We recently had a chat with an upcoming hip hop artist who goes by the name of “X-Man” and this is what went down…
HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE NAME X MAN?
Well initially my first nickname was Radio Xtacy back in the days because I always wanted to make music that can make people feel good as if they took some form of a drug. But my fans started calling me X Man, maybe Radio Xtacy was too long to pronounce so I went along with the people’s choice because after all I make music for them and if they like something I will give it to them as easy as that.
WHEN DID YOU START AND WHY YOU CHOSE HIP HOP?
Everybody is born with some form of a talent and X Man was no exception, music has always been in my blood until as when I actualy realized that hip hop was the only genre that represented my character as a teen. Although I had love for music in general but rap was the main source of inspiration and motivation and before I knew it, it became the biggest part of my life in every-way.
WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT FROM OTHER ARTIST?
The fact that I’ve managed to commercialize underground sound and my craft doesn’t depend on what takes place overseas, is what separates me from the rest. Hence I try as much as possible to keep it true to my roots given the fact that I rap mostly in Sepedi and talk about things that we can relate to. And this has become an added bonus since the industry has never experienced anything like this before…
WHATS YOUR BIGGEST ACHIVEMENT?
Achievement is not always materialistic but also spiritual and soulful, after more than a decade behind the mic to this day I’ve never given up on my dream and that’s a huge achievement for X Man. I have grown lyrically, the delivery, conceptualization and understanding the dos & don’ts of the industry.
WHO HAVE YOU WORKED WITH?
In 2007 I had a mixtape called Ghetto Advocates with a rapper from Botswana called O.P Panther and on the production side DJ Nteeze was the man behind everything, later on 2008 X man and Kamelion dropped a “Dream LP mixtape” which was based at the backyard records in Makhado (Elim). “Tribe of one” was the producer alongside “Lumyhoenix” and Maximum as a vocalist. Again in 2009 I had a crew in Mokopane, the crew was made out of X Man, Kgokgopa Mokhure and Nkhulu khetho but we eventually broke up after 2 years and before that me and Kgokgopa had already laced a joint with Space Monna called Welcome to the north for the Limpopo mixtape in 2011 which included videos and a documentary.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 5 YEARS TO COME?
I see myself as a natural disaster, which no one can afford not to pay attention to. Doing it big continentally and representing Africa internationally. I see myself as a musician who will make it possible for upcoming artists. I live in a ghetto wherein the arts community is ignored and neglected, though we have an abundantly talented youth. So I guess in 5 years one can help establish an arts centre. I also see myself earning a living out of rap and become the most hated by competition and most adored by fans, family and friends.
WHAT MOTIVATES X MAN?
I am motivated by the fact that I want to show every kid back at home that dreams are achievable and nothing can stand in your way if you believe in yourself and associate with the right people. Association is very vital as it plays a major role in your daily influences and experiences. So I’m also motivated by a good company of good people.
CURRENT PROJECT
Currently I am under Goodfellas E & C and have started recording my EP titled “Let It Flow” due to release in March 2013 and it has 6 tracks in it. My first single “khip’ Ucash” is out. A vibrant and crazy joint. It’s a hit which is good to listen while at a party, travelling and or just chilling. The video for the single will be out soon and yeah a lot of interviews lined up. Hopefully a campus tour and a documentary will be accomplished by June this year.
Last words: well a big shout out to the Goodfellas E & C Familia, Tec D, My manager Puff, the hypeman Kaybee, my Family, Friends & my Ghetto people. X- Man is here to represent kasi rap from Mahwelereng to Limpopo to South Africa to Africa and the Universe.
Live life to the fullest because the future in your hands
Fb: Jeffrey Kgosana Twittetr: X_Man_Goodfella
