Born and raised on the Northeast side of Wichita, Kansas, XV (born Donavan Johnson) was not your average kid on the block. Suffering from an incredibly rare phobia known as Excelsiorophobia, he is deathly fearful of placing a hat firmly upon his cranium. He has fought this fear his entire life, as you can clearly see, placing baseball caps at various angles atop his head. Despite suffering from this career and personality defining phobia, he has persevered to establish a life that resembles some normalcy. Of course he played basketball, rode his bike and reenacted scenes from Power Rangers, like any other youthful spirit would. But his interests varied from those of his three brothers. With a born love for music like his father, who was a record label A&R and an employee at BET, XV began writing songs at the age of 9. Though he was raised by his Mom and Step-Father, the love of music was instilled in him, as well as various other talents such as, writing screenplays and designing websites.
"When I said I wanted to be something, I mean't it! My Grandmother would take me to the library on the weekends and get me every book I needed to learn how to make a movie. I was far from your average kid. When kids were at recess, I would be in class using the school camera to shoot fake news reports. I'm a big dreamer."
The desire to be bigger than his body was fulfilled when XV found Hip-Hop. Being able to express emotions, fantasies, and dilemma's using a clever sense of wordplay makes XV the extraordinary lyricist he is today. His ability to display the perils of the street life, the consciousness of a purist, and relate to suburban youth, stems from his socialness in school. Having friends who were gangbangers, preacher's kids, and rich white boys, allowed XV to break the boundaries many rappers place themselves in, and explore artistic ways to speak to all types of people. Acquiring the moniker, XV, from the roman numerals of "15", the age he was when he decided to begin taking his craft seriously and producing his own music. Inspired by mostly east coast MC's such as Jay-Z, Biggie, Mase, Mos Def, Cam'ron and Talib Kweli, XV recorded, produced, and released his first independent album in 2002. In 2003, his album, "The Answer", received rave reviews on various hip-hop websites.
Without any industry help or management, XV continued to work hard to create a buzz for himself and his record label, Royalty Recordz. Though he got his start performing live at his high school's talent shows, XV went on to opening up for The Ying Yang Twins, Mike Jones, Lil' Rob, Jon B., and defeated four local Hip-Hop acts with over 600 votes to open up for G-Unit. XV then went on to placing a song on Midway's NARC videogame, which led to XV creeping slowly out of the Kansas boundaries in search of a larger base of recognition. That recognition came after XV began making his mark on the mixtape scene with the "Royalty City" Mixtape series and "The Definition" mixtapes, featuring labelmates Bling and Sez Batters. Acknowledgement came from artists such as The Game, Paul Wall, Maino, Sheek Louch and DJ's such as Whoo Kid and On Point. The base has been built, now it's time to strengthen the foundation.
"The title 'COMPLEX' was created when I was trying to describe my album to Bling. It was like being told to describe a three-dimensional piece in two-dimensional form. The title also reflects a characteristic carried amongst most prodigies. I feel the most abstract and idealistic people in the world are complex, because there's so many different layers to them. Albert Einstein was complex, Picasso was complex, Tupac was complex. This album is basically my search for clarity."
With 13-tracks laced with thought-provoking, clever and sometimes cocky lyrical content, XV's search seems to come to a happy medium. His fresh and original topics vary from stereotyping to the differences in urban and suburban america. COMPLEX will be the first major-scale album from XV, and features production from himself, Seven and Benjamin Kash. The album's lead single, "Give You Everything", produced by Seven, is a charming, and sometimes humorous, narrative about a materialistic girlfriend that XV can't seem to break up with. The song that is sure to be a radio smash and bring clarity to the complexity of XV is, "Boy From Kansas". "It was the last song I wrote for Complex, so I feel like it's the most open song about me. My next album is going to be called, 'Clarity', and 'Boy From Kansas' was a step towards that. No matter where you're from, you can relate to that song."
It is a constant struggle for an artist to find himself, and many get lost in the search. It's also a battle for a brand new artist to come out and just be themself. XV is proof that it is a battle that you can win. With an album filled with honesty, positivity, humor, vulnerability and hardly any obscenities, finding clarity may not be an issue for XV any longer. "I'm a regular human-being. I get mad in traffic, I curse, I think about sex 98% of the day. But, in the end. When they read about me or find my time capsule 500 years from now. I want them to say that I was a positive dude. And that's who I am in my music."
X to the V
XV Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Awe man. Had to do it to 'em again. You know who did the track. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6...7! Let's rock!
