Introducing Alternative Rapper, XtG

There’s only 1 reason for that – time. 

See ever since bopping my head to G-Unit back in the early noughties, I’d always fantasised with the idea of becoming an alternative rapper. Plus, being paid diddly squat per hour just to spend my days slouched behind a desk, didn’t really tickle my fancy; FYI: everyday ‘jobs’ really don’t suit me!

So as you can imagine, after a few (backbreaking) years of attempting to fit in, I finally cracked. I was just SO fed up of not being happy that I started venting lyrics into the Notes on my phone. And the rest?

That’s history.

Like most alternative rappers, I am a bit kooky like that. So when it comes to fashion, I’m no exception. So let’s just say that swaggy streetwear of your typical UK rappers, ain’t really my up my alley. Although that’s literally it.

I just dress as me. See, the last thing I want to be remembered as, is that rapper who changed-up his identity just to ‘gain approval’. I’m not here to blend in, nor beg for acceptance. So I guess that’s why I’m often dubbed as an alternative rapper.

FYI: Don’t be mistaken – XtG is by no means a façade, but merely a caricature of the everyday me. Denim is my ‘go-to’ for garms; can’t get enough of black skinnies. Wore the exact same chain everyday for over 5 years straight, & I do have a slight fetish for rounded shades in the summer. And as for the flat cap – that’s simply a nod towards my West Yorkshire roots. 

I assure you, I’m NOT a farmer.

That’s pretty straight forward. I’m me – nobody else. 

So that person you see in my music videos – that’s me. As is the cheeky chap you see on social media or the alt rapper answering these questions. Essentially, I’m the same person in reality as I am online, be it interacting with fans or having a gossip with friends & family. 

So I guess to say I’m authentic, wouldn’t be far from the truth. At least that’s what I aim to be. Hopefully now, my motto makes more sense:    

“Follow Intuition, Not The Crowd”. 

(sheepish squirm)… nope.

In fact, prior to transitioning into an alternative rapper, my most prestigious musical achievement was reaching Grade 1 of piano (permission to ROFL). And in the case of school, music was one of the first subjects I couldn’t wait to drop. I was proper psyched about it too!

However, looking back, I realise why. See (just to clear things up) I do NOT hate music – anything but. Yet what I didn’t understand at the time, was the reason why I didn’t enjoy making music was because I was in the dark about my creative process. A quirk that the school system ‘conveniently’ neglects to mention (tut-tut).

So back then, the thought of becoming an alternative rapper was very much a distant dream. The word ‘possibility’ hadn’t even crossed my mind. Young me was more hyped about a formal career, as a Barrister or Accountant… (tactically chunders).

I suppose you could say that – yeah. 

See, there’s only really 1 vibe I go for at the gym, & that’s conscious rap. Hence why the track I rinse the most isn’t a mainstream banger (or particularly well know for that matter). In fact, it’s a song you’ll only find chilling on the backend of YouTube – it’s too ‘underground’ for Spotify!

The track in question is called ‘Reminder’ & it’s recorded by G-Unit member, Lloyd Banks. Put 5 minutes aside to take a listen, & it should be pretty clear why this tune spurs me on to do the extra rep in the gym. As you’d guess by title, it’s a reminder not to give in to convention & instead, remain true to yourself.  

Ask me & few songs have a more motivational message. This anthem really does ignite my fire!!

Indeed it is – Huddersfield is where my roots are at.

For those who don’t know, that’s the plucky mill town located slap bang in-between Manchester & Leeds – 2 of the North’s biggest cities. Talk about a tough gig!!

 Wanna know more about my hometown? Jump into my blog – Huddersfield 101.

They shouldn’t! 

In fact, they’d be daft to fear me, as the only person I’m competing against is myself.

There’s a VERY good reason why I’ve spent several months of boss-eyed graft building this website. 

You! 

See, I know all too well that keeping track of fav MCs these days (especially alternative rappers) can be a bit of a struggle. With social media being overcrowded, even the most hardcore fans can get a bit, well… lost. Something that I aim for this website to address. 

Here you can find all the latest goss & news about everything XtG, all in a matter of clicks. Be that my most recent social updates, deets of my latest tunes or newest merch. And not forgetting my rather blunt-minded blog. If you like opinionated rants or philosophical thinking, then do take that 5 to check it out! (link below)

Give me supreme power over the industry & the thing I’d change is this…

Prevent artists (including alt rappers) from putting on an image ‘just because it pays’. I say so because, not only is it unhealthy, but… it’ll catch up to you. The truth always does. Exactly why I strongly believe such a move to be a form of self sabotage. 

Build a brand around a false version of yourself, & really you’re just coaxing fans away from the real you. Do so, & the person they end up falling in love with, isn’t even the real you. 

But instead, a fictional character who doesn’t even exist.

As with all things ‘alt’, don’t be so quick to judge. 

Because while you’d expect alternative rappers to have a ‘unique’ music taste, it perhaps isn’t quite as unique as mine. See, while I do listen to a lot of Hip Hop, I don’t isolate myself from other genres too. In fact, my music taste is SO diverse, that I bet my left leg that you won’t even expect it. 

Hip Hop aside, you’ll also find me listening to: Frank Sinatra, Madonna, Westlife, Britney Spears, Simply Red, Nsync, Dean Martin & even Il Divo!

Guess my left leg’s remaining intact.