X-Clan

X-Clan is an alternative hip hop group from New York City, composed of Grand Verbalizer Funk' Lesson, Lumumba Professor X, Grand Architect, The Rhythm Provider and MC Isis. Known for their Afrocentrism and militant activism (they are members of Blackwatch), X-Clan soon gained fame for the controversy their music aroused, though commercial success was sporadic. Their debut was To the East, Blackwards (1990), followed by Xodus (1992) and a temporary break-up. Both albums peaked at #11 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip Hop Charts in the United States. Professor X and Isis also released solo albums. Brother J also formed a new group, Dark Sun Riders, while long-time group member Sugar Shaft died of AIDS. They reformed in the late 1990s, but have not released any recordings as of 2003.