Xplicit’s hard-edged rap style arises in full force on the single “Southern Cali,” a dark, brooding and heady excursion into hard-knuckled hip-hop. It rumbles with resonating, air-filling beats and bass melodies. The vocal delivery, augmented by a grim delivery, and thick but not overbearing synths in the chorus make for a meaty, full-bodied yet not excessively dense rap experience. Finally, of course, there is the matter of Xplicit’s rough-and-tumble, don’t-gimme-no-lip attitude. It’s his refusal to compromise his message, no matter how extreme, that ultimately makes Xplicit the important figure in underground rap that he is.
The song, and the album as a whole, explains Xplicit, is “inspired by the street life of the hoods I’ve lived in and represented.” That’s part of why he never minces words. “It’s the uncensored truth about life how I see it. It’s the sound of the resurrection of West Coast gangsta rap with an emotional beat underneath the raw flow of meaningful lyrics.”
“Car-Tunez” was released to the public at no charge. “This is a free album for everybody,” exclaims Xplicit. Attendees at the CD release party received not only a free copy of the CD but also a promotional poster for the next Xplicit album. It is available for download online – free of charge, of course – and physical copies are available for only $5.
Next up for Xplicit is an even more powerful blast of hip-hop energy. “Coming out soon is an album that makes this one look amateur.” The release of “Born 2 Die” is to be a huge affair involving “big names” and produced entirely by OG Dogg Productions. Shady Records artist Cashis makes a special appearance on the CD. A bigger budget and heightened promotion promise to make this the most powerful statement yet from this rapper.
Xplicit’s rap career began with a slot in the hip-hop group Konspiracy in 2000. By 2005, the solo bug had bitten and Xplicit unleashed his first solo album with the appropriate title “Uncensored.” He followed that up with “Parental Advisory” and “Ghetto Star.”