X-Raided – X-Ology: The Best Of X-Raided

Album info

Released in 2001 by Black Market Records, “X-Ology – The Best Of X-Raided” serves as a compelling anthology that encapsulates the artistry and complexity of X-Raided. This compilation not only offers a retrospective look at the rapper’s work but also delves deep into the thematic elements of G-Funk and Gangsta rap styles that have shaped his career. The album features a curated list of tracks that spotlight both his lyrical prowess and artistic evolution.

From the politically charged “White Man Burden” to the emotionally resonant “Unforgiven,” the album covers a broad spectrum of human experience as refracted through the lens of street life. The collection sees frequent collaboration with producers K.G. and Big Hollis, who contribute to the dark, hypnotic beats that have become a hallmark of X-Raided’s style. K.G.’s production fingerprints are especially apparent on tracks like “The Hole,” “Here We Come,” and “Where You At,” where the instrumental compositions flawlessly complement X-Raided’s narratives.

“Macaframa” and “B*%@# Killa” serve as high points of the compilation, capturing the raw energy and audacious storytelling that X-Raided is known for. The inclusion of “Lord Have Mercy” and “Write What I See” provides a counterpoint, offering a more contemplative view of the rapper’s world. Tracks like “Money Power Respect” and “Still Shooting” delve into the unforgiving economics and social dynamics of life in the streets, topics that X-Raided has never shied away from.

“Trial By Fury” and “I Ain’t Dead Yet” stand out as testimonies to X-Raided’s resilience and longevity in a genre often characterized by fleeting fame. These tracks reveal a person who has not only survived but thrived, despite the numerous challenges thrown his way.

Artistically cohesive yet strikingly varied, “X-Ology” is a carefully constructed tapestry that provides new and seasoned listeners alike a comprehensive understanding of who X-Raided is as an artist. For those looking to dive deep into the intricate world of gangsta rap, this compilation is a definitive starting point. It’s more than a ‘best of’ album; it’s a powerful statement that captures the essence of X-Raided’s rich and complex artistry.