"Niva? Why is she painted like a cow?"

Lil Pump presented a joint song with Russian artist Margo in Moscow on Friday, September 25. The next day, Jason Derulo performed on the stage of the CSKA Arena. And on Saturday, Xzibit, the hip—hop legend and star of the cult MTV show "Pumping Car", took over the baton. He came to the Russian capital to take part in the Street Drive festival and will return in December as part of a world tour dedicated to the release of Kingmaker's first album in 12 years. He spoke in an interview with Izvestia about plans to rock the audience and "demolish the building," as well as about a joint song with a Krasnoyarsk ethnic group and how to make a Monster truck out of a Field.

"I would never go to Siberia on a motorcycle!"

— This is not your first visit to Russia. Are there any places in Moscow that you particularly like?

— I like going to local restaurants and visiting my friends. I have many friends in Moscow. We have a good time, and it's always great. And I usually do a concert or a show here. So I love coming to Moscow.

— The motorcycle season is coming to an end in Moscow now, because the weather is changing and it will be very cold in a few days. But let's imagine, if you could ride a motorcycle anywhere in Russia, where would you go?

— I do not know! Apparently, that's where people usually go on motorcycles in Russia (Laughs)!

— What about Siberia?

"Siberia?" I would never go to Siberia on a motorcycle! I know it's fucking cold out there!

— But we know that last year you released a joint track with the Siberian ethno-band Otyken from Krasnoyarsk.

— Yes, yes, yes! The Internet is a crazy place, you know? I heard their music and just left a comment on their page. We started talking, and then I thought, "Hey, I really like this song." And it was like, "Can I do a remix?" They said, "Yes!" and that's how it happened.

— You are known to many in Russia as the host of the cult show "Pumping Car". I would like to ask if you know any Russian car brands?

— Yes, I saw some today.

— And what do you think about it?

— They drive the same way as all other cars (Laughs)! It's great, yes.

— Well, for example, does the word Niva mean anything to you?

"The field?"

"I'll show you." It's an old car, it's about 50 years old. What would you like to change about it?

"Hmm, why is she painted like a cow?"

— That's a good question. Does it look so terrible?

"No, no, no, but listen, you know, I'd like to see what's available regarding accessories. Do you understand what I'm saying? For example, it would look good in an elevated position with some wide tires, like a Monster truck.

"The opportunity to practice music is a blessing and a privilege"

— And it will be a bull, not a cow! As for your work in cinema, could you star in a Russian film and what would this story be about, if so?

— I'm focusing all my energy on music right now, and I'm really excited — my studio album Kingmaker came out this year, and I'm currently touring in support of it. So I had to put everything aside. But eventually, when I return to acting, I would like to star in an international film or TV series. That would be amazing!

Acting is different for me from music. It's natural for me. And I need to work on acting, practice doing different things. That is, you need to focus on this very thing properly.

— It's good, and we know that your concerts in Russia will take place in December. Why did you decide to perform here and what are you preparing for the public?

— You asked why I'm going to Russia? Because they like the damn music! I don't know. I'm going to put on a really cool show. I love music. I still love her! I still like to create something that attracts people and in which they find something relevant. You know, as I said before, I'm coming back in December with the full band. We want to really make an impression and give the audience something they've never received from us before. It's very exciting for me!

I've been doing this since 1996. It is a blessing and a privilege to be able to continue making music, performing and recording songs in 2025 and beyond. So I really enjoy doing this, and I'll be back in December to perform in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Concerts at the arena, the full band — we're going to demolish the building!