its hip-hop culture. But music found its way to him early on. In a candid Instagram reel, Faxo shared how his older brother introduced him to rap, sparking a passion that would define his life. Starting as a teenager, he dove headfirst into creating music, teaching himself to produce beats and engineer tracks. This self-reliance is a hallmark of his career – Faxo handles everything from writing and recording to mixing, embodying the spirit of an independent artist in a competitive field.
His bio on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook paints a picture of a multifaceted creator: “Empire Artist/Eng/Producer.” With handles like @faxohxzrd on Instagram and Faxo Hxzrd on Facebook, he maintains a modest but growing following – around 588 followers on Instagram as of recent counts. His posts often showcase studio sessions, live performances, and motivational messages, like one reel urging fans to “Rise Above Competition and Make Your Dreams a Reality.” It’s clear that family plays a big role too; his mother, often tagged in posts, has publicly expressed her pride, sharing milestones on platforms like Facebook.
Breaking Through: Discography and Signature Sound
Faxo’s music catalog is steadily expanding, available on major streaming platforms like Apple Music, Amazon Music, SoundCloud, and more. His SoundCloud profile (under variations like noah-persons-273385917) serves as a hub for early tracks, while polished releases appear on services like Shazam and Amazon. His sound? A mix of trap influences, melodic hooks, and introspective lyrics that reflect his journey from small-town life to chasing global recognition.
Key releases include his album The New Faxo, a concise project featuring tracks like:
- “The Best” (1:43)
- “Petco” (1:00)
- “Blixÿ” (1:50)
- “Črew” (1:32)
- “Tropical” (feat. Inexi1k) (1:56)
Top songs across platforms highlight fan favorites such as “NEWTANKREMIX!”, “Motivation”, “Spacious”, “Taxi’s”, and “Pianoism.” These tracks showcase his versatility – from high-energy remixes to more laid-back, vibe-heavy pieces. Collaborations, like the feature with Inexi1k on “Tropical,” add layers to his evolving style.
For those looking to dive in, his Linktree (linktr.ee/faxohazard) connects to YouTube videos, streaming links, and booking info, making it easy to support his work. A standout YouTube link in his bio points to a video that likely captures his raw energy, though details remain teaser-like in his online presence.
The Big Break: GTA VI Feature
In May 2025, Faxo hit a major milestone when it was announced that his song “Gotta Relax” would be featured in Grand Theft Auto VI, one of the most anticipated video games of the decade, set for release in 2026. Selected as one of 59 independent artists for the game’s soundtrack, this exposure could catapult him into the mainstream. The news, covered by local outlets like NEWS10 ABC, highlighted his roots and the rarity of a Vermont artist breaking into such a high-profile project. For Faxo, it’s a testament to his grind – from open mics in Bennington bars to digital airwaves in a blockbuster game.
This achievement isn’t just about the game; it’s a nod to independent artists everywhere. As Faxo himself might say in his motivational posts, he’s his “only competition,” pushing boundaries without the backing of major labels.
Looking Ahead: A World-Conquering Vision
At just a young age (details suggest he’s a recent high school grad or similar, based on his fresh-faced energy in photos), Faxo Hxzrd is already eyeing bigger stages. His Instagram reels from places like Miami show him networking and performing, hinting at a desire to expand beyond Vermont. With music on platforms like Apple Music (under artist ID 1470647523) and active socials, fans can expect more releases, perhaps building on the momentum from GTA VI.
If you’re into up-and-coming hip-hop with a personal touch, give Faxo a stream. Contact for bookings via [email protected] or through his manager @Janice52777. As he raps in his tracks, he’s “taking over the world one day at a time” – and with his talent, that day might come sooner than expected.
Follow him on Instagram @faxohxzrd, check out his Linktree for all links, and keep an eye on this Vermont gem as he rises.
