Since signing to Atlantic Records, Xaviersobased has been silent for the better half of the year, leaving many fans questioning his role in the underground. Aside from supporting Nettspend on the Invert Tour and more recently featuring on Che’s anticipated Rest In Bass, Xavier has not released a solo project since With 2 last summer—only dropping a few one-off singles this year, including the viral “Double Whammy.” That is, until now.

As Xavier prepares to release his debut album as a signed artist, he’s given us a taste of what’s to come with his EP Once More. Without a doubt, this project is a useful tool for pinpointing the direction Xavier is taking his sound, and the only word that comes to mind is resourceful. Xaviersobased continues to be an effective artist because of his ability to navigate what makes him compelling to fans and to consistently deliver an evolved version of that concept.

We get production from the likes of 444jet, Ss3bby, Nurse, and Xavier himself—a team with ample experience handling his sonic identity and one that has grown artistically alongside him. Tracks like “fly,” “worth it,” and “uncomfy” (featuring OsamaSon) all effectively channel Xavier’s classic approach in an elevated way.

I’m confident this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what we’ll experience with Xavier’s upcoming album, and we should all be very excited.

Rating: 5/5