Xavier Dphrepaulezz, the child of the first Somalian ambassador to the United Nations, was raised in Oakland as a strict Sunni Muslim. Xavier's life as a child centered around prayer, and the only music he was officially allowed to listen to was Arthur Fiedler. However, Xavier found more of an affinity with R&B, especially Sly and the Family Stone and James Brown, once he was exposed to it through Oakland's street culture. His newfound love led his father to kick him out of the house, but Xavier was able to support himself while honing his musical talents. While only 25, he played all the instruments on his 1995 debut album, The X Factor. ~ Steve Huey