X-Raided – The Unforgiven V.1… In The Beginning

Album info

Released in 2009 by Block Star Entertainment, X-Raided’s “The Unforgiven V.1… In The Beginning” presents a compilation of both remixed classics and fresh tracks, solidifying his place in the annals of Gangsta Hip-Hop. This album is a chronological journey that begins with a remix of the introspective “Mama’s Pride & Joy” and navigates through a labyrinth of emotions, experiences, and societal observations, culminating in a series of high-octane remixes that include “Macaframa” and “Mortal Combat.”

Produced by Shareil and The Verbal Tek, the album showcases X-Raided’s unparalleled lyrical ability to delve into dark and often controversial themes without losing the narrative thread. Songs like “Misanthropy” and “Unforgiven” give voice to a mistrust of society and its norms, offering a gritty, unfiltered look into his world views. “Who Is Y’all” and “Spittin Venom” provide a confrontational stance, challenging both the listeners and the artist’s adversaries to question their own roles in the larger hip-hop ecosystem.

One of the standout tracks, “Take Flight” featuring Dott Dogg, offers a high-energy narrative that combines both the streetwise wisdom and impulsiveness that characterize much of X-Raided’s work. “Land Of The Lost” and “Whatever It Took” serve as explorations into existentialism and resilience. In contrast, “The Hole” and “Trial By Fury” examine the penal system and the struggles associated with it, providing stark commentaries on justice and inequality.

Emotionally resonant tracks like “Jealous Fellas” and “Never Loved,” the latter featuring Dott Dogg, articulate the complexities of interpersonal relationships in an environment rife with distrust and envy. The album concludes with hard-hitting remixes by Filthy Rich that infuse new life into already iconic tracks, allowing for a rejuvenated listening experience.

“The Unforgiven V.1… In The Beginning” functions not just as an anthology of X-Raided’s works but also as an illustrative memoir, capturing both his evolution as an artist and the unwavering themes that have defined his career. Whether you’re a long-standing fan or a new listener, this album serves as a comprehensive introduction to X-Raided’s intricate lyrical world, shaped by both tragedy and triumph.