N.O.R.E. & DJ EFN are the Drink Champs. In this episode we chop it up with the legend himself, Xzibit!
When you think of Xzibit, a few things probably come to mind: rugged beats, bars that hit harder than a heavyweight, and that unforgettable voice that could break through the loudest crowd. Whether you know him from Pimp My Ride or his legendary albums like Restless, one thing’s for sure: Xzibit is a name that stands tall in the rap game. On the latest Drink Champs episode, X to the Z sat down with N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN to chop it up about his career, the game, and the grind that made him a hip-hop icon.
Let’s get into the story of how Xzibit went from the underground to a global legend, all while keeping it 100% authentic.
Starting in the Trenches
Xzibit’s rise wasn’t no overnight success story—it was a slow burn, fueled by sheer determination and raw talent. Coming up in the West Coast scene, he had to navigate a landscape dominated by East Coast giants and find his way in an industry that wasn’t exactly welcoming to new voices. But Xzibit wasn’t about to fold.
“Back then, it was about earning respect,” Xzibit said during the podcast. “You had to have bars, you had to have a presence, and you had to prove yourself on every track, every cypher, and every show.”
The man made his debut with At the Speed of Life in 1996—a gritty, unapologetic album that showcased his storytelling chops and lyrical dexterity. Tracks like “Paparazzi” didn’t just introduce Xzibit to the world; they put the rap game on notice. This wasn’t just another West Coast rapper. This was someone with something to say.
The West Coast Renaissance
In the late ’90s, the West Coast scene was in a strange place. Tupac was gone, and Dr. Dre was crafting his next move. The region needed a new voice to carry the torch, and Xzibit stepped up. By the time 40 Dayz & 40 Nightz dropped in ’98, X had solidified himself as one of the West’s most respected MCs.
But it was his connection with Dr. Dre that took him to the next level. Joining the Up in Smoke tour in 2000 alongside Dre, Eminem, and Snoop Dogg wasn’t just a career highlight—it was a movement.
“That tour was insane,” Xzibit recalled. “It was more than music; it was a statement. We were showing the world what the West Coast was about—raw, unapologetic, and untouchable.”
The tour set the stage for Restless, Xzibit’s magnum opus, which featured bangers like “X” and “Get Your Walk On.” With Dre’s production and Xzibit’s unrelenting flow, the album became a classic.
Staying True While Evolving
One thing about Xzibit? He’s always kept it real. Even as the industry shifted and trends came and went, X never chased the wave. He stayed in his lane, delivering music that resonated with the streets and hip-hop purists alike.
“Authenticity is everything,” Xzibit told the Drink Champs crew. “If you’re not true to yourself, the audience can smell it a mile away. You gotta give them you, 100%, no filter.”
But that doesn’t mean Xzibit hasn’t evolved. Over the years, he’s expanded his portfolio—dabbling in acting, hosting, and even the cannabis business. His venture into legalized marijuana isn’t just a hustle; it’s an extension of his brand, proving that X is as much about business as he is about bars.
Respecting the OGs
During the episode, Xzibit paid homage to the legends who paved the way, from Tupac to Biggie and even lesser-known names like Big L. It’s clear that Xzibit understands the importance of respecting hip-hop’s roots.
“Tupac wasn’t just a rapper; he was a revolutionary,” Xzibit said. “And Biggie? Man, that dude made it look effortless. We owe a lot to those guys. They set the blueprint.”
He also spoke on the role of pioneers like Eazy-E and how they shaped the West Coast sound. Xzibit’s own career is a testament to that legacy, blending hard-hitting beats with sharp lyricism to create music that’s both timeless and unmistakably West Coast.
The Cannabis Hustle
Let’s talk about Xzibit’s hustle outside of the booth. His cannabis brand has become a major part of his career, but it’s more than just a side gig—it’s a passion project.
“Cannabis and hip-hop go hand in hand,” Xzibit said. “It’s part of the culture, and for me, it’s also about creating something that’s authentic and high-quality, just like my music.”
From the way he talks about it, you can tell X approaches his business ventures with the same intensity he brings to his music. It’s all about legacy, building something that lasts and represents who he is.
Balancing Media and Music
Of course, we can’t forget about Pimp My Ride. For a while, the MTV show made Xzibit a household name far beyond the world of hip-hop. But as he explained on Drink Champs, it was a double-edged sword.
“TV was a blessing, but it also put me in a box,” Xzibit admitted. “People started seeing me as the ‘car guy’ instead of the rapper, and I had to work hard to remind them where I came from.”
Xzibit’s journey in television didn’t derail his music career—it added another layer to his story. It showed the world that he’s not just a rapper; he’s a multi-dimensional artist and entrepreneur.
The Kingmaker Mentality
Throughout the conversation, one theme kept coming up: Xzibit’s role as a kingmaker. Whether it’s through collaborations, tours, or just the way he carries himself, Xzibit has always been about lifting others up and pushing the culture forward.
“I’ve always believed in building bridges, not walls,” Xzibit said. “This game isn’t just about me; it’s about all of us. If I can help someone else shine, I’m doing my job.”
Advice for the Next Generation
When asked what advice he’d give to upcoming artists, Xzibit didn’t hesitate: “Stay true to yourself. Don’t let the industry change you. And most importantly, put in the work. Talent is nothing without grind.”
It’s advice that feels especially relevant in today’s fast-paced, clout-driven music scene. Xzibit’s career is proof that longevity comes from staying authentic, putting in the hours, and never losing sight of what matters.
Make some noise!!!
From the underground to global superstardom, Xzibit’s journey is a blueprint for anyone trying to make it in hip-hop—or life, for that matter. His story is one of resilience, authenticity, and a relentless drive to succeed.
As Xzibit said during the Drink Champs episode, “This isn’t just about music. It’s about legacy. It’s about leaving something behind that people will remember.”
And let’s be real: Xzibit has already done that. From classic albums to unforgettable TV moments and beyond, he’s cemented his place in the culture.
Raise a glass to the Kingmaker, X to the Z.