Xzibit

by itemvn  |  April 12, 2010 [Edit]

Alvin Nathaniel Joiner IV (born September 18, 1974), better known by his stage name Xzibit (pronounced as "exhibit"), is an American rapper, actor, and television host. He is best known for hosting MTV's Pimp My Ride. He released a new album every two years from his 1996 debut At the Speed of Life until his most recent Full Circle which was released in October 2006.

Xzibit was first introduced to rap at a young age by his best friend Daniel Johnson and Tyrome freesway, he began his music career as a member of the Likwit Crew, a loose collective of West Coast rappers which included King Tee, Defari, and Tha Alkaholiks. He appeared on King Tee's album, IV Life (1995), on the song "Free Style Ghetto", and then on Tha Alkaholiks' Coast II Coast (1995), on the song "Hit and Run". After touring with Likwit Crew in 1995, Xzibit signed to Loud Records and released his debut album, At the Speed of Life (1996). The album produced his first breakthrough single "Paparazzi" (#86 Billboard Hot 100).

Xzibit expanded his following with a series of albums beginning with 40 Dayz & 40 Nightz (1998). Often considered Xzibit's best album, it produced the single "What U See Is What U Get" (#50 Billboard Hot 100). He made a number of high-profile guest appearances in 1999, joining Snoop Dogg on the Dr. Dre-produced hit "Bitch Please", and appearing on Dr. Dre's 6x platinum album 2001, on the songs "Lolo", "Some L.A. Niggaz", and "What's the Difference" with Eminem.

Dr. Dre invited Xzibit to perform on his American Up in Smoke Tour in mid-2000, which featured Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Ice Cube, among many others. Loud Records released Xzibit's Restless that year with Dr. Dre as executive producer, who produced the single "X" . The song became the rapper's biggest hit since "What U See Is What U Get".

Xzibit returned with another album, Man vs. Machine (2002), yet again he fell a bit short of mainstream success, although he did manage to go gold. He continued to collaborate with his closest West Coast colleagues, primarily Ras Kass and Saafir with whom he formed The Golden State Project rap collective, and Tha Liks, along with bigger names like Snoop Dogg and Eminem. His allegiance to the West Coast and former colleagues continued to win him much respect from his fans[citation needed]. Weapons of Mass Destruction (2004) followed, which also managed to go gold. Xzibit is also working on his new upcoming studio album MMX (which stands for 2010 in roman numerals); the follow-up to his 2006 release Full Circle and is set to be released sometime in 2010.

(Last edited by eesen)