Not Just Music—X-Yle Delivers a Survival Manual in His Latest Album by NWO Sparrow

Rapid Review Of X-Yle "Pray For Better"

Beats: 9/10

Lyrics: 10/10

Concepts: 8/10

Replay Value: 9/10

Visual & Rollout: 7/10

X-Yle’s New Album Proves Why He’s Too Special for Just Rap

Listening to Pray for Better twice really gave me a sense of how meticulously X-Yle crafted this project. The first time, I was fully immersed, taking in every bar and beat without distraction in my studio, letting the lyrics and production settle in my mind. The second listen happened on my way from Jersey to catch the NY Liberty game, and it hit differently , driving through the city, the album felt alive, cinematic, and almost like a personal soundtrack to my trip. I noticed subtleties in his delivery and the interplay between features that I missed the first time, especially how he balances lyricism with melody. By spin two, X-Yle’s world unfolded around me; every track a living, breathing testament to a talent that refuses to be overlooked.

There are rappers who can spit, and then there are artists who can build worlds. X-Yle falls into the second category. With his 17-track manual Pray for Better, he doesn’t just stack bars over beats , he curates a journey, a narrative arc, and an emotional palette that makes the album feel like a personal diary with commercial edge. That balance is rare, and it’s what makes X-Yle a special talent.

The frustrating part? Not enough people recognize it yet. X-Yle doesn’t chase drill trends, TikTok-ready gimmicks, or rap cliques that flood the market. He sticks to the lane he’s perfected, hard bars, layered concepts, and cinematic songwriting. That makes him harder to box in, and honestly, that might be why the mainstream has overlooked him. But for those who listen closely, there’s genius here. In many ways, X-Yle needs an audience that gets him—the dirty Nike-wearing Lower East Side crowd, the Williamsburg grunge-rap scene, the heads who don’t mind their hip-hop dipped in rawness and conceptual grit. Because the truth is, he’s too singular and too creative to be just another rapper orbiting around other rappers. Pray for Better is proof of that.

Track for Track Breakdown and Score

Greatness – 10/10

“Greatness” kicks the album off with a heavy bang, and honestly, it set the tone for me right away. The beat and sample are fire, with a “Ted Talk” type vibe that feels both motivational and street-ready at the same time. X-Yle’s delivery here is just undeniable, even when the bars aren’t necessarily his strongest , lines like “arms up like touchdown, who tf is up now, everybody speaking all at once like it’s clubhouse” and “don’t get ya bell rung like you running late” carry extra weight because of how he performs them. What really impressed me was how he took a simple cadence and turned it into something memorable with pure conviction. The outro sample explaining “greatness” was the perfect final touch, almost like he’s telling us from the jump what his mission statement is with this project.

We Goin Fly – 8/10

Coming off the lyrical mastery of “Greatness,” I thought placement here was everything , and X-Yle nailed it with “We Goin Fly.” The beat sounds like something Havoc from Mobb Deep would’ve cooked up, and it instantly pulled me into that classic NY grit. What really stood out though was the harmonizing hook: “we gon’ fly aaaaah”. It was smooth, refreshing, and showed that X-Yle isn’t afraid to experiment with melody without sacrificing authenticity. The decision to drop this track right after “Greatness” gave the album balance, like a palate cleanser that reminded me the project wasn’t just about bar-heavy flexing but also about range and vibe. Any other placement for this record might’ve thrown the flow of the album off, but here it felt intentional and strategic.

Summertime – 5/10 (feat. JayMillyRock)

“Summertime” wasn’t really my vibe, and I’ll be honest about that. The track feels like a commercial boom-bap record straight out of 1994, with that retro bounce that might hit for some, but came across as filler to me. The saving grace here is X-Yle’s ability to paint cinematic lyrics, because even on a track I wasn’t feeling, he still brought vivid imagery. I’ll give him credit too , the diversity in his portfolio is clear by this point, so even though it’s not my bop, I can’t hate on him for experimenting. To me though, this came across as more of a throwaway track compared to the rest of the album’s ambition and execution.

Belt Parkway Freestyle – 7/10

This track gave me the vibe of X-Yle’s version of a Drake timestamp record, but with his own NY grit and storytelling edge. Unlike Drake, who often leans into reflection on those kinds of tracks, X-Yle’s approach here felt more intentional, almost like he had a point to prove rather than just venting. The storytelling was sharp, which made it less of a freestyle and more of a deliberate lyrical exercise. The beat itself didn’t overpower him, letting his words take center stage, which was the right choice. For me, this one felt like an interlude that worked well to keep the energy flowing without being overly showy.

