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Man vs. Machine
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| Man vs. Machine | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | October 1, 2002 | |||
| Recorded | 2001–02 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 67:14 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Producer | ||||
| Xzibit chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from Man vs. Machine | ||||
| ||||
| Aggregate scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Metacritic | 59/100[1] |
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic | |
| Blender | |
| Christgau's Consumer Guide | |
| Entertainment Weekly | B−[5] |
| HipHopDX | |
| Los Angeles Times | |
| NME | 7/10[8] |
| RapReviews | 8.5/10[9] |
| Rolling Stone | |
| Uncut | |
Man vs. Machine is the fourth studio album by American rapper Xzibit. It was released on October 1, 2002 through Columbia Records, Loud Records, and Xzibit's Open Bar imprint. Special guests include Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, M.O.P., Nate Dogg, Anthony Hamilton, and Eddie Griffin. Producers on the album include Rick Rock, Bink, Rockwilder, Erick Sermon, DJ Premier, and Dr. Dre (who was also the executive producer). The album debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 with over 156,000 copies sold in its first week. Since then album was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).[12] To date, it is the last album released by Loud Records.
Music
[edit]The track "My Name" which features Eminem and Nate Dogg, is a diss track aimed at Canibus, Jermaine Dupri, and Moby.
Two of the songs from Man Vs. Machine were featured in the 2005 film Domino. The specific songs were "Choke Me, Spank Me (Pull My Hair)" as well as "The Gambler", which played during the film's opening credits.
Eminem's manager, Paul Rosenberg, makes a guest appearance on the album by performing a "Paul" skit (which is a skit that is commonly used for Eminem's studio albums).
Commercial performance
[edit]"Man vs. Machine" debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200 and number one on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, selling 156,000 copies in its first week of release. The album spent a total of 19 weeks on the "Billboard" 200 chart. On November 12, 2002, the album was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for sales of over 500,000 copies. It was certified shortly after a month of being released. As of November 2004, the album has sold 593,000 copies in the United States.[13]
Reception
[edit]In a retrospective review, Mitch Findlay from HotNewHipHop said: "Once again executive produced by Dr. Dre, who provided production on two tracks and mixing engineer credits on seven, Man Vs. Machine emerged at the peak of Xzibit's musical popularity. His work on Restless had ushered him from an acclaimed underground presence to a household name, an equal affiliate to Snoop Dogg, Dre, Eminem, and his Golden State Project groupmates Ras Kass and Saafir. With Man Vs. Machine, Xzibit continued to build on the foundation of its predecessor, albeit with a slight gaze toward a more futuristic aesthetic; such qualities were largely realized by Rick Rock, who contributed production on tracks like "Symphony In X Major" and "Break Yourself.". He singled out songs like "Multiply", the Dre-produced songs "Losin Your Mind" and "Choke Me, Spank Me (Pull My Hair)", "BK To LA", "My Name" and "Harder" as highlists. He also said: "If there's anything keeping Man Vs. Machine from unmitigated greatness, it might very well be the inconsistent hooks. Slight blemishes aside, X's fourth studio album is an insanely listenable, crisply mixed, and nostalgic reminder of a classic musical era."[14]
Track listing
[edit]Credits adapted from the album's liner notes.[15]
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Release Date" | Rockwilder | 4:06 | |
| 2. | "Symphony in X Major" (featuring Dr. Dre) |
| 3:55 | |
| 3. | "Multiply" (featuring Nate Dogg) |
| 4:08 | |
| 4. | "Break Yourself" |
|
| 3:11 |
| 5. | "Heart of Man" |
| Jelly Roll | 4:08 |
| 6. | "Harder" (featuring the Golden State Project) |
| Jelly Roll | 4:10 |
| 7. | "Paul" (Interlude) (performed by Paul Rosenberg) | 0:27 | ||
| 8. | "Choke Me, Spank Me (Pull My Hair)" |
| Dr. Dre | 3:28 |
| 9. | "Losin' Your Mind" (featuring Snoop Dogg) |
| Dr. Dre | 4:16 |
| 10. | "BK to LA" (featuring M.O.P.) |
| 4:57 | |
| 11. | "My Name" (featuring Eminem and Nate Dogg) | 4:32 | ||
| 12. | "The Gambler" (featuring Anthony Hamilton) | Bink! | 4:55 | |
| 13. | "Missin' U" (featuring Andre "Dre Boogie" Wilson) |
| Rick Rock | 5:22 |
| 14. | "Right On" |
| Erick Sermon | 3:29 |
| 15. | "Bitch Ass Niggas" (Interlude) (featuring Eddie Griffin) | 1:43 | ||
| 16. | "Enemies" |
| J-Beats | 5:00 |
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17. | "My Life, My World" |
| Bink! | 3:49 |
| 18. | "What a Mess" |
| DJ Premier | 3:32 |
| 19. | "(Hit U) Where It Hurts" |
| Rockwilder | 2:59 |
| 20. | "Multiply (Remix)" (featuring Busta Rhymes) |
| Just Blaze | 4:03 |
Notes
Sample credits[15]
- "Heart of Man" contains an interpolation of "Africa", written by David Paich and Jeff Porcaro.
