Xzibit is an American rapper, actor, television host and entrepreneur who built an unusually diverse career across hip-hop, film and television.
Born Alvin Nathaniel Joiner, he first earned respect in the West Coast hip-hop scene during the 1990s with songs such as “Paparazzi” and “What U See Is What U Get.” His career reached another level after collaborations with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Eminem.
His 2000 album Restless became his biggest commercial studio album, while Man vs. Machine gave him his highest position on the Billboard 200.
Outside hip-hop, millions of television viewers know Xzibit as the charismatic host of MTV’s Pimp My Ride, which he presented from 2004 to 2007.
He later expanded his acting career through movies including 8 Mile, Gridiron Gang and The X-Files: I Want to Believe, as well as a recurring role on the television drama Empire.
After a 13-year gap between solo studio albums, Xzibit returned with Kingmaker in 2025, demonstrating that his music career was far from over.
Xzibit Quick Info
| Quick Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Alvin Nathaniel Joiner |
| Stage Name | Xzibit |
| Date of Birth | September 18, 1974 |
| Age | 51 as of September 2, 2026 |
| Birthplace | Detroit, Michigan, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Rapper, actor, TV host, entrepreneur |
| Years Active | 1992–present |
| Known For | Rap music, Pimp My Ride, acting |
| Famous Album | Restless |
| Latest Album | Kingmaker (2025) |
| Former Wife | Krista Joiner |
| Children | Tremaine, Xavier and Gatlyn |
| Height | About 5’10” according to reported casting measurements |
| Net Worth | Exact amount unverified |
| Current Base | Greater Los Angeles, California |
| Main Category | Rappers |
Who Is Xzibit?
Xzibit is a West Coast rapper who successfully crossed from underground hip-hop into mainstream music, television and acting.
His recording career began gaining attention during the 1990s through his association with the Likwit Crew and artists including Tha Alkaholiks and King Tee.
His solo breakthrough came with “Paparazzi.”
By the end of the decade, Xzibit was collaborating with some of hip-hop’s biggest artists, particularly:
- Dr. Dre
- Snoop Dogg
- Eminem
- Nate Dogg
His deep voice and aggressive but controlled delivery became instantly recognizable.
A few years later, Pimp My Ride introduced him to an entirely different global audience.
What Is Xzibit’s Real Name?
Xzibit’s real name is Alvin Nathaniel Joiner.
His stage name is a stylized version of the word “exhibit.”
He has also been called:
- X
- X to the Z
- Mr. X to the Z
However, Xzibit remains his primary professional identity.
Early Life and Background
Alvin Nathaniel Joiner was born on September 18, 1974, in Detroit, Michigan.
His childhood included several major changes and hardships.
According to the supplied research, Xzibit’s mother died when he was approximately nine years old.
He has described her as having an interest in writing and poetry, something that influenced his own relationship with words.
Following her death, his father remarried.
The family eventually relocated to Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Difficult Teenage Years
Xzibit has spoken publicly about experiencing a turbulent adolescence.
He had problems at home and became involved with the juvenile justice system.
During this period, writing and hip-hop increasingly became creative outlets for him.
Rather than romanticizing these experiences, they are better understood as part of a difficult period that influenced the themes and perspective of his later music.
At approximately 17, he left New Mexico and headed to California.
Los Angeles would eventually become the center of his professional career.
Xzibit’s Education
Xzibit did not follow a conventional college path.
The dossier reports that his teenage legal difficulties interrupted his traditional high-school education and that he later obtained an equivalent credential.
There is no reliable evidence that he attended a university or earned a college degree.
His musical education instead developed through:
- Writing lyrics
- Performing
- Recording
- Underground hip-hop
- Collaborating with established West Coast artists
Early Music Career
After moving to Los Angeles, Xzibit began establishing himself in the local hip-hop scene.
An important development came through his connection with King Tee and the Likwit Crew.
The collective helped him gain exposure to artists and producers in the West Coast underground scene.
In 1995, Xzibit appeared on Tha Alkaholiks’ album Coast II Coast.
His profile continued growing until he secured a recording deal with Loud Records.
At the Speed of Life
Xzibit released his debut studio album, At the Speed of Life, on October 1, 1996.
The album introduced his gritty voice and thoughtful writing to a larger audience.
Its most famous song was:
“Paparazzi.”
The track criticized artists who pursue fame rather than authenticity.
It became one of Xzibit’s signature recordings and helped establish his reputation as a serious rapper.
Another important track, “The Foundation,” was dedicated to his son Tremaine.
