The Story of X

FANFAIR

L.A. RAPPER XZIBIT GETSRESTLESS

Ask Xzibit about music magazines' calling him “the next great hip-hop savior” and he laughs. “I see this and I’m like, ’What happened? What the hell is going on?”’ While he enjoys the attention, the 26-year-old rapper notes that Restless, which was just released, is his third album. In fact, Xzibit (bom Alvin Nathaniel Joiner) has been on wax since 1994. first as sidekick to the L.A. rap group Tha Alkaholiks. then on his solo projects. At the Speed of Life (1996) and 40 Dayz & 40 Night: (1998). But when his record label. Loud, entered into a lengthy distribution deal, his career was put on hold—a setback which served only as motivation for the former Melrose Avenue store clerk. After an appearance on Snoop Dogg's radio hit “B Please.” he earned a spot on Dr. Dre’s national 41-city “Up in Smoke” tour, where many felt he upstaged Dre’s protege Eminem. He was also a fierce presence on Dre’s best-selling Chnmic 2001 album. “Then Dre went from agreeing to produce just two songs for my next album to serv ing as executive producer for the whole album.” Xzibit explains. Restless is filled with engaging funk tracks and finds Xzibit working with everyone from Erick Sermon (of EPMD) to DJ Quik. Battlecat. Eminem, and Tha Alkaholiks. While Xzibit’s style is undeniably hard-core. Restless moves past gang-related themes and could herald a new era for West Coast rap. “It’s not just one or two good songs and a lot of filler.” says Xzibit. “It’s good from start to finish ... a new category of L.A. rap.”

RONIN RO