My apologies for not sending this out earlier. If you can catch Xzibit live on stage, be sure to do it, you won't regret it (trust me, i've seen him live 6 times, the shows GO OFF!)
Be sure to check out Xzibit's Twitter and Youtube channel. You'll see some funny footage (especially in the cafe in Amsterdam!).
Go out there and get your tickets! Justin - XzibitCentral.com founder
Canberra, Australia - Reported by Justin on 03 April
New Xzibit Blog Post: 500,000th member of "mrxtothaz" twitter will win!!!!
A first class ticket plus 1, to an XZIBIT show of your choice with a limo ride to the show, accompanied with a 10k shopping spree!!! don't sleep........ pass the word!! No Bullshit. Alvin "XZIBIT" Joiner PS. a great point was made, a winner will be selected from the followers that already are here and get the same package at the time of the selection of the winner.
Canberra, Australia - Reported by Justin on 07 March
New Xzibit Blog Post: MR X to tha Z says: I HAVE NO BEEF WITH DIDDY!!!!!
Wow, so I wake up this morning and my phone is going nuts. I turn on the computer and find all this shit about me "throwing puffy under the gay bus" whatever that means. All this SPIN that you journalist are putting on the statements I made on a radio show to DIRECTLY effect a guy in a manor not intended is wrong. I got a call yesterday (which caught me off guard) from Diddy himself stating the club was an after hours spot called "space" I believe. The rumor mill that has ground this bullshit out to be the shit storm that it is, is doing so on its own accord. Like I said at the top, I have no beef with Diddy. BUT WAIT... a bigger problem I see is the negative stance these hip hop sites and blog sites are taking when speaking of gay people in general. All I can say to that is :PEOPLE GROW UP! I do NOT like to spread hate and make it a point not to do so, so this is not the way I intended this interview to unfold. You heard it directly from me ladies and gents, Im looking forward to the issues at hand that really mean something to both my fans and Diddys as well: ART & MUSIC.
Canberra, Australia - Reported by Justin on 26 February
New Xzibit Blog Post: THE FIRST 100 DAYS........
WE HAVE A NEW PRESIDENT!!!!!! Ladies and gentlemen, I must say I never thought I would see what I witnessed yesterday. I was always told "It would be a cold day in hell before we see a Black President." Well Im proud to announce that it was 28 degrees in hell yesterday. There is a huge amount of accomplishment that went into yesterday, reaching back to MLK and the entire civil rights movement. I sat on the couch all day switching channels to see all the coverage, of course FOX news talked shit the whole way. President Obama showed concern for Ted Kennedy at such delicate time and truly showed what class is supposed to be like. (thats right I said "class" fuck the term "swag" I hate that shit.) The american people seemed to be pleased all in all but at the same time I pray that they are REALISTIC as well. President Obama has a HUGE task in front of him, (havin him out doing the running man till 4am aint gonna help either) he is actually at work as we speak. It's gonna take time to clean up the mess we have been going thru for the last 8 years and THEN get to the agenda of his cabinet. You know "us" tho. We want immediate gratification and quick results, but we have to be better than that now. We have to be accountable and set some examples for the kids who are growing up during these exciting times. Be involved when and where you can, I think so many people did not feel patriotic because of the long standing disconnect between government and "real people" or the "streets". now its not like that. If any thing people will start being more attentive to the political process, which will in turn fuel people wanting to show up. I am all for it. My hope is with the new president but my faith is with the man up stairs. Just wanted to share my thoughts on yesterdays events. Let me now how you felt about yesterday in the comments, would love to see what your take on it was......Oh please leave all "nigger" and "I hate nigger" rhetoric else where, I want objective discussion. XZIBIT
Canberra, Australia - Reported by Justin on 26 January
Xzibit receives praise from X-Files 2 writer: Frank Spotnitz
In a recent interview with Frank Spotnitz, one of the writers of X-Files 2: I want to believe, he praises Xzibit's acting skills.
An extract of the interview from Movieweb:
Movieweb- There are a few new additions here with Amanda Peet, Billy Connolly and Xzibit. Did you guys write any of these roles with any of them in mind, or how did you come across them for these roles?
Frank Spotnitz- We didn't write with Amanda or Xzibit in mind. Xzibit was a big discovery for us. He just came in and destroyed in the room and he became our first choice after he read.
Xzibit will star in a number of big budget movies in the near future, including "Bad Lieutenant", "Fencewalker" and "Pinkville".
Stay tuned to XzibitCentral.com for more information about these movies in the near future!
Canberra, Australia - Reported by Justin on 03 December
New Xzibit track 'Gotta Get Em' / Download Xzibit's mixtape!