40 Dayz & 40 Nightz
Xzibit’s second album, 40 Dayz & 40 Nightz, arrived in 1998.
One of its best-known tracks was:
“What U See Is What U Get.”
The song expanded Xzibit’s audience and further strengthened his reputation within West Coast hip-hop.
More importantly, his growing visibility helped bring him into the orbit of Dr. Dre.
Xzibit and Dr. Dre
Dr. Dre played a major role in Xzibit’s transition from respected underground rapper to mainstream hip-hop star.
Xzibit appeared on Dre’s landmark 1999 album 2001.
His notable appearances included:
- What’s the Difference
- Some L.A. Niggaz
He was also part of the broader circle of artists working with Dre, Snoop Dogg and Eminem during this period.
However, an important distinction is that Xzibit was not an Aftermath Entertainment artist.
He collaborated extensively with Dr. Dre without being formally signed to Dre’s label.
Xzibit and Snoop Dogg
Xzibit also developed a significant working relationship with Snoop Dogg.
He appeared on “Bitch Please” alongside Snoop and Nate Dogg.
He later joined Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Eminem and Nate Dogg on “Bitch Please II” from Eminem’s The Marshall Mathers LP.
These collaborations helped connect Xzibit to one of the most commercially powerful periods in West Coast hip-hop history.
Up in Smoke Tour
In 2000, Xzibit participated in the legendary Up in Smoke Tour.
The lineup included major artists such as:
- Dr. Dre
- Snoop Dogg
- Eminem
- Ice Cube
The tour significantly increased Xzibit’s mainstream visibility.
His career was now moving beyond underground recognition toward major commercial success.
Restless
Xzibit released Restless on December 12, 2000.
Dr. Dre served as an executive producer.
The album reached No. 12 on the Billboard 200 and topped the R&B/Hip-Hop albums chart according to the supplied research.
It was certified Platinum in the United States.
Major songs included:
- X
- Front 2 Back
- Get Your Walk On
The album also included appearances from prominent artists including Snoop Dogg, Eminem and Nate Dogg.
Restless remains one of the defining projects of Xzibit’s career.
Man vs. Machine
Xzibit followed Restless with Man vs. Machine in 2002.
The album reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200, giving him the highest-charting studio album of his career.
It was also certified Gold in the United States.
One of its most recognizable songs was:
“Multiply,” featuring Nate Dogg.
Weapons of Mass Destruction
In 2004, Xzibit released Weapons of Mass Destruction.
The album mixed mainstream West Coast rap with political and social themes influenced by the post-9/11 period and the Iraq War.
Songs included:
- Hey Now (Mean Muggin)
- Muthafucka
The album was another significant release during the peak period of his mainstream visibility.
Xzibit Albums
Xzibit’s studio discography includes:
| Album | Year |
|---|---|
| At the Speed of Life | 1996 |
| 40 Dayz & 40 Nightz | 1998 |
| Restless | 2000 |
| Man vs. Machine | 2002 |
| Weapons of Mass Destruction | 2004 |
| Full Circle | 2006 |
| Napalm | 2012 |
| Kingmaker | 2025 |
The release of Kingmaker was particularly notable because it ended a 13-year gap between Xzibit’s solo studio albums.
Xzibit’s Biggest Songs
Some of Xzibit’s best-known songs include:
- Paparazzi
- What U See Is What U Get
- X
- Front 2 Back
- Get Your Walk On
- Multiply
- Hey Now (Mean Muggin)
- Concentrate
His notable collaborations also include recordings with Dr. Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg and other major artists.
Pimp My Ride
For audiences outside hip-hop, Xzibit may be best known as the host of MTV’s Pimp My Ride.
The show premiered in 2004.
Its concept was simple but highly entertaining.
Owners brought in old or badly maintained vehicles, and the production transformed them with elaborate cosmetic and entertainment upgrades.
Xzibit served as the show’s charismatic host.
His energetic introductions and reactions became an important part of its identity.
Did Xzibit Fix the Cars on Pimp My Ride?
No.
Xzibit was the television host, not the mechanic responsible for rebuilding the vehicles.
Professional automotive shops handled the modifications.
During earlier seasons, the cars were primarily customized through West Coast Customs.
Later seasons involved Galpin Auto Sports.
Xzibit’s role centered on:
- Hosting
- Meeting vehicle owners
- Presenting transformations
- Entertainment
- On-camera personality
He did not personally design or install most modifications.
Did Xzibit Own West Coast Customs?
No.
One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding Pimp My Ride is that Xzibit owned West Coast Customs.
