XI

Imagine a rapper who’s extremely confident, refreshing, fearless, independent, and unpredictable. Now meet the reality known as XI. Born Gary Lucy, on January 28, 1985 in Detroit, MI, his love affair with music commenced at the tender age of 8 when he began playing the piano. As a result of being raised in a religious household, XI was somewhat sheltered from hip hop music as a child and during his adolescent years. Instead of hip hop, XI’s musical foundation was established by the classic sounds of Motown; more specifically, Michael Jackson had a profound influence in birthing his passion for music.



While in high school, XI’s ears finally discovered hip hop and he immediately fell in love with the music and the culture. Eminem became the second major artist to make a remarkable impression on XI’s next musical phase. Reminded of his initial reactions to Eminem’s lyrical ability XI states, “Eminem instantly became my favorite …the way he can bring raw emotions to tracks, and also have fun on tracks, and also be lyrical on tracks really caught me.”



In addition to falling in love with hip hop, XI’s cousin and production partner, YC, introduced him to Fruityloops, a computer software program used for music production. And XI the producer was born. Years later, XI would go on to form a production team, The North Starz, with YC and childhood friend Ski Blanchard.



As his production techniques advanced, XI began hearing his voice over the beats he was composing. So he labored on his song writing ability. Those two skills combined provided an avenue for XI to express himself. XI the producer was now XI the rapper/ producer.



As time passed, XI began to amass significant song material. The result:

his highly anticipated debut album, “Life As I Know It”. A collection of therapeutic statements in song form that address real life situations. Essentially, “Life As I Know It” will be an introduction into the mind of XI- who he is and how he perceives the world. The first single off the album, “Nikki Nikki”, produced by YC, is a lively upbeat spin off of Prince’s “Darling Nikki” from the Purple Rain album. In the area of production, XI assumes the bulk of that responsibility and YC makes other contributions to round out an album which production quality is exceptional. “Life As I Know It” also features guest appearances by label mates rappers J.A.E and Ross “Confucius” Young. “Life As I Know It” is a complete album with unique song concepts and themes. Undoubtedly, “Life As I Know It” is sure to be one of the best independent releases of 2008.



Keenly aware of the power of hip hop culture and its history XI says, “Hip hop is the foundation. It is up to us to build off of that foundation and add new floors as we build towards the sky.” Forever mindful of the essence of the culture, XI is determined to use his talents with a sense of responsibility. Destined to reach success, he is adamant about remaining an independent artist who makes music that is original, sincere and of substance.



XI has ripped the stage at various venues around Metro Detroit including: Hoop City Grill, Alvins, Checkers Bar and Grill and Cass Tech High School.



For XI, life becomes lyric. And he constantly wears the competitive confidence, an indispensable characteristic, which the arena of hip hop culture demands of its members. Afraid of nothing, including being vulnerable, XI welcomes every challenge life brings. Without those challenges there would exist no motivational energy from which his music is created. So please listen closely as XI recounts to you life as he knows it.



For more information on XI, including booking, upcoming shows and updates on the release of his forth coming projects he can be reached at: phone: 313.971.5812, email: xi@thenorthstarz.com or Myspace.com/meetxi.



AOL Instant Messanger = MeetXI



For more about me, visit http://www.TheNorthStarz.com