XavierSoBased: pioneering a New Wave of Underground Rap
Xavier “Xaviersobased” Lafayette is a leading figure in the burgeoning online world of underground rap, known for pioneering a new era of jerk music. The 22-year-old artist began posting beats to SoundCloud in 2016, but gained notable traction after the COVID-19 pandemic.
His music, characterized by short, manic tracks, draws inspiration from artists like Lil B The BasedGod, Bladee, and Black Kray, as well as the aesthetic of Goth Money Records. Xaviersobased’s sound has resonated widely online and within the U.K.’s underground music scene.
A new documentary, directed by Alex Hodor-Lee, follows Lafayette as he embarks on his first headlining tour, with stops in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and his hometown of New York City. The film captures a pivotal moment in his career, as he navigates newfound success and contemplates his next steps.
Despite his growing fanbase, Lafayette has faced financial instability. In the documentary, he reveals he was experiencing homelessness during the tour, stating, “I’m homeless right now. We trying to get a crib right now… We still got a long way to go.”
Xaviersobased recently appeared on the cover of The Fader in February 2024, where he discussed his journey and future ambitions. https://www.thefader.com/2024/02/03/xaviersobased-fader-cover-story-intervew-album-dj-rennessy
Sources:
* The Fader: https://www.thefader.com/2024/02/03/xaviersobased-fader-cover-story-intervew-album-dj-rennessy
* The Fader (Artist Pages): https://www.thefader.com/artist/lil-b, https://www.thefader.com/artist/bladee,https://www.thefader.com/artist/black-kray
Corrections Made:
* Date of The Fader cover story: The original text stated 2026, which was corrected to 2024 based on the provided link.
* Xavier’s full name: Added Xavier Lafayette based on details from The Fader article.