He did not.
The business was founded by Ryan Friedlinghaus.
Xzibit was employed as the show’s host and did not own the automotive shop simply because he appeared there on television.
How Much Did Xzibit Make From Pimp My Ride?
For years, online estimates suggested that Xzibit earned enormous amounts from the show.
However, the dossier cites a much more interesting claim from Xzibit himself.
In a 2025 interview, he said his original compensation was only about $5,000 per episode.
Because this comes from Xzibit’s own retrospective account, it carries more weight than generic celebrity-salary estimates.
He also discussed frustrations with merchandising provisions in his contract.
The figure should still be understood specifically in the context in which Xzibit described his MTV deal rather than assumed to represent every payment or benefit he ever received from the series.
Why Did Pimp My Ride End?
Pimp My Ride ended its original MTV run in 2007.
The dossier points to several factors surrounding the end of the show, including:
- Changing MTV programming priorities
- Production costs
- A shift toward different reality formats
- Creative limitations
- Xzibit’s desire to pursue other opportunities
It is therefore misleading to reduce the show’s ending to a single dramatic event.
Pimp My Ride Controversies
Years after the series ended, some former participants discussed problems with their customized vehicles.
Reports alleged that certain flashy additions:
- Did not work properly
- Were removed after filming
- Were impractical for everyday driving
- Focused more on appearance than core mechanical repairs
Those reports changed how some viewers understood the reality behind the show’s transformations.
Xzibit himself, however, was the host rather than the owner of the shops or the mechanic responsible for individual modifications.
Acting Career
Xzibit successfully expanded into acting during his mainstream music years.
His film credits include:
| Year | Project | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | The Wash | Wayne |
| 2002 | 8 Mile | Mike |
| 2005 | XXX: State of the Union | Zeke |
| 2005 | Derailed | Dexter |
| 2006 | Gridiron Gang | Malcolm Moore |
| 2008 | The X-Files: I Want to Believe | Mosley Drummy |
| 2008 | American Violet | Darrell Hughes |
| 2009 | The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans | Big Fade |
| 2017 | Sun Dogs | Master Sergeant Jenkins |
His film work demonstrated that he could move beyond music-related cameos into more conventional acting roles.
Xzibit in 8 Mile
Xzibit appeared in the 2002 Eminem film 8 Mile.
He played Mike, a rapper involved in a memorable battle scene.
The appearance connected naturally with Xzibit’s existing relationship with Eminem and the hip-hop world portrayed in the film.
Xzibit in Gridiron Gang
In Gridiron Gang, Xzibit played Malcolm Moore.
The film starred Dwayne Johnson and focused on a football program for juvenile offenders.
Given Xzibit’s own publicly discussed experiences with juvenile detention, the subject carried an interesting connection to his personal history.
Xzibit on Empire
Xzibit later gained another major acting role on FOX’s Empire.
He played Leslie “Shine” Johnson.
The character was a music producer with connections to Lucious Lyon’s past.
Xzibit first appeared late in Season 2 and became an increasingly important part of the show’s storyline during subsequent seasons.
His performance helped introduce him to television audiences who may not have followed his earlier music career.
Major Achievements
Xzibit’s major career achievements include:
- Building a respected West Coast rap career
- Collaborating with Dr. Dre
- Working with Snoop Dogg and Eminem
- Touring on the Up in Smoke Tour
- Earning a Platinum album with Restless
- Reaching No. 3 on the Billboard 200 with Man vs. Machine
- Hosting six seasons of Pimp My Ride
- Building a successful acting career
- Appearing on Empire
- Establishing business ventures
- Returning with Kingmaker after a 13-year album gap
Xzibit’s Personal Life
Xzibit has experienced major changes in his personal life alongside his career.
His most public long-term relationship was with Krista Joiner.
The couple reportedly began their relationship years before eventually marrying.
Xzibit’s Wife
Xzibit married Krista Joiner on November 29, 2014, according to the supplied dossier.
Their relationship eventually broke down.
Krista filed for divorce in 2021, citing irreconcilable differences.
The divorce became lengthy and involved disagreements concerning finances, support and assets.
According to the supplied research, Xzibit was legally declared single in 2025, while some financial/property matters continued to be resolved around that period.
Therefore, Krista should now be described as his former wife, rather than his current wife.
Xzibit’s Children
Xzibit is a father.
His publicly documented children include Tremaine Joiner, Xavier Kingston Joiner and Gatlyn Joiner.
Tremaine Joiner
Tremaine was born in the 1990s.
