Hip-Hop is a business that has many, many layers, as well as sub-genres. Typically, the popularity of each sub-genre waivers, as each take their turn as the one in the mainstream. Right now, conscious rap is taking a back-seat, but despite this, we must always recognize great music. If there’s anybody filling that definition at the moment, it’s Las Vegas local Mike Xavier, who turns in his brilliant new album, Still Dreaming.

At 10-tracks, Still Dreaming is the perfect length, which is an impressive feat in 2019 considering our lightning-quick attention spans and Mike’s heavy subject matters. Speaking on themes of love, redemption, heartbreak, struggle and probably more than anything else, positivity, Mike absolutely establishes himself as a confident lyricist, and an incredible storyteller.

On songs like, “Not Meant To Be”, he focuses on himself, turning his analyzation into why his mind allows for him to wander off track sometimes, while on tracks like, “Dream” he turns that attention to uplifting the listener, providing a charming track that will surely stand out as a fan-favorite.

Although Mike has some strides to make as a hit-maker — as evidenced on the ambitious, though shortchanged, “Get It Popping” — but those improvements will come naturally. What we know now, though, is that Mike carries a keen quality to relate to each and every one of his listeners, something that carries an artist from good to transcendent.

Be sure to listen to Still Dreaming below and get familiar with Mike Xavier, who is gearing up for the sold-out album release show for this project tonight.