Serial Killers and Scoop DeVille team up to form a supergroup and deliver an exceptional new album
We’ve been waiting a long time for this. Xzibit, B-Real & Demrick, who make up supergroup Serial Killers, drop an irresistible truckload of hip-hop. Their new album, This Thing Of Ours, is a triumphant slew of convivial music to bop your head to. After months of waiting, it’s here — both simultaneously classic, neo, and raw.
All three, plus Scoop DeVille, smash through expectations to deliver a number of masterclasses in both songwriting and style to bounce back and reclaim a repertoire that perhaps may have been lost to alternate careers and an increasingly saturated music landscape. Their return signifies intent, especially on the back of X to the Z’s return to the studio.
Review: Xzibit, B-Real & Demrick Impress on This Thing Of Ours
Melodious and stylistic, it embraces hip-hop without anchoring to trends that would otherwise dilute the trio’s identity. Similarly, its production is consistently enjoyable, tempered by an ideal tempo throughout as each rapper returns to form and quite possibly to their best.
Breaking up a creeping monotony, the act introduces an explosive hard rock number on “Hand Grenade”, where they introduce a slight twist to kindle a wider interest. Following this momentary genre switch, we return to West Coast vibes on “High Energy”, featuring deep choral vocals reminiscent of the late Nate Dogg. However, it’s the trio’s consistency that reigns supreme, especially Xzibit, who bounces back with an extraordinary form, proving his organic system returns him to a place of rap royalty.
Just when you thought momentum could fizzle out, we’re introduced to another anthem. Chuck D enters the chat: on “Anarchy,” the four rappers team up with the Public Enemy frontman, tackling themes of political oppression against a backdrop of continued lyrical substance. However, the standout track is “By Any Means“, a pure West Coast rhythm with stupendous personality.
The Verdict
Each and every track, produced by Scoop Deville, puts forth promotional single material with purpose; albeit some audiences seeking variety may find it wearisome. However, hip-hop heads will perceive This Thing Of Ours as a gratifying listen with exceptional production, replete with vocals that prove Xzibit, B-Real & Demrick remain well-versed and a formidable group.
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