Xzibit’s early song “The Foundation” was dedicated to him.
Xavier Kingston Joiner
Xzibit and Krista experienced a devastating loss in 2008.
Their son Xavier Kingston Joiner was born prematurely and died shortly after birth.
Xzibit has spoken publicly about the loss and how deeply it affected his outlook on life.
Gatlyn Joiner
Xzibit and Krista later welcomed another son, Gatlyn, reportedly born in 2010.
Xzibit has spoken about fatherhood as an important source of responsibility and personal growth.
Xzibit’s Age
Xzibit was born on September 18, 1974.
As of September 2, 2026, he is 51 years old.
He will turn 52 on September 18, 2026.
Xzibit’s Height
Xzibit’s exact height varies across online sources.
The supplied research points to casting-related measurements of approximately 5 feet 9¾ inches, or about 177 cm.
That is commonly rounded to roughly 5 feet 10 inches.
Because celebrity height databases often disagree, the figure is best treated as approximate unless supported by a current official talent profile.
Xzibit’s Financial Problems
Xzibit’s career has included periods of significant financial difficulty.
The dossier reports federal tax issues and bankruptcy petitions around 2009–2010, after his peak Pimp My Ride period.
Reports from that period linked him to substantial tax liabilities.
Bankruptcy filings were also reported, although the dossier indicates the petitions were dismissed rather than resulting in a straightforward completed bankruptcy discharge.
This distinction matters.
It would therefore be inaccurate simply to say “Xzibit went bankrupt” without explaining that the legal history was more complicated.
Xzibit’s Businesses
Xzibit has pursued several business ventures outside entertainment.
These have included:
- Open Bar Entertainment
- Cannabis-related ventures
- Brand partnerships
- Music production
- Independent releases
His business activities have become increasingly important as his career expanded beyond major-label music.
Open Bar Entertainment
Xzibit established Open Bar Entertainment as part of his effort to control his music and business activities.
The imprint has been connected to several of his releases and later independent projects.
It represents his move from being solely a recording artist toward greater ownership of his creative work.
Napalm Cannabis
Xzibit also entered the cannabis industry through a brand associated with the Napalm name.
The name connects to his 2012 album Napalm.
The venture attracted controversy because the word “napalm” is also associated with the devastating incendiary weapon used in warfare, particularly during the Vietnam War.
Asian-American community groups and others criticized the branding.
Xzibit publicly responded to the controversy and explained that the name was connected to his existing music branding rather than hostility toward Asian communities.
Xzibit’s Net Worth
Xzibit’s exact net worth is not publicly verified.
Online celebrity-finance sites commonly place his wealth somewhere around $1 million to $3 million, but such figures should not be treated as audited financial information.
His finances are unusually difficult to estimate because his career has included:
- Music royalties
- Touring
- Television income
- Acting
- Businesses
- Cannabis ventures
- Tax liabilities
- Legal expenses
- Divorce costs
The supplied research also reports that Xzibit said his divorce litigation cost him approximately $1.6 million.
Without complete information about his assets, debts, business ownership percentages and royalties, assigning a precise net worth would be speculative.
Kingmaker and Xzibit’s Music Comeback
One of the biggest recent developments in Xzibit’s career came in 2025.
He released Kingmaker on May 16, 2025.
It was his first full-length solo studio album since Napalm in 2012.
That meant fans had waited approximately 13 years for another Xzibit solo album.
The project included collaborations with established hip-hop artists and showed that Xzibit had not retired from music.
Is Xzibit Still Making Music?
Yes.
Xzibit is not retired from music.
The release of Kingmaker in 2025 provides direct evidence that he remains an active recording artist.
His recent work also connects him again with artists from his earlier career while introducing newer collaborations.
Is Pimp My Ride Coming Back?
There has been renewed interest in the Pimp My Ride concept over the years, including international versions and related formats.
However, the supplied research does not identify an official 2026 MTV/Paramount revival hosted by Xzibit.
Xzibit has also publicly discussed dissatisfaction with aspects of his original MTV agreement.
Therefore, reports claiming he has officially returned to host a new MTV version should be treated cautiously unless supported by a network announcement.
Interesting Facts About Xzibit
- Xzibit’s real name is Alvin Nathaniel Joiner.
- He was born in Detroit.
- He spent part of his childhood in Albuquerque.
- He moved to California as a teenager.
- He became associated with the Likwit Crew.
- “Paparazzi” was one of his earliest breakthrough songs.
- Dr. Dre helped elevate his mainstream profile.
