Kingmaker 2025 Album

Xzibit

Xzibit used to have some seriously banging production behind him—but none of that is here. The beats on this album fall flat, and the whole motivational and introspective angle he's going for kind of feels forced. The introduction of the opening track is a prime example—it comes off corny and sounds like something we've all heard a hundred times before. As for other vets on the album, it might be time for Dre to hang up the mic. Whoever’s writing for him keeps recycling the same tired material. Ice Cube—who I still have a lot of love for—drops a verse on 'For the Love' that feels recycled too; about 60% of it sounds like something he's already said elsewhere. 'Everywhere I Go' brings a bit more of that classic, fun Xzibit energy, with a bounce that the rest of the album sorely lacks. Symba's feature on 'American Idols' is a standout—his verse is sharp and confident, and includes a line that seems to defend Ye: “Kanye dropped some Jews and now he too anti-semitic (Shh).” 'Success' switches the vibe a bit with some jazz poetry, which is a refreshing change of pace and works well. Overall, there’s not much here that’s catchy. The hooks are missing, and Xzibit's usually commanding delivery just starts to wear thin. Most of this is just forgettable. Not what you want from a comeback album. Beats: ★★ Rapping/Bars: ★★★ Hooks: ★★ Best Tracks: Play This At My Funeral, Everywhere I Go, American Idols, Success