Xzibit

West coast rapper and actor Xzibit hit a high point with "X", but has also had a successful career as actor and TV presenter.

The young Xzibit was brought up in San Francisco, where he was part of the Likwit Crew, a rap collective, which included tha Alkaholiks. He had a hit with "Paparazzi:" from his debut album, but it was the critically acclaimed second album, 40 Dayz & 40 Nightz which got things started for him. Rapper/producer Dr. Dre brought him in for the recording of a track on Dre's 2001 album, where he and Eminem got together on "What's the Difference?". Dre took on production duties for Xzibit's next album,Restless, which drafted in rap heavyweights, including Snoop Dogg. The single "X", gave him his highest chart placing to date, and helped take the album to platinum (plus) sales.

Despite another all-star cast for his follow-up, it's gold sales were considered to be disappointing, and it was his last album for Sony. By the time Full Circle came out, Xzibit had a number of acting roles to his credit, including the rap film 8 Mile. He had also become the presenter of the car make-over show Pimp My Ride which was becoming a highly successful series.