XO Man Biography
XO Man the giant-sized rapper from Mitcham, South London was officially crowned the HUGO URBAN RULES numero uno in December 2008. Wowing urban industry execs including SonyBMG’s Mervyn Lyn, BBC 1Xtra’s Twin B, Kiss FM’s Manny Norté and RWD Magazine’s Hattie Collins as well as the Sugababes, it was XO Man’s larger-than-life personality (and he’s 6ft 10!) that put him in pole position for the grand prize at the prestigious urban music event. As well as winning the chance to support the Sugababes (Push The Button, Girls, No Can Do) at HUGO URBAN RULES’ headline gig at Cargo, London, XO Man will go on to record a single with full record label backing and play a series of intimate live gigs.
Finding ones own path is XO Man’s ethos in life. Starting out as a Grime/Garage MC, it was only when XO embraced his love for other genres of music that he really grew as an artist. Performing at numerous club venues including Café De Paris, Old Street’s 333, Vibe Bar, Soho Revue Bar Known and The Ramshackle, XO is known on the live music scene for his energetic, high-octane performances as well as his memorable lyrics, XO Man was born to entertain people. When he’s not rocking out on stage, you can find XO Man in the gym, training others into shape or in the kitchen, putting in the groundwork for his future Caribbean cooking show. There is no end to this man’s talents.
Working in the music scene since 2001 XO Man knew his comedy rhymes, kooky fashion sense and unwavering drive and determination would be the recipe for success. The South Londoner was proved right when the Sugababes and the stable of industry heavy weights announced him as the unanimous champ at this year’s HUGO URBAN RULES. Amelle, Keisha and Heidi, aka the Sugababes said: “XO has character to match his height. He’s definitely got a star quality.” To which XO Man modestly replied: “I still can hear Heidi, in her Liverpudlian accent, announcing ‘XO’ as the winner. It was sexy as hell. All smiles, no frowns from me.”
XO Man’s tracks, including Microwave and Lady Dog, offer a quirky blend of Hip Hop, Rock, Reggae and Garage, which he describes as “music inspired from all things bright and beautiful.” His innovative multi-genre approach and humourous lyrics have led to audiences to describe him as the UK’s answer to André 3000. 2009 will see XO Man taking music fans on an emotional rollercoaster, full of highs, lows, twists and turns that will shock the unshockable. Once you hear XO Man’s fresh and funny beats, you'll understand why others refer to this gentle giant as the next big thing to come out of the UK.
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