Xzibit

Following a move to Alberquerue, New Mexico at the age of 10, Alvin Joiner began writing rhymes and immersing himself in hip-hop culture. By 17 the rapper had moved to Los Angeles, California to live with his sister, and shortly after made his recording debut on The Alkaholiks’ single “Hit and Run” in 1995, followed by King Tee’s “Free Style Ghetto”. Originally performing under the moniker Exhibit A, the rapper subsequently singed to Loud Records who issued his debut album “At the Speed of Life”. The critically acclaimed release was led by the single “Paparazzi”, which charted at No. 74 on the Billboard 200, and paved the way for Xzibit’s future success. In promotion of the album the rapper spent the next two years raising his reputation as an underground artist, touring alongside the Litwit Crew.

Xzibit’s sophmore album “40 Dayz & 40 Nightz” arrived in August 1998 charting at No. 58 on the Billboard 200. Dubbed another instant classic, the record expanded the rapper’s listenership aided by the singles “What U See Is What U Get”, “Los Angeles Times”, “3 Card Molly”, and “Pussy Pop”. Due to this success, the Michigan native was afforded the luxury of contributing to Dr. Dre’s six-times platinum album “2001”, Snoop Dogg’s single “Bitch Please”, and made his acting debut in the 1999 film “The Breaks”.

The new millennium brought with it an Xzibit compilation album “Litwik Rhymes” largely comprised of previously unreleased material. It wasn’t however until the release of his third studio album “Restless” featuring Dr. Dre as executive producer, that Xzibit rose to rap superstardom. The December 2000 album featuring guest appearances from Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Nate Dogg, peaked at No. 12 on the Billboard 200, and earned a host of positive reviews. The live concert DVD “Xzibit: Restless Xposed” was released in 2001, followed by “You Better Believe It”, a compilation of songs in which he featured.

The rapper’s fourth full-length “Man vs. Machine” was his highest charting to date, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, despite Xzibit’s disappointment at the promotion of the record. Xzibit subsequently appeared in the films “8 Mile” and “The Country Bears”, and toured extensively with The Golden State Project Rap collective featuring Tha Alkaholiks, Snoop Dogg and Eminem.

Following a move to Columbia Records, Xzibit released his fifth studio album “Weapons of Mass Destruction” in December 2004. Again producing disappointing results the rapper began focusing his attention on his acting career including roles in 2004’s “Full Clip”, 2005’s “XXX: State of the Union”, and 2005’s “Derailed”. The rapper returned in 2006 to release “Circle” on Koch Records, however plagued by financial troubles for tax evasion, fans had to wait until 2012 to hear his next full-length “Napalm” in 2012.