This song is a place I visit to escape  the metaphorical mental smoke that comes with living in the city, and also, the hyper-real unruly Newport cigarette smoke that currently possesses so many of my family members.  May George have mercy on us all. 

SMOKE | by Xer0 from Kawatta Productions

Standing on a platform of resilience and talent, Xer0 has shown himself to be the archetype of a self-made artist. Born and raised in the rap capital of Pennsylvania, this Southwest Philadelphia native is a revolutionary hip-hop artist that uses futuristic methods to take us back to the original message of the hip-hop culture; “be yourself.”  His lyrics frequently address abstract themes of the human condition – including themes less commonly addressed in hip-hop, such as; mortality & existence, morality, self-esteem, and ethics.  Xer0 capitalizes on his lyrical expertise as well as his B.A. in sociology to provoke social awareness, reminding listeners of common issues and situations that exist within American life. His theatrical production choices and controversial subject matter has earned him local recognition as an eccentric, yet multidimensional artist and producer. With almost a decade of musical experience under his belt, including four self-published albums, numerous collaborations, and his own audio production venture (Kawatta Productions), he now sets his sights on international attention, signing under B. D. Smith at Black and Yellow Records. 

Eric “Xer0” Coney Jr. has had a very musical upbringing. At the young of five, Eric’s developed a heartfelt appreciation for melody when he  marking the birth of his appreciation and admiration for melody.  In 2006, with the release of Snoop Dogg’s Tha Blue Carpet Treatment Eric was inspired by the variation in sound production and was propelled to someday work in a production studio as a producer.  He went on to spend hours during countless afternoons fervently learning various music production programs from local producers.  After years of diligent research and countless acts of trial and error Eric was able to hone his craft and master a number of different digital art workstations including: Adobe Audition, Cakewalk Sonar, Abelton Live and Cubase. By the time he finished high school, he completed his first three demo projects, Beginner’s Luck, Tr0n, and Code Zer0 as well as five live performances throughout the city. Xer0 first hit the stage during his sophomore year of high school in 2008 at Bartram High School. With incessant tenacity, ambition, and talent Xer0 went on to perform at various venues throughout Philadelphia and surrounding counties.  Some performances venues include the Voltage Lounge, University of Pennsylvania, Rusty Nail Tavern in Ardmore, and Lickety Split.

Xer0’s music reflects his opposition to the strict dogmatic rules and regulations that retarded his self-expression in his early years. His artistry is not encumbered by the yokes of any doctrine but instead introspectively seeks to find truth in all things.  Xer0’s rumination of self and society is evident throughout his music in discussions of moral relativity, self-acceptance and self-worth. Also, greatly influenced by Owl City, Xer0’s music aims to tell stories of transformation and teach self-acceptance and inspire optimism. 

Today, Xer0 continues to spend time striving to perfect his audio artistry.  Having recently graduated from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, he aims to incorporate his sociological knowledge into his music career. For example, Back Back, a single from his upcoming album 2021: B.M.W: Black Man’s Wand (set to be released through Black and Yellow Records Spring 2015) illustrates his views on the violence in Ferguson and the recent police killings of African-Americans. In addition, his single 2021 is a hip-pop song voicing pro-recycling views in a lighthearted way that still emphasizes the urgency of the issue.  When he is not performing, Xer0 freelances as a producer for local artists in the Philadelphia area.


SMOKE | by Xer0 from Kawatta Productions

Xer0 - Da Unruly One