Music Existence Because of Music, We Exist
Underground rap phenomenon and Sacramento native X-Raided reveals a new single and music video entitled “It’s Up” featuring Ras Kass and KXNG Crooked out now via Strange Music.
On the track, a triumphant horn loop booms through the beat as these three West Coast rap stalwarts lock into a head-spinning lyrical crossfire. Representing South Central, Ras Kass states his intent with a provocative proclamation, “When you too scared to go outside, I live in the wilderness, psychopaths live to kill, everybody kill to live, I’m somewhere in the middle trying to build a bridge.” X-Raided lives up to the claim of being “one of the dopest rappers on earth you never heard of no matter who you may be” with a fiery flow. Finally, Long Beach’s own KXNG Crooked bodies the production with a rapid barrage as he warns, “I don’t rap; I just speak violently as I read from a street diary. Long Beach is on each side of me.” In the accompanying visual, Strange Music labelmate Tech N9ne makes an appearance and bids the trio farewell as they take an intergalactic elevator up to levels unknown, reaching a room with fast cars and models sipping cocktails.
Regarding “It’s Up,” X-Raided said, “I teamed up with Ras Kass and Kxng Crooked for a west coast lyrical beat down constructed by three of its most well-known rap assassins. I am excited to give the fans some real bars in this era of fast-food lyrics. Hopefully this will cause other emcees where we’re from to get back to what made us who we are in the first place.”
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Following a first-degree murder charge as a juvenile, X-Raided spent 26 years, 5 months, and 26 days behind bars. The Board of Parole deemed him worthy of reentry into society in May 2018, and he has made the most of his time as a free man. Not only did he release music at a prolific pace and appear on Tech N9ne’s chart-busting album ASIN9NE, but he notably completed a series of reentry programs, including the Dream Center and Hope For Prisoners. His mission to decrease recidivism and increase restorative justice has garnered the attention and praise from various governors, senators, members of U.S. Congress, and law enforcement.
SINGLE ARTWORK: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/oryac84ocxc41pibim1nk/It-s-Up-Cover-Art-FINAL-EDIT.png?rlkey=hm98tc70rn2xe3t7t9ozav68n&st=qh8kwsu3&dl=0
