Customer Reviews

At the Speed of Life

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Alongside his new album entitled "restless" this is xzibits best work. The main thing that is so good about mr. x-z is his rough voice, which here is complemented (or maybe contrasted) by light, happy tunes and sometimes (as on the "Paparazzi") classical songs. It really works, on top of that, lyrically xzibit is extremly talented and the songs are deep. Unlike his other album "40 dayz and 40 nightz" this album is great from start to finish (except for the occassional annoying interlude) which is important. Also songs like "the foundation" and the "Paparazzi" really prove his talents. If your not sure about xzibit, or haven't heard his stuff before, buy this you wont regret it, then get "Restless". Top notch artist.

Xzibit definitely had something going for him from day one. His lyrical depth and awareness is untouchable. Put that together with some great, rugged beats and you have At The Speed Of Life. Xzibit mainly clowns commercial rap which is fine with me. But also he takes on subjects such as life, females, gangsta tales, and sometimes just flat out lyricism. If you like Cash Money, do yourself a favor and don't buy this. If you like REAL hip-hop, you'll love this. The beats are dark, and the sound of this album is extremely East Coast. Actually, if Xzibit and his homies weren't claiming Los Angeles on this album, some of the tracks may even sound East Coast in a way. But it's still a classic from the intro to the outro. Also, Xzibit's joined by a lot of his friends, such as Tash, J-Ro, Hurricane G, King T, and others. The styles of beats range from classical loops, jazz tunes, and underground rappin' beats. "Gets you open like Nicole Brown Simpson".

The first song on the album is the deep, "At The Speed Of Life". Here Xzibit basically introduces himself, and what you're going to hear on the album. It has a heavy drum-beat, and a nice laid-back feel. One of my favorites is "Just Maintain". This song features J-Ro and Hurricane G, and they rip up fake rappers. The beat has this cool little keyboard loop I really like. "Eyes May Shine" has more of a menacing beat to it, which sounds really good, and strings in part of it. Xzibit gets rugged on this one, I love the way they put the chorus together on this track. "Positively Negative" almost has a Death Row-like sound to it, and features King T. The two talented emcees trade lines over a bumpin' beat. I now want to clear up this thing about "Paparazzi". This song doesn't sound radio friendly at all, in fact, it condemns fake gangsta rappers over a classical-loop. This is a great song, excellent pick for the first single to represent Xzibit. "The Foundation" is produced by DJ Muggs from Cypress Hill, it is a nice piano-laced track, and definitely has a message. Xzibit spits true game here. "Bird's Eye View" is HILARIOUS! It's a posse cut with Tash, J-Ro and Hurricane G along with E-Swift. J-Ro does a verse making metaphors fitting with alcohol for each city: Brew York, Mi-Ti-Ami, 40-O-hio, crazy lyrics! Xzibit and Tash rip it up too. Classic track. And when Tash says "Lookin' down on your Moms from a bird's eye view", it's bound to get someone laughing. "Hit And Run Part II" is a slower song, but has this great, laid-back keyboard lick. It's the most relaxing thing. Indescribable. Xzibit raps about females here, and there's a skit with Ron Hightower, from the Steve Harvey show. "Carry The Weight" is definitely the most personal song here. Xzibit talks about his life and the things that went wrong. It makes me sad every time I listen but it's true and beautiful. With another classic sample-loop. Then comes the funny songs again: "Plastic Surgery" featuring Ras Kass and Saafir. A song with a jazzy little bass loop, and the three perform "plastic surgery" on all fake emcees to enhance their styles. Classic. Funny song too.

To conclude, this whole album is quite good. It shouldn't be slept on. It's better than Xzibit's newer stuff, but that isn't bad either. Xzibit put it down here. No contest, check this one out.

Xzibit is the most underrated rapper in the game. This was one of the best albums of the year when it came out, but cats wasnt checkin for it. The CD comes out bangin. on "At The Speed of Life" you know from the door that this cat got skills. On "Paparazzi" he separates the real from the fake. The whole CD is bangin. No matter if youre from the East Coast or West Coast if youre truly into hip-hop than you gotta get this.

Being from the east coast, I have to say that in 1996, there weren't a lot of west coast MCs getting promotion over here unless they were signed to Death Row. I was actually blindsided by this album because I had never heard of Xzibit. When I first heard the singles "The Foundation" and "Paparazzi", I had no clue that this guy from the west. I actually thought he was from the east because of his potent lyrics (I know that was a generic compliment, but it's the truth). A lot the LPs being released in 1996 were either classic or near classic, so you had to drop classic or near classic material just to stand a chance. Just look at the material being released during this period:

Outkast: ATLiens
The Fugees: The Score
2 Pac: All Eyez On Me & Don Killuminati The 7 Day Theory
The Roots: Illadelph Halflife
Ras Kass: Soul On Ice
Jay Z: Reasonable Doubt
E 40: Hall Of Game
De La Soul: Stakes Is High
MC Ren: Da Villain In Black
Ghostface: Ironman
Redman: Muddy Waters

This was the level hip hop was at when Xzibit dropped his album. Back in '96 you had to be near classic for anyone to even listen to you. So it's no surprise really that X to the Z dropped such a hot album at the time. At The Speed Of The Life has all the elements of a classic album. The production from E Swift, Diamond D, and Muggs is tight and the guest appearances are on bangin' (especially the criminally underrated Ras Kass and Tash).

