Xzibit: The West Coast Hip-Hop Heavyweight

Xzibit is an American rapper, actor, and television host who emerged from the influential West Coast hip-hop scene of the 1990s. His raw lyrical delivery and commanding presence led to a successful recording career, highlighted by his platinum-certified 2002 album Man vs. Machine and his iconic role as host of the MTV series Pimp My Ride.

Early career

Born Alvin Nathaniel Joiner in 1974, Xzibit grew up in Detroit and Albuquerque before settling in Los Angeles. He began his music career in earnest after connecting with the Likwit Crew, a collective surrounding rapper King T, which led to his debut album At the Speed of Life in 1996 on Loud Records.

That first release made an immediate impact, entering the Billboard 200 chart at number 74 and earning praise for its mature, street-level narratives. His follow-up, 40 Dayz & 40 Nightz in 1998, further solidified his reputation as a formidable lyricist within the underground circuit.

Breakthrough

Xzibit's mainstream breakthrough arrived in 2000 through his pivotal collaboration with Dr. Dre. He was featured on several tracks from Dre's monumental 2001 album and became a core member of the subsequent Up in Smoke Tour.

This alliance propelled Xzibit to a major label deal with Columbia Records and resulted in his commercial peak. His 2002 album Man vs. Machine debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 and was certified platinum by the RIAA, selling over one million copies.

Key tracks

What U See Is What U Get — This single from his 1998 album became an early signature track, showcasing his aggressive flow and establishing his core sound.

X — The lead single from Man vs. Machine featuring Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, it became his highest-charting Hot 100 entry and a definitive anthem.

Multiply — Featuring Nate Dogg, this standout track from the 2002 album is a prime example of his G-funk influenced, club-ready production.

Paparazzi — From his 1996 debut, this song demonstrated his early skill for vivid storytelling and social commentary.

Later career and ventures

Following his commercial peak, Xzibit released Weapons of Mass Destruction in 2004 and Full Circle in 2006. He concurrently built a prolific acting career, appearing in films like The Italian Job and XXX: State of the Union.

His television fame skyrocketed as the host of MTV's Pimp My Ride from 2004 to 2007. He continued to release music independently, including the 2012 album Napalm, and remains a frequent collaborator with West Coast legends.

Fans of Xzibit's gritty West Coast hip-hop style should also explore Dr. Dre for pioneering production and iconic collaborations. The street narratives of The Game also resonate with Xzibit's lyrical approach. For another Likwit Crew affiliate, listen to Tha Alkaholiks and their party-centric boom-bap sound.

Xzibit's catalog is a staple on hip-hop radio stations and dedicated online rap radio streams. His hits from the early 2000s frequently appear on throwback playlists, while his deeper album cuts are featured on stations focusing on underground and West Coast hip-hop.

You can hear the music of Xzibit on radio stations featured on our website. Discover his influential discography and iconic collaborations by tuning into the hip-hop radio stations available on onairium.com.