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XZIBIT MAKES HUGE RETURN WITH ‘KINGMAKER’ LP

XZIBIT MAKES HUGE RETURN WITH ‘KINGMAKER’ LP,

HIS FIRST IN 12 YEARS

Xzibit reaffirms GOAT status on ‘Kingmaker’, collaborating with Dr Dre, Ice Cube, Busta Rhymes, Redman, B-Real, Ty Dolla $ign & more

STREAM / BUY KINGMAKER HERE

Xzibit is back and bolder than ever. An icon of West Coast hip hop, his first album in 12 years, Kingmaker, features collaborations with the most iconic names in the genre, including Dr Dre, Ice Cube, Busta Rhymes, Redman, B-Real and Ty Dolla $ign, and is released today, May 16th via Greenback Records.

Dropping alongside a new music video for the title track, Kingmaker authentically captures the perspective of one of hip-hop's most iconic figures, 28 years deep in the game. X has reached his final form, not pandering to trends but perfectly delivering a sound that best represents him in this moment. While he’s previously had to make music in an environment of “chaos”, now X’s music derives from a more relaxed place where he can “gather his thoughts and shoot them directly,” making for an authentic body of work.

Showcased through key moments like the trap track ‘Genesis’—a first for Xzibit—and the hard-hitting topical ‘Crash’ ft. Royce da 5′9, X draws on a vast reservoir of experience, revealing a vulnerable, through mature, thoughtful writing that illustrates significant personal and artistic growth while staying true to his craft.

There’s a dual meaning behind Kingmaker. In one way, it’s about giving new talent, like Compton AV, Guapdad4000 and Tre Capital, a platform or a cosign, helping make them into a king. In another sense, it’s about a king teaching his disciples, with each track conveying a lesson or principle that has contributed to Xzibit’s success. “A Kingmaker is someone who helps others rise—whether it's through collaboration, mentorship, or opening doors,”he explains. “I've had a lot of people do that for me. Now, I want to be able to do the same thing for the next generation.”

So far from Kingmaker – an album that was nearly scrapped five times, according to X – fans have heard the album opener ‘Play This At My Funeral’, the soulful ‘Been A Long Time Pt. 2’, dressed in the sweet vocals of Jenn Em, the powerful ‘Everywhere I Go’ (ft. Dem Jointz), followed by funky-yet-fierce ‘Shut Yo Mouth’ featuring Compton Av. & Butch Cassidy. In May, to mark the album release comes the hotly-awaited focus single ‘Leave Me Alone’, a collab with the Grammy-nominated Ty Dolla $ign and legendary producer Dr Dre.

In the lead-up to Kingmaker, Xzibit has been opening up on some of the world’s biggest media platforms, diving deep into his legacy, challenges, and evolution. On the podcast Drink Champs, he reflected on his ability to connect with both underground and mainstream audiences, the struggles of West Coast artists during East Coast dominance, and the lessons learned from the iconic Up in Smoke tour.

On the podcast Bootleg Kev, Xzibit opened up about personal and professional milestones, including Kendrick Lamar’s influence, his experiences with Dr. Dre, and the impact of his divorce. Meanwhile, in his ABC Newsinterview, he explored the vulnerability woven into Kingmaker, emphasising how his personal struggles and triumphs shaped an album that fans can truly relate to.

The incredible Kingmaker by Xzibit drops on May 16th, alongside single ‘Leave Me Alone’ ft. Dr. Dre and Ty Dolla $ign.

About Xzibit:

Xzibit is a household name with millions of records sold, widely recognised for his work with Dr. Dre in the ’90s. Dre produced X’s Platinum-certified solo album Restless, which propelled him far beyond the underground and spawned the unforgettable 2001 smash X, a worldwide anthem synonymous with the MC. His mainstream rise continued with Man vs. Machine, another Platinum album featuring collaborations with hip-hop heavyweights like Snoop Dogg and Eminem.

Beyond music, Xzibit became a pop culture fixture as the face of MTV’s Pimp My Ride, introducing him to a global audience. His presence extended to the big screen, with roles in Gridiron Gang, Empire, and Bad Lieutenant, as well as appearances in cultural TV staples like Family Guy, CSI Miami, Hawaii 5-0, MTV Cribs, and American Dad.

On stage, Xzibit was a driving force behind two of hip-hop’s most legendary tours, Up in Smoke and Anger Management, performing alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Eminem. His influence continues through the supergroup Serial Killers and business ventures, proving that his legacy in hip-hop and entertainment remains as strong as ever.

‘Kingmaker’ Tracklist: