Sadat X, known for his work with Brand Nubian and inspired by the Five Percent Nation, made his solo debut with Wild Cowboys in 1996. The album, featuring production from Diamond D and Buckwild, solidified his reputation as a lyricist but did not reach the heights of his work with Brand Nubian. Despite a hiatus, Sadat returned with subsequent albums such as No Better Way in 1996, Foundation with Brand Nubian in 1998, and later releases like Experience & Education in 2005 and Agua in 2016. His diverse discography showcases a blend of tough, jazz-inflected arrangements and collaborations with producers like Pete Rock and Da Beatminerz, culminating in the 2017 release of Sum of a Man, produced by Diamond D.