Xodarap’s latest album, The Xodiac, dropped on May 26th, 2025—a birthday gift from the artist himself to the world. Twelve tracks, each dedicated uniquely to a sign of the zodiac, create a musical journey reflecting the diverse vibes and distinct styles of each astrological sign. It’s not just an album; it’s a crafted audio experience.
Diving into The Xodiac
What sets The Xodiac apart is its meticulous design: each zodiac sign has a dedicated song, carrying a distinctive genre or sub-genre tailored specifically to match the vibe associated with that sign. Listeners get to explore everything from fiery energetic beats for Aries, chill lo-fi vibes for Pisces, to the bold and confident rhythms intended for Leo. It’s a thoughtfully varied playlist—a “no skip classic” in the making.
The creative genius behind this unique concept is New England-based emcee Xodarap—also known as Paradox. His alias, which cleverly mirrors the concept of duality (much like Gemini), reveals a deeper insight into his approach. Each track is carefully curated to ensure listeners feel the dualities and nuances of the zodiac’s character through sound.
Behind the Music: Xodarap’s Story
Before the intriguing monikers and lyrical complexity, Xodarap was simply Cody Wayne Connell. Born on May 26th, 1992, in Concord, NH, and raised in Leominster, MA, Cody’s musical journey began earnestly in 2008. Initially, he recorded professionally under the stage name Young Fresh, collaborating with notable underground talents like the late Vic Vaper, Rilla Ron, and King Polo.
Xodarap’s collaborations and group formations like New Cypher and Nati Nation helped cultivate his skills and versatility. Producers such as Mr. Goodbarz, Mindz of TMB, and Panama Jack contributed significantly to shaping his evolving style, helping to fine-tune his musical voice. Since 2018, however, Xodarap shifted his focus entirely towards his solo career—leading ultimately to this standout album.
Music: A Lifeline and Passion
For Xodarap, music transcends mere entertainment—it’s a lifeline. More than just beats and rhymes, hip-hop has been instrumental in his life’s journey. It’s his passion, the absolute core around which his existence revolves (aside from his love for his son). While music hasn’t yet fully secured financial freedom, it has undoubtedly offered a purpose, joy, and an avenue for personal expression.
Xodarap’s dedication to hip-hop culture resonates clearly in every song. His approach is direct: educate and entertain simultaneously. Every track on The Xodiac serves precisely this intention, a mission evident in the thoughtful composition and intricate production quality. His lyrical prowess matched with diverse musical explorations makes each song not just an expression of creativity but an educational exploration into the attributes of each zodiac sign.
Beyond The Xodiac: Looking Ahead
Having placed consistently within the top ten of various hip-hop competitions, including Speak Up and Teambackpack, Xodarap has established himself as a respected figure in underground hip-hop circuits. These recognitions affirm his potential and growth, further fueling his drive to produce quality music that resonates deeply with listeners.
Looking ahead, The Xodiac serves as a pivotal milestone in Xodarap’s musical trajectory. It not only showcases his artistic versatility but also his profound understanding of thematic storytelling through music. This debut major platform release opens new doors, promising a bright future for the talented rapper.
Ultimately, The Xodiac is a heartfelt project, a musical tapestry woven with personal reflections, creative risks, and profound lyrical content. Xodarap invites listeners to find themselves within each zodiac-themed track—an immersive experience designed to entertain, enlighten, and energize. Whether you follow astrology closely or simply love diverse hip-hop sounds, The Xodiac promises an engaging listen, track after track.
We had the privilege of interviewing Xodarap. Here are excerpts from the interview.
Hi, It’s great to have you with us today! Please share about yourself with our readers.
Hello, my name is Cody Connell, also known as Xodarap or Paradox. Which is quite literally the same thing, depending on the way that you look at it. I’m a rapper, MC, or songwriter/musician from New England. I kind of bounced around a lot as a kid. I spent some time down in the South in second grade, but for the most part, was born and raised in New England. Pretty much split between Concord, NH, and Leominster, MA. But back to what I do: I make music that I love, and I love to make music. This isn’t just my hobby; hip hop is my absolute passion, and aside from my one son, the absolute love of my life. I will forever be a fan, first and foremost, and I am also in love with the culture. Hip-hop has saved my life to be real with you. Not from a complete financial standpoint yet, but more in the sense that I don’t know what I’d be existing for if it weren’t for music.
Please tell us about your music album.
My latest album, The Xodiac, is exactly how you might imagine it to sound. Twelve songs, each one dedicated to each star sign in the zodiac. It was released on my 33rd birthday as a gift from me back to the world. Not only did I intend for this debut solo album of mine to be a no-skip classic, but I also did my best to ensure that each song had its own feel, vibe, tempo, and pace. Not to mention separate subgenres as well.
Please share your journey with our readers.
My journey has been extremely hard. Just simple shit in life like Learning how to grow up very quickly when I had my awesome son Dez about Tenish years ago, to learn how to prevail against the face of all odds and get clean off of opiates and alcohol. I spent time in rehab. I mean, I spent time in jail, and now I’m out rapping and parenting again, and it’s just a miracle. I’m blessed for the entirety of this existence, and that’s also a feeling that I tried to emulate with this album as well.
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
For me, I just think it’s important to be yourself and make the music you love and want to make in the first place. At some point, for at least a couple of years, I lost that love that was the origin of it all and kind of fell back more than I would’ve liked, but recently, through sobriety and being a dad, I’ve been able to not only find that love and use it to my advantage but to have my son guide me back to my innate confidence as he’s my biggest fan.
Any message for our readers?
Just know that if you’re an aspiring artist out there, it is important to chase your dreams and not let any naysayers deflect you from your path and your dreams, and they will manifest from your belief in the first place.
Thank you so much, Xodarap, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!