Meaning of "The Foundation" by Xzibit

The lyrics of "The Foundation" carry a deep and heartfelt message from Xzibit to his son. It reflects his desire for his son to learn from his own experiences and mistakes, hoping to guide him towards a better future. The opening lines, "When I look you in your eyes I can see my own, straight love manifested in flesh and bone," illustrate the strong connection between father and son, highlighting the love Xzibit feels when he sees his son. He recognizes his son as a breath of fresh air in a world filled with negativity and urges him not to forget his purpose as a soldier.

Xzibit acknowledges the harsh reality of the streets, cautioning his son about the dangers of getting involved in everything and reminding him of the importance of making wise choices when it comes to relationships. He highlights the struggles faced by the African American community in California during the 90s, emphasizing the biased treatment by the police and the need to stand ground and protect oneself.

The line, "You came from a long line of killers and drug dealers," refers to the generational influence of a certain lifestyle and Xzibit's efforts to break that cycle for his son. He advises his son to learn from his mistakes and not fall victim to the streets, warning him that they can consume and destroy. Xzibit's guidance extends to personal relationships as well, urging his son to be cautious of betrayal from those who may seem supportive but ultimately have ulterior motives.

Xzibit imparts the importance of authenticity and integrity to his son, encouraging him not to be a fake person trying to portray an image of toughness. He emphasizes the significance of being true to oneself and not just filling one's words with empty threats. Xzibit strives to instill in his son a sense of responsibility and the understanding that actions have consequences, advocating for self-defense but also cautioning against unnecessary violence.

The overall message of the song can be seen as the importance of having a strong foundation and staying true to oneself. Xzibit advises his son to have his own plan, to expand his mind, and to remember that love should be the driving force behind his actions. In the final lines, Xzibit expresses his hope that his son will come back to the West, the place they call home, regardless of where life takes him.