Xzibit

Alvin Nathaniel Joiner, better known by his stage name Xzibit, is an American rapper, actor, songwriter, television presenter, radio personality, and record executive whose career has spanned over three decades. He was born on September 18, 1974 in Detroit, Michigan, and after moving to Albuquerque, New Mexico, he eventually settled in Los Angeles where he joined the Likwit Crew and began recording professionally in 1992. Xzibit's debut album At the Speed of Life (1996) received critical praise and introduced his lyrical agility, while the follow‑up 40 Dayz & 40 Nightz (1998) solidified his presence on the West Coast hip‑hop scene. The turning point came when Dr. Dre signed him to a joint project, producing the platinum‑selling Restless (2000) and later Man vs. Machine (2002), the latter peaking at number three on the Billboard 200 and showcasing his entrepreneurial side through his own label Open Bar Entertainment. Beyond music, Xzibit became a household name as the charismatic host of MTV’s Pimp My Ride (2004‑2007), a role that blended his street credibility with mainstream appeal and boosted his visibility worldwide. His acting résumé includes notable performances in Gridiron Gang (2006), The X‑Files: I Want to Believe (2008), Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans (2009), and a recurring role as Shyne on the hit series Empire beginning in 2016. Despite financial setbacks and brief hiatuses, he continued to release material such as Napalm (2012) and to collaborate with groups like Serial Killers, while also contributing to Dr. Dre’s Compton (2015). Today Xzibit remains an influential figure in hip‑hop culture, known for his distinctive voice, entrepreneurial ventures, and lasting impact on both music and television. His enduring relevance is reflected in recent projects, including a partnership with Greenback Records in 2024 and a live performance in Marbella, Spain, demonstrating his ongoing artistic evolution.