Singles
[edit]|
"My Name"
"Multiply"
|
"Symphony In X Major"
"Choke Me Spank Me (Pull My Hair)"
|
Charts
[edit]
Weekly charts[edit]
|
Year-end charts[edit]
|
Certifications
[edit]| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA)[42] | Gold | 35,000^ |
| Canada (Music Canada)[43] | Gold | 50,000^ |
| United Kingdom (BPI)[44] | Silver | 60,000‡ |
| United States (RIAA)[45] | Gold | 500,000^ |
|
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone. | ||
References
[edit]- ^ Critic reviews at Metacritic
- ^ Allmusic review
- ^ Much of the material features clamorous, heavy-handed production, and though Xzibit's subject matter ranges from orgies to the benevolence of his mama, his dexterous rhyming style is a little too undifferentiated. [#10, p.132]
- ^ Robert Christgau Consumer Guide
- ^ "Man vs. Machine". Archived from the original on June 28, 2022. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
- ^ HipHopDX review
- ^ Los Angeles Times review
- ^ Xzibit : Man vs. Machine
- ^ RapReviews review
- ^ "Rolling Stone review". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on February 28, 2008. Retrieved July 19, 2006.
{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) - ^ "Uncut review". Archived from the original on October 5, 2013. Retrieved January 1, 2013.
- ^ RIAA - Gold & Platinum - August 10, 2008 Archived June 26, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Xzibit Sharpens New 'Weapons'". Billboard.
- ^ "Xzibit's "Man vs. Machine" Still Packs a Nostalgic Punch". HNHH. October 2019.
- ^ a b Man vs. Machine (booklet). Open Bar, Loud, Columbia Records. 2002.
- ^ "Australiancharts.com – Xzibit – Man vs. Machine". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 30, 2020.
- ^ "ARIA Urban Chart – Week Commencing 30th June 2003" (PDF). The ARIA Report (697): 14. June 30, 2003. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 22, 2008. Retrieved April 15, 2023 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "Ultratop.be – Xzibit – Man vs. Machine" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved August 30, 2020.
- ^ "Ultratop.be – Xzibit – Man vs. Machine" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved August 30, 2020.
- ^ "Xzibit Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved August 30, 2020.
- ^ "R&B : Top 50". Jam!. October 17, 2002. Archived from the original on October 21, 2002. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
- ^ "Danishcharts.dk – Xzibit – Man vs. Machine". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 30, 2020.
- ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – Xzibit – Man vs. Machine" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved August 30, 2020.
- ^ "Xzibit: Man vs. Machine" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland. Retrieved August 30, 2020.
- ^ "Lescharts.com – Xzibit – Man vs. Machine". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 30, 2020.
- ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Xzibit – Man vs. Machine" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved August 30, 2020.
- ^ "Irish-charts.com – Discography Xzibit". Hung Medien. Retrieved April 22, 2023.
- ^ "Charts.nz – Xzibit – Man vs. Machine". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 30, 2020.
- ^ "Norwegiancharts.com – Xzibit – Man vs. Machine". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 30, 2020.
- ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart on 6/10/2002 – Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 22, 2023.
- ^ "Swedishcharts.com – Xzibit – Man vs. Machine". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 30, 2020.
- ^ "Swisscharts.com – Xzibit – Man vs. Machine". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 30, 2020.
- ^ "Official Albums Chart on 6/10/2002 – Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 30, 2020.
