Are you an Opium-pilled truecel chud? Have you heard about Clavicular being frame-mogged by an ASU frat leader? If even some of this makes sense to you, you may sit nicely at the intersection of Gen Z brainrot and the underground rap scene. With the absurdist language and online culture references, you might find yourself drawn into a unique niche that embraces the surrealism of modern life.
Foremost in this intersection is the New York-based rapper xaviersobased. His idiosyncratic music has captivated a certain niche in the vibrant American music scene. His sound is unpinnable—deranged and chaotic, yet strangely addictive. It fuses off-kilter jerk beats with an unmistakably “weirdo” swag. At first listen, his tracks might infuriate you; the sheer chaos seems unbearable. But then, with each replay, you find a peculiar allure in his delivery, flow, and lyricism.
Born Xavier Lopez, xaviersobased is no stranger to the underground, having released music via SoundCloud for nearly a decade. He has collaborated with a diverse array of artists—from Jane Remover to fakemink and Black Kray. His self-created clique, 1c34, highlights his collaborative spirit. Yet it is xaviersobased’s willingness to experiment that distinguishes him from his contemporaries. He blends heavily autotuned vocals reminiscent of 2010s-era Drain Gang with the sort of abrasive, distorted sounds you might find at a live My Bloody Valentine show.
His breakthrough came with the track “patchmade” from his 2022 mixtape install. Alongside familiar rap themes like drugs, sex, and violence, xaviersobased drops absurdist lyrics—often humorous—that express his disdain for right-wing politics and features like advising others to “leave her alone because she a teen.” Some listeners might dismiss these lyrics as mere attempts at wit, but they resonate particularly well in the manosphere-dominated realms of TikTok and Instagram. Far-left accounts respond to the rise of alt-right content by utilizing educational short-form videos soundtracked by his track “worth it.”
The constant evolution of his sound showcases xaviersobased’s fearlessness in tackling various genres. From the energetic Jersey Club beats in “paterson new jersey” to his contributions to the niche Terror Plugg genre—a blend that adds overwhelming distortion to plugg trap’s ethereal sounds—his work is a testament to his creativity.
In his debut studio album, xaviersobased further pushes his eclectic sound, refusing to stay in one lane. His latest project, Xavier, spans 20 tracks and nearly 50 minutes, marking his longest release to date. This album is a whirlwind of vocal oddities, psychedelic instrumentals, and frenetic flows, showcasing a broad musical palette that proudly reveals his influences. Throughout the record, he crafts shimmering synth-laden soundscapes that defy traditional genre boundaries.
A notable influence is Swedish rapper Bladee, whose essence permeates the track “iPhone 16.” The melodic delivery echoes the familiar Gluee-era style, with the catchy refrain “being smart is hard, ignorance is bliss”, a line that lingers in your mind long after listening. The subsequent track, “Harajuku,” features a captivating autotuned chorus layered over ethereal synths and pulsating 808s. The song oscillates between an unsuspecting lightness and a subtly menacing undertone, enhanced by intricate synth patterns that elevate the track’s overall complexity.
“100,000” stands as another album highlight, showcasing xaviersobased’s melodic rapping layered with an operatic falsetto, framed by luxuriant synth passages reminiscent of George Clanton’s work. Meanwhile, “Zelle You” plays with its structure, presenting itself as two intertwined songs, separated by an intermission that offers a fresh reinterpretation of the opening segment. This particular approach to song structure is not new for xaviersobased, as his frequent collaborator tenkay often employs similar techniques in his freestyles, creating a shared language within the 1c34 collective.
Another standout is the hazy “Heartfelt,” showcasing a jittery beat. Its engaging percussion contrasts with gritty verses from Detroit rapper Rio da Yung OG, while the instrumental bears the unmistakable influence of Drain Gang producers Woesum and Yung Sherman, echoing the icy melancholy and synthetic aura associated with the Sad Boys collective.
Shifting gears, the streaming-exclusive track “Party At My Place” sees a collaboration with dubstep legend Skrillex and 100 gecs’ Dylan Brady. This genre-bending effort incorporates elements from SOPHIE’s PC Music collective, starting with explosive synths that seamlessly transition into a vocal breakdown, pushing xaviersobased’s style well beyond the lo-fi aesthetic he’s known for.
For fans who appreciate xaviersobased’s eccentric character and delivery, Xavier signifies an elevation from previous work, showcasing a transition into ambitious production and genre-defying experimentation. However, more traditional listeners might find themselves disappointed. While his songwriting may not be profound and some tracks risk blending together, those with “trained ears” and a penchant for the avant-garde may find Xavier to be a treasure chest of auditory delight. The album embodies the essence of creative freedom, inviting listeners to embrace the chaos and ingenuity that define xaviersobased’s musical journey.
