Sounds from the underground hip-hop scene are making their way into the mainstream hype. Maybe it?s because Dr. Dre has been doing some underground research, or maybe it?s because the conventional rap scene is getting stale. Whatever it is, there seems to be one hardcore hip-hopper who is making his talent known because he?s restless.

“Mr. X to the Z?Xzibit” is the name that people are saying as they make the sign of an “x” with their arms crossed. In his earlier years, Xzibit once rapped about the paparazzi, and now with his latest album titled “Restless,” he?s putting himself in an attractive position for the hip-hop paparazzi.

Xzibit shows that he is, indeed, what he has named his album. With the first hit single, “X,” he exposed his name, making his lyrics known through the air waves. “Stay on top or remain from the underground” is what Xzibit chants on the chorus. His restless attitude has definitely brought him out from the underground, as fellow rapper Snoop Dogg lets it be known that Xzibit is “hot” with his “x-caliber weaponry.”

In “Kenny Parker Show 2001,” Xzibit busts out with an old-school style of flowing with old-school sounding instrumentation. Hip-hop pioneer KRS One makes a special appearance to complete the track by stating the elements of hip-hop and to tell Xzibit to “keep rockin?.”

In “Double Time,” Xzibit comes through with a distinct hardcore style where his lyrics focus on keeping himself going, moving, rolling, blazing, and rockin? the mic until he retires.

While in the spotlight, Xzibit has found that life isn?t all so glamorous in “Don?t Approach Me.” He shares the same ideology about retaliation with Eminem as Eminem leads the chorus with “You don?t know me and I don?t know you, so don?t approach me, I won?t approach you/ and don?t insult me, I won?t insult you/ ?cuz you don?t know what I will or I won?t do.”

Xzibit?s exposure is restless. His hardcore allure has appealed to the likes of Erick Sermon, Defari, Nate Dogg, and producer Dr. Dre. He has managed to keep his mind focused on what he is really about, which is being a hardcore ingredient of hip-hop.

Listening to his lyrics in “Restless,” you?ll find that despite his move into the mainstream, he is still doing what is right for himself to fulfill his dreams. The production by Dr. Dre is put together well. An array of different sounds and beats can be heard throughout the tracks.

The only thing lacking is strong lyrical statements. At times, the subject at hand causes Xzibit to say what is expected. With a solid musical foundation provided by Dr. Dre, Xzibit could?ve brought just a little more of that underground ruggedness that brought him to where he is.