[Verse One]:
That's the countdown, I'mma say it loud
Hoff back, I don't play around, stay around
See the prince take the crown as I just made my town
Sound like something major
I don't need to play ya
Look, you on the bench, I'm a player
Jersey on, I sweat on the paper
I got this on lock like a C.O
So don't end up near that box like a P.O
See bro
Allow me to welcome you
This is just wax to the flame when I melt the booth
Homie I just tell the truth
You learn how to pass fast when you win a belt a few
I'mma get the last laugh don't think cause you sell a few
I won't put a couple in your skeletal
Leave you unsaleable
Put it in your head like Selsun Blue
I ain't just asking, I'm telling you
Don't think it sounds real to me if it don't even sound real to you
[Hook]:
I got this on lock at the top of my game
Got everybody in the city just screaming my name
It goes X to the
V to the
X to the
V to the
I got this on lock at the top of my game
Got everybody in the world just screaming my name
It goes X to the
V to the
X to the
V to the
[Verse Two]:
It only get better, man you know the two letters
Say "X"
You know the rest
Spit it fast like I reload the tech
Don't stick out your breast cause I'll repo your chest
Seven let 'em know yo, who flow like X? (Nobody)
I don't got to stand in line, they know who's next
I don't got to take a number, I did this every summer
But after four years everybody kind of wonders
What to do from here, that's the end of their career
And this is just my jump start
So everybody wants to beef cause I'm me
But see, that's the fun part
Bring it one y'all to son all and rub all
Cause I don't got time to play around so I duck y'all
Bug off, I hate being arrogant see
Apparently y'all hate it too
So I do this just to bug y'all
I'd rather do a song with some meaning
But I'm just feeling me man
This is my year dawg, I mean it
[Hook]:
I got this on lock at the top of my game
Got everybody in the city just screaming my name
It's goes X to the
V to the
X to the
V to the
I got this on lock at the top of my game
Got everybody in the world just screaming my name
It goes X to the
V to the
X to the
V to the
The song "X to the V" by XV starts with an intro where the artist takes pride in his work, as he announces that he is the one who created the track. Then, the first verse begins with a countdown where he declares his intentions of dominating the game. He raps about being a major figure in his town, taking the crown, and having everything under control. XV then shows his confidence and skill by comparing himself to a player who has the game on lock. He warns his opponents not to underestimate him, stating that he can put them out of the game. XV then declares that he only tells the truth, emphasizing the importance of being real in the industry. The hook repeats the artist's name and how he has the game on lock, with everyone chanting his name. In the second verse, XV shows his lyrical agility and clever lines, boasting about his rapping skills and dominance in the industry. He ends with a declaration that this is his year, implying that he will continue to excel.
One interesting fact about the song is that XV was only 23 years old when he released it in 2009, but he had already gained a massive following online due to his mixtape releases. He was also known for his eccentric style, often donning bright-colored clothes and animal masks during performances. XV's real name is Donavan Johnson, and he started rapping in high school before gaining national attention with his mixtape "Everybody's Nobody" in 2008. The song "X to the V" was one of the standout tracks on his mixtape "Vizzy Zone," which featured collaborations with artists such as J. Cole, Talib Kweli, and Freddie Gibbs. XV also received critical acclaim for his "Zero Heroes" mixtape, which was released in 2011.
Another interesting fact is that XV had a brief stint with Warner Bros. Records in 2012 but was ultimately dropped from the label due to creative differences. He continued to release music independently and even started his own label, Squarian, where he signed artists such as Sez Batters and Freddy High. XV was also known for his collaborations with the clothing brand, Akomplice, with whom he designed various clothing pieces and merchandise.
The chords for "X to the V" are not available as it is a hip-hop song that uses electronic beats and samples. Instead, the song relies on the artist's flow and lyrics to create its unique sound.
