XVII

XVII, also known as Seventeen, is a rapper from Louisiana. He is described as a Mississippi Gulf Coast artist from Pass Christian, and his early name in local circles is 17-Shot, later shortened to 17 and then Seven. His name comes from his behaviour as a teenager, when he carries a stolen 17-shot Glock pistol.

Early career

XVII starts recording after first picking up a microphone a few years before his solo work. Before going solo, he is part of the group Da KG’z, also called Kingz of the Gulf, which releases the locally praised independent album Lowdown and Dirty in 2000. He later turns to solo work after the response to his track “Bring It”. His solo debut, Die By This, follows the next year, when he is 20 years old.

Mixtapes and label work

In 2003, XVII issues the local mixtape Underground Heat Vol. 1. He plans a second volume, but it is delayed until 2006 after Hurricane Katrina affects his city. After the storm, he leaves Mississippi with money he pools with his friend Polo and starts his own label, Major Entertainment.

Collaborations and UGK connection

XVII records in Atlanta with Pastor Troy and Bohagon, and in Memphis with Yo Gotti. He later connects with Pimp C, who takes him as a protégé and features him on Pimp C Presents XVII, released through a Major Entertainment and UGK Records collaboration on the album Certified. The project includes “She like Me Swagger” with Rod Leander, “She Love It” with Pimp C and Corey Mo, “Massacre” by Pimp C, “Get Money” with Yo Gotti, and “Why Do they Hate On Me” with Bohagon. XVII also issues Underground Heat Vol. 2 after the delay caused by Hurricane Katrina.