For one Asheville-based hip-hop artist, the COVID-19 quarantine has provided an opportunity to realize a long-held goal.
On March 21, Musashi Xero kicked off his Instagram-exclusive original song series Ground Xero with the track “Night School,” produced by Raleigh-based musician Cosmo. Each week since then, he’s released a new rap featuring beats crafted by producers and DJs, primarily from the Southeast, many of whom he’s wanted to collaborate with for a while.
“I don’t always have time to work with all of them, but it’s a big part of my music community and my musical network,” Xero says. “I just figured that this was a good opportunity to pivot, keep with the times, keep current and do something to keep everyone entertained, keep everyone engaged and just get the word out about whatever was on my mind or whatever the beat needed.”
Other team-ups thus far include Asheville-based Gruntwerk (“Cabin Fever”); BPad (“Lunch Lines”), a longtime Philadelphian who currently resides in Spain; Greensboro artist LaC97 (“Mood Lately”); and Boone-based Lavier (“Swim Wear”). The sixth installment loops in production by Mother Hood, aka Cliff B. Worsham of local powerhouse Spaceman Jones and The Motherships, and Xero is also in talks with a Japanese beat maker.
“It’s definitely been a nice exercise to kind of keep your pen sharp and keep writing,” Xero says. “A lot more time is being spent just sitting at home on our phones, and it’s a fun way for me to connect with my friends and fans and meet new people. Honestly, the community response that I’ve felt to my music since this all began has been overwhelmingly positive. I’m really grateful for that.”
Xero has additionally been volunteering with a local community aid organization during the COVID-19 pandemic and plans to continue with Ground Xero even after quarantine restrictions are lifted. Follow his progress on Instagram at @xerosuitgundam.
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