X-Raided Loc – Niggaz In Black/Niggas In Blacc

Album info

Released in 1991 under the label 24 Deep Productions, “Niggaz In Black/Niggas In Blacc” stands as an underground tour-de-force by Sacramento gangster rap legend X-Raided, who also goes by “X-Raided Loc” for this debut EP. Known for its rarity, the cassette was only sold locally in Sacramento and printed in limited numbers, making it a much-sought-after artifact among collectors and die-hard fans.

The EP features six high-octane tracks that are raw, unfiltered, and full of an unmistakable early ’90s West Coast swagger. Starting off with the provocative “Niggas In Blacc,” X-Raided sets the tone for the EP—dark, gritty, and audaciously confrontational. Songs like “Crazy Than A Mutha Fucc” and “Shoot Cha In A Minute” further intensify the atmosphere, each track laying bare the tough realities of street life in Sacramento.

The B-side doesn’t let up. Tracks like “Who’s The Hoe?” maintain the aggressive narrative, while the standout track “That’s How My Trigger Went” features Brotha Lynch Hung and Sicx, adding further layers of lyrical complexity and urgency to the project. Wrapping up with “I’m Outta Here,” the EP comes full circle, leaving listeners with a vivid impression of X-Raided’s grim world view.

What makes this EP even more fascinating is the creative involvement of Brotha Lynch Hung, who not only contributed a track but also took charge of the EP’s artwork and production. The cover art, hand-drawn by Brotha Lynch Hung himself, enhances the underground and personal ethos of the project. Also noteworthy is the dual labeling of the cassette—while the cover art reads “Niggaz In Black,” the label printed on the cassette itself is “Niggas In Blacc,” accentuating its underground character. The cassette is further labeled “Insane 91” on both sides, reflecting the tumultuous times it encapsulates.

As a seminal work in gangsta rap from Sacramento, “Niggaz In Black/Niggas In Blacc” serves not only as an introduction to X-Raided’s artistry but also as a snapshot of a particular era in West Coast hip-hop history. Its scarcity and rawness make it an underground gem, a vivid portrait of life on the streets as seen through the eyes of one of Sacramento’s most infamous artists.