Xzibit

Alvin Nathaniel Joiner, better known as Xzibit, is an American rapper, actor, and television host. He broke through in the late 1990s with his third album Restless (2000), which sold over 1.5 million copies and was certified Platinum. His follow-up Man vs. Machine (2002) reached number three on the Billboard 200 and went Gold. Beyond music, he became a household name as the host of MTV's Pimp My Ride (2004-2007), a cultural touchstone that brought car customization to mainstream audiences.

Xzibit has acted in films such as Gridiron Gang (2006), The X-Files: I Want to Believe (2008), and Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans (2009), and played a recurring role on the TV series Empire (2015-2016). Since 2013, he has been a member of the hip-hop supergroup Serial Killers alongside B-Real and Demrick. He continues to tour, release music, and host his podcast The Xzibit Show (launched 2021).[edit]

Xzibit was born in Detroit, Michigan, to a mother of African-American descent and a father of African-American and Choctaw heritage. His father died when he was a child, and his mother struggled with substance abuse, making the home unstable. At age nine, he moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to live with his father's sister. He attended Valley High School but was expelled in the 10th grade for fighting; he later earned his GED.

Growing up, Xzibit was exposed to hip-hop through his older brother and began writing rhymes as a teenager. He also developed skills in graffiti and breakdancing. In the early 1990s, he moved to Los Angeles and started performing at local clubs and open mics. A key break came when he met the group Tha Alkaholiks, who introduced him to the West Coast hip-hop scene. He made his recorded debut on the 1995 compilation Likwit Crew, alongside Tha Alkaholiks and King Tee. That appearance led to a record deal with Loud Records.[edit]

Xzibit's debut album At the Speed of Life (1996) peaked at number 74 on the Billboard 200 and included the single "Paparazzi," which reached number 83 on the Hot 100. His second album 40 Dayz & 40 Nightz (1998) performed similarly and featured "What U See Is What U Get." The album caught the attention of Dr. Dre, who invited Xzibit to appear on Dre's 1999 album 2001 (the track "What's the Difference").

Dr. Dre executive produced Xzibit's third album Restless (2000), which peaked at number 12 on the Billboard 200 and was certified Platinum. The singles "X" and "Get Your Walk On" became hits. The follow-up Man vs. Machine (2002) hit number three and earned Gold certification. After Weapons of Mass Destruction (2004) and Full Circle (2006), Xzibit took a hiatus. He returned with Napalm (2012) on his own label Open Bar Entertainment. In 2013, he co-founded the supergroup Serial Killers, which has released several projects and continues to tour.[edit]

Xzibit's public persona is defined by his deep, gravelly voice and aggressive lyrical delivery, rooted in West Coast gangsta rap. During the Pimp My Ride era, he adopted a more polished image associated with custom car culture, appearing in fitted caps, dark clothing, and chains. Media coverage has highlighted his versatility as a rapper, actor, and host. Fans appreciate his authenticity and his ability to bridge underground credibility with mainstream success. His fandom spans hip-hop enthusiasts and reality TV audiences.[edit]

Xzibit stands as a defining voice of West Coast hip-hop, bridging the gap between underground credibility and mainstream superstardom through his gravelly delivery and iconic television presence. As of August 2026, iFANN has evaluated this artist's global standing, but the data indicates he currently holds no placement in the published Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope list. This absence of a numeric rank reflects a career built on deep cultural resonance rather than transient viral spikes that dominate current algorithmic charts. His influence remains steady across decades of music, acting, and hosting, anchored by the enduring legacy of Pimp My Ride and his collaborations with legends like Tupac Shakur.

The audience surrounding Xzibit operates without a formal, documented name. Fans appreciate his authenticity and ability to navigate different entertainment sectors, yet there is no specific collective identity for his supergroup Serial Killers or a branded hashtag movement driving organized campaigns. While the trio of B-Real, Demrick, and Xzibit brings together three distinct powerhouses, their fanbase interacts organically around releases like *Serial Killers Vol. 1* and *This Thing of Ours* without a unified ritual or self-appointed title. The group's mythology centers on their collaborative history and the respect they command as veterans who have spent decades shaping the culture, rather than on chaotic crowd reactions or singular viral incidents. Their recent activities suggest a continued mentorship role, influencing younger artists through their work and public presence without relying on spectacle.[edit]

Alvin Nathaniel Joiner adopted the stage name Xzibit as a clever play on the word 'exhibit,' intending to showcase his lyrical prowess to the world. He shared a significant bond with Tupac Shakur, who offered crucial encouragement during the rapper's early days. An avid car enthusiast, Xzibit maintains a personal collection featuring a classic 1964 Impala and a 1970 Chevelle, reflecting his deep connection to automotive culture. His versatility extends into gaming and animation, where he appeared as a radio DJ in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and lent his voice to characters in The Boondocks.

A notable chapter in his life involves a 2004 airport incident where he was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon, though charges were subsequently dropped. Within the context of the supergroup Serial Killers, formed in 2013 alongside B-Real and Demrick, the group released their debut mixtape on Halloween, accompanied by a music video for the lead single 'WANTED' that lived up to their violent namesake. Recent discussions highlight how these artists continue to influence the rap scene, with B-Real noting their enduring impact on younger generations. The group's legacy also ties back to broader milestones, such as B-Real inducting Cypress Hill onto the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2019, cementing the collective status of these West Coast icons.[edit]

Xzibit's mother died of breast cancer in 2005, a loss that deeply affected him and inspired his charity work. He has three sons: Tremayne (born 1993) from a previous relationship, and Xavier (born 2007) and another son from his first marriage to Keshia Joiner. He is also stepfather to his second wife Krista's children from her previous relationships. The family resides primarily in Los Angeles.[edit]

Xzibit is associated with Dr. Dre, who executive produced his breakthrough albums and featured him on 2001. He is a member of the hip-hop supergroup Serial Killers alongside B-Real and Demrick. He was also part of the Likwit Crew collective with Tha Alkaholiks and King Tee.[edit]

Xzibit had a son, Tremayne, born in 1993 from an early relationship whose details have not been made public. He married Keshia Joiner in 2000; the couple had two sons, Xavier (born 2007) and another son, before divorcing in 2004. The divorce was contentious, with custody disputes and allegations of domestic violence that Xzibit denied. In 2014, he married Krista Joiner; the couple has no biological children together but Krista brought children from a previous relationship, whom Xzibit has helped raise. As of 2026, they remain married.[edit]

iFANN currently estimates Xzibit's net worth at $10 million in 2026. His financial peak arrived in the mid-2000s during the height of the Pimp My Ride phenomenon, where he commanded between $50,000 and $100,000 per episode across six seasons. Music sales provided a substantial foundation, with Restless moving over 1.5 million copies and Man vs. Machine reaching sales of over 500,000 units. Touring efforts, particularly those involving the Serial Killers project, generate an annual income ranging from $200,000 to $500,000. Acting credits in films like Gridiron Gang and recurring roles on Empire contributed several million dollars to his portfolio. Beyond performance, he established Open Bar Entertainment and launched a podcast in 2021. His real estate investments include a former home in Los Angeles and a current residence located in Atlanta.[edit]