A Day with Internet-born Rapper, Xaviersobased

Back in 2020 when I was working on my short film, the Upper West Side Curb Club, I became close with the local skateboarders who frequent the Soldiers’ & Sailors’ Monument. Amongst the group of kids was Xavier better known for his rap artist name, Xaviersobased.

Upon first listening, it’s easy to describe his music as experimental, lo-fi, or just flat-out noisy. I dismantled my concept of what rap is and found myself hearing the underlying rhythm of his songs. There is a huge fan base of daily listeners that helped Xavier grow in popularity as he continued to write and produce original music on his SoundCloud account.

Since releasing his hit single “Patchmade” on Soundcloud, to forming the music collective #1C, collaborating with artists like Lil’B and members of Surf Gang. Xavier hasn’t abandoned his roots in skateboarding with his close friends in his neighborhood.

I caught up with Xavier as he showed me around the Upper West Side of Manhattan. I got a glimpse into his present life, origins, inspirations, and a behind-the-stage experience of a #1C show in Brooklyn, NY.

Photography by Greg Navarro