- ^ "Official R&B Albums Chart on 6/10/2002 – Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 22, 2023.
- ^ "Xzibit Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved August 30, 2020.
- ^ "Xzibit Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved August 30, 2020.
- ^ "Top 200 Albums of 2002 (based on sales)". Jam!. Archived from the original on September 6, 2004. Retrieved March 23, 2022.
- ^ "Canada's Top 200 R&B; albums of 2002". Jam!. Archived from the original on October 12, 2003. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
- ^ "Top 100 rap albums of 2002 in Canada". Jam!. Archived from the original on October 12, 2003. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
- ^ "Top Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 2002". Billboard. Retrieved August 30, 2020.
- ^ "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 2002". Billboard. Retrieved August 30, 2020.
- ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2003 Albums" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association.
- ^ "Canadian album certifications – Xzibit – Man vs. Machine". Music Canada.
- ^ "British album certifications – Xzibit – Man Vs Machine". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved March 20, 2021.
- ^ "American album certifications – Xzibit – Man vs. Machine". Recording Industry Association of America.
External links
[edit]Man vs. Machine
View on GrokipediaBackground and Development
Concept and Inspiration
The album title Man vs. Machine encapsulates Xzibit's perception of his battles against systemic obstacles in the music industry and broader life challenges, portraying the rapper as an individual confronting impersonal forces. Xzibit described the name as apt, stating, "Man versus Machine, man… I thought it was fitting because I feel as though its all type of sh*t we up against. It's a battle."[6] This metaphor draws from his experiences navigating the commodification of artistry, where corporate structures and external pressures threaten personal authenticity and creative control.[7] Following the release of his 2000 album Restless, which marked a commercial breakthrough, Xzibit encountered significant professional hurdles, including tensions during his label transition from Loud Records—distributed by Columbia—to a more direct arrangement under Columbia. These issues were compounded by a reported $11 million buyout demand from Loud to allow a potential move to Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment, highlighting the financial and contractual "machines" impeding his career trajectory.[8] Dr. Dre ultimately served as executive producer on Man vs. Machine, providing crucial support amid these negotiations.[8] The album's conceptual foundation was further shaped by the evolving landscape of West Coast hip-hop in the early 2000s, as Xzibit drew inspiration from his role in revitalizing the genre through high-profile collaborations and tours like the 2000 Up in Smoke Tour.[8] Personal maturation during 2001–2002, including reflections on his journey from Detroit to Los Angeles and overcoming early-life adversities such as family loss and rebellion, infused the project with themes of endurance.[8] Initial songwriting emphasized resilience and maintaining genuine expression in rap, positioning the album as a testament to authentic perseverance against industry exploitation.[7]Recording Process
The recording sessions for Man vs. Machine took place primarily in Los Angeles studios during 2002, ahead of the album's October 1 release on Columbia Records. Key facilities included Encore Studios, where multiple tracks such as "Symphony in X Major" and "Choke Me, Spank Me (Pull My Hair)" were recorded and mixed under Dr. Dre's supervision; Enterprise Studios for the opening track "Release Date"; Larabee Studios for several cuts including "Break Yourself"; and Conway Studios for "Harder (feat. The Golden State Project)." Additional sessions occurred at The Disc Ltd. in Eastpointe, Michigan, for "Multiply," reflecting the collaborative nature spanning coasts.[9] Dr. Dre served as executive producer, overseeing the project and contributing production to tracks like "Choke Me, Spank Me (Pull My Hair)," while also mixing seven songs, including the lead single "Multiply." Other notable contributors included Rockwilder, who produced the opener "Release Date"; DJ Premier, with whom Xzibit collaborated on beats during the sessions; and Bink, who contributed production to select tracks. These partnerships built on Xzibit's prior work, incorporating diverse beats from about 30 recorded songs to shape the final 16-track album.[10][9] Challenges during production centered on Dr. Dre's exacting standards and logistical hurdles. For instance, on "Multiply," Dre directed Xzibit to re-record the opening bars 400 to 500 times to achieve a specific down-south preacher delivery, highlighting the perfectionism that defined their sessions. Balancing high-profile guest features from artists like Eminem, Snoop Dogg, M.O.P., and Nate Dogg added complexity, as coordinating schedules amid tight deadlines for Columbia's release pushed the team to finalize selections from the extensive material quickly.[11][10]Music and Lyrics
