Mixtape Mayhem: Awesome EP

How does XV feel after releasing his first EP on June 26th, 2012? AWESOME! Having fifteen mixtapes already under his belt, XV, an American rapper, singer, and songwriter from Wichita, Kansas, just completed his Awesome EP! The hit single “Awesome ft. Pusha T” has XV rapping over a smooth combination of piano sounds. With his unique sound of hard-hitting beats and charismatic lyrics, who would have thought XV reps Kansas? I wouldn’t have, but from the looks of it, XV is the future of rap. All you have to do is listen to any of his previous mixtapes and you will understand why.

The choice of beats XV raps over are very different from the usual rapper. That’s a good thing; it helps him stand out. The track “Chains, Whips, and Bars” sounds more like a rock record than a rap record. XV takes the hard drum-sounding beat and tears through each verse like a guitarist smashing his own guitar. If you listen carefully to the beat, you can hear a mixture of instruments such as synthesizers and accordion and orchestra piano sounds. This song showcases XV’s numerous talents.

XV stands for the Roman numeral fifteen – the age he started rapping. On the track “Bang, Bang, Bang”, XV dives in real hard, almost like he’s preparing for war. This track is more about triumph than defeat. XV raps, “And they asking why XV? At age 15 started rapping. Most of us don’t see 21, so when I was young I made it happen.” His metaphors are brilliant. XV continues, “What I bring to it’s like sheet music that he wrote. I’m F’in sharp but the lines have brought me nothing but some C notes. My girl ass never be flat, yo girl look like a minor.” This track is one you don’t want to skip over.

XV brings out the vocals on the track “Swervin’”. This track has a spacy swagged out vibe to it. A perfect track to sit back and relax to. XV is on the road to success. His word-play and interesting sounding beats showcases his personality and creative talents. No wonder why he named his first EP Awesome!

By Ally Doxsey