We Are The Stars – 6/10 (feat. WHOISSKITZO & JayMillyRock)

“We Are The Stars” brought a celebratory energy that felt like a step up from “Summertime,” but it still didn’t fully grab me. The hook is definitely catchy and has that “stuck in your head” effect, which gives it some replay value. WHOISSKITZO honestly stole the show here, elevating the record and adding layers that made it more enjoyable. I do feel like X-Yle was holding back though, almost like he wanted to get this core idea out before going harder later. It’s not a bad song by any stretch, but it felt like more of a team effort than a defining moment for X-Yle himself.

Let Me Cook – 8/10

“Let Me Cook” was one of those records that made me stop and nod my head instantly , the beat is just fire. What’s interesting is how X-Yle took a more laidback approach with his delivery here compared to “Greatness,” but still managed to make each bar sting. It showed me he knows when to turn the intensity up and when to dial it back without losing impact. There’s a confidence in how he lets the beat ride while slipping in quotables. Honestly, this track could easily stand on its own as a single, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s one fans rally behind.

Mean – 9/10

“Mean” is straight bully music, and it had me scrunching my face as soon as it dropped. The darker production matched perfectly with X-Yle’s heavier, more aggressive tone, and it just worked. Bars like “niggas think it’s sweet come around like a donut” show his ability to flip slick one-liners that stick with you. Out of all the tracks up to this point, this one felt like it belonged blasting out of big truck speakers or rattling walls in the whip. Easily my favorite so far , it’s X-Yle at his most raw and unapologetic.

Ape Shit – 10/10 (feat. Nikko Tesla)

Now this… this is one of those records you run back multiple times. “Ape Shit” is an instant standout, not just for X-Yle but for the entire album. The beat has that Pharrell-type bounce to it, something fresh but timeless at the same time. X-Yle’s line “got so many flows a nigga his own feature” couldn’t have been more accurate , the versatility on display was crazy. Add in Nikko Tesla, who matched his energy perfectly, and it felt less like a feature and more like a full-on duo performance. This is one of those tracks that defines why this project is special.

Run It Up – 6/10

Following “Ape Shit” was always going to be tough, and “Run It Up” kind of suffered because of that placement. The track itself isn’t bad , it’s strong in its own right and delivers the kind of energy you’d expect from a track with this title. But coming off the high of the last song, it felt more like a cool-down moment. In some ways, that’s necessary for pacing, but it didn’t hit me as hard as the tracks around it. Solid, but not one of the most memorable moments on the album.

Where the Love At – 10/10

“Where the Love At” is X-Yle at his most vulnerable and charismatic. He leans into harmonies just as confidently as he does with bars, showing that his melodic side can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with his lyrical ability. What makes the record so powerful is that he’s not begging for validation , he’s flipping the lens back on us, the listeners, holding us accountable for overlooking his greatness. When he asks “where the love at,” it isn’t insecurity; it’s an artist fully aware of his worth, frustrated with the lack of honesty and reciprocity in how people show support. The conviction in his delivery makes the track feel like a rallying cry as much as it is a question.

Good Energy (feat. Adyeiis) – 10/10

If X-Yle ever needed proof he can craft a radio-ready hit, “Good Energy” is it. The chemistry between him and Adyeiis is undeniable , they bounce off each other with a natural synergy that breathes life into the record. Lyrically, X-Yle’s focus on serenity, abundance, and protecting his peace hits home in an era where toxicity often gets more attention than positivity. Adyeiis lifts the hook with warmth, complementing X-Yle’s introspection and making the track immediately memorable. This is the kind of record that feels like sunlight on a cloudy day, and it cements itself as one of the album’s emotional high points.

By My Side (feat. YNG Mizzle) – 10/10

X-Yle and YNG Mizzle turn Brandy’s classic “Baby” into a modern-day anthem with “By My Side.” X-Yle slides across the beat with slick, charming lines like, “I don’t want your gram, I want your real number,” instantly grounding the song in authenticity. This track shows his ability to make a record that connects on a personal level without sacrificing cleverness. Mizzle holds his own, elevating the track into something that feels both nostalgic and fresh, keeping the essence of the sample while building something new. The result is a no-brainer single that could easily live outside the album as a standalone hit.

