Genres: Rap/Hip Hop,SoundtracksAlvin Nathaniel Joiner, better known by his stage name, Xzibit, is an American rapper and actor who got his start in 1993 as part of the rap group, Likwit Crew, which included King Tee, Defari, and The Alkoholiks. He appeared on solo albums for King Tee and The Alkoholiks, and toured with them in 1995.
Xzibit
I think negative draws negative. As long as they aren't coming close to us and endangering our people they can do whatever the f*** they want to do. We continue with God on our side - we're rocking fans, we're rocking millions and that should speak for itself.
The Early Years
Alvin Nathaniel Joiner, better known by his stage name, Xzibit, is an American rapper and actor who got his start in 1993 as part of the rap group, Likwit Crew, which included King Tee, Defari, and The Alkoholiks. He appeared on solo albums for King Tee and The Alkoholiks, and toured with them in 1995.
Upon concluding the tour with Likwit Crew, Xzibit signed a recording contract with Loud Records and released his debut solo album, At the Speed of Life in 1996. His single, Paparazzi, was his first hit to appear on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #86.
Climbing the Ladder to Fame
For the next ten years, Xzibit released an album every two years. His popularity and fan base grew with each release, through 2000, when his album, Restless, certified platinum in Canada and the United States. This album peaked at #1 on the US R&B charts, as did its successor, Man vs. Machine, In addition to his solo success, he made multiple guest appearances on albums for such rap, R&B, and hip hop artists as Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and Too Short. In 2005, he joined Dr. Dre on his Up in Smoke Tour, alongside Eminem, Snoop Dogg, and Ice Cube.
While successfully building his music career, Xzibit was also building a film career. From 1999 through 2010, he played roles in twenty-one films and television shows, including providing voice-overs for The Boondocks and Hoodwinked. Merging the two points of his career, he contributed music to seventeen music soundtracks.
Here and Now
Xzibit’s newest album, MMX, is due to be released in April of 2010. Hurt Locker, an unofficial release, was made available on line at the end of 2009; fans have eagerly sought out the track on line for mp3 download. The first official release will be Phenom, featuring Kurupt, and 40 Glocc. It has not yet been released.
He hosted the television show, Pimp My Ride, from 2004 through 2007, and has recently made cameo appearances on Celebrity Home Makeover and The Parker Report. He currently has a movie in production, entitled Fencewalker, which will feature Xibit, along with Katie Cassidy and D. B. Sweeney.
Did you know . . .
Xzibit has provided his voice for seven video games, and lent his likeness.
While in Holland for the Gumball 3000 in 2007, Xzibit was pulled over, driving 160 kph in a 100 kph zone; the Dutch took his license. When he appeared in court, he stated that he had confused kilometers for miles, but they would not return his license, and he was forced to apply for a new one up returning to the States.
Xzibit appeared in a Diet Pepsi commercial with Eva Longoria, P. Diddy, and Carson Daly.