On the eve of Christmas, with the anticipation of new cds as Christmas gifts, I have to put Xzibit's new album aside. As hard as this will be, it must be done.

Xzibit's new release, 'Restless' is a beautiful piece of west coast rap artwork. As pleasing to the ear as a Harmonic Orchestra, Xzibit reaches a climax with this album. Weighing in with 15 tracks, it is one of the best rap albums of the year, if not the best. It's definitely the best West Coast rap album of the year. The beats are hot; Xzibit lyrically rips shit up; the producers are brand-name, (Dr. Dre, Soopafly, Battle Cat, Rocwilder, Erick Sermon, Mel-Man, DJ Premier). And the featured artists provided a glittering combination of Likwit crew, 213 Crew, and Aftermath. They're a potent selection of artists, knocking you flat on your ass! Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Nat Dogg, Erick Sermon, Tha Alkaholiks, Eminem, DJ Quik, Suga Free, KRS-One, Defari, Goldie Loc, Kokane, King T... you know its gotta be a hot album! And indeed it was hot.

"F****n' You Right" is the hottest track off the album. Soopafly's production shines real bright on this track, with a super-funky club beat. You'll wanna bounce. Initially, "Get Your Walk On"'s synthesizer samples might make you feel like you're back in the 80's, but they're successfully melded into a west-coast feel that blazes with the intellectual production of Battle Cat & Mel-Man. "Alkaholik" will quench your Likwit crew craving as J-Ro & Tash of Tha Alkaholiks provide a lyrical gracing. Erick Sermon also appears on this track lyrically and as the producer, providing a true likwit feel. "Rimz & Tirez" really grew on me. Soopafly's smooth beat melds well with Defari, Xzibit, Kokane, and Goldie Loc whose wordplay provided heightened ear-appeal. Other especially impressive tracks include, Dr Dre's "U Know" and "Front 2 Back." There are so many good tracks, I could go on & on.

I couldn't stop listening to this album. 'Restless' was magnificent. The only song that I found myself skipping, was the Xzibit-produced, "Kenny Parker Show 2001." Nonetheless, 'Restless' will indeed leave you without rest and you yearn for its audial stimulation. This album reaps the benefits of having Dr Dre as its executive producer, as it is just one of a small handful of albums on par with Dr. Dre's 'The Chronic 2001.' This album is gonna make a splash, and Xzibit is definitely going to become a household name.

This album's real hot. You oughta check it out!

www.brockwayent.com

(Originally posted on HipHopCanada.com)

This review was written December 24, 2000