Kid Sensation

Xola Malik (formerly Stephen Spence) (born c. 1971), best known by his stage name Kid Sensation, is an American rapper. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Spence made his debut as a guest rapper featured on Sir Mix-A-Lot's album Swass, where he appeared on the tracks "Rippin'" and "Square Dance Rap[1]"

Kid Sensation
Birth nameStephen Spence
Bornc. 1971 (age 49–50)
Seattle, Washington, United States
GenresHip hop,
Occupation(s)Rapper, record producer, singer
Years active1987–1996, 2009-present
LabelsA&M Records, Ichiban, Nastymix, Xola Music
Websitewww.xolamusic.com

Spence has sold over one million units during his hip hop career, and has hosted hip-hop based shows such as Yo! MTV Raps and BET's Rap City.[2]

Biography

Kid Sensation

Spence would release his debut "Rollin' With Number One" on July 2, 1990[3] on the Nastymix record label. Several videos would be released from the album. "Prisoner Of Ignorance", which goes into detail about a young man's life of crime, shows Spence rapping from an electric chair and a jail cell. Spence would also release the song "Seatown Ballers" and "Skin 2 Skin" as singles from his CD.

Two years later, Spence released his follow up album "The Power of Rhyme", also on Nastymix Records. A single, "The Weekend", would be the only single officially released from the record. Then-Mariners outfielder Ken Griffey Jr performed on the track "The Way I Swing."[4]

In 1995, Spence would leave Nastymix Records and record his third album, "Seatown Funk" on Ichiban International. The title track would be the only single released from the CD.

Xola Malik

Spence would retire his Kid Sensation moniker in the mid 90s, and would be known as Xola. He went into production, where he produced music for Jackie Jackson of the Jackson 5, former Seattle Seahawks running back Shawn Alexander'ks local FSN show, and for the Seattle Mariners and Seattle Seahawks.[5] He would later form Xola Music, where he recorded ads and jingles for various professional sports teams (Green Bay Packers, San Antonio Spurs) along with some voice-over work. He recorded a track for former Seattle Mariners outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. called "Back Home" in 2009[1] Xola also began acting in various commercials, and made his big screen debut in the movie Safety Not Guaranteed (2012) starring Kristen Bell, Jake Johnson and Aubrey Plaza. This movie was directed by Colin Treverrow (Jurassic Park).

Malik currently lives in Tacoma, Washington. He has re-recorded and re-released his previous Kid Sensation albums without profanity. His latest CDs are Songs for Change (2010), Seasons (2012) and Looking Up (2016) containing a long awaited collaboration track with his mentor Sir Mix A Lot titled "Love and Loyalty". His current events and news are located on his website www.xolamusic.com

Discography

Albums
  • 1990 - Rollin' With Number One
  • 1992 - The Power Of Rhyme
  • 1995 - Seatown Funk
  • 1996 - A.K.A. Mista K-Sen
  • 2009 - Back Home

Singles
  • 1987 - Square Dance Rap / Ripp'n (7", Promo)
  • 1989 - Back 2 Boom / I S.P.I.T.
  • 1989 - Breakdown / Seatown Ballers (12", Promo)
  • 1990 - Prisoner Of Ignorance (12", Promo)
  • 1990 - Seatown Ballers (12")
  • 1990 - Skin 2 Skin (12", Promo)
  • 1991 - Ride The Rhythm (Single)
  • 1992 - The Weekend (Single) (2 versions)
  • 1995 - Seatown Funk / Gotta Lotta Love (12")
  • 1995 - What Comes Around Goes Around (12", Promo)

Certifications
Country Certifications Title Year
Germany Gold[6] Seatown Funk 2002

References
  1. Discogs.com: Kid Sensation Biography
  2. "KidSensation.com: Biography". Archived from the original on 2010-08-20. Retrieved 2010-07-15.
  3. Amazon.com: Kid Sensation - Rollin' With Number One record details
  4. Yahoo Music: The Way I Swing
  5. LinkedIn: Xola Malik Profile>
  6. Bloggerhouse.net: Interview With Xola Malik, March 6, 2008
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