Musical Style
Man vs. Machine exemplifies a fusion of West Coast G-funk and East Coast boom-bap styles, characterized by gritty, hard-hitting beats that underscore Xzibit's aggressive delivery.[12] The album's sound draws heavily from G-funk's signature elements, including deep, rumbling basslines and smooth, synth-driven grooves, while incorporating the rugged, sample-heavy percussion typical of boom-bap production, particularly on tracks produced by DJ Premier.[12][13] Dr. Dre's influence is prominent in the clean, polished production values that give the album a cohesive, high-fidelity sheen, often featuring orchestral samples and layered instrumentation for dramatic effect.[12] For instance, "Symphony in X Major" employs symphonic strings and synthesizer swells alongside thumping bass, evoking a grand, cinematic quality reminiscent of Dre's work on The Chronic.[12][13] In contrast, "Multiply" delivers hard-hitting West Coast rap with relentless bass drops and a bouncy rhythm, amplifying the track's anthemic energy through Nate Dogg's melodic hooks.[12] The album spans approximately 67 minutes across 19 tracks, including two skits that provide brief narrative interludes amid the dense sequencing of rap-focused songs.[14][15] This structure maintains a relentless pace, blending introspective cuts with high-octane bangers, all unified by the production's emphasis on bass-heavy foundations and intricate sampling.[12]Themes and Content
The album Man vs. Machine explores central themes of perseverance, industry critique, and personal growth, reflecting Xzibit's journey through the challenges of hip-hop success. Tracks like "Release Date" emphasize resilience in the face of incarceration and release, portraying the determination to reclaim one's life and career upon freedom, while "Break Yourself" features aggressive confrontations highlighting toughness and survival in the rap game.[12] Personal growth is evident in introspective moments, such as in "Heart of Man," where Xzibit reflects on inner strength, hustle, and the realities of life, sampling Toto's "Africa" for a layered emotional depth.[12] Further delving into fame's pitfalls, the album contrasts the allure of celebrity with its isolating consequences, as seen in "Multiply," which boasts about multiplying success with lines like "before the game is 10% skill and 90% Hollywood" and "I'ma evolve continue to change," but subtly nods to the exhaustion of constant hustle through references to quitting the game. Reflections on street life appear in verses detailing past hustling and violence, like in "Harder," where Xzibit recounts the grind of survival, balancing it against the temptations of newfound wealth. Family loyalty emerges as a recurring motif, with Xzibit expressing devotion to his roots and crew, including nods to missing his group Tha Alkaholiks, framing success as a collective triumph rather than individual glory.[12] Skit interludes play a crucial role in building narrative flow, transitioning between high-energy tracks and moments of levity or tension; for instance, the "Paul" skit features Eminem's manager Paul Rosenberg humorously advising Xzibit to tone down his intensity, mirroring the protective dynamics in Xzibit's circle and providing comedic relief that underscores the album's blend of aggression and camaraderie.[16] Guest verses integrate seamlessly into these themes, amplifying the album's intensity—particularly Eminem's aggressive delivery on "My Name," a diss track targeting imitators and rivals like Canibus, Jermaine Dupri, and Moby, where his rapid-fire bars reinforce themes of industry critique and unwavering loyalty to allies like Dr. Dre.[17]Release and Promotion
Singles
The lead single from Man vs. Machine, "Multiply" featuring Nate Dogg and produced by Mr. Porter, was released as a promotional CD single in 2002 ahead of the album's October launch.[18] The track, with its infectious hook and West Coast G-funk influences, served as Xzibit's declaration of resilience amid industry challenges, peaking at number 14 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart, number 40 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and number 23 on the Hot Rap Songs chart.[19][20][11] Its music video, directed by Chris Robinson, depicted Xzibit navigating urban streets in a lowrider, symbolizing his comeback and street credibility, and aired heavily on MTV and BET.