Few artists embody hip-hop’s toughness like xzibit. West Coast veterans have been in the earthquake shift in the music industry since appearing on loud records in the late 1990s. He also quietly navigated the digital revolution and stared at the ongoing age discrimination of culture. Instead of retreating, X doubled consistently, becoming stronger as each evolution develops.
Now, over a decade since his last solo, the “Paparazzi” rapper has ordered something again. This creative spark is revealed in a series of compelling new tracks in 2024, setting the stage for his highly anticipated album “King Maker.” It was obvious around him.
But don’t mistake his satisfaction for complacency. Xzibit brings the appeal of hip-hop politicians while maintaining artists’ desires. His recent collaboration with MMA Legend Conor McGregor revitalized him, demonstrating his ability to continue cross-pollinate hip-hop culture with unexpected partnerships.
Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur and DJ Thoro sit down with X to reflect on their journey and, more importantly, explore one of the most enduring sounds of hip-hop. Watch the full interview with the video, which includes all the details of his first song, Dr. Dre, is a Western lyricist, etc.
Part 1: Return and Green Back Record
Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur: Mr. X to Z, Xzibit. What’s good, man?
xzibit: I’m fine, man. I’ve known you for a long time and came to Allhiphop for a long time. Our family.
Chuck “Jigsaw Puzzle” Creekmur: Absolute. First of all, I want to congratulate you. 2024 is a big year for hip-hop, and you have a big impact with just a few songs – no albums, just bars.
xzibit: Yes, man. When we decided to launch the project, I felt like I needed to reintroduce myself, especially for those who didn’t even know I made music. That’s why “playing this at my funeral” is the first drop. This is also the introduction to my new album Kingmaker. The track is straight bars, without hooks, and I want it to set the tone.
DJ Thoro: Have you really hoped to have played at the funeral?
xzibit : (laughs) Maybe. Depends on when it happens.
Chuck “Jigsaw Puzzle” Creekmur: Visual effects are also fire. That video is a movie. Now you have a new tag situation with green records. What is the story there?
xzibit: Yes, man. Greenback Records is a new enterprise founded by Conor McGregor. He has everything in hand, but he really loves music. My manager, Bobby Dee, brought me this opportunity, and at first I doubted it. But after sitting with Conor’s team and seeing the vision, I went all out.
Paint part? No industry politics. No expectation or pressure installation of the mold. I can pave the way to do things the way I do, and no one intervenes in my creativity.
Chuck “Jigsaw Puzzle” Creekmur: Before that, were you a McGregor fan?
Xzibit: I mean, everyone knows Conor McGregor, but I don’t necessarily follow him like that. I was impressed with his hands-on approach – it wasn’t just about his vanity project. He is really involved. I met him in a naked boxing match in Marbella, Spain. He was completely behind this.
Chuck “Jigsaw Puzzle” Creekmur: It’s a fun combination – xzibit and Conor McGregor. Can this help you attract more mainstream audiences?
xzibit: I mean, yes, but I’m not chasing. Conor’s world and mine are all about fighting – in the ring, in life and in music. Love him or hate him, he is still Conor McGregor. Like me – I will still be me. I can use his megaphone while keeping the authenticity intact. That is its beauty.
Part 2: Hip-hop and the status of the new album
DJ Thoro: More than a decade has passed since your last project (2012), right? It took so long?
xzibit: Yes, man. I worked in film and television – I worked in Empire for three years. Also, I set up a business in Cali. But when it comes to music, I have to be inspired. I not only put down the records to keep them visible.
Chuck “Jigsaw Puzzle” Creekmur: This is true. Many artists are swallowed up by the digital age.
xzibit: Yes, I see a lot of people chasing success instead of creative elevations. The diversity of hip-hop was much wider in the past. You have Ice Cube and Tribe called Quest, de la Soul and Tha Alkaholiks – different lanes. Now, everyone is trying to ride the same wave.
DJ Thoro: Complete. At that time, you have a choice.
xzibit: Yes. But now, people think they have to fit some kind of mold to make it. That’s why I named the album Kingmaker. It has nothing to do with being a king, but rather to pass on the knowledge that brought me here. These lessons have taken me from a difficult start to global brands.
Chuck “Jigsaw Puzzle” Creekmur: That’s paint. And, you will still throw away your knowledge without giving a sermon. You have a line saying, “You all need to read some books!” That blow.
xzibit: (laughs) The problem is, hip-hop has age discrimination. No other type can do this. The Rolling Stones are still touring, but in hip-hop, if you’re over 25, you’re the “old man.” That’s ridiculous. No one has hip hop. As long as I have something to say, I will say that.
DJ Thoro: This is true.
xzibit: Look, I know the game is different. Some artists have bigger antics than music. But I’m not playing industry games here. I’ve built my own driveway and I don’t need to ask for permission right here.
Part 3: Heritage, West Coast roots and personal growth
DJ Thoro: You’re in the form of a loud record – a confidential lineup. How did you even sign it?
xzibit: The alcoholics got me on. I’ve never been a mixtape rapper – I just got on one of their singles and Kings put me on his album. After that, Steve Rifkind signed me out loud. The first song I recorded? “Paparazzi.” That was my first studio meeting.
Chuck “Jigsaw Puzzle” Creekmur: It’s so crazy. That song sets the tone for you.
xzibit: Yes. At that time, the West Coast was all about G-Funk and Gangsta Rap. We are strange people – pranks, fascists, us. So we coined our own term: the lyricist of the West Coast.
DJ Thoro: You end up coming down with DRE and Aftermath. How did this change your career?
Xzibit: “B ###Please” Snoop is my first time working with DRE. My work ethics made me invited back and we made a real connection. At one point, Dre and Jimmy Iovine tried to sign me, but Steve Rifkind shut it off – saying I was like a son. Would I like to do the consequences? certainly. But even though I didn’t officially sign it, Dre Executive made my album. This alone has had a huge impact.
Chuck “Jigsaw Puzzle” Creekmur: You are part of the UP Smoke Tour, one of the largest hip-hop tours ever.
xzibit: This trip is legendary. Showing in the Tunnel in New York, taking the stage with Dre, Snoop, Em – these moments are surreal.
Chuck “Jigsaw Puzzle” Creekmur: You’ve experienced ups and downs, many of which are played publicly. How do you navigate?
xzibit: I’m lucky to have my dad in my life – he’s gone, but he gives me a solid foundation. So I move in an upright way. People like to report bad news, but when they are wrong, they never zoom in and correct. I don’t let me define me.
Chuck “Jigsaw Puzzle” Creekmur: This is true.
xzibit: Look, one thing I learned? We focus too much on those who don’t love us, not those who do so. A thousand people can show love and we will focus on a hater. I don’t do that. I thank those who rode with me.
Chuck “Jigsaw Puzzle” Creekmur: That’s wisdom.
xzibit: Fact. Ultimately, hip-hop saved my life. That’s why I’m here. That’s why Kingmaker is here. I owe fans this album.
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