I wasn't exposed to hip hop/rap growing up as a child. I was raised in a home where Michael Jackson was KING!! He is my major influence. Eminem, Prince, Elvis, Dr. Dre, Royce Da 5'9" and a few others fall a close second place..lol
Sounds Like
I try to be as original as possible when creating my music. I dont listen to rap AT ALL while working on a project (even my own).
Imagine a rapper who’s extremely confident, refreshing, fearless, independent, and unpredictable. Now meet the reality known as XI. Born Gary Lucy, on January 28, 1985 in Detroit, MI, his love affair with music commenced at the tender age of 8 when he began playing the piano. As a result of being raised in a religious household, XI was somewhat sheltered from hip hop music as a child and during his adolescent years. Instead of hip hop, XI’s musical foundation was established by the classic sounds of Motown; more specifically, Michael Jackson had a profound influence in birthing his passion for music.
While in high school, XI’s ears finally discovered hip hop and he immediately fell in love with the music and the culture. Eminem became the second major artist to make a remarkable impression on XI’s next musical phase. Reminded of his initial reactions to Eminem’s lyrical ability XI states, “Eminem instantly became my favorite …the way he can bring raw emotions to tracks, and also have fun on tracks, and also be lyrical on tracks really caught me.”
In addition to falling in love with hip hop, XI’s cousin and production partner, YC, introduced him to Fruityloops, a computer software program used for music production. And XI the producer was born. Years later, XI would go on to form a production team, The North Starz, with YC and childhood friend Ski Blanchard.
As his production techniques advanced, XI began hearing his voice over the beats he was composing. So he labored on his song writing ability. Those two skills combined provided an avenue for XI to express himself. XI the producer was now XI the rapper/ producer.
As time passed, XI began to amass significant song material. The result:
his highly anticipated debut album, “Life As I Know It”. A collection of therapeutic statements in song form that address real life situations. Essentially, “Life As I Know It” will be an introduction into the mind of XI- who he is and how he perceives the world. The first single off the album, “Nikki Nikki”, produced by YC, is a lively upbeat spin off of Prince’s “Darling Nikki” from the Purple Rain album. In the area of production, XI assumes the bulk of that responsibility and YC makes other contributions to round out an album which production quality is exceptional. “Life As I Know It” also features guest appearances by label mates rappers J.A.E and Ross “Confucius” Young. “Life As I Know It” is a complete album with unique song concepts and themes. Undoubtedly, “Life As I Know It” is sure to be one of the best independent releases of 2008.
Keenly aware of the power of hip hop culture and its history XI says, “Hip hop is the foundation. It is up to us to build off of that foundation and add new floors as we build towards the sky.” Forever mindful of the essence of the culture, XI is determined to use his talents with a sense of responsibility. Destined to reach success, he is adamant about remaining an independent artist who makes music that is original, sincere and of substance.
XI has ripped the stage at various venues around Metro Detroit including: Hoop City Grill, Alvins, Checkers Bar and Grill and Cass Tech High School.
For XI, life becomes lyric. And he constantly wears the competitive confidence, an indispensable characteristic, which the arena of hip hop culture demands of its members. Afraid of nothing, including being vulnerable, XI welcomes every challenge life brings. Without those challenges there would exist no motivational energy from which his music is created. So please listen closely as XI recounts to you life as he knows it.
For more information on XI, including booking, upcoming shows and updates on the release of his forth coming projects he can be reached at: phone: 313.971.5812, email: xi@thenorthstarz.com or Myspace.com/meetxi.
AOL Instant Messanger = MeetXI
For more about me, visit http://www.TheNorthStarz.com
Yo what's Good? XI Had to Slide back to ya Spot 2 See how -U- keep ya house Remember..To accomplish great things we must not only act but also dream, not only plan but also believe
Hey whats up XI, love the new Certified Alcoholic song. Hey I make beats, I know you do too and you got people but if you got the time I'd be honored if you checked out some of my beats and tell me what you think. Keep it real, peace!
WUD UP ITS YA BOI MELLZ CHECK OUT THE PAGE FOR HOTT MUSIC NEW SINGLES " MY ANGEL" AND A PEEK AT ANOTHER NEW SINGLE CALLED "FOCUS ON THA THRONE" DROPP A COMMENT TELL ME WHAT U THINK ALRITE BE COOL! myspace.com/mellz1115
Yo XI whats good just wanted 2 say again that cd u gave me was hard u r raps next big thing.i live in mass not much people down here know who u r if u can give me a site where i can get some tracks by u ill spread ur mussic around if u want!im officaly out pce brandin aka young-rou
UGH! It's just that he picks the damnedest (I know it's not a word) times to take a nap. I am STARVING and I didn't plan on cooking because my dad gave us a gift certificate to go to Ruby Tuesday and we had plans to go. I tried to wake him up over an hour ago and he's still laying there. I'm moving on from annoyed to pissed off! anywayz, it went good. We got stuff for our wii. How was yours? know what sucks? that IM supposed to be the one that knows about "web-stuff" and your profile is better than mine? Maybe I should just let you take care of mine like mom does Dan's...ohh, that reminds me, speaking of mom; i finally got her to start taking those surveys online like i'm doing, cuz i know the extra money sure comes in handy. you should really try em. i mean, if i got mom to try it, psh, i can get anybody to, heh..i guess you'll have to type the link into internet explorer or whatever, but here it is: www. workforsurveybling .com ... anyhow, I know we are both kinda like "woah" right now. But I just wanted to take a second to remind you that you are Amazing!
Online Now!
