Xzibit reflects on being a fan-turned-collaborator as he reunites with Dr. Dre for “Kingmaker”, his first album in 13 years.
He is stepping back into the ring with “Kingmaker”, his first album since “Napalm” in 2012 — and he is bringing serious company with him. The new project boasts features from Dr. Dre, Busta Rhymes, Ty Dolla $ign, Ice Cube, JasonMartin, Royce 5’9, and more. While the lineup is stacked, it is the energy behind the reunion with Dre that has Xzibit especially amped.
Reflecting on their long-standing chemistry, Xzibit recalled their first ever session together on “Bitch Please” — the original version of the track later reimagined as “Bitch Please II” on “The Marshall Mathers LP” with Eminem. That moment never left him. “The insanity of it was being a fan first, and then you basically get recruited into The Avengers”, he told Billboard. “The direction Dre gives when he’s in the studio only elevates the record, because you rely on his experience. Even if it takes you out of your comfort zone”.
The “Kingmaker” track “Leave Me Alone” was originally a late addition but turned into a highlight, produced by Swizz Beatz with Dre on co-production. “To have both of them together on one song, I don’t think that’s ever been done”, Xzibit said. “It was really exciting. To have Dre on the album after all this time means the world to me. He’s my brother, he’s coach”.
Other standouts on the album include “Crash”, where Royce da 5’9” delivers a lyrical clinic. His verse is sharp, personal, and dense with meaning — the kind of penmanship that reminds you why he is considered one of the most skilled writers in hip hop.
Have you given “Kingmaker” a spin already?
