Xaviersobased Explains How He Kept Release Freedom In Atlantic Deal

Xaviersobased signed with Atlantic Records without giving up his ability to put out singles and videos on his own, according to a newly published account of his deal.

In an interview with Hypebeast, the New York rapper and his manager, DJ Rennessy, explained why they waited before joining a major. He signed in 2025. The interview took place in late August and was published October 28.

“In the beginning we were definitely avoiding the labels, the majors. Because we knew we didn’t have that leverage,” he said.

The arrangement covered two projects through O1-chance, Surf Gang and Atlantic, Hypebeast reported. It also let him release singles and videos independently. His manager said the team pushed to keep that freedom rather than rush into a deal.

That concern about control had come up earlier this year. In The FADER’s February profile, Xavier was surprised to learn that Atlantic had sent the writer an advance stream of his album. He said he wanted to be told when his music was shared.

“I like to know what my music is doing,” he said.

The same profile traced how he taught himself to make beats and record. Bigger shows had also changed how he thought about his recordings. Some older tracks were hard to perform because of their sound quality. He wanted to improve that sound while still trying new ideas, not abandon his experiments.

A September arena booking put him on the same bill as Ken Carson. Barclays Center listed Xaviersobased, Prettifun and DJ Moon for the September 3 show.

Speaking with Teen Vogue the day after his performance at Barclays Center, he described meeting different crowds on their terms, whether they wanted to dance or rage. He was also still adjusting to studio work after making music at his grandmother’s home.

He said New York audiences felt especially close to him, including young Spanish fans who saw themselves in him.

His goal was to bring his musical and visual ideas to life more fully. Success, he told the magazine, meant being able to keep supporting himself for the rest of his life.