X-Raided was born in Sacramento, California, where he wrote his classic debut album Psycho Active at 16 years old. He was arrested and charged with gang-related homicide just months later.
He made history as the first rapper to have his lyrics used against him during a controversial trial. He was sentenced to 31 years to Life, yet continued to release music from behind bars including X-orcist and The Unforgiven, Vol. 1, both of which hit Billboard.
After changes to California laws, X was found suitable for parole and freed having served 26 years in prison.
He hit the ground running, recording music and filming videos - garnering over 1.9 million views for California Dreamin.
He then ignited Still Right Here from ASIN9NE by Tech N9ne, in addition to appearing on tracks by King Iso, C-Mob, and Kurupt, while simultaneously emerging as an advocate for reform.
While on stage at Red Rocks in front of a crowd of 10,000, it was announced that he had inked a deal with Strange Music Inc., creating a fitting new beginning for a man whose life story was already legendary.
He then crafted his magnum opus, A Prayer In Hell; a triumphant tale of personal rebirth with universal implications. “It documents a process of development,” he reveals. “I had to unlearn so much in order to learn how to have a healthier life.” In the end, X-Raided’s prayer is universal: “Whatever difficulty you’re experiencing, I want you to know you can survive. If I can do it, so can you.”