Xaviersobased’s ‘Xavier’ Review: New York’s Polarizing Tastemaker Delivers Brilliant Chaos

Xaviersobased’s debut album Xavier blends chaos and charm, showcasing his unique New York underground style with playful, joyful beats.

A Skate-Culture Kid Turns Studio Maverick

If you’ve ever lingered on the fringes of New York’s underground scene, chances are you’ve caught a whiff of Xaviersobased’s restless energy. Xavier Lopez, better known by his stage name, is a 22-year-old rapper and producer who’s planted himself firmly at the crossroads of DIY skate culture and experimental hip-hop. His sprawling SoundCloud back catalog feels like a digital zine—graffiti-inspired, rough around the edges, and bursting with personality.

Xaviersobased’s music isn’t just about beats and flows; it’s a cultural collage. Like those xerox-copy zines of days past, every track feels personal yet punk, raw but inventive. His roots in skate culture shine through his sound, making him a sonic pioneer in New York’s underground landscape. Now, with his debut album Xavier, he’s ready to take that skate-rat ethos and share it with the wider world.

From Lil B to Yung Lean: Influences That Shape Xavier

On Xavier, Lopez distills years of micro-genre hopping and offbeat lyricism into one cohesive, yet still wonderfully chaotic package. As the founder of the underground collective 1c34, Xaviersobased draws clear inspiration from hip-hop trailblazers like Lil B, Chief Keef, and Yung Lean—artists known for their boundary-pushing sounds and distinct personalities.

While this album isn’t as wildly experimental as some of his earlier releases, it still sparkles with playful production and that signature joyful vibe. Think euphoric, sometimes hazy beats wrapped in a pulsing wall of sound. For example, listen to the hypnotic energy on “Clorox” or the dreamlike, skittering percussion on “Negative Canthal Tilt.” These tracks keep the sprawling 20-song journey feeling fresh and unpredictable.

Lopez’s lyrics are a highlight—an intriguing blend of braggadocio and vulnerability. There's a hyper-awareness in his swagger, evident in lines like:

“Hoes on my dick ’cause I got that self-hatred”

which perfectly captures the duality of his persona: tough and playful on the surface, with a sensitive core underneath. His distorted, off-kilter flow isn’t for everyone, but it’s an essential part of his charm, underscoring the knowing nonchalance threading through the album.

Watch Xaviersobased’s “Wheel Man” Video

An Eclectic Soundscape: Electroclash, Game OST Vibes & More

What really sets Xavier apart is Xaviersobased’s knack for weaving together countless musical influences. The track “Minute” is a fascinating dive into electroclash territory with a beat that nods to his mother’s ’80s house DJ days—a neat family tie-in that brings vintage vibes into the modern underground stew.

Then there’s “Heartfelt,” co-produced by Yung Sherman and Woesum, which stands out as an ethereal highlight. Here, guest feature Rio Da Yung Og delivers a surprisingly tender performance over a lush instrumental that feels like a cozy video game soundtrack infused with booming 808s. It's moments like these where the album truly shines, showing off Lopez’s versatile production skills and willingness to explore new sonic territories.

The album’s second half perks up with strong features from collaborators like OsamaSon and Ksuuvi, adding even more layers of energy and creativity to the mix.

A Perfect Introduction to New York’s Underground Future

Xavier works brilliantly as a gateway into Xaviersobased’s eccentric world and the vibrant underground NYC scene he’s helping to shape. While longtime fans might miss some of the wild experimentation from his earlier work, this album is polished enough to attract new listeners without sacrificing his playful spirit.

Despite being signed to a major label now, Lopez remains unapologetically himself—raw, chaotic, and infectiously fun. Xaviersobased stays true to the skate-punk roots and experimental ethos that make him one of the most unique voices in the U.S. underground right now.

Album Details

• Record label: 1-chance / Surf Gang Records
• Release date: January 30, 2026

Wrap-Up: Is Xavier the Future of Underground New York?

Xaviersobased’s Xavier is a wild ride through the many facets of underground hip-hop and experimental sounds, all wrapped in a youthful, skate-culture spirit. If you love artists who push boundaries but keep their feet firmly planted in their roots, this album will speak to you. It may not be the most surprising record of the year, but its highs are dazzling enough to make it a must-listen for anyone curious about where New York’s underground is headed.

FAQ

• What genre does Xaviersobased’s music belong to?
  Xaviersobased blends underground hip-hop with experimental and micro-genre influences, rooted in New York skate culture.
• Who are some of Xaviersobased’s musical influences?
  He draws inspiration from artists like Lil B, Chief Keef, Yung Lean, and even his mother’s ’80s house DJ background.
• What makes the album Xavier unique?
  The album combines playful production, distorted flows, and a mix of joyful and vulnerable lyrics, showcasing a wide range of sounds from electroclash to video game-inspired beats.
• Is Xavier a good starting point for new listeners?
  Absolutely! It’s a polished introduction to Xaviersobased’s world and the NYC underground scene he’s shaping.
• When was Xavier released?
  The album dropped on January 30, 2026, via 1-chance / Surf Gang Records.

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