- He appeared on Dr. Dre’s 2001 album.
- He collaborated with Eminem and Snoop Dogg.
- He performed on the Up in Smoke Tour.
- Restless became his most commercially successful studio album.
- Man vs. Machine reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200.
- He hosted MTV’s Pimp My Ride.
- He did not own West Coast Customs.
- He has said he earned about $5,000 per episode under his early Pimp My Ride deal.
- He appeared in 8 Mile.
- He played Shine on Empire.
- He has worked as a video-game voice actor.
- He founded Open Bar Entertainment.
- He entered the cannabis industry.
- His family experienced the loss of his infant son Xavier.
- He returned to solo albums with Kingmaker in 2025.
Where Is Xzibit Now?
As of 2026, Xzibit remains active in entertainment and business.
His career is no longer centered around Pimp My Ride, but he continues working in:
- Music
- Live performance
- Business
- Independent entertainment projects
His 2025 album Kingmaker marked an important return to full-length solo music after more than a decade.
He remains professionally associated with the Los Angeles area and continues to be recognized as part of the generation of West Coast rappers that bridged late-1990s hip-hop and the mainstream rap explosion of the early 2000s.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Xzibit’s real name?
Xzibit’s real name is Alvin Nathaniel Joiner.
How old is Xzibit?
Xzibit is 51 years old as of September 2, 2026. He turns 52 on September 18, 2026.
When was Xzibit born?
He was born on September 18, 1974.
Where was Xzibit born?
Xzibit was born in Detroit, Michigan.
Where did Xzibit grow up?
He spent parts of his childhood in Detroit and Albuquerque before moving to California as a teenager.
What is Xzibit famous for?
He is famous for his rap career, collaborations with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, acting, and hosting MTV’s Pimp My Ride.
What was Xzibit’s biggest album?
Restless is generally regarded as his biggest-selling studio album.
What is Xzibit’s highest-charting album?
Man vs. Machine reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200.
Was Xzibit signed to Dr. Dre?
Xzibit worked closely with Dr. Dre but was not formally signed to Aftermath Entertainment.
Did Xzibit own West Coast Customs?
No. He hosted Pimp My Ride but did not own West Coast Customs.
Did Xzibit actually fix cars on Pimp My Ride?
No. Professional automotive shops performed the modifications while Xzibit served as host.
How much did Xzibit make on Pimp My Ride?
Xzibit said in a 2025 interview that he was paid approximately $5,000 per episode under his original deal.
Why did Pimp My Ride end?
The original series ended in 2007 amid changing MTV programming priorities and other production and career considerations.
Who was Xzibit’s wife?
Xzibit was married to Krista Joiner.
Is Xzibit still married?
No. Krista filed for divorce in 2021, and the supplied research indicates Xzibit was legally declared single in 2025.
How many children does Xzibit have?
Three sons are publicly documented in the supplied research: Tremaine, Xavier and Gatlyn. Xavier died shortly after his premature birth in 2008.
How tall is Xzibit?
He is reported to be approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall.
What is Xzibit’s net worth?
His exact net worth is unknown. Online estimates commonly range around $1–$3 million, but these figures are not verified financial statements.
Did Xzibit file for bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy petitions were reported around 2009–2010, but the supplied research indicates they were dismissed. It is therefore more accurate to describe the filings specifically rather than simply saying he completed bankruptcy.
Does Xzibit own a cannabis business?
He has been publicly involved with cannabis ventures, including the Napalm brand.
Is Xzibit still making music?
Yes. He released Kingmaker in May 2025.
What is Xzibit doing now?
As of 2026, Xzibit remains active as a rapper, performer and entrepreneur.
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Final Thoughts
Xzibit’s career goes far beyond Pimp My Ride.
Before becoming one of MTV’s most recognizable personalities, Alvin Joiner had already spent years building credibility in West Coast hip-hop.
His early records led to collaborations with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Eminem, while albums such as Restless and Man vs. Machine established him as a commercially successful solo rapper.
Television then transformed his public image.
Pimp My Ride made Xzibit recognizable to millions of people who had never purchased one of his albums, while later acting roles demonstrated another side of his career.
His personal story has also included significant hardship—from losing his mother as a child and experiencing juvenile detention to the death of his infant son, financial difficulties and a lengthy divorce.
Yet Xzibit continued evolving professionally.
The release of Kingmaker in 2025, 13 years after his previous studio album, confirmed that his recording career was not simply a chapter from the early 2000s.
More than three decades after entering hip-hop, Xzibit remains active across music, entertainment and entrepreneurship.