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Bright new Manchester-based Hip Hop artist XS.iF, releases debut album One of Britain's brightest new hip-hop artist XS.iF launches his debut album, bringing a fresh new sound to the UK hip-hop scene.
MANCHESTER, December 2008
The month of August saw the release of Manchester-based artist XS.iF's (pronounced 'excessive') debut album, 'The Hip Hop Disciple'. His unique brand of hip-hop might take some by surprise, with its positive outlook, retro sound and injections of memorable humour.
Born in Manchester's inner city Cheetham Hill neighbourhood and raised in the UK and Africa, XS.iF (a.k.a. Yemi Akinpelumi) uses his life experiences and mature outlook to create a refreshingly different sound, complete with his own inspirational style of social commentary, its broad appeal further enhanced by his soulful melodies.
Working with a number of talented UK producers including Zetia and Ralph Godden, XS.iF has also collaborated with up-and-coming Manchester artists Pisees and Sylence in the production of his debut album.
Reflecting on his sound and subject matter XS.iF said 'I wanted to inspire people, old and young, to aim high and look on the positive side of life'.
XS.iF is already an established live performer, with previous gigs including an appearance at Manchester’s renowned Dpercussion festival and at the Manchester Academy as support for MOBO award-winner Akala.
After a year in the making, XS.iF can't wait to get his music out there. He has recently completed his album launch tour around the UK, and the album is now out on general release online and in all good record shops. For a list of series of live performances and all other information - check out his website or MySpace for the latest listings.
BIOGRAPHY
Yemi Akinpelumi – a.k.a. XS.iF (pronounced ‘excessive’) – was born in Manchester and raised in Africa and the UK. A diversity of early musical influences from The Commodores and Boney M, to The Everly Brothers and Bob Marley laid the foundation for XS.iF’s ongoing fascination with a broad range of genres. As a teenager growing up in Manchester’s inner city Cheetham Hill neighbourhood he discovered hip hop for the first time, loving the east coast vibes of Run DMC, LL Cool J and EPMD.
He cut his teeth as a hip hop artist with guest appearances alongside Manchester’s Ch'ill Cru in the mid-90's, earning the name XS.iF thanks to his raw delivery and lyrical content.
As a student in Nottingham XS.iF tried his hand at DJing, quickly progressing to regular shows on student radio station Fly FM, and to spinning tunes alongside the likes of Rahzel, Jazzy Jeff and Cash Money. He also promoted the renowned hip hop night ‘Prescription’, pulling in the crowds to watch turntablists, beat boxers and breakers do their thing.
Now settled once again in his home city of Manchester, XS.iF has developed his unique brand of hip hop, distinguished by its positive outlook, inspirational lyrics, international flavour and surprisingly humorous content. These qualities give XS.iF’s music a broad appeal, with his soulful melodies enhancing its listenability. In the course of producing his debut album ‘The Hip Hop Disciple’, XS.iF has worked with a number of talented producers including Zetia and Ralph Godden and has collaborated with up-and-coming Manchester lyricists Pisees and Sylence.
XS.iF’s previous live performing experiences include appearances at Manchester’s legendary Dpercussion Festival and MAPS Festival, Preston City Caribbean Festival, and as a support act for MOBO award-winner Akala at the Manchester Academy.
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