There are some suspect joints that keep this album from reaching classic status though. Tracks like "Just Maintain" and "At The Speed Of Life" aren't bad, but they are boring and they keep this album from reaching the classic status that it is so deserving of. But the negative aspects of the album are kept to a minimum.

Overall, this has to be one of the best hip hop releases of 1996. It was heavily slept on though. Believe it or not, a lot of east coast heads still don't know that this album is even out. If you're just getting into Xzibit, then this is the album you should start with because not only is it his first album, it's also his best album. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed.

Standout Tracks: Plastic Surgery feat. Saafir & Ras Kass, Positively Negative feat. King Tee, The Foundation, Eyes May Shine, Carry The Weight, Paparazzi, Bird's Eye View feat. Tha Alkaholiks & Hurricane G (My Favorite)

Xzibit opened his solo career with a bang on "At the Speed of Life" and even today this is one of the most intellectual and solid west coast albums. Xzibit and his crew, Tha Liks, have always been underrated lyricists and anyone listening to this album will be amazed with Xzibit, as his roughneck delivery combined with top notch lyrics hits your eardrums with a fury.
A lot of songs use a similar tactic that RZA used for "36 Chambers", in that the production gives a ruff and gritty edge to the songs. But make no mistake, this is west coast underground production in full force. "At The Speed of Life" accomplishes just this as Xzibit winds through an intellectual tale. "Just Maintain" has an Alkaholik vibe to it. Unfortunately it features Hurricane G. "Eyes May Shine" is one of the best beats of any rap CD. A chello (I believe) plays in and out of the song, creating a dark and rough feel, as Xzibit lyrically destroys everything around him. "Positively Negative" has a funky beat and King Tee's guest appearance is real solid. "Paparazzi" is one of the best rap songs ever made as Xzibit lashes out at rappers who disrespect the culture and are only in the rap game for money and fame. "The Foundation" is a unbelievable song that sees Xzibit giving advice to his newborn son over a great beat with piano keys and background singing. "Paparazzi" and "The Foundation" are the two best songs on the album, along with being the two best songs Xzibit has ever made. "Birds Eye View" is a hilarious song with the Alkaholiks. J-Ro completely steals the show with one of the best comedy verses of all-time when he uses state names as alcohol (Ore-gin). "Carry The Weight" is a great storytelling song. Most of it seems autobiographical adding to its impression. "Plastic Surgery" is a hilarious song with Saafir and Ras Kass.
The only two complaints I have are: why did Xzibit let Hurricane G be on the album? and there are too many skits (4 in all) that really serve no purpose.
But these are minor complaints as Xzibit puts out one of the west coasts best "underground" albums and disregards any notion that a westcoast emcee can't be a great lyricist. In fact Xzibit is a better lyricist than almost any rapper, no matter where they are from.
If you bought Xzibit's third LP "Restless" based on its larger promotion you definitely need to get this LP, and I recommend it to fans of general hip-hop. Sharp lyrics, mixed with solid production makes this a great LP.

If you're like me and most other hip-hop listeners, you probably just started listening to Xzibit when he came out with Restless. It got pretty hyped because Dre was producing it and all that junk. Well, I thought Restless was okay but could have been better. This album goes to show that it could have been a hell of a lot better. I just happened to hear a couple of songs off this album awhile back (Paparazzi & At The Speed Of Life) and thought that they were both incredible. So seeing the potential that Xzibit had from Restless, I decided to get this album and was not disappointed. All of Xzibit's potential is realized on this albums as far as beats and lyrics. This thing is bangin from start to finish. I just got this the other day and it's been about the only thing I've been bumping since then, despite the new Busta, Too Short, Dungeon Family, U.G.K and whatever else I just got. Most of the beats are soft chillin type beats that one might think would be contrasted by Xzibit's somewhat abrasive voice. The fact of the matter is that it sounds perfect because Xzibit flows so well and is voice doesn't really overpower the beat. The only semi-weak track on here is Just Maintain, and that's just because the girl on this track doesn't flow all that well. The only semi-weak beat is Plastic Surgery, but it is doesn't matter cause Xzibit, Saafir, and Ras Kass are all pullin flows out the a$$. Even the skits have awesome beats, although it's sort of shame that those beats are wasted on skits, but at least they're worth listening to. Seriously, I think this is the quickest I have ever decided that I love an album; it usually takes me more than one listen, or either I listen to it once, love it, but then hear flaws in later listenings. After listening to this album at least 10 times over I still love it and loved it from the start. If you like Xzibit at all, this is a must have.

At the Speed of Life is a powerhouse of 90s hip hop music.

Right from the go, the apocalyptic "At the Speed of Life" sends chills down the spine of anyone with ears to hear as Xzibit establishes himself lyrically, vocally and content-wise as a hardcore, "real" MC who is not afraid to leave behind the unnecessary aspects of "thug life" and rap about things more meaningful and universal.

