Local & Community
Local Musician Yung Xavi: From Addiction to Chart-Topping Music Artist
Addiction touches the lives of many people in many different ways. After overcoming his own battle with addiction, Palm Springs native and musician Yung Xavi is singing a new tune as a top selling music artist.
“Always kind of been avid in music, it opened the doors to a lot of opportunities,” said Yung Xavi.
Yung Xavi was exposed to drugs and alcohol at an early age. Growing up, the aroma of marijuana smoke often filled his family’s home in Palm Springs and countless bottles of alcohol decorated the kitchen counters.
“Weed and alcohol, more so, were kind of normal for me,” said Xavi.
At the age of 8, his father died of heroin overdose. As a way to cope, Yung Xavi did what he saw those closest to him do during challenging times – drink and do drugs.
“I took my drinking habits to a way worse level at the time,” said Xavi.
The loss of his father, and later learning he could never play sports again due to an injury sent him over the edge. His substance abuse continued and worsened as he experimented with one deadly poison after another.
“It wasn’t until I OD’d and I was in a coma for two days. I woke up and I was like ‘Okay, there’s no more messing around with this. Obviously I’m never going to find the answer that I want, but I know that I’m alive now for a pretty good reason and I’m going to find that reason’,” Xavi said.
That’s when he went back to his first love – music.
“That was just speaking on everything that was causing me pain through my music,” said Xavi.
He took the immense loss he experienced throughout his life and found hope in his music and also in a living inspiration.
“My son has opened up my eyes completely just to how my dad might have looked at me and I feel like I’ve connected to him more in that way more than I ever could wasting my childhood on that crap,” said Xavi.
With emotionally gripping lyrics and hooks that are as powerful as they are catchy, Yung Xavi is inviting listeners into his world.
His forthcoming debut album “To Jonathan”, dedicated to his late father, shares a journey of grief and healing.
“To Jonathan has been a very long part of my life with me forgiving my dad, bringing myself back together,” said Xavi. “It gave me my voice.”
By: NBC Palm Springs
January 10, 2023
Latest Instagram Posts
Alice B. has announced it’s closing its doors. It’s cozy atmosphere and unique seasonal menu made it a must try and even landed it in the Michelin guide. @susanfeniger and @marysuemilliken left their mark on the desert over at Living Out and it will be missed. Here’s a clip from one of our last interviews with Susan.
Cathedral City City Council votes to rename “LGBT+ Days” to “Cathedral City Pride”. The council approved the change in a 5-0 vote during its latest meeting, updating the official name of the city’s annual celebration. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs to see what this means to the Coachella Valley Community #CathedralCity #pride #CityCouncil #CoachellaValley #LocalNews
Discover the Coachella Valley with the Everything Palm Springs app. From iconic attractions and hidden gems to local restaurants, shops, entertainment and even filming locations, the map-based app is designed to help both visitors and locals find more of what the desert has to offer. Creator Lindsay Kinkle is also expanding the app with video tours and narrated guides, giving users another way to explore Palm Springs and the surrounding communities. Local businesses like Buena Matcha are also getting a chance to connect with new customers through the platform. As Lindsay says, there’s so much to do and enjoy here — you just have to know where to look. #PalmSprings #CoachellaValley #EverythingPalmSprings #PalmSpringsApp #VisitPalmSprings DesertLife LocalBusiness CoachellaValleyBusiness NBCPalmSprings
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
What’s next for Palm Desert? Join community leaders, local businesses and regional stakeholders for the 2026 State of the City Address. Topics: • Economic Development • Infrastructure • Public Safety • Community Programs • Palm Desert’s Future CTA: Friday, September 18 | 11:30 AM JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort
Former Silvercrest CEO, William Rodriguez is expected back in court today in connection with the deadly 2024 Cathedral City hit and run that killed a woman. The murder charge was dismissed, but Rodriguez still faces felony hit and run and suspended license charges.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
Murder suspect Vicky Kim has once again not been cleared to appear in court. Kim is accused of killing her husband at their Palm Desert condominium complex. Her arraignment has now been delayed three times. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs as we track the latest developments in this case. #VickyKim #PalmDesert #CoachellaValley #BreakingNews #CourtUpdate NBCPalmSprings
Palm Springs is mourning the loss of beloved entertainer James “Gypsy” Haake, who has died at 94. Haake began his entertainment career at just 19 years old as a Broadway chorus dancer. After retiring from the stage, he returned to performing at 82, becoming the host of Carnival Cabaret at Oscars in downtown Palm Springs. A longtime friend of our station, Haake was a familiar and beloved figure in the Palm Springs entertainment community — and his contributions were recognized with a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. His career spanned more than seven decades, proving that the spotlight never truly left him. ❤️ Rest in peace, James “Gypsy” Haake. Your legacy will live on in Palm Springs. #JamesGypsyHaake #PalmSprings #PalmSpringsWalkOfStars #CarnivalCabaret #PalmSpringsEntertainment #OscarsPalmSprings #PalmSpringsHistory
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry