Xzibit, born Alvin Joiner in Detroit and raised in Los Angeles rose to prominence in the late ’90s as a West Coast rapper known for his gritty delivery, sharp lyricism, and commanding stage presence. Breaking through with his 1996 debut At the Speed of Life, Xzibit gained early acclaim with the underground hit “Paparazzi,” which set the tone for his raw, reflective style.

His follow-up albums, including 40 Dayz & 40 Nightz (1998) and Restless (2000)—executive produced by Dr. Dre cemented his mainstream presence with hits like “X” and “Front 2 Back.”