Jackson Free Press

In the world of hip-hop wordplay, verbal sparring and vocal turf wars are commonplace. With this Wild West mentality so prevalent, an emcee is only as good as the last verse he spouts. For Jackson's X-it Only, the seamless nomadic journey as a member of several groups to blowing up the underground circuit has been long and, at times, tumultuous. However, X-it has remained steadfastly dedicated to his craft—honing his skills by reinventing himself—and he has stuck to a tried and true formula of raucous abrasive lyrics.

"My music is cinematic in nature, and like a movie when you turn off the television, there is supposed to be a visual expression left on your brain. I try to paint that picture," says X-it.

X-it, 27, originally grew up in the small country town of Utica just outside of Jackson. He constantly listened to hip-hop and found himself emulating such luminary icons as Big Daddy Kane, Chick D and X Clan. While attending Hinds Community College in the early '90s, X-it released his first project entitled "Slick Cotton Picker." After receiving some buzz, he eventually hooked up with the group Mental State Of Mind, which consisted of the Clan Mankind (B-Minus and Skirtso), Us From Dirrt (Decade Donnie Cross Dime and Coup Dada), Snook the Don and Peppermint Soda.

After his early experiences, X-it became a founding member of several prominent groups that have released projects over the years in Jackson. This tour of duty has included stints with Focus, Concentration Camp and Physical Phorum. However due to creative differences and the need for greater expression, X-it struck out on his own. In the process he released a critically underground solo project entitled "Lost Innocence." The album found X-it coming into his own as an emcee. The album's a vintage narrative of guns, drugs and violence held together by a foundation of moral regret and introspection.

"When I put 'Lost Innocence' together, I wouldn't necessarily say I changed the game, but more or less (I) let people be aware of the change in time. It's like I'm a lyricist so I have to stay true to what I do, but I also have some background history with some street dealings," X-it says. "At one point, when I first started this off, I was like I'm trying to get away from where I was at. And then I came to the conclusion and realized that all of this was me. So I circulated it and put it all together and formulated myself as a whole. So it has a street feel, but it has lyrical content that is thought provoking also."

Around the time the buzz from "Lost Innocence" began to dissipate, X-it began what he calls a mix-tape assault in an attempt to increase his exposure outside Jackson. "I was given an opportunity to do freestyle for a deejay in Texas," X-it explains. "He liked the verse, I kicked so he invited me back. Then another deejay heard that verse and called for a verse, so I just kept it moving."

X-it has been heard throughout the country popping up on mix-tape and radio-mix shows in markets from Cleveland to California. X-it attributes his exposure to two factors—relationships and work ethic. "I love recording, and as an artist you have to be willing to hit the studio every time you get the chance, day or night and, regardless of the situation, be it a guest appearance or your project. Every opportunity allows you as an artist the chance to improve and better refine your message," says X-it.

To date, X-it has appeared on mix tapes by deejays Dolla out of San Antonio, Pizal out of Orlando, Fla., G-Spot and Joey Fingaz out of Cleveland, Ohio and Jackson's own Phingaprint. He has also participated in on-air freestyle competitions hosted by Davey D and Shamako "The Dragon" Noble.

"X-It has a nice flow. I think he'll have a serious career," says G-Spot.

This serious career can only be attributed to one thing. X-it says: "Like any artist ,hip-hop is an expression of my life, and I'm dedicated to being as true to the art as possible. Everything I construct is open to interpretation, that's why I'm still in this game when a lot cats have fell to the wayside."

Previous Comments

ID

63695

Comment

My name is S. L. A. D. and I would like to comment on this particular article. I would like to say that I am a huge fan of Mr. X-it Only. I enjoy his work very much. Why? Because, it's so real. Not only that its real but also very deep. He means what he say and say what he feels. Its not very many rappers like that at all. Mr. X-it Only is a true icon of music. He defines what a real rapper is and what its about. He is MUSIC. But as I stated earlier I am a fan of his work and glad to see that hes making his slowly but surely to the top. I would like to see more articles on him is possible and you know just to get to know him better in the music life. Like I said, I'm a huge fan; actually his number one fan. Not only of him but of his work. I would like to say continue doing your thing and keep ya head up. I going to forever be a fan of your work regardless. Continue to be real and true to the game. MUCH LOVE.

Author

Carebear

Date

2005-03-12T11:11:28-06:00