Before Xzibit was into hosting shows for MTV, he was really doing the rap thing. His debut album At the Speed of Life came out in 1996 and contained the ill single "Paparazzi" which served as his break out. On the track, he calls out all the rappers who do this for the fame and the money-- but as pointed out by E.D.I. Mean on 2Pac's "Bomb First", "Got a little question for that nigga that made "Paparazzi"/If you ain't in this rap game for the motherfucking cash, mane/Then what is your motherfucking purpose?" Regardless, it remains a bold sentiment put forward by Xzibit which is relevant to this day.
The track contains an extra dope sample from a French composer, Gabriel Fauré's "Pavane." Listen and reminisce.
Quotable Lyrics
Nigga, you make a gang of noise and never seen like a cricket
I guess that’s why we never kick it
A lot of niggas is soft and get tossed trying to fuck with the Likwit
How many niggas do you know like this?
Always claiming that they’re riding but they really turn bitch
It don’t make sense
Either you’re a soldier from the start
Or an actor with a record deal trying to play a part
