Restless

Xzibit isn't as singular a rapper as an elder statesman like Snoop. But Xzibit's subsidiary lineup of producers, like DJ Quik and Rockwilder, are inclined toward leaner textures than most.

With Xzibit coming with nothing but raw and uncensored lyrics, Restless is not for those with tender ears. Formerly one of hip hop's most underrated artists, it's gonna be hard to continue to sleep on him after this album. Xzibit is finally poised to get the credit he deserves.

Judging by the funked-up grooves and the hardcore-with-heart rhymes, he's got the goods to satisfy both the faithful and the fickle.

Restless isn't quite the metatextual running commentary on fame and persecution that The Marshall Mathers LP is, but, like Eminem, Xzibit has gone from addressing the dire circumstances that created him to focusing squarely on life as a rap star.... A weak patch roughly halfway in slows it down, but Restless accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do: It consolidates Xzibit's new fan base while retaining enough classic flavor to avoid alienating Likwit Crew diehards.

What's so impressive about Xzibit is his rhyme flow, which is one of the smoothest in rap and provides a wonderful contrast to his profanity-led ghetto dwelling lyrics. With Dr Dre providing beats for three of the tracks and overseeing the whole project, Xzibit now has the perfect musical canvas to accompany his underrated skills.