KXNG Crooked has released West Coast ’96, an 11-track album that connects his early years in Southern California rap with his perspective three decades later. Released October 16 through Hitmaker Music Group/Hitmaker Distro, the project runs approximately 32 minutes.
The album establishes that connection early. “Intro (Dayz of the Past)” leads into the previously released “West Coast ’96,” immediately followed by “West Coast ’26.” Placing those records together gives the opening stretch a clear timeline: the young Long Beach rapper trying to establish himself, followed by the veteran still recording in 2026.
Across the project, Crooked moves beyond his introduction to the business. “Safe” addresses protection and threats, “Po No Mo” deals with escaping poverty, and “For the Love” examines his reasons for pursuing music. Later, “Changez” considers maturity and survival, while the closing “Last Song” turns toward people he has lost and the uncertainty of his own remaining time.
Those subjects carry the weight of a career that has passed through several distinct periods. Known earlier as Crooked I, he spent time at Death Row Records before reaching another audience with Slaughterhouse alongside Royce da 5’9”, Joell Ortiz and Joe Budden. His subsequent independent work has kept him active as a solo artist, collaborator and commentator on the business of rap.