Xzibit Live: The Forum, Sydney

Xzibit Live: The Forum, Sydney
Sunday October 5

Review by Mawunyo Gbogbo

The thing that struck me most about Xzibit’s live performance at the Forum was how much he seemed to be enjoying himself on stage and how dedicated he was to his audience. The feeling was evidently mutual. Xzibit’s Australian fans are just as loyal to him as he is to them.

Jeremy Page has been a fan of Xzibit since prior to the release of his Restless album in 2000. This was the third time Page had seen the entertainer perform live in Sydney and said each show is a new experience. Page has much respect for the rapper and said while many of his contemporaries have courted commercialism, Xzibit has stayed true to the streets. ‘He is the only mainstream artist that still sounds underground.’

Born Alvin Nathaniel Joiner, Xzibit has released a new album every two years since 1996. The accomplished rapper, actor and star of the MTV series ‘Pimp My Ride,’ takes his live shows very seriously. ‘I want to bring the album experience to the stage and leave the crowd with a connection,’ he wrote on his MySpace blog. ‘There are tons of artist(s) who shine on wax but suck live… that aint kosher. Hip hop is not how good you can market yourself or how many guest appearances you get, It’s how you bring the music to life and how hard you get the crowd rockin’.’

Unfortunately there’s a little thing called pre-show entertainment, which in this case dragged on for more than two hours. It included a cringe worthy booty shaking competition compeered by the MC Twinz. Xzibit’s support act, Aussie Rapper, NJE gave a lively performance over tight beats, but was let down by weak lyrics and a flow that could do with a little developing.

The pre-show act was redeemed by DJ Samrai’s flawless set and a rap battle, which uncovered some new talent in a highly competent Femcee, who was crowned the winner.

At one point during the night, the crowd started entertaining itself by forming a break dancing circle. But members of the audience were eventually rewarded for their patience, and when prompted, raised their arms in the air to form the letter ‘X’, as the man everyone came to see came out on stage.

Xzibit launched straight into his song ‘LAX,’ from his album ‘Weapons of Mass Destruction.’ Dressed in a black and white chequered hoodie with glistening diamonds around his wrist and neck, the rapper’s trademark cornrows were gone, replaced with a close shave. His distinct voice enveloped the intimate venue, designed to hold up to 1800 revellers.

‘I feel like I owe you something,’ Xzibit acknowledged the support of his fans, before launching into ‘Front 2 back.’ The singer, Jelly Roll, then walked out on stage to join the rapper for their ‘Saturday night live’ collaboration.

The audience was getting right into the performance, but things were about to get even better. ‘This song is dedicated to everyone who was down since day one,’ Xzibit said, as the distinctive melody filled the room to the song ‘Paparazzi’ from his debut album ‘At the speed of Life’.

The rapper’s shirt was by now drenched in sweat, a testament to his energetic performance. He performed his verses to the Dr Dre/Eminem hit ‘What’s the difference’ and Snoop Dogg’s ‘B**** Please,’ but it was the song ‘Multiply’ that sent the crowd wild once again. He followed this up with another crowd favourite ‘Get your walk on,’ ending the show with an encore of ‘X.’

So what did his biggest fans think of the show? Well, not only was Jeremy Page impressed with the song selection and with Xzibit’s solid performance, he got to meet the accessible rapper backstage. But Page wasn’t the only person who enjoyed himself. There was a general consensus amongst members of the audience that Xzibit had delivered.

Those that couldn’t get enough of the rapper moved on to the official After Party at Privilege Bar, hosted by the man himself.

Xzibit’s performance at the Forum was one to remember for his fans. Even putting up with the pre-show entertainment was worth it, because in the end, the pay off was sweet.

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