X-Raided – Xorcist

Album info

Released on December 12, 1995, through Black Market Records, “Xorcist” by X-Raided stands as an indelible mark on the gangsta rap genre. Following the release of his earlier album “Psycho Active,” X-Raided deepens his focus on gritty narratives and haunting beats, solidifying his place in the rap world despite being imprisoned at the time.

The album kicks off with “Open Tha Casket,” a brief intro by Brotha Lynch Hung that sets the stage for what’s to come. “I Ain’t Dead Yet,” the next track, serves as a powerful declaration of X-Raided’s resilience, echoing his real-life circumstances. Collaborations are plentiful in this project. “Recognize,” featuring Babe Reg and Lunasicc, showcases a mix of aggressive flows and intricate wordplay, highlighting each artist’s unique style. “Body Count,” featuring Da Misses, adds another layer of raw emotion and lyrical dexterity.

Interludes like “Collect Call” and “Blaze Up” add an eerie realism to the project, briefly pulling listeners away from the music to ponder the circumstances of X-Raided’s life and those like him. Songs like “Check Your Bitch” and “Deuce-5 To Life” offer more than just beats and bars; they provide a window into a lifestyle fraught with peril yet tinged with defiance.

“Liquor, Niggas & Triggas,” featuring vocals from Brotha Lynch Hung and Sicx, is an explosive blend of visceral lyrics and head-banging beats, serving as the album’s quintessential gangsta anthem. “Witta Mask On,” a nearly six-and-a-half-minute saga featuring multiple artists, brings together diverse styles and storytelling techniques that encapsulate the essence of ’90s West Coast rap.

Behind the scenes, the album was a collaborative effort, with Anarae Brown, Cedric Singleton, and Willie Charles serving as executive producers. The entire project was produced by Ill, who was also responsible for mixing, while the graphic art and photography were handled by Cedsing.

In sum, “Xorcist” is an audacious project that continues X-Raided’s legacy of crafting raw, unapologetic tales from the underbelly of society. It serves not just as a rap album, but as a testament to the grim realities that many face, articulated through the compelling medium of gangsta rap.