Xzibit
The West Coast rapper who hosted *Pimp My Ride* and collaborated with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg.
Xzibit is an American rapper, actor, television presenter, radio personality, and record executive. He began his musical career in the early 1990s and signed with Loud Records to release his debut studio album, *At the Speed of Life* (1996). His success caught the attention of rapper Dr. Dre, who served as executive producer for Xzibit's next two albums. Xzibit has also gained fame as an actor and presenter, having hosted the reality television program *Pimp My Ride* during the 2000s. In his acting career, he played Shyne Johnson in the television series *Empire* and has starred in films including *Gridiron Gang* (2006) and *The X-Files: I Want to Believe* (2008).
- Role
- Rapper, Television Personality, Collaborator
- Affiliation
- West Coast Hip-Hop Community, Pimp My Ride Host Team
- First Major Appearance
- Late 1990s Music Scene and Early 2000s TV
- Status
- Active in the Industry
- Signature Style
- Aggressive Lyrical Delivery, Streetwear Aesthetic
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Xzibit's relationship with Snoop Dogg includes appearing on Snoop's Dr. Dre-produced hit "Bitch Please" from the album *No Limit Top Dogg*. He also appeared on Dr. Dre's 6× platinum album *2001* on the songs "Lolo", "Some L.A. Niggaz", and "What's the Difference" with Eminem. Xzibit joined Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Dr. Dre, and Ice Cube on the American Up in Smoke Tour in mid-2000. He co-starred with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg in the film *The Wash* (2001). Xzibit's breakthrough album *Restless* (2000) featured guest appearances by Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, Eminem, Dr. Dre, DJ Quik, and the Alkaholiks, among others. The album sold almost 2 million copies and was certified platinum.
In Their Own Story
In 2000, Xzibit joined Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Dr. Dre, and Ice Cube on the American Up in Smoke Tour. The following year, he co-starred alongside Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg in the film *The Wash*. Xzibit also appeared on Snoop Dogg's album *No Limit Top Dogg* on the Dr. Dre-produced track "Bitch Please." These collaborations helped solidify Xzibit's place in the West Coast hip-hop scene and brought him to a wider audience.
Reader's Guide
Xzibit is characterized by his intense lyrical delivery and West Coast style. He began rapping at age 14 under the pseudonym "Exhibit A." His first appearance on a professional record was in February 1995 on The Alkaholiks' *Coast II Coast*, song "Hit and Run." After touring with Likwit Crew, Xzibit signed to Loud Records and released his debut album *At the Speed of Life* in October 1996. His breakthrough came with his third studio album *Restless* (2000), with Dr. Dre as executive producer, which sold almost 2 million copies and was certified platinum. He hosted the MTV show *Pimp My Ride* between 2004 and 2007. Since 2013, he performs as a member of the hip-hop supergroup Serial Killers.
Did You Know?
- Xzibit began rapping at age 10 under the pseudonym 'Exhibit A'.
- His first professional record appearance was in February 1995 on The Alkaholiks' song 'Hit and Run'.
- He hosted the MTV show *Pimp My Ride* from 2004 to 2007.
- His album *Restless* (2000) sold almost 2 million copies and was certified platinum.
- Since 2013, he has performed as a member of the hip-hop supergroup Serial Killers.
More in Characters
Related in Snoop Dogg
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