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Xzibit: West Coast
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Before becoming one of the West Coast's most illustrious MCs at the end of the 1990s, and later a TV celebrity, Xzibit was a promising underground rapper. Born Alvin Nathaniel Joiner on September 18, 1974, in Detroit, MI, Xzibit began his rap career was part of the Likwit Crew, a loose-knit collective of California rappers including King T, Defari, and Tha Alkaholiks. Early on, he was featured on "Free Style Ghetto," a song on King T's IV Life (1994), and subsequently appeared on "Hit and Run," a song on Tha Alkaholiks' Coast II Coast (1995). Signed to Loud Records, Xzibit released his solo debut album, At the Speed of Life, in 1996. The album boasts a Billboard Hot 100 single, "Paparazzi," and features production work by Thayod Ausar, Craig Sherrad, E-Swift, DJ Muggs, Saafir, and Diamond D.
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West Coast heavyweight Xzibit expanded his following with a series of increasingly superstar-laced albums beginning in the late '90s, ultimately aligning himself with Cali kingpin Dr. Dre at the decade's end. Years before, Xzibit began as a member of the Likwit Crew, a loose collective of West Coast rappers including tha Alkaholiks and King T. After touring with them in 1995, Loud Records released the feisty young rapper's debut album, At the Speed of Life (1996). The album became an underground hit, and when Xzibit released his follow-up, 40 Dayz & 40 Nightz (1998), he was again heralded one of the West Coast's most promising talents.
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Throughout the mid to late ‘90s, Xzibit remained one of the most admired underground rappers on the West Coast before finally crossing over to mainstream success in 2000 after being taken under the wings of Dr. Dre. Xzibit’s first two albums—At the Speed of Life, 40 Dayz and 40 Nightz—weren’t overwhelmingly popular albums, but they did win tons of acclaim from critics and critical hip-hop fans, who both were quick to champion the West Coast rapper’s delivery—few rappers can balance hardcore aggression with such fluidity and dexterity. When Restless finally appeared in late 2000, it met its high expectations, both commercially and critically, solidifying the once underground rapper’s position among the West Coast’s most elite rappers.
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Xzibit was consumed with idealism, and he possessed an innate talent that was enhanced by his persistence. As a result, he eventually connected with The Alkaholik Family, a prominent Los Angeles collaborative and members of the so-called Likwit Crew who were colleagues of emcee King Tee. Xzibit collaborated with King Tee and the Likwit Crew, contributing to the track "Freestyle Ghetto," on King Tee's King Tee IV Lifealbum. Likewise, Xzibit was heard with Tha Alkaholiks on their Coast II Coastrelease from Loud/RCA Records in 1995 and joined the group members on tour.
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Impressed with Xzibit's work ethic, Dr. Dre invited X to once again make a guest appearance on the West Coast classic "What's The Difference?" from Dre's multi-platinum album, Chronic 2001. Xzibit then went on the highly successful Up in Smoke Tour where he shared a stage with Dr Dre, Ice Cube, Snoop, Eminem and other West Coast hip hop heavyweights.
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West Coast rapper Xzibit is enjoying his first platinum album for Restless, his third album. His two previous offerings, At The Speed Of Life and 40 Dayz And 40 Nightz,... more >
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