Xzibit Album: “Full Circle (Explicit)”

Xzibit does it again, another GOOd album.

Well that's just my opinion, don't know if ya'll will feel the same.

Tranquilo!!

While I'm not a loyal Xzibit fan, I did purchase his previous two albums, Weapons of Mass Destruction and Man vs. Machine. However, Full Circle shows an insightfulness and depth that I never saw in his previous albums. Although Full Circle is a step down in terms of flow and lyricism, I'm always happy to hear X take a more reflective tone. Favorite tracks: "Rampart Division", "Concentrate", "Family Values", "Black and Brown", "Thank You".

Xzibit still has it. I thought after Man V.S. Machine he had lost it, but no hes bumpin on this one. Nothing though can top 40 Days and 40 Nights

Yes people, back in 1996 Xzibit hit is with the single "Paparazzi" off his classic debut "At The Speed Of Life". Back then he was no gimmics and straight up mic skills. Since then his career has been a mixed bag. His albums have been very inconsistant after his breakthrough "40 Dayz & 40 Nightz" album, also appearing on the MTV hit show "Pimp My Ride" years later. I myself believed that he has let the fame get to him ever since 2000 with "Restless". Now in 2006 he gives us his sixth album "Full Circle".

With "Full Circle" Xzibit has put some thought into what he has says in his rhymes. The biggest standout track with his rhymes is "Black & Brown" about the Hispanic and African American battle in Los Angeles, telling them that they have to work together. Also "Thank You" is another inspirational song as Xzibit thanks his fans for hanging around through out his ups and downs in his career. Judging by most of these songs here, Xzibit has tightened up behind the mic. And it shows on the song "Say It To My Face" with Kurupt and Don Blaze. A couple of dope tracks he gives us is "Scandalous B*****s", as the title explains it all. And the "Ram Part Division", Xzibit flips his voice, to make it a little deeper, as it may remind some listeners of the movie "Robo Cop", and he rhymes from a cop's perspective of how they treat people in neighborhoods.

As for guest appearances, the come off pretty good. The Game and Daz would hook up with X on the song "On Bail" which some will like. Too Short and Kurupt is back and appears on the song "Movin' In Your Chucks". And I feel that it is good to see King T as well as DJ Quik on the song "Poppin Off" also a nice song to listen to.

It's great that X has gotten his head straight on this album, but there are also problems with it. The biggest problem is the production by Jelly Roll. He produces most of the album, in some songs I'm not feeling. The first two tracks "Rollin" and "Invade My Space" have some of his production that I don't like, making the CD start off slow. Also "The Donnell Rawlings Show (Skit)" didn't appeal to me as it reminds people of another popular television talk show that specializes in paternity tests. Other than that this album is good to go.

Depending on where you bought this, you may receive a bonus disc, that comes with three tracks. "Concentrate (San Quinn Remix)", "Rollin (West Coast Remix), and "A Minute To Pray". I'm pretty sure fans will like these songs, because I do, making them a keeper. Oh...and I can't go without saying that an appearance from his other old buddies (you know who I'm talking about) would have been a great addition to this album.

As you see, Xzibit comes to his listeners with his A game on this album. On this album, he has truly realized what is important in life, and no longer playing around. Although this isn't his best album hes made, it is one of his better ones. I hope that he can keep up the momentum that he has picked back up for later on in his career. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys Xzibit's music, because it's a keeper.

Lyrics: A

Production: B

Guest Appearances: B

Musical Vibes: B

Overall: B

Favorite Tracks: Ram Part Division, Say It To My Face, Scandalous B*****s, On Bail, Black & Brown, Family Values, Poppin Off, Movin' In Your Chucks, Thank You, A Minute To Pray

Honorable Mention Track: Concentrate

Chandler Infamous, Peace!

I have a certain admiration for Xzibit, because I believe he is one of the most talented rappers alive. However, his talent seems to come and go, almost as if he just can't find the inspiration sometimes. Some of my favorite rap songs are from Xzibit, such as Man Vs. Machine's "Heart of Man," but I wouldn't consider any of his CDs to be on my favorites list, because although they often come with some killer tracks, they also tend to come with a lot of "meh" tracks as well.

Full Circle is a perfect example of this. Of this entire CD, I only really enjoyed about three tracks. The rest were okay, but nothing I would listen to several times over. With that in mind though, I think Concentrate, Family Values, and Thank You alone make this purchase worthwhile, it's just disappointing to see so much bland, uninspired tracks, such as Scandalous Bitches and Say It To My Face, coming from an artist who I feel could go far above that.

I'm afraid Xzibit is at risk of falling into obscurity. His CDs have become lower in quality over the past few years, even if it has been a rather slow descent. If Xzibit keeps making CDs like "Full Circle" and "Weapons of Mass Destruction," I'm afraid it won't be long before he falls off the rap radar. Right now hes just a blip, and needs another big hit like "Restless" if he wants to stay in the rap game.