Xzibit

Taking a break from his busy ride-pimping schedule, Xzibit doesn't let his side gig go to his head, or get in the way of his flow, on his sixth album. Instead, the LA-bred MC makes a grounded return to his roots. With a hot yet surprisingly subdued lead single ("Concentrate"), some shrewd commentary on racial politics ("Black and Brown"), just a bit of ho-baiting and even a humble shout-out to fans ("Thank You"), Full Circle is both thoroughly West Coast and thoughtfully well-rounded.

No one is expecting rap genius from Xzibit, but Full Circle is appealingly matter-of-fact,
featuring big, block-rocking beats and bulldozer flow. "Scandalous B--" is a detailed,
possibly true story about a chick who leaves X for Usher. Who says life is easy after you
get your MTV show?