DC artist Uptown XO (of Diamond District) continues to bring on the visuals for his latest album Colour de Grey. This time the universal relationship track “Needs & Wants” gets the treatment with some beautiful shots. For anyone who’s ever had something good, and wanted something extra, XO lays the narrative out. AB the Pro produced the emotive track while XO and his team at Secret Society put together the video.
Video: Uptown XO ft. ABthePRo – “Evolution”
Uptown XO is DC through and through. Born as Jamaal Walton in historic Howard University hospital in ’85, XO grew up immersed in the culture and music of the District of Columbia. Both parents were musicians and XO’s first musical experiences include singing in the church choir and learning the piano, trumpet and drums. Being as active in the local scene as possible, wether it meant passing out mixtapes or working at sneaker shops with Wale, XO started to network and connect around town. Hitting the pavement led to meeting Oddisee and yU while they too were on the come up. They recognized the like-minded talent in each other and began to build, this was the beginning of the much heralded DMV group, Diamond District. The buzz grew from local to global with their 2009 debut In The Ruff.
His album Colour de Grey will only add layers of depth and nuance to his hardbody sound. Introspective, stylish and gritty, XO is a reflection of his DC environment. Colour de Grey straddles commericial appeal and underground grit, utilizing street smart lyrical content with an ear to the political, along with infectious soul stirring, head-nodding production.
Free Mp3: UPTOWN XO – “XO Skeleton”
DC’s Uptown XO releases his MMG solo debut today, “Colour de Grey.”
To give people a glimpse of the range within the Diamond District emcee’s new record, we wanted to share the second single “XO Skeleton.” The track lays bare XO’s thoughts over soul-stirring piano keys. Ever progressing, XO continues to hone his skills as both a narrative storyteller and a captivating vocalist.
Used to listen to Mos most of all,
Listenin’ to Jigga wasn’t why I had Os for y’all,
It was my back against the wall,
Lived on my paws,
Dog, sold in the snow and fog,
Summer nights in the city, smelt like smog.
Colour de Grey combines braggadocio with quotidian detail that creates a window into a life within the nation’s capital, all capped with alluring veracity.
The digital edition of the new 14 track album is everywhere today, while the cd hits stores next week and vinyl later next month.
