Feature

XZIBIT: CAKE 'N' BAKE

In late 2006 Xzibit released his 6th solo album, 'Full Circle' which unfortunately didn't see much promotion due to his hectic acting schedule, not to mention pimpin' people's rides. However, X to tha Z is back in town to let his fans know that he aint goin' nowhere! B&S caught up with Xzibit on a rainy day in Charing Cross to talk, politics, acting and.... baking?

B&S: What do you think of Tim Westwood and his version of 'Pimp My Ride'?
X: I've only really seen the ass end of it. I don't know if it's good or bad by English standards. I mean, I know him through music not 'Pimp My Ride' and I know what he represents for Britain and he's been in the game for a long time so from that stand-point I respect the man.

B&S: Where do you think Hip Hop and rap are going creatively?
X: Rap is dead. Hip Hop will never die. Rap has become one big lump. It all sounds the same. Everybody is going to kill you, sell you some drugs and fuck your girlfriend. It's that kind of party, so if everybody's feeling like that, who's going to be the voice of reason to say something different? I appreciate what lyricists bring to the game, not rappers.

B&S: What is your opinion on people blaming music for incidents such as the recent shooting in Virginia?
X: It was a student, not a rapper that killed. People need to sit back and really look at the root of the problem. I think that if you try to blame hip hop it's like putting a band aid on a broken bone. It won't work. It's easy to point the finger, but when you point one finger at someone, you got three pointing right back at you. You have to start with you and a lot of people try and blame something else if they don't understand. It's unfortunate what happened in Virginia but to blame rap music is ludicrous.

B&S: What other passions do you have beyond music and acting?
X: My family. That's the whole reason I'm inspired to do any of this. But, I love to cook! I can cook extremely well. Whatever you want, I can do it; Soul food, Italian food ... I can bake too.
I like making cheesecake. I'm the cheesecake king!

B&S: You're touring again in the UK. How come it's taken so long after the release of Full Circle?
X: I had some obligations I had to fulfill with some filming in L.A so this was the only time I had to come and do it, so better late than never! Right now, I just wanna concerntrate on the music. I finished my contract with Viacom for Pimp My Ride, so I'm ready to go back and promote my album. My squad is gonna get here in about two weeks so you better come down to the Astoria cause it's gonna be the 'dogs bollocks!'

'Full Circle' is out now on Open Bar Records

Check out Xzibit's UK shows in June:

14 - London Astoria
15 - Barrowlands, Glasgow
16 - Dublin Ambassador

YOU CAN READ A FULL VERSION OF THIS INTERVIEW IN THE NEW ISSUE (997) OF B&S ON SALE NOW.
Words Joanna Chaundy