Xzibit raps from the West Coast, but in no way sounds West Coast, choosing instead to go with a dressed-down, more subtle and intelligent sound we have all come to associate with the East Coast rap outfits.

X delivers all sorts of stories and ideas, including his childhood that involved beatings from a step-parent, time in youth prison and best friends being sent down for life behind bars; a letter to his baby son trying to tell him that there is more to life than can maybe be seen firsthand on the streets of LA, and a track about the cancerous disease that is eating hip hop from the inside entitled Paparazzi.

Without doubt the most powerful song on an album not lacking powerful songs is Paparazzi: an epic of rap music set to a classical sample from Gabriel Faure's "Pavane". Xzibit rides the energy created by the strings and divine female vocals with what has got to be one of the best first verses of hip hop history.

Worth checking out for any fan of rap music, anyone interested in the social commentary on rap music going on from the inside and indeed anyone who can appreciate powerful statements in the form of music.

Lets start the review out now."At the speed of Life" is a lyrical slaughter house with a banging beat in the background."Just Maintain" has some more increddibal beat and he changes up a little from the previous song."Eyes may shine" is also very nice.This album was released in 1996 when he was kind of underground the song is absolutely sick."Positively Negatively" has a nice verse by King Tee."Paparazi" song I heard when ODB died and it is sad kind of but is dope."The Foundation" sounds like this album is the West Coast version of the Ja Rule debut this is another great song."Bird's Eye View" sounds like a Alchemist beat and it is another dope one.This album may be better then Ras Kass."Hit and Run" is like the 8th dope song in a roll.I can see why so many like him now.Plus you bang your head to every song."Carry the Weight" another dope song and is about the 9th in a row."Plastic Surgery" changes it up a little and has a good freestyle beat.The music does not sound like 96 it sounds new for 1996 rap."Enemies and Friends" changes it up again to.Shout outs to all the producers and his lyrics are on point the whole time to.I don't know if it is worth a 10 but it should be. Dope Dope Dope Dope Dope
Lyrics 10 Production 10 X Factor 10 Classic 10 Replay 10 5 Mics

In 1996, a little-known west coast rapper named Xzibit dropped his debut album "At the Speed of Life" to little fanfare, but it became one of the best albums of the year and created a new rap star from California. Xzibit separated himself from the g-funk craze that was quickly sweeping the west coast and the entire nation by making lyrical, relevant, and focused hip hop music that was unlike anything else out there. The self described "dysfunctional member of the Alkaholiks" came across as an angry and constantly entertaining rapper who was not only intelligent but extremely talented as well. He has a great flow and uses obscure sounding metaphors to get his point across sometimes. Despite the great production, this album has a distinctly underground feel, kind of like an Alkaholiks record. The production is usually great, mostly dark beats that fit Xzibit's focused sound. Guests on the album include such greats as King Tee and Rass Kass and legends such as Diamond D and DJ Muggs contribute beats. Overall this is a very unique and special rap album that I highly recommend.

After the intro, the album begins with the apocalyptic-sounding title track, which has gritty, underground-style production and Xzibit comes correct on the mic, starting the album on a strong note. The following collabo "Just Maintain" is a more loose posse cut, another strong point. The threatening "Eyes May Shine" has a good chorus and cool electronic sounding beat. X drops raw philosophy over great production on "Positively Negative." "Paparazzi" is the best song, a certified classic that made Xzibit a household name. He brutally challenges the rappers who perform "only for the money and the fame," and each verse is great. The beat is amazing, a soulful, kind of sad melody with strings and a good vocal sample. I also love the very emotional "The Foundation," a song written to the rapper's baby son, the lyrics are really deep and the piano-laced production fits it well. "Bird's Eye View" and "Hit and Run (Part II)" are both very lyrical, subdued, street-level tracks. Over a simple beat, X promises to "Carry the Weight" on a track so titled. I love the song "Plastic Surgery," It's the funniest song on the album. The dark "Enemies and Friends" closes the album on a great note.

"At the Speed of Life" is probably Xzibit's best album to date, a really lyrical and unique album that still sounds fresh and interesting ten years later. It really doesn't sound dated at all. Xzibit is a great rapper who was hungry and emotional, more than ever on this debut. I definitely suggest fans of hip hop purchase "At the Speed of Life," this album really doesn't receive the respect it deserves and is a great record to listen to.

Xzibit's freshman album is a classic. From start to finish, every track had you noddin your head with tight beats. You had Positively negative, Foundation and Paparazzi that were some all time great hip hop songs. My favorite was Paparrazi. I first heard it in ninth grade and had no idea who Xzibit was. But the beat was one of the best beat's I've ever heard. And the lyrics. Xzibit rips apart all kinds of sellouts who's in this game for money and fame, which I wish he'd still live by that now that he seems to be interested in making music videos in mansions and having show's on MTV. Foundation is a tribute to his new born son and he did it very well. And that beat was just ill, and man, it bumps when you have subs in your car. Get this. This was the real Xzibit, not the phoney you see nowadays, but the real one who spit fire and had mad respect from the pure hip hop heads.