In a dark corner of the venue, DJ DNS passionately spun various hip-hop tracks, warming up the crowd. People danced cautiously and softly sang along until it was showtime. Band members took the stage as images of Los Angeles appeared on the video screen. As a first surprise, the bandleader started an acoustic version of Luniz's “I Got Five On It” before Xzibit and Demrick finally made their entrance to roars from the crowd.
Xzibit kicked things off immediately with “Symphony in X Major” and “LAX,” probing the crowd for energy. The response remained relatively calm, so the experienced artist decided to introduce a new track from his upcoming album. “Everywhere I Go” sounded exactly as you'd expect from the West Coast rapper—rhythmic yet rich in lyrical depth. After that first gesture, the crowd finally woke up, raising their hands in the air.
In 2019, he performed in the same venue with Ras Kass, with whom Xzibit performed “3 Card Molly.” This time, during the track he took the opportunity to share the story behind their group's formation. The once hyperactive rapper had transitioned into a storyteller, taking time to enjoy moments with his fans, earning him loud applause.
Of course, no Xzibit show is complete without a hailstorm of bangers. Hits like “Multiply,” “Front 2 Back,” and “What U See Is What U Get Now” fueled the show's intensity. The latter was performed particularly well, as Xzibit, though no longer jumping around as much, delivered the verses with precision. In terms of delivery, the rapper remains a strong lyrical pillar of West Coast hip-hop.
Midway through the concert, Xzibit and Demrick noticed two young women at the front of the crowd. Xzibit jokingly apologized for his language, but the girls had just rapped along to “Alkaholik,” knowing the lyrics by heart. These unintended but humorous moments added extra charm to the evening's atmosphere, enhanced by the chemistry between X and his wingman. In fact, the show could potentially grow stronger if Demrick had his own segment seeing as he just released two albums this year.
Xzibit also showed his heartfelt side through tracks like “Thank You,” a tribute to his fans, and “Earth Is Over,” a foreboding track from his new album. Making good use of the live band, X was able to transition seamlessly between songs, keeping the momentum high throughout the show. The onstage DJ also added his touch, providing scratches and playful sound effects. It was a well-produced show, filled with passion from everyone on stage.
Although the crowd's energy left something to be desired, the Los Angeles artist did everything he could to win over Victorie. A diverse set of classics and new tracks, all performed with the backing of a live band, elevated Xzibit's show to new heights. The arrival of his new album Kingmaker promises great things for the future. Or, as the rapper himself might say - “What U See Is What U Get Now!”
Written for Maxazine:
Xzibit toont zich koning te rijk in Victorie
_compressed.jpg)
.jpg)