A new unreleased Xzibit track has surfaced entitled 'Gotta Get Em'. The track contains hard hitting lyrics about the unfortunate passing of Xzibit's second son Xavier:
'...Xavier Kingston, Xavier Kingston, May 15th I held him all through the weekend, on the 4th day the doctors helped with his breathing, on the 7th day vital signs became uneven, the 12th day my son died in my arms...'
To download the track go to http://www.xzibitcentral.com, scroll down to "Featured Xzibit Audio". While you're there check out T.I's new track Live Your Life featuring Rihanna.
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In other news, Xzibit's latest retail album (Full Circle) and his previous mixtape release (Appetite for Destruction Mixtape) are available for purchase and download on his website at http://www.xzibit.com/merchandise - Full Cirle costs $10 to download and Appetite for Destruction is only $5.
Stay tuned to http://www.xzibit.com/merchandise in the next few weeks as we will have some exclusive unreleased tracks dating back to 'The Golden State Project' days - yes thats right, we've got some exclusives for you!
Canberra, Australia - Reported by Justin on 25 November
New Xzibit Blog: BACK 2 THE FUTURE & AUSTRALIAN "MEXICAN" FOOD.....
So today its Saturday the 4th of Oct. about 2:41pm in the afternoon, but at home its still friday. weird right! When I leave here I will go back in time and land in LA on a monday even though I leave on tuesday. Fuckin confusing if you dont know shit about international time diffrences. I am alright out here, I had a 15 hour travel day yesterday, and when I got off the plane one of the homies "WILDCHILD" from "LOOTPACK" was at the airport about to go do his own gigs out here. crazy. I was beat when I got here so I chilled and tried to relax. I got up early to go for a run and ran into a "mexican" food place and HAD to come back when it opened. Now this is a big deal because I LOVE mexican food, IM biased to "NEW MEXICAN/ SOUTHWEST" style food becuase I used to live there, but southern cali has its share of great places to eat as well. To be in australia where there are NO mexicans, I had to see what it was all about. Well folks I would like to tell you they got the right direction with the menu BUT it took a weird turn and they had like, BBQ chicken / RIBS and Cajun potato wedges, the nachos had chilli on em. (like the shit you eat in the winter time) the taquitos were cool, cant fuck that up too bad anyhow. Never the less, I ate and had to come tell you guys. Basicly im fuckin bored. I go on stage tonight at 8:30pm and play for an hour. so tommorow I will tell you how the performance and the after party goes. If you live out here in australia come to the show in Sydney tommorow night, @ the Forum. And bring some BACKWOODS!(sweet aromatic cigars) were out. LOL
OH NO!!! OJ IS OVER!!!!! GUILTY VERDICT PASSED!
Yes folks just saw it on cnn. the juice has offically been squeezed. Well, hope he knows which gang he's gonna join when he gets on the inside. Very sad conclusion to a troubled man. Learn from this one folks.
Canberra, Australia - Reported by Justin on 06 October
New Xzibit Blog: I GOTTA GET READY TO ROLL......
All the way back to Australia on the 1st, for a couple of shows. So today I have rehershals with all the fellas. In Australia there is a festival called "GRAZZHOPPER FESTIVAL". Its a music festival with rock, hip hop, & dance music. That show is in the Geelong region of Aussi land! (you have to google it for exact location). Then the next day I will be in Sydney Australia to rock a indoor show. I love to travel and perform in diffrent countries, it opens up so many avenues and thoughts when I get to come back and create new music. My set is a hour long so rehershals go from 6pm till 10pm tonight. I take live shows very seriously, I want to bring the album experience to the stage and leave the crowd with a connection, there are TONS of artist who shine on wax but SUCK live....that aint kosher. Hip hop is not how good you can market yourself or how many guest apperances you get, Its how you bring THE MUSIC TO LIFE and how hard you get the crowd rockin'. Call me old school, but thats what it's all about. KRS ONE said "RAP IS SOMETHING YOU DO, HIP HOP IS SOMETHING YOU LIVE". Soak that one in and apply it if this is what you want to do with your life. Its not easy, but it sure is FUN.
STAY FOCUSED!!!!!
XZIBIT
RIP: PAUL NEWMAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FOR MORE INFO ABOUT TOURS AND SHOWS GO TO MY WEB SITES! XZIBIT.COM OR XZIBITCENTRAL.COM
Canberra, Australia - Reported by Justin on 29 September
Interview with Xzibit regarding his upcoming Australian tour
Time To Get Busy, Y’all: Getting up and ready to leave his mark …
He has pimped our rides on MTV, XXX’d us on the big screens and now the megastar that is Xzibit is getting ready to bring his famous brand of Hip Hop to Geelong as one of the international headlining acts for the Grazzhopper Festival.
Xzibit is easily one of