X-raided

X-Raided came out of Sacramento in the early 1990s, a hip-hop collective built around frontman Troy Neals. Their music was raw and confrontational, with tracks like 'Cemetary Fulla G's' and 'Bitch Killa' delivering unflinching depictions of street life. Neals, who performed under the name X-Raided, faced legal troubles that led to significant prison time during his career.

While incarcerated, Neals continued to record music. The group released albums like 'Deadly Game' in 1995 and 'Psycho Active' in 1997, maintaining their gritty sound from behind bars. Other members included producers and vocalists like Keon 'Sampras' Hollis and Tony 'Tone Capone' Williams.

Their lyrics about poverty, violence, and injustice drew criticism for being too explicit, but also connected with listeners who recognized those realities. Songs such as 'He Shall Appear' and 'Consider Me Dead' kept their voice in circulation even as Neals remained imprisoned.