Hip-hop heavyweight Xzibit is officially back in full force with his long-awaited album Kingmaker—and in true blockbuster fashion, he’s bringing the legends with him. In a recent Billboard interview, Xzibit revealed that collaborating once again with iconic producer Dr. Dre on the project was nothing short of a superhero moment, likening the experience to “being recruited into The Avengers.”
It’s a metaphor that fits. With over two decades of history between them, Dre and X have built a rapport that has helped shape West Coast rap’s evolution. From their unforgettable first link-up on 1999’s “Bitch Please” to their latest reunion on “Leave Me Alone,” the chemistry remains as undeniable as ever.
“The insanity of it was being a fan first,” Xzibit reflected. “Then you basically get recruited into The Avengers. I’ll never lose that feeling.”
That blend of admiration and professionalism is part of what makes Xzibit’s collaborations with Dre so powerful. According to X, Dre’s studio presence acts like a compass—guiding the direction of the music even when it veers into unfamiliar terrain. “The direction Dre gives when he’s in the studio only elevates the record,” he said. “Even if it takes you out of your comfort zone.”
A Legendary Lineup
While Dre’s co-produced contribution to Kingmaker is undeniably a headline moment—especially with Swizz Beatz also handling production duties on the same track—it’s far from the only star power lighting up the album. Kingmaker reads like a roll call of rap royalty. Ice Cube, Redman, Busta Rhymes, Royce Da 5’9″, Ty Dolla $ign, B-Real, and JasonMartin all appear on the tracklist, making the project one of Xzibit’s most collaborative efforts yet.
For fans, it’s a return to the gritty, unfiltered sound that defined his classics like Restless and Man vs. Machine. For Xzibit, it’s more than just music—it’s a rebirth.
The Long Road to Kingmaker
The new album marks Xzibit’s first full-length release in over a decade, a project that’s been quietly building for nearly 10–12 years. But rather than rushing out content, the West Coast veteran says he waited until he truly had something to say.
“I didn’t feel like it was different enough,” he told NME, referring to past unreleased material. “I was able to hear something in myself that I hadn’t heard before, so it made it easy to know it was time.”
Originally set to drop in March, the album saw a delay as Xzibit made some last-minute additions—including “Leave Me Alone,” which arrived just in time to shift the project’s entire trajectory. “It was crazy,” he shared. “To have Dre on the album after all this time means the world to me. He’s my brother, he’s coach.”
The inclusion of both Dre and Swizz Beatz on the same song is a rare moment in hip-hop history. Despite their prominence in the genre, the two producers have seldom shared the same track. That synergy elevates Kingmaker beyond a typical comeback album—it’s a curated summit of hip-hop titans, orchestrated by one of its most enduring voices.
A Complicated Chapter
While Kingmaker is poised to re-establish Xzibit as a formidable force in modern rap, the rollout hasn’t been without controversy. Earlier this year, the rapper and Pimp My Ride host made headlines after being accused of issuing a death threat against a former employee, resulting in a restraining order. Though unrelated to the music, the incident cast a shadow over the early momentum of the album’s release.
Still, in the grand scope of his career—spanning music, film, television, and entrepreneurship—Kingmaker serves as a reminder of what Xzibit does best: deliver raw, unrelenting hip-hop backed by production that slaps.
Back Like He Never Left
Xzibit’s return isn’t just nostalgic—it’s timely. In an era where legacy artists are carving out fresh space alongside rising stars, Kingmaker is a case study in how to evolve without erasing your roots. And with Dre back in the mix, the results are explosive.
Much like Tony Stark returning to the battlefield with new tech and old scars, Xzibit arrives seasoned, focused, and still hungry.
“Being in the room with Dre again,” he says, “reminds you why you do this in the first place.”
Listen to Kingmaker on all major platforms and stream “Leave Me Alone” featuring Dr. Dre and Swizz Beatz today.
