Hello, I’m Xidus Pain, and I’m thrilled to share my journey as an award-winning rap artist, music practitioner, and hip-hop educator. My immersion into hip-hop began early, significantly influenced by my older brother Roy (DJ Panda Love), who was both a rapper and DJ.
At the tender age of seven, I would stealthily enter his room during sessions with his label-affiliated friends, eager to participate in rap cyphers and become a part of his musical and gaming world.
The art of processing and releasing personal pain
Initially, I performed under different aliases, including George B and Lyrical Masta, before evolving into my current stage name. The name Xidus Pain emerged from freestyle rap battles, where my close friend Genesis G would initiate the battles, and I would respond, making the other rappers metaphorically "Exodus."
Over time, the name evolved to represent not just a stage persona but an acronym: "Xidus Is Da Universal Souljah Possessing An International Notion."
Pronounced similarly to "Exodus," Xidus embodies the concept of departure—specifically, the departure from pain. For me, the acts of reading, writing, rapping, recording, and teaching are therapeutic, allowing me to process and release personal pain.
I recognise that people globally channel their pain through various means, including art, dance, cooking, exercise, yoga, sports, and more. I invite you to reflect on how you manage your own pain.
Providing an outlet for thoughts and emotions
During my teenage years, I joined Unity Syndicate, a group supported by the Prince’s Trust. This experience allowed me to merge my rapping skills with acting, culminating in a notable performance at The Royal Albert Hall. This was a pivotal moment in my career.
Subsequently, I co-founded Point Blank alongside close friends, creating a collective of talented young individuals, each bringing their unique skill sets to the table. Our group included DJs specialising in Hip-Hop, Garage, and Drum & Bass, as well as dancers, rappers, singers, and artists. We handled every aspect of our events ourselves, from set design and flyer creation to promotion.
Our efforts paid off when we formed a partnership with The Junction, a renowned venue in Cambridge, UK. This collaboration provided us with an office space and the opportunity to host a regular monthly event, 'Point Blank (House Party).' The event became a pivotal moment in my career, serving both as a creative training ground and a professional hub.
Since then, I have had the honor of performing at renowned venues such as Alexandra Palace, Jazz Cafe, and NuBlu in New York City, and participating in the Vans Warped Tour.
My music has gained international recognition, receiving regular airplay on BBC stations and support from DJs around the world. I have collaborated with esteemed figures across various musical genres, including Lloyd Bradley, The Sugarhill Gang, Dr. Benjamin Zephaniah, Chuck D of Public Enemy, and others.
With over 15 years of experience as a music practitioner, I have devoted myself to conducting workshops and lyric-writing masterclasses. My extensive expertise in music genres and commitment to community engagement have enabled me to make a significant impact through music therapy.
I work in a variety of settings, including primary and secondary schools, PRUs, youth clubs, colleges, universities, and prisons. My objective is to create a supportive environment for individuals to express themselves through rap or songwriting, providing an outlet for their thoughts and emotions.
I strive for equality, balance, and accurate representation
In my musical endeavours, I strive for equality, balance, and accurate representation. With over 40 projects to my name, my work encompasses a broad range of topics, including social justice, family dynamics, history, media, sports, art, and culture.
My lyrics aim to address and explore pressing questions, particularly focusing on engaging young people through my educational work. My lyric-writing workshops emphasise celebrating diversity and sharing personal narratives.
I am a strong advocate for the thorough inclusion of Black History within educational curricula. I assert that Black History should be recognised and taught as an integral aspect of human history in schools as that’s what it is.
It is imperative that these historical issues are consistently addressed, rather than being confined to occasional observances or conferences. Continuous recognition and pursuit of equality are essential for fostering meaningful and enduring change.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Take care and continue to create and Xidus your Pain.