Xzibit (birth name — Alvin Nathaniel Joiner IV) is an American rapper, actor, TV host, producer, and one of the key figures in the rise of West Coast hip-hop in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He earned major prominence for his hard-hitting street narratives, charismatic flow, and as the host of MTV’s cult show “Pimp My Ride”, which became a global television phenomenon.
Early life
Alvin Joiner was born on September 18, 1974, in Detroit, Michigan. His childhood was difficult: at the age of 9 he lost his mother, after which he moved with his father and stepmother to Albuquerque, New Mexico.
At 10, the future artist began writing lyrics and trying his hand at rap, drawing inspiration from the local street culture. As a teenager, he actively took part in battles and local hip-hop scenes.
At 17, Xzibit left New Mexico for Los Angeles, where a new wave of West Coast rap was taking shape in the early ’90s.
Career beginnings
Xzibit came up within the Likwit Crew — a creative collective connected to King T and the Los Angeles scene. That’s where he learned the ropes of the industry and stage craft.
His early recordings caught the attention of major producers, and collaborations helped him forge a distinctive style: an aggressive flow, nimble internal rhymes, and socially grounded lyrics.
Breakthrough
His profile exploded thanks to collaborations with West Coast superstars:
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The Game,
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Method Man,
A particularly defining moment was the track “Bitch Please” — a joint hit with Snoop Dogg that cemented Xzibit’s status as one of the standout voices of California hip-hop.
Discography & success
Since 1996, Xzibit has released a run of successful albums:
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At the Speed of Life (1996)
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40 Dayz & 40 Nightz (1998)
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Restless (2000)
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Man vs. Machine (2002)
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Weapons of Mass Destruction (2004)
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Full Circle (2006)
Restless and Man vs. Machine were commercial leaps, earning gold certifications. Among the producers was Dr. Dre.
Stage-igniting singles:
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“X”
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“Paparazzi”
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“Front 2 Back”
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“Symphony in X Major”
Television breakthrough — Pimp My Ride
In 2004, Xzibit became the host of MTV’s “Pimp My Ride”, where owners of old cars received extreme makeovers.
The show quickly turned into a worldwide sensation:
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dozens of local adaptations,
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millions of viewers,
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a thriving meme culture around Xzibit’s persona.
It made him one of the most recognizable faces in mainstream pop culture.
Acting career
Alongside music, Xzibit built a solid film résumé. Notable projects include:
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8 Mile (2002)
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xXx: State of the Union (2005)
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The X-Files: I Want to Believe (2008)
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Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans (2009)
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Derailed (2005)
He also appeared in TV series and crime dramas, showcasing a distinctive on-screen presence.
Work as a producer
Beyond his own output, Xzibit has:
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mentored emerging MCs,
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contributed to music production,
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collaborated with video game and film studios.
He helped shape the California sound of the early 2000s.
Style & influence
Core traits of Xzibit’s artistry:
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satirical, aggressive flow,
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dense, hard-hitting rhythms,
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street-level social themes,
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gritty, unpolished energy.
He became a symbol of the post-G-funk era — a bridge between the “old school” and the new West Coast wave.
Fun facts
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As a teenager, he considered becoming a recording engineer.
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His voice is frequently featured in video games and trailers.
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He draws on film-noir and street-documentary aesthetics.
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He has been the face of several automotive brands.
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He’s appeared on WWE programs and at major esports events.
Current status
After Full Circle, the pace of solo releases slowed, but he continued to:
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act in films,
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appear on television,
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tour,
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headline throwback festivals.
He also collaborates with a new generation of West Coast artists.
Legacy
Xzibit is regarded as:
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one of Los Angeles’s signature voices,
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a TV legend of the early 2000s,
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an artist who helped bring street rap into mainstream culture.
Xzibit’s tracks still show up in films, ads, and games, and his persona remains instantly recognizable to fans around the world.
Conclusion
Xzibit is an artist who traveled from Detroit’s street battles to the global stage, uniting music, television, and cinema into a single career. His gritty yet honest style, unmistakable charisma, and imprint on pop culture make him an integral part of hip-hop history.
