Cody Wayne Connell, known to the scene as both paradox and Xodarap, recognises the duality of mankind through his yin and yang-themed alter-egos, and carves out a hard-hitting new lane in modern hip hop.
Based in New England, Xodarap has been making music and writing raps for almost twenty years, noting collaborations with the likes of Vic Vaper and Rilla Ron, back in the day. He was also a key part of rap groups New Cyper and Nati Nation, but in more recent years took to the solo realm to elevate a handful of anthemic and unignorable new releases.
Built around a huge production of big-band horns and a heavy bass and beat combo, 18 is a confident and catchy ode to the Celtics and the NBA at large.
An inspiring and motivational sports anthem, with a compelling dynamic between rappers Xodarap and Mindz, 18 speaks volumes on behalf of the sharp bars, faultless flow, and unwavering passion of the artists at the helm, and promises a 2025 hit that’s fit to make the rounds globally for its old-school flavour, clarity, and contemporary team vibe.
Versatility is a massive part of the Xodarap catalogue and approach, meaning that a playlist or live show from the lifelong artist and performer will offer up a series of different vibes and styles to back up his thoughtful and ever-impassioned writing.
Then And Now marks a striking example of something completely different to 18 – a smooth production, soulful melodies, and a deeply conscious set of bars that naturally draw you in – not to mention another earworm of a hook from the unmistakable Xodarap to make sure the music lingers in the mind.
Other highlights include the brilliantly distinct and cleanly-mixed indie gem May 7th, Pt.2 – a dreamy arrangement but a heartfelt, poignant and gripping storyline that effectively contrasts the high-energy of what soon becomes a near-immense dance backdrop. Xodarap delivers an intoxicating ode to his father, loaded with personal anecdotes but connecting for its sense of vulnerability and the sheer gratitude and family values at its core.
Flipping the script yet again, NeewollaH gifts a mellow, lo-fi groove and a profoundly conscious, clever set of bars. Xodarap’s friendship with King Polo shines well through this collab, an all-consuming back and forth, with a humble production to help really keep your attention on the stories and reflections, the lyrical depth, of the writing.
The old-school energy then returns for tracks like My Name’s Dox, a theatrical and performative ode to nineties hip hop, with a gritty to comedic tone that again draws focus to the unrivalled diversity and creative freedom of the Xodarap repertoire.
Xodarap is set to put on an unmissable live show this coming March 25th, performing tracks like the iconic 18 and plenty more from his extensive journey as an indie Hip Hop legend. Visit Coast2Coast Live for tickets and info.
Find Xodarap on Tidal & YouTube.