[21] The follow-up single, "Symphony in X Major" featuring Dr. Dre and produced by Rick Rock, was issued on 12-inch vinyl and CD formats in late 2002, emphasizing orchestral strings and a chaotic energy to underscore themes of lyrical dominance.[22] This collaboration highlighted Xzibit's ties to Aftermath Entertainment, with Dr. Dre's verse adding star power; it received radio play but did not chart prominently on major Billboard lists, though it contributed to album buzz through its video directed by Joe Hahn, featuring high-energy performance shots and cameos.[23] These releases collectively built anticipation for the album, blending high-profile features with Xzibit's signature hard-hitting style to position Man vs. Machine as a pivotal statement in his career.Marketing Strategies
The marketing strategies for Man vs. Machine emphasized leveraging Xzibit's established connections within the hip-hop community to generate pre-release anticipation, particularly through high-profile tour appearances. In the summer of 2002, Xzibit joined Eminem's Anger Management Tour as a supporting act, starting July 18 in Buffalo, New York, where he performed selections from the upcoming album alongside his earlier hits.[24] This collaboration provided significant exposure, as the tour featured artists from Eminem's Shady Records and Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment, allowing cross-promotion within their shared network and reaching a broad audience of hip-hop fans.[25] During shows, such as the August 31 performance in Tampa, Xzibit previewed new material from Man vs. Machine, building buzz ahead of the October release. Columbia Records and Loud Records handled the album's distribution and promotional rollout, focusing on standard industry tactics like radio airplay for lead singles and in-store retail displays to drive physical sales. The label coordinated a simultaneous global launch on October 1, 2002, ensuring availability across major markets including the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe, which facilitated international chart debuts for tracks like "Multiply." This coordinated release timing maximized initial visibility without elaborate launch events, relying instead on the momentum from Xzibit's tour performances and guest features from high-profile artists such as Dr. Dre, Eminem, and Snoop Dogg to underscore the album's star power. Post-release tie-ins extended the album's reach, notably with the track "Choke Me, Spank Me (Pull My Hair)" appearing on the soundtrack for the 2005 film Domino, directed by Tony Scott, where it played during key scenes. This placement in a major motion picture, starring Keira Knightley and Mickey Rourke, introduced the song to a wider cinematic audience years after the album's debut, reinforcing Xzibit's commercial presence. The video for "Multiply," directed by Chris Robinson, also supported broader promotional efforts by blending urban imagery with high-energy choreography.[21]Commercial Performance
Chart Positions
"Man vs. Machine" achieved significant commercial success upon its release, debuting at number three on the US Billboard 200 chart and marking Xzibit's highest chart entry to date.[26] The album remained on the Billboard 200 for 19 weeks, outperforming his previous releases, including "40 Dayz & 40 Nights," which peaked at number 58, and "Restless," which reached number 12.[27] It also topped the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart for one week, underscoring its strong appeal within the genre.[28] Internationally, the album received moderate reception. It peaked at number eight on the Canadian Albums Chart and number eight on the Australian Albums Chart.[29][30] In the United Kingdom, it reached number 43 on the UK Albums Chart, while in Germany, it climbed to number 20 on the Offizielle Deutsche Charts.[31][32] For year-end summaries in 2002, "Man vs. Machine" ranked at number 193 on the Billboard 200 year-end chart, reflecting its solid but not dominant performance amid competition from major releases.[33] Its leadership on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart contributed to its recognition as a key hip-hop title of the year.| Chart (2002) | Peak Position | Source |
|---|---|---|
| US Billboard 200 | 3 | Billboard |
| US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums | 1 | Billboard |
| Canadian Albums (Billboard) | 8 | Billboard |
| UK Albums (OCC) | 43 | Official Charts |
| Australian Albums (ARIA) | 8 | Australian Charts |
| German Albums (Offizielle) | 20 | Offizielle Charts |
Sales and Certifications
