REVIEW: XZIBIT - KINGMAKER

4/5

Kingsman

King back. In the same weekend that Snoop Dogg releases 'Iz It A Crime' to the court of public opinion on Death Row, and we get an album from another Public Enemy (Chuck D for your 'Radio Armageddon'), Xzibit is back too. Riding and pimping his discography with his first solo set since 2012's 'Napalm'. Although he did release a record with B-Real of Cypress Hill, along with Demrick and Serial Killers in 2020's 'Summer Of Sam'. It really does feel like you're playing 'Def Jam Vendetta' on your Gamecube or PSP right now with this 'Kingmaker' and that title-track will do more than take you back as this talent pays it forward on his ninth wonder of an album. Reuniting with Dr. Dre, like Snoop did on 'Missionary', with the Ty Dollar $ign assisted 'Leave Me Alone'. Bringing more of the west to the party with the Ice Cube and Lorine Chia highlight 'For The Love'.

Forget what he did to cars. This is an MTV generation, unsung legend who had bars. And here he records with fellow luminaries, rewriting their own legacies with comeback trails. Whether it be Busta Rhymes ('The Moment' with JasonMartin), or Redman (getting 'Higher', as if he could, with B-Real of Cypress "I'm staring in your direction, like 'The Simpsons'" Hill). On the blue, California sky of the Hollywood sign 'Kingmaker', Xzibit also has a supporting cast headlined by Dem Jointz ('Everywhere I Go'), Jenn Em (for the sequel 'Been A Long Time Pt. 2'), JasonMartin again on 'Belly Of The Beast', Stalone (not that one) for a 'Perfect Alibi', USA's Symba as 'American Idols', a 'Crash' of K.A.A.N. and Royce Da 5'9", Butch Cassidy and Compton Av telling you to 'Shut Yo Mouth', a 'Notified' Cold 187um and King T, Daygo Fatts and Guapdad 400 asking 'What U Like', and the 'End Of Day' with Ade Bekoe, Domo Genesis and Tre Capital.

On 2001's 'Man vs. Machine' with an operatic Dr. Dre of 'Symphony In X Major ("we the s###"), Xzibit released one of his deepest cuts. His 'Missin' U' dedication to his dear mama, featuring Andre Wilson. Now, he regards his own mortality in a music video for a single where he's wearing a black suit with matching shades, like the Man in Black, Johnny Cash. You remember in that Joaquin Phoenix 'Walk The Line' biopic, directed by James Mangold of Dylan's 'A Complete Unknown' (Boyd Holdbrook has a great Cash in, too), where they say to Johnny, "you look like you're going to a funeral", and he coolly responds, "maybe I am". Well, X to Z is, too. The one of Alvin Nathaniel Joiner. His own one. Well...not yet, we sure hope, but "I put together my suit of armor like Tony Stark's/I seen dynasties come together, but never start/N####s ain't with me right now 'cause they ain't had a heart/They get emotional, hold grudges, and fall apart/I am the Alpha, Omega, I am the Holy Grail (Damn)", off of 'Play This At My Funeral' is one hell of a delivered eulogy.

Strong singles like 'Everywhere I Go', 'Shut Yo Mouth' and 'Been A Long Time Pt 2' complete this decade plus comeback, but his legend has been here for years. This is just exhibit I. Or Xzibit, A+, with quite possibly his best album yet. Just listen to the concept of 'Success', his 'Genesis', 'History', or his warning that needs to be heeded that 'Earth Is Over'. The title track in closing will really put you on game as Joiner joins it all together and gives you that new car smell with some shine on the hood, and much more tinkering below. "Your money tight, feeling like you ain't living right/You lost sight of your goals and the spirit to fight/Can you humble your pride, ego, and sacrifice?/Need some motivation at life? Listen to Kingmaker." Pop your collar, this King of LA, like James' version, has just given you another makeover. And this one will have you looking like your best self as you drive off the lot. Hey now, no more mean muggin', you're an all-star again. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Play This At My Funeral', 'The Moment (Feat. Busta Rhymes & JasonMartin)', 'Success'.

Spin This: Xzibit - 'Man Vs. Machine'.