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In a recent interview, rapper and former television host Xzibit revealed that he was only paid $5,000 per episode for his role on MTV’s popular show Pimp My Ride.
Despite the show’s widespread success and cultural impact, the financial compensation he received was surprisingly low. Xzibit opened up about the disconnect between public perception and reality, explaining that what appears successful from the outside does not always reflect the truth behind the scenes.
He shared that the initial deal he signed was not favorable and likely mishandled by his agents at the time. They had no way of knowing how big the show would become, and the contract failed to secure better terms. Xzibit had also hoped that being on MTV would help promote his music by including his videos, but that opportunity never came to fruition.
As the show progressed, Xzibit began to feel restricted by the obligations it placed on him. He expressed dissatisfaction with being unable to tour or pursue other opportunities due to his commitment to the show. His frustration only grew as he realized the financial arrangement was not improving in line with the show’s growing popularity.
He went on to claim that the situation worsened when Viacom, MTV’s parent company, began reducing his earnings. Although his contract included a clause promising him 15 percent of all merchandise featuring his name or likeness, that promise was undercut. Xzibit noted that while the first season’s DVD box prominently featured his face, later seasons did not, with the packaging instead focusing solely on the cars. This change appeared to be a deliberate way to avoid paying him his share of merchandise profits.
Xzibit also alleged that when the show went into syndication, his music was removed from the episodes. This move, he believes, was made specifically to avoid paying him additional royalties. His story sheds light on the often unseen struggles artists face behind the scenes, even when their work is widely celebrated.
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Xzibit is seeking to settle his divorce from his estranged wife Krista Joiner, adding that he’s been separated from her for the past four years. The veteran rapper wants to obtain single status as he and Mrs. Joiner work out their divorce settlement, but it’s being reported that he’s having a tough time locating her to sign off.
TMZ Hip Hop reports that Xzibit, real name Alvin Joiner, is seeking to gain single status while aiming his efforts to settle the divorce with Krista Joiner, the mother of one of his children. The outlet writes that X filed documents in Los Angeles courts last week and stated that a divorce settlement hearing is set for May, but wants to change his marital status ahead of the meeting with Joiner.
Joiner reportedly requested $30,000 per month in spousal and child support to maintain the $10,000 per month payment of a home she and her son lived in. TMZ added in an earlier report that Joiner also shared she was no longer able to afford designer clothing due to her split with Xzibit.
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Xzibit is taking his talents to the podcast game. He and Tammy the Cannabis Cutie will launch their new series Lasagna Ganja.
As spotted on Deadline the West Coast legend will be lending his signature voice to a new venture that is set to entertain and enlighten listeners on the green leaf. According to a formal press release Lasagna Ganja will delve “into all the layers of the multifaceted cannabis world, from the complicated history and misconceptions of cannabis and the plant’s influence and impact on culture, music, entertainment and more, to the latest trends, scientific breakthroughs, and political issues.”
The “What’s The Difference” rapper detailed his enthusiasm in a statement. “Cannabis has been a major part of my life, in my professional pursuits and my personal consumption. This series is a powerful platform to educate listeners and unpack the many misconceptions about cannabis, and also a way to share my personal journey into the cannabis industry” he said.
This is not the first time Mr. X To The Z has dabbled in the cannabis industry. Back in 2020 he launched his flower brand NAPALM. The Lasagna Ganja podcast is set to premiere on October 5. You can listen to the audio trailer here.
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