Line by Line Meaning
That's the countdown, I'mma say it loud
Starting now, I'm going to make my presence known and make a loud impact
Hoff back, I don't play around, stay around
I'm not going anywhere, and I'm not going to mess around or be messed with
See the prince take the crown as I just made my town
I've become the leader of my hometown and established dominance
Sound like something major
My accomplishments and success sound significant and impressive
Am I sounding like a hater? (Nah)
I'm not trying to insult or belittle anyone else's success
I don't need to play ya
I don't need to compete with or undermine others to succeed
Look, you on the bench, I'm a player
I'm an active participant and successful player, while others are left behind
Jersey on, I sweat on the paper
I put in hard work and effort to achieve success
I got this on lock like a C.O
I have complete control and authority over my domain, like a prison officer
So don't end up near that box like a P.O
Don't end up trapped or arrested like someone being watched by a parole officer
Allow me to welcome you
Let me introduce you to my dominance and success
This is just wax to the flame when I melt the booth
When I perform in the booth, it's as easy as lighting a match and melting wax
Homie I just tell the truth
I am honest about my success and my abilities to maintain it
You learn how to pass fast when you win a belt a few
I've become so successful that I have learned how to easily defend and maintain it
I'mma get the last laugh don't think cause you sell a few
Others may have short-term success, but I will have the last laugh as my success continues
I won't put a couple in your skeletal
I won't physically harm you, but I will still be victorious
Leave you unsaleable
Your career will be ruined and unsustainable
Put it in your head like Selsun Blue
I will make my message clear and unforgettable, like the brand Selsun Blue for dandruff
I ain't just asking, I'm telling you
I'm not politely suggesting or requesting, I'm telling you how it is
Don't think it sounds real to me if it don't even sound real to you
If you don't believe in your own success, I won't either
I got this on lock at the top of my game
I have complete control and success in my field
Got everybody in the city just screaming my name
My success is recognized and celebrated by many, especially in my hometown
It goes X to the / V to the / X to the / V to the
My name, X to the V, is being shouted and celebrated
It only get better, man you know the two letters / Say "X" / You know the rest
My name, X, is all I need to say to introduce myself and my success
Spit it fast like I reload the tech
I rap quickly and effortlessly, like reloading a gun
Don't stick out your breast cause I'll repo your chest
Don't try to act bravely or chesty around me, or I'll put you in your place
Seven let 'em know yo, who flow like X? (Nobody)
I am unmatched in my flow and style, nobody can rival me
I don't got to stand in line, they know who's next
I am already recognized as the next big thing and don't have to wait my turn
I don't got to take a number, I did this every summer
I've put in the work and effort every season to become successful
But after four years everybody kind of wonders / What to do from here, that's the end of their career
After reaching a certain point of success, many artists struggle with where to go next and may even end their careers
And this is just my jump start / So everybody wants to beef cause I'm me / But see, that's the fun part
My current success is only the beginning, and others are envious of it, creating some enjoyable drama
Bring it one y'all to son all and rub all / Cause I don't got time to play around so I duck y'all
I quickly and easily dominate other rappers who try to challenge me or get in my way
Bug off, I hate being arrogant see / Apparently y'all hate it too
I don't like coming off as arrogant, and others don't like it either, but it's necessary to establish dominance
So I do this just to bug y'all
I enjoy provoking and bothering others with my success and dominance
I'd rather do a song with some meaning / But I'm just feeling me man / This is my year dawg, I mean it
I prefer to make music with substance and depth, but right now I'm just enjoying my own success and confident about my future
Contributed by Grace O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
AlbaLu 2
Sin darme cuenta creo que lo trabajaba mezclando las dos formas ,con esta enseñanza pondré mas cuidado para lograr un trabajo mas prolijo, gracias por su explicación ,y de verdad que principe si es en este arte tan maravilloso felicitaciones 🤩
Príncipe del Crochet
Aaw gracias! Qué bueno que ahora ya puedas tejer teniendo en cuenta este procedimiento. Sin duda es útil. Un beso!
Luna Maria
Aiki
ANAHI ALCANTARA
Yo igual
Aurora Sepulveda
Toda la razón, sin darme cuenta muchas veces los mezclaba.
Melissa Ponce
Yo siempre he usado x sin saber que había 2 formas. Gracias por el vídeo
Aina_Pe
Yo sólo conocía el punto V... Ya que aprendí ganchillo/crochet de mi bisabuela y en esa época sólo se tejía en plano: cortinas, colchas para camas, tapetes para mesas y cojines... Me encanta 😻 lo sencillo que explica porque así es muy fácil de aprender.
Alejandra Montiel
Mi me pasaba igual. A mi me enseñó mi hermana lo básico, pero ella teje de la manera tradicional. Hoy en las agujas me pasa y con los videos actuales, me causamucha confusión! 😢
Cinthia R. Limón
Mi primer trabajo que hice a crochet fue una bolsa, tenía como 12 años y el punto me salió en x, cómo mi mamá toda su vida había tejido en v pensaba que estaba mal, y no sabía que era lo que estaba haciendo mal.
Ahora se que no estaba mal.
Blü by Jennifer Llanos
Definitivamente no hay nadie que explique mejor que tú! Excelente trabajo. Me gustaría hacer un aporte para que lo puedas revisar en otro vídeo. En cuanto al cambio de color sí hay mucha diferencia, cuando se teje en V se ve un poquito más desordenado mientras que los cambios de color en X se ven muy definidos.
Un abracito desde Colombia 💙