XL Middleton

XL Middleton (Curtis Middleton Jr.) is a Los Angeles-based funk producer, multi-instrumentalist, and vocalist whose work has become synonymous with the resurgence of West Coast boogie, G‑Funk, and modern funk aesthetics. Emerging in the late 2000s as a DJ and beatmaker for the Funkmosphere crew, Middleton quickly established himself as a torchbearer for analog synth-driven funk with deep roots in Los Angeles’ musical lineage.

His breakout album, 2 Minutes Till Midnight (2019), showcased handwritten production, soulful instrumentation, and guest appearances from figures like Zackey Force Funk, Kokane, and Moniquea. The record cemented his identity as the modern standard-bearer of G‑Funk craft: polished yet unforced, nostalgic yet contemporary. With releases like Music for the New Funkateers (2022) and collaborative singles, Middleton continues to refine his lush arrangements and vocal presence.

Known for shimmering chords, vocoder-inflected leads, and refined grooves, his music feels like a night-time cruise through vintage funk. He often collaborates with artists like Dam-Funk and Zackey Force Funk, uniting multiple generations of funk revivalists. Whether behind the boards or behind the mic, XL Middleton consistently elevates funk into something both timeless and fresh, bridging analog warmth with modern beat culture.