Xzibit Album: “Weapons of Mass Destruction [Edited]”

Description :

This is a Hyper CD, which contains regular audio tracks and also provides a link to the artist's website with the help of a web browser. <p>Personnel: Xzibit (rap vocals); Jelly Roll, Strong Arm Steady, Keri Hilson, Busta Rhymes (rap vocals). <p>Recording information: Sound Castle Studios, Los Angeles, CA; Encore Studios, Burbank, CA; N House, Studio City, CA. <p>Xzibit's fifth record, WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION, finds the always-fierce, ever-clever MC, as rough and tough as ever. After emerging from the crowded mid-1990s West Coast hip-hop scene, Xzibit gained critical success and rose to mainstream recognition with hit records, commercial spots, and a role as the charismatic host of MTV's PIMP MY RIDE, leaving him with little to prove, but still much to say. Aided by some of the best producers in the game (Timbland, Hi-Tek), the able rapper rolls through this thoroughly engaging album. <p>As the title implies, WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION displays some political leanings, opening with the deft, subversive use of George W. Bush's own voice on "State of the Union." However, other than an occasional allusion to war and discontent, protest is more of a sidebar, as WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION is more descriptive of Xzibit's rhyming style--hard, focused, and backed with brutal, yet alluring, beats. "Hey Now (Mean Muggin)" and "Tough Guy" (featuring Busta Rhymes) could play just as perfectly at the club or on the streets. Xzibit closes with his own State of the Union Address, the tender, reflective "Back 2 The Way It Was," a sweet summing-up of his album--complex, compelling, and enjoyable.

I've been a fan of Xzibit for awhile, since I first heard him on Sway & Tech's album back in '99, but this is the first XZ album I bought, and for any fans wantin' to get into Xzibit right now, this is NOT the album to start off with. Overall, this is just a decent album, plain and simple. I was expectin' some Dre production, some Snoop, Knoc-turn'al, Warren G ghest vocals, but I ghess I missed somethin' from mid-2003 all the way up to this album's release. Was there some kind of fallout between Xzibit and EVERY westcoast producer and rapper? Somebody please tell me. Anyway, this is an album that will get a FEW listens, and not much more. Even good songs like "Cold World", "Beware of Us", and "Ride or Die" can't cut it against Xzibit's hits from his `Restless' album ("X", "Front 2 Back", "Get Your Walk On"). Jelly Roll, Khalil, and Mr. Porter laced those beats respectfully. "Tough Guy" w/ Busta Rhymes is a nice track, but nothin' you'll keep comin' back to. "Back 2 The Way it Was" stands out the most cause it seems like it could fit on `Restless' or even `Man vs Machine'. All in All, this is mildly recommended for hardcore Xzibit fans, cause lyrically, Xzibit is still at his best-the questionable beats can't even rob him of that.

I thought this was a decent album. In a year of horrible hip hop this album stands out more than it normally would. I think this was his third best album. People on here who keep saying Restless and 40 Dayz 40 Nightz are his best albums are just running their mouth because for one some people only got on to Xzibit when he released Restless and if you liked 40 Dayz 40 Nightz you will easily like at the Speed of Life, his first album. One of the best hip hop albums ever. As for this one I thought it was a solid album but I do agree something was missing and I think it was a big guest appearance. I thought Busta Rhymes appearance was okay but I thought he needed one or two more. I guess the purpose of this album is to introduce strong arm steady and to me they seem like they may be real good. If you don't believe me check out Phil Da Agony the Aromatic Album and find out.

This album is no effing joke. Its different from all the rest but rap is taking a new course it seems. Everyone wants to change style. That doesnt change the fact that this album is pure 100% off the chains with the beats and lyrics.

If you are an Xzibit fan, this is a must.

Favorite Tracks:

Cold World

Judgement Day

Hey Now (Mean Muggin)

Tough Guy f/ Busta Rhymes

Not a huge fan of Xzibit, but with this one he kills it. In regard to the simple review from that other person, just a typical "sub-urban wansta" that doesnt listen to music for the skill and can't relate, Buddy, Xzibit didnt start the war, Bush did, I respect all the soldiers out there, I have a brother out there, I support the troops, but I support more that they bring them back. Back to the CD, buy it!!