‘Is Peter Gabriel in my vocal range? I don’t care. I’m singing it at karaoke’: Xzibit’s honest playlist
The rapper, actor and TV presenter wakes up to Run the Jewels and starts the party with Snoop Dogg, but which legendary hip hop anthem inspired him to be a musician?
The first song I fell in love withFight the Power by Public Enemy from their Fear of a Black Planet album touched my soul. Hearing the vibrant production on that record is what really inspired me as a child to become a musician. I listened to it so much, I nearly wore it out. It was crazy.
The first single I bought
Ruff Rhyme (Back Again) by my friend King T on cassette tape from Tower Records in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It has the Ruff Mix remix on the B-side, and to this day he and I fight about which is best.
The song I do at karaoke
In Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel. Is it in my vocal range? I don’t give care if I’m singing it right. I’ll do my best.
The best song to play at a party
It depends on what they’re serving. If it’s a wild party and there’s a whole bunch of drugs involved, it’s gotta be uptempo. If it’s kick back with some weed, then some 90s or 00s gangsta rap like Nuthin’ But a “G” Thang by Dr Dre featuring Snoop Dogg.
The song I secretly like
I love Everything by Mary J Blige from her Share My World album, which samples You Are Everything by the Stylistics and The Payback by James Brown. I’ve been a fan of hers ever since she came out. She’s one of my favourite artists who integrates hip-hop and R&B.
The best song to have sex to
It’s not about the music. Sometimes it’s just about being into your partner: that’s the music right there. Would I have sex to my own records? Hell no. Have you heard my shit, like Choke Me, Spank Me (Pull My Hair)? You can’t have sex to those records.
The song that changed my life
Bitch Please by Snoop Dogg featuring Nate Dogg and Xzibit was the beginning of an era. It launched us into the stratosphere, turned the page, and kicked everything up in my career.
The song that makes me cry
You just reminded me I haven’t cried in a minute. I gotta go look for that.
The song that gets me up in the morning
Yankee and the Brave by Run the Jewels because it’s adrenaline and goes good with coffee.
The song I’d like played at my funeral
Play This at My Funeral, the first song on my new album.
Xzibit’s new album Kingmaker is out now.