Fantastic Negrito: From NPR’s Tiny Desk to Fame and Grammys

Fantastic Negrito won the Tiny Desk Concert Contest way back in 2015 and recently brought his singular bluesy sound back to NPR’s beloved Tiny Desk concert series once again. The Grammy-winning Oakland musician performed songs off his latest album “White Jesus Black Problems” in NPR’s Washington DC office. If you haven’t heard Fantastic Negrito yet, his Tiny Desk showcase is the perfect introduction to this modern blues great.

Key Takeaways:

• Fantastic Negrito is the stage name of Xavier Dphrepaulezz, an Oakland-based blues artist who mixes old-school blues, funk, and R&B.
• After a near-fatal accident in 1999, Negrito returned to music with a new outsider perspective.
• Negrito first gained fame by winning NPR’s Tiny Desk concert contest in 2015.
• His music confronts contemporary concerns like inequality through the lens of historical black music.
• At the Tiny Desk, Negrito highlighted his bluesy vocals and guitar skills with a stripped-down three song set.
• Negrito puts his own spin on the blues, showing how artists can honor the past while saying something new.

Who is Fantastic Negrito?

The name Fantastic Negrito is the stage name of Xavier Dphrepaulezz, a four timeGrammy-winning blues musician based in Oakland. His music combines old-school blues, funk, and R&B with a modern sensibility. Negrito adopted his memorable stage name after a near-fatal car accident left him in a coma. When he awoke, he returned to music with a new perspective.

Negrito’s recordings are raw and minimalist, often recorded in improvised spaces. His raspy vocals and dirty slide guitar evoke blues originators like Robert Johnson and Skip James. But Negrito isn’t just aping the past. His 21st century perspective as a black man in Oakland informs his unique sound.

How did Fantastic Negrito get his start?

Xavier Dphrepaulezz was born in Massachusetts to a Somali-Caribbean immigrant father. His family moved to Oakland when was 12 years old. As a teenager, Dphrepaulezz learned to play piano and guitar. He was raised in an orthodox Muslim household, but was drawn to secular music.

In the 1990s, Dphrepaulezz signed a contract with Interscope Records and adopted the name “Xavier.” But his time with Interscope was short-lived. After refusing to conform to record company expectations, he was dropped from the label.

Disillusioned, Dphrepaulezz left music for several years. He took an office job and started a family. But in 1999, his life took a dramatic turn – a near-fatal car crash left him in a coma for weeks. When he finally awoke, Dphrepaulezz knew he had to return to making music. He adopted the Fantastic Negrito moniker and returned to his hometown of Oakland.

Fantastic Negrito’s Road to Grammy Glory

Back in Oakland, Fantastic Negrito started busking on the streets and playing small clubs. In 2014, he gained wider exposure by winning NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert contest, leading to his first appearance on the beloved concert series.

His 2015 debut album, The Last Days of Oakland, showed Negrito’s creative powers in full force. Mixing old-school blues shuffles with dirty funk and raw storytelling, the album announced Negrito as a blazing newcomer with a fresh take on classic sounds.

In 2017, Fantastic Negrito cemented his arrival by winning the Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album. His winning album, The Last Days of Oakland, drew from Negrito’s own life growing up in the changing streets of Oakland.

The 2018 release “Please Don’t Be Dead” portrays the artist’s worries regarding the future that his son could encounter in the United States. It addresses various issues such as school shootings, prescription drug addiction, homelessness, and police brutality, highlighting the artist’s anxiety through its music.

His 2020 “Have You Lost Your Mind Yet?” is inspired by classic sociopolitical albums made by black Americans in the 60s and 70s.The album feels timely, reflecting the civil rights uprising happening in the United States. It combines various musical genres, including rock, soul, R&B, hip-hop, and funk

In 2022 “White Jesus Black Problems” was released and is an album that is accompanied by a film that explores the project’s familial genesis. The album features funky contemporary blues with elements of high-octane funk.

This years release “Grandfather Courage” is a compelling work of acoustic blues and roots music. The album explores the deep currents of blues as an American art form.

