BIOGRAPHY Rap-rock has a decades-long history, but the hybrid genre that

includes Run DMC and Lil Uzi Vert has never seen an artist like Yung

Xavi. The 19-year-old Los Angeles-based artist opens a vein on every

song. His emotionally gripping lyrics and hooks are as powerful as

they are catchy. Whether rapping or crooning, Xavi shares his pain, so

fans recognize their own. He chronicles his life's difficulties over

grinding guitar and trap drums, deftly fusing rock and rap. Even his

most banging tracks offer a chance for catharsis.

To Jonathan, Yung Xavi's forthcoming debut is profoundly personal

and a remarkable addition to the rap-rock canon. Dedicated to his

long-departed father, the album documents Xavi's attempts to grieve

and heal, an undercurrent of sadness coursing through its brightest

moments. "Throughout my life, I've always wanted to talk to my dad

about certain stuff," Xavi says. "This album is me having the

conversations that we weren't able to have."

Born in Palm Springs, Xavi lost his father when he was just eight years

old. His loving mother worked tirelessly to make up for their loss. A

Mother, yoga instructor and health coach, she also passed on her

athleticism and work ethic.. Xavi played countless sports (soccer,

basketball, an equestrian, and more) in the sweltering desert heat

between piano and drums lessons. Rock groups like System of a

Down and rap icons like 2Pac and Notorious BIG—all of whom his

mother played for him—soundtracked his trips to practices and

games. In the late 2000s, though, Xavi discovered mashups on

YouTube. These disparate musical pairings became the foundation of

his inter-genre fluency. "Listening to those remixes made me open to

all genres," Xavi explains. "And I like to mix and mashup my music,

too."

When Xavi started his freshman year of high school, he was training to

compete in the Olympic pentathlon. Then fate intervened. The natural

and dedicated athlete fell during cross country practice, permanently

damaging his knee. Without sports or his father's guidance, Xavi was

lost. He spiraled into a deep, drug-addled depression before checking

himself into rehab at 15. Unfortunately, negative experiences there

drove him to more pills and alcohol. After several frightening

overdoses, his mother sent him to an out-of-state treatment facility.

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