Man vs. Machine debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 chart with first-week sales of 156,000 units in the United States.[26] The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified Man vs. Machine Gold on November 12, 2002, denoting shipments of 500,000 units.[34] Internationally, the album received Gold certification from Music Canada for sales exceeding 50,000 units on October 10, 2003, as well as Gold status from the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for 35,000 units shipped.[35][35] In the United Kingdom, it earned Silver certification from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for 60,000 units on March 26, 2021.[36]Critical Reception
Contemporary Reviews
Upon its release in 2002, Man vs. Machine garnered mixed reviews from critics, reflected in its Metacritic aggregate score of 59 out of 100, based on nine reviews (three positive, six mixed).[37] Critics frequently praised Dr. Dre's executive production oversight and the high-energy beats on standout tracks like "Multiply," which features a guest verse from Dre himself. RapReviews echoed this sentiment, awarding 8.5 out of 10 and commending the sharp, razor-edged tracks that blend personal introspection with West Coast aggression.[12] However, detractors pointed to formulaic lyrics, repetitive macho posturing, and a lack of fresh innovation as shortcomings. Rolling Stone delivered a middling 60 out of 100, critiquing Xzibit's gravelly voice for straining to sound menacing while conceding the sharpness of Dre's beats and the vitality of "Multiply." Blender similarly scored it 60, describing the production as clamorous and heavy-handed, with Xzibit's dexterous but undifferentiated rhyming style failing to elevate the material beyond standard fare.[38]Retrospective Views
In the 2010s and beyond, hip-hop retrospectives have increasingly praised Man vs. Machine for its blend of technical lyricism and polished production, elevating its status beyond initial mixed reception. A 2022 analysis highlighted Xzibit's razor-sharp flow and battle-rap intensity on tracks like "Release Date," noting how his versatile delivery stands out against Dr. Dre's crisp, ominous beats, which executive produced the album and contributed to key cuts such as "Symphony in X Major." This reappraisal positions the project as a nostalgic cornerstone of early 2000s West Coast rap, with critics appreciating its futuristic edge while maintaining gritty authenticity, even as Xzibit's career shifted toward television and acting.[39] The album significantly shaped Xzibit's career trajectory, solidifying his role as a West Coast heavyweight through high-profile collaborations with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Eminem, which amplified his gritty lyricism and cemented his influence in the region's rap legacy. In a 2025 interview, Xzibit reflected on Man vs. Machine as a breakout alongside Restless, crediting it for era-defining partnerships that bridged underground roots with mainstream appeal and inspired his later work like Kingmaker. Similarly, discussions of West Coast hip-hop emphasize the album's contribution to Los Angeles' cultural fabric, alongside figures like Ice Cube, by showcasing Xzibit's commanding presence and thematic depth on survival and ambition.[40][8] As of November 2025, Man vs. Machine has amassed over 144 million streams on Spotify, reflecting sustained fan engagement two decades post-release, with monthly listener data for Xzibit hovering around 1.8 million. This digital longevity underscores ongoing appreciation in fan circles, evidenced by cultural nods like the 2022 limited-edition vinyl reissue for its 20th anniversary, which included remastered tracks and bonus content to honor its enduring appeal. While the album garnered no major awards upon release or later, these milestones highlight its lasting resonance in hip-hop discourse.[41][42][43]Track Listing and Credits
Track Listing
The standard edition of Man vs. Machine features 16 tracks, as follows:| No. | Title | Featuring | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Release Date | Alvin Joiner, D. Stinson | 4:05 | |
| 2 | Symphony in X Major | Dr. Dre | Alvin Joiner, R. Thomas | 3:55 |
| 3 | Multiply | Nate Dogg | Alvin Joiner, D. Porter | 4:08 |
| 4 | Break Yourself | Alvin Joiner, J. Austin, R. Thomas | 3:11 | |
| 5 | Heart of Man | Alvin Joiner, D. Drew, D. Paich, J. Porcaro, S. Green | 4:08 | |
| 6 | Harder | The Golden State Project | Alvin Joiner, D. Drew, J. Austin, R. Gibson, S. Green | 4:10 |
| 7 | Paul | 0:27 | ||
| 8 | Choke Me, Spank Me (Pull My Hair) | Alvin Joiner, A. Young, M. Elizondo | 3:28 | |
| 9 | Losin' Your Mind | Snoop Dogg | 4:16 | |
| 10 | BK to LA | M.O.P. | 4:57 | |
| 11 | My Name | Eminem, Nate Dogg | Alvin Joiner, L. Resto, M. Mathers, N. Hale | 4:32 |
| 12 | The Gambler | Anthony Hamilton | Alvin Joiner, A. Hamilton, R. Harrell | 4:55 |
| 13 | Missin' U | Alvin Joiner, A. Wilson, R. Thomas | 5:22 | |
| 14 | Right On | Alvin Joiner, E. Sermon | 3:39 | |
| 15 | Bitch Ass Nigga | Eddie Griffin | 1:43 | |
| 16 | Enemies | Alvin Joiner, J. Jackson | 5:00 |