Fantastic Negrito at the Tiny Desk

After a much-publicized contest that saw thousands of bands coast-to-coast submitting entries in NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert contest, the judges spoke and named Xavier the winner. Since winning the inaugural Contest, Dphrepaulezz has gone on to headline world tours, win three Grammy Awards, release a handful of albums and become a catalyst for creativity in his local Oakland community.

For his 2022 Tiny Desk concert, Fantastic Negrito played three standout tracks from his latest release, White Jesus Black Problems. Backed only by a drummer, Negrito delivered stripped-down versions of his songs, centered on his howling vocals and dirty slide guitar licks.

Songs like “Oh Betty” blended old-school Delta blues with Afrobeat-inspired percussion. “Highest Bidder” showed Negrito’s funkier side, driven by its chicken-scratch guitar rhythms. The high-energy set highlight Negrito’s skills as a compelling live performer. Even in an office space, he conjured the spirit of a late-night club performance.

Why Fantastic Negrito’s Music Matters

Unlike many modern blues revivalists, Fantastic Negrito doesn’t feel stuck in the past. Instead, his music feels urgent and forward-looking even as it explores the blues’ roots.

As a black man singing the blues in 2022, Negrito puts his own distinctive stamp on the genre. His songs tackle contemporary themes like gentrification and inequality through the lens of historical black music forms. He’s a perfect example of how artists can honor musical traditions while saying something new.

So if you want to hear the blues evolve in real time, Fantastic Negrito is an artist to follow. His Tiny Desk concert offers a vivid showcase of Negrito’s raw talent and boundary-pushing vision. When you hear his singular mix of gritty slide guitar, Afrobeat rhythms, and soulful vocals, you know you’re hearing the blues’ future.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Fantastic Negrito’s life and music embody resilience, creativity, and the power of storytelling. From his humble beginnings in Oakland to winning NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert Contest and earning Grammy recognition, his journey is a testament to the determination and talent that can emerge from unexpected places.

With his unique blend of black roots music and soulful songwriting, Fantastic Negrito continues to make an indelible mark on the music industry while challenging societal norms and celebrating the richness of his ancestry.

His powerful artistry serves as a reminder that great music has the ability to transcend boundaries and connect people from all walks of life.

FAQ’s

Q: Who is Fantastic Negrito?

A: Fantastic Negrito, whose real name is Xavier Dphrepaulezz, is a musician known for his unique blend of roots music. He gained recognition after winning the NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert Contest in 2015.

Q: How did Fantastic Negrito get famous?

A: Fantastic Negrito’s fame began when he won the NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert Contest, which brought him considerable exposure and recognition in the music industry.

Q: What is NPR?

A: NPR stands for National Public Radio. It is a non-profit media organization that delivers news, cultural programming, and music through radio broadcasts and digital content.

Q: What is Fantastic Negrito’s latest album?

A: Fantastic Negrito’s latest album is called “Please Don’t Be Dead.” It was released in 2018 and features his signature black roots music style.

Q: Did Fantastic Negrito win any Grammy awards?

A: Yes, Fantastic Negrito won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album for his album “Please Don’t Be Dead” in 2019.

Q: How did Fantastic Negrito adopt his stage name?

A: After a near-fatal car accident that left him in a coma, Fantastic Negrito decided to adopt a new identity and stage name. He chose Fantastic Negrito as a reflection of his musical style and persona.

Q: What are some of Fantastic Negrito’s famous songs?

A: Some of Fantastic Negrito’s popular songs include “Lost Your Mind Yet?”, “The Duffler,” “Plastic Hamburgers,” and “In The Pines.” His music is known for its eclectic style and powerful lyrics.

Q: What is the story behind Fantastic Negrito’s music career?

A: Fantastic Negrito’s music career has been marked by various challenges and setbacks, including a previous record deal and subsequent struggles with the music industry. However, winning the NPR Music Tiny Desk Contest gave him a new start and reignited his passion for creating music.

Q: What is the significance of Fantastic Negrito’s music?

A: Fantastic Negrito’s music is known for its raw and soulful expression of black roots music. His songs tackle social and political issues, including systemic racism, white privilege, and the struggles of the marginalized communities.

Q: Where can I listen to Fantastic Negrito’s music?

A: Fantastic Negrito’s music is available on various streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. You can also purchase his albums in physical or digital formats.