Rapper X-Raided Says The Menendez Brothers Looked After Him In Prison

A new interview with California rap legend X-Raided expresses his gratitude to the Menendez brothers for watching over him in prison.

A new Netflix series, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, has gained much attention for Erik and Lyle Menendez. Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón recommended that a judge resent the Menendez brothers, who are currently serving life terms without parole for murdering their parents in 1989.

Talking to Extra, X-Raided, 50, shared his time spent with the Erik and Lyle, who he met separately, as he described them as his “Big Brothers.” He recalls, “They were the best thing to happen to me during my term in terms of education. Whether I got out or not, they helped me become a better person.”

Lyle Menendez made a big impression on X. He continued: “[Lyle] thought I was much more than a gang member and encouraged me to use my voice for something meaningful. He was one of the first to teach me how to use my influence to achieve positive outcomes.”

After meeting Lyle, X, whose real name is Anerae Brown, would meet Erik following a transfer. Lyle told Erik about him via letter before he met Brown. “Lyle had written to Erik ahead of my transfer,” shared Brown. “When I arrived, Erik came up to me with that letter and read it, saying, ‘This is our little brother; I love him, so you love him too.’ He took me under his wing right away.”

Due to their age at the time of the crime, both Menendez brothers are eligible for parole under California’s “youthful offenders” provision. This adjustment could make them eligible for parole immediately if approved.

Upon being asked about whether the brothers would be released, the optimistic rapper replied:

“People do change. The 18- and 21-year-old men they were then are not who they are today. They contribute, and they help others. That’s the kind of change we want to see, and I believe they’ll make a positive impact in society if given the chance.”

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.