Long Time – 7/10

“Long Time” dips into X-Yle’s more romantic bag, and while the beat and background vocals do a lot of heavy lifting, the record doesn’t completely land for me. I’ll admit , I’ve never been big on romance / sex songs, and my natural resistance to them makes this a tougher listen. Still, credit where it’s due: X-Yle delivers with passion and conviction, lacing in grown-man intimacy with lines like, “The way you work your jaw should be against the law.” It’s explicit but in a way that matches the energy of the production, painting a vivid picture. Even if it isn’t my personal favorite, I can respect the versatility it brings to the album.

The Joker – 10/10

This is the record that sets X-Yle apart from the pack. With “The Joker,” he confronts mental health head-on, blending his advocacy with raw lyricism that cuts deep. He spits with urgency, making the listener feel the weight of every bar , there’s no glossing over his pain or the larger commentary he’s making. The two verses land with precision, but it’s the cinematic ending that really ties everything together, transforming the track from just a song into an experience. It’s the kind of statement piece that makes it impossible to dismiss him as just another rapper.

Hustle Baby (feat. Dutch Alcott & Nikki Owens) – 8/10

“Hustle Baby” thrives off its collaborative energy, but it’s Nikki Owens who steals the spotlight. Her presence injects soul into the record, giving it a heartbeat that complements X-Yle’s grittier verses. Dutch Alcott adds texture with his contribution, keeping the track layered and engaging throughout. X-Yle himself stays locked in, balancing determination with charisma as he raps about ambition and grind. The result is a solid, motivational cut that feels like it was designed to uplift without being corny.

Demon (feat. JayMillyRock) – 8/10

Initially, “Demon” didn’t grab me, but after a few spins, the brilliance clicked. This track is less about reinventing the wheel and more about X-Yle executing the fundamentals with sharpness and weight. The bars are tight, the delivery is confident, and JayMillyRock absolutely bodies his feature. By this stage in the tracklist, X-Yle feels fully in his zone, sharpening his pen while keeping the energy high. The record’s placement near the album’s end makes it hit even harder, showing his depth this late into the project.

Mercy (feat. Isat Fakir) – 10/10

Closing out with “Mercy,” X-Yle delivers one of the most dynamic and fitting outros I’ve heard in a while. The reggae-fused hook from Isat Fakir is executed to perfection, giving the song a cultural depth and infectious bounce that sticks in your head. Over it, X-Yle doesn’t let up , his bars are sharp, confident, and imbued with a sense of finality, like he knows he’s closing the chapter of something monumental. The song feels celebratory but also reflective, leaving the listener both satisfied and wanting more. It’s a curtain call that confirms X-Yle is more than capable of commanding attention start to finish.

Pray for Better is not just an album , it’s a creative exercise in arrangement, balance, and vision. X-Yle doesn’t just write songs , he crafts experiences. That’s why I keep coming back to him not just as a rapper but as a songwriter and arranger. The mix and mastering across this album prove how much care went into sequencing and flow.

The crazy part is good rappers are everywhere. But talents like X-Yle? Those are rare. He’s versatile enough to body bully rap, flip mental health into raw street poetry, and then turn around and drop love joints without breaking stride. The industry might not fully “get” him yet, but albums like Pray for Better show why they should. At the end of the day, X-Yle needs to find his people , the LES grunge rap fans, the Williamsburg hybrid crowd who live for artistry over hype. Around other rappers, he blends in. But in the right scene, he shines. He’s not just another name in the rap pool. He’s a creative force, and it’s about time hip-hop recognizes that.

Album Score Breakdown

Beats: 9/10 – Every instrumental feels intentional, ranging from gritty to cinematic to well done samples.

Lyrics: 10/10 – Heavy wordplay, layered storytelling, clever punchlines.

Concepts: 10/10 – He balances diversity (love songs, bully tracks, mental health themes) without losing cohesion.

Replay Value: 9/10 – Certain tracks (“Ape Shit,” “Where the Love At,” “Good Energy”) demand repeat spins.

Visual & Rollout: 7/10 – Solid execution, but he hasn’t fully broken through the noise yet.

Total Music Score : - 8/10

Total Album Score Score: 9.5/10

The X-Files

Watch X-Yle official Music Video 'Run It Up" here now via Youtube

Stream X-Yle "Pray for Better" Album here now Via Apple Music

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