Alvin Nathaniel Joiner, professionally known as Xzibit, launched his musical career in 1992 after relocating to Los Angeles. A prominent figure in the West Coast hip-hop scene, he gained international recognition through a steady output of studio albums and collaborative projects, eventually expanding his public profile as a television presenter and actor in various mainstream film and series productions.
Early Development and Musical Emergence
Born in Detroit on September 18, 1974, Joiner moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, during his youth, where he attended Cibola High School. By age 14, he began rapping under the pseudonym Exhibit A. Seeking to shift his trajectory, he moved to Los Angeles in his late teens. His professional debut occurred in February 1995 on the Alkaholiks track Hit and Run. He secured a contract with Loud Records, releasing his first album, At the Speed of Life, in 1996, which included the single Paparazzi.
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The release of 40 Dayz & 40 Nightz in 1998 solidified his standing in the industry. His profile elevated significantly through association with Dr. Dre, who served as executive producer for his third album, Restless, released in 2000. This project achieved platinum status and reached number twelve on the Billboard 200. Throughout this era, Xzibit collaborated with notable artists including Eminem, Snoop Dogg, and Nate Dogg, while participating in the Up in Smoke Tour.
Transition to Television and Film
During the 2000s, Xzibit reached a broad audience as the host of the reality television program Pimp My Ride. His acting portfolio grew concurrently, encompassing roles in films such as Hoodwinked, Gridiron Gang, The X-Files: I Want to Believe, and Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans. He also appeared as Shyne Johnson in the television drama series Empire and played a role in the 2017 film Sun Dogs.
Later Musical Projects
Following the release of Man vs. Machine in 2002, which reached number three on the Billboard 200, Xzibit released Weapons of Mass Destruction and Full Circle. After a period of public hiatus, he issued his seventh studio album, Napalm, in 2012. Since 2013, he has remained active in the music industry as a founding member of the hip-hop supergroup Serial Killers.
Fast facts
- Born: 18 September 1974, Detroit
- Stage name origin: Exhibit A
- Label affiliations: Loud Records, Columbia Records, Open Bar Entertainment
- Television debut: Cedric the Entertainer Presents
- Primary residence: Los Angeles
- Educational institution: Cibola High School
Questions readers ask
Which record label released Xzibit's debut album?
His debut studio album, At the Speed of Life, was released through Loud Records.
Is Xzibit currently involved in any musical groups?
Yes, he has performed as a member of the hip-hop supergroup Serial Killers since 2013.
