Pimp show: US rapper Xzibit performs in Geelong on Sunday.
By Erin Pearson
US RAPPER Xzibit will bring international stardom to Geelong this weekend in one of only three Victorian appearances, according to promoters.
Spinning Half Studio’s Steven Nichols said the music, TV and film star’s show would be a “huge coup” for Geelong fans.
“International bands aren’t always easy to get but they’re starting to realise Geelong has great hospitality and can get great crowds,” he said.
“We’ve worked so hard to secure this gig, now it’s up to the people of Geelong to enjoy it.”
Born Alvin Nathaniel Joiner, Xzibit became host of MTV hit show Pimp My Ride after developing his profile as a rapper
His breakthrough in music came courtesy of a brief partnership with hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg.
Soon after working with Snoop, rapper and producer Dr Dre offered Xzibit a spot on his Up In Smoke Tour. He joined a bill including mentor Snoop along with rap legends Ice Cube and Eminem.
“That tour was a turning point in my career,” Xzibit said.
“I was rocking capacity crowds in arenas across the country and everyone was feeling what I brought to the table.”
But the hosting gig on Pimp My Ride made Xzibit almost a household name, sending him into lounge rooms around the world.
Xzibit said he was always willing to try his hand in new fields despite his macho persona as a rapper.
“I was open to the offers because they allowed people to see the other sides of me,” he said.
“My raps will tear your head off but I’m not always the aggressive dude from music videos.”
Xzibit said he was still committed to making “unadulterated and unforgiving” hip-hop despite his television work and film roles alongside Hollywood stars such as Nicholas Cage and Eva Mendes.
“I still love it as much as I did when I first burst through the door.
“I’m going to keep spitting like I’m that unsigned kid desperate to showcase himself.”
Xzibit’s promoters said their man was a familiar name to millions of fans around the world.
“Let him tell it and Xzibit is simply a self-made man from poverty.”
But like Snoop Dogg before him, controversy has followed Xzibit to Australia.
In 2007 media outlets reported he had stormed out on a scheduled appearance on Rove Live.
He alleged production staff made racist comments during a disagreement over a duet with Michael Buble.
But Xzibit later returned to feature at Corio’s 2008 Grasshopper festival.
Xzibit will perform at North Geelong’s The Arena on Sunday.
