How to Hire Xzibit For Your Event!
Loud, Raw, and Unfiltered
aka: Alvin Nathaniel Joiner, Exhibit A, X to the Z, Wow Alvin
Born in: Michigan
Based in: California
Based in: Los Angeles
Hire: Xzibit
Xzibit was born in Detroit, Michigan, and had a challenging upbringing. His mother passed away when he was nine, and after clashing with his father and stepmother, he eventually left home at 14. He moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, for a time before settling in Los Angeles, California, where his music career began to take shape.
Hire Xzibit for your festival or concert plans! (t,s)
Breaking Into Hip-Hop: The Likwit Crew and Debut Album
- Rise in the Underground Scene
Xzibit began his music journey in the early 1990s and became affiliated with the West Coast hip-hop collective Likwit Crew, which also included Tha Alkaholiks and King T. His deep voice and raw lyrical style gained attention quickly in the underground scene. - Debut Album – At the Speed of Life (1996)
His first album featured the acclaimed single “Paparazzi”, which became a minor hit and showcased his criticism of superficiality in the music industry. The album was well-received critically and set the tone for Xzibit’s no-nonsense rap style.
Rise to Prominence: 40 Dayz & 40 Nightz and Collaborations
- Second Album – 40 Dayz & 40 Nightz (1998)
This sophomore project featured the hit “What U See Is What U Get”, which reached #50 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album solidified his place as a force in West Coast rap. - Collabs with Eminem and Dr. Dre
Xzibit caught the attention of Dr. Dre, which led to collaborations with Dre and Eminem. He featured on tracks like “Bitch Please II” (with Eminem, Snoop Dogg, and Nate Dogg), raising his profile significantly.
Peak Success: Restless, Man vs. Machine, and Mainstream Acclaim
- Third Album – Restless (2000)
Produced by Dr. Dre and released under Loud Records, Restless was Xzibit’s commercial breakthrough. It included hits like “X”, “Front 2 Back”, and “Get Your Walk On”. The album went platinum and is considered one of his best works. - Fourth Album – Man vs. Machine (2002)
Also executive-produced by Dr. Dre, this album debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200. It contained standout tracks like “Multiply” featuring Nate Dogg and maintained his momentum in the early 2000s. - From Rapper to TV Star: Pimp My Ride
- Hosting MTV’s Pimp My Ride (2004–2007)
Xzibit became a pop culture icon as the host of MTV’s Pimp My Ride, a show where dilapidated cars were given outrageous makeovers. His charisma and humor made him a fan favorite, introducing him to a broader audience beyond hip-hop. The show became an international hit and spawned memes, parodies, and internet fame. Although it helped elevate Xzibit’s mainstream visibility, it sometimes overshadowed his music career.
Acting Career
Xzibit made a successful transition into acting with roles in both film and television:
- 8 Mile (2002, cameo appearance)
- xXx: State of the Union (2005)
- Gridiron Gang (2006, alongside Dwayne Johnson)
- The X-Files: I Want to Believe (2008)
- Empire (FOX series, recurring role as Shyne Johnson)
His performances earned praise, and he became known for his tough-yet-charismatic presence on screen.
Later Music Projects and Independent Path
- Fifth Album – Weapons of Mass Destruction (2004)
Although not as commercially successful as his earlier work, the album included strong tracks and showcased his evolving sound.
Later Albums:
- Full Circle (2006)
- Napalm (2012) – released independently, featuring collaborations with The Game, Wiz Khalifa, and Prodigy.
- Serial Killers
In the 2010s, Xzibit formed the hip-hop supergroup Serial Killers with B-Real (of Cypress Hill) and Demrick. They released mixtapes and albums like Serial Killers Vol. 1 and Summer of Sam (2020).
Business Ventures and Personal Life
Xzibit has ventured into business, including cannabis branding and real estate. He has also been involved in charity work and spoken openly about personal struggles, including financial setbacks and legal issues, particularly during and after his Pimp My Ride fame.
Legacy and Cultural Influence
Xzibit is remembered not only as a hard-hitting lyricist and respected West Coast rapper but also as a versatile entertainer who made a successful crossover into mainstream pop culture. From street rhymes to car-modding memes, his name remains iconic in hip-hop and TV history.
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