Complex

Released in late 2006, Complex serves as a pivotal entry in XV's discography, bridging his early underground experiments with the more polished 'blog rap' sound that would later define his career. Recorded in Wichita, Kansas, the album is deeply rooted in the 'Midwest Hip-Hop' tradition, drawing comparisons to early Kanye West and Common for its heavy use of soul-sampling and conscious lyricism. Unlike the high-gloss production of the era's mainstream rap, Complex maintains a gritty, bedroom-produced quality that adds to its intimacy. The album is notable for its narrative focus on XV's upbringing, particularly on tracks like 'Boy from Kansas,' which helped establish him as a regional voice with universal appeal. Critically, it is viewed as a cult classic that helped lay the groundwork for the internet-driven hip-hop explosion of the late 2000s, predating the rise of artists like Kid Cudi and Big Sean who shared similar aesthetic sensibilities.