After more than a decade since his last studio album, Xzibit roars back with Kingmaker, a 20-track opus that brings together a heavyweight roster of West Coast icons and producers. Released via Greenback Records—the label helmed by combat sports mogul Conor McGregor—the album signals a deliberate and full-force return to music for the Los Angeles native.
Kingmaker positions Xzibit not only as an emcee but as a seasoned voice with something urgent to say. Across the album, he taps into generational wisdom, aiming to pass on hard-earned lessons and hard-hitting truths. Songs like “Play This At My Funeral” blend raw emotion with direction, offering younger listeners a rare combination of vulnerability and grit.
The album is packed with commanding collaborations: Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, Ty Dolla $ign, King T, and B-Real all appear across the tracklist, while production duties are handled by a revered lineup including DJ Battlecat, Dem Jointz, DJ Khalil, Big Duke, and Focus…, among others.
Several singles set the stage for the album’s arrival. “For The Love,” featuring Ice Cube, brought two West Coast veterans back into the booth together. “Shut Yo Mouth,” with Compton AV and Butch Cassidy, delivered a thumping street anthem guided by Battlecat’s unmistakable production. And on “Been A Long Time Pt. 2,” featuring Jenn Em, Xzibit addressed his own journey—bridging the gap between past and present with clarity and control.
In the years between albums, Xzibit remained a visible force—whether on screen, behind the scenes, or expanding his cannabis ventures. But Kingmaker is his reminder that he’s still a vital voice in hip-hop. Not a comeback, but a continuation of legacy—on his own terms.