X-Raided / Nefarious burst onto the music scene in 1992 with his debut and Northern California classic album, "Psycho Active". Just months before the release of his debut, Anarae "X-Raided" Brown was arrested along with four others and charged with first degree gang-related murder. It was discovered that the lyrics on his debut contained mirror images of the crime he was suspected to have committed, and this caused national media coverage of X-Raided's then impending trial. The Source Magazine, Yo MTV Raps, and many other respected hip hop institutions reported on his situation. During all of the drama, X-Raided remained incarcerated at the Sacramento County Jail. It was during that time that X-Raided recorded his sophomore album, "Xorcist" (Black Market 1996), over the telephone. That album garnered even more attention and it was covered in various magazines including Playboy (September 1996). Months after the release of "Xorcist", X-Raided was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to 31 years in prison. Many believed his career to be over, but X-Raided kept his name alive by penning an entire song, "Deadly Game", and co-writing two others, "Boo Yow" and ".357", with childhood friend C-BO for his 1998 AWOL Records release, "Til My Casket Drops". Now X-Raided returns with "The Unforgiven: Volume I", minus the phone recorded vocals. Vibe Magazine (August 1998) reported, "The Unforgiven is culled from 65 tracks recorded onto a DAT, with beats added afterwards at a studio". According to Jerry Smith, Community Resources Manager at Salinas State Prison, "it's a mystery how such vocal sessions could take place. Inmates are not allowed to have tape recorders." Despite adverse circumstances, X-Raided managed to obtain clear and legitimate vocals. The result is "The Unforgiven: Volume I", sure to be hailed as one of the best West Coast albums ever written. X-Raided says,"with 2Pac gone, there is no one stepping up to represent the West Coast that has the lyrical skills, plus the intrigue to withstand the scrutiny that comes with being the best in his region. Now that I have real vocals, I am claiming the throne that was vacated by the death of Makaveli. Cali is mine and I am demanding my place at the top of the list of West Coast MC's". When asked about his case, X-Raided stated, "I was railroaded, straight up. But there is nothing I can do now except to make as much noise as I can, and hip hop is my medium, my podium. I gotta make some Johnny Cochran money so I can get up out of hell." "The Unforgiven: Volume I" showcases the production of newcomers DJ Shareel, The Technician, and R.A.W., collectively known as Mad Man Muzik. The album also features two new lyrical talents, Dott Dogg and Hanifah. Stand out tracks include "Misanthropy", "Spittin' Venom", and the autobiographical title track. You have been warned. X-Raided is back, let it begin.