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Lady Di
06-14-2007, 05:07 AM
Found her (http://www.thelondonpaper.com/cs/Satellite/london/music/article/1157147754812?packedargs=suffix%3DArticleControlle r)

INTERVIEW
Xzibit

by Rob Grainge. Thursday, June 14 2007

Better known as Xzibit, Alvin Nathaniel Joiner is a critically acclaimed rapper and presenter of MTV’s Pimp My Ride. As he prepares to tour the UK this week, we get the lowdown on being incarcerated, working with Dr.Dre and his beef with Usher.

What first got you into hip hop?
My ability to appreciate words and poetry. My mother was a writer and it was a natural transition over to hip hop.

When did you first meet Dr.Dre?
I met Dre through mutual friends after I had been in LA for a while, running around a couple of studios. He asked me to come down and take a crack at one of Snoop Dogg’s singles. To be able to work with him is an extraordinary experience.

Does he dictate the way you deliver your lines?
Nah, he just says “do it again” from his production booth. When you get it he gives you the thumps up and you just keep going.

Have you made up with Usher – on your album Full Circle you say “I got love for the homie but my friends think he’s corny”?
I don’t have a problem with him, I’m just telling the story, no exaggeration. It is what it is. I have no hard feelings towards the man.

You’ve been sent to juvenile hall. What for?
Well, which time? On one occasion it was something to do with handguns. There was a lot of self destructive behaviour going on. Altogether those experiences led me to the fact that I don’t want to live my life like that. I wasted months, weeks and damn near years on some dumb s***.

Do you think Pimp My Ride fuels materialism?
I think it’s about more than what they get on the material side. I think it’s the fact their confidence is boosted and they feel good that this is something that’s brand new.

What’s the worst thing you’ve found in a car?
Everything from bloody tissue and rats, to used condoms. All types of bull. People are pretty filthy.

How did you get involved in the Gumball Rally?
By invitation. Adidas sponsored my car. They said, “here’s a Lamborghini have a good time. Just bring it back in one piece”.

How did you lose your licence in Belgium?
I got a speeding ticket, so to make sure I paid the fine they had to take my licence. They were just following the law, it was all love. The dude was getting my autograph at the same time, it was ridiculous.

Is it really all Cristal, girls and blunts backstage?
No man, c’mon, who drinks Cristal? The vibe is mostly “let’s go do a good show”, it’s more excitement and anxiousness than anything. I constantly go over the music to make the show tighter. I also throw in some punchlines.Are you looking forward to the gig on Thursday?

The show is going to be incredible. The day after I’m in Glasgow Barrowlands. I hear it’s pretty rowdy there. I want to see if London can compete. So don’t let me down.

Xzibit plays the Astoria, 157 Charing Cross Road, WC2, Thursday, £20, www.ticketmaster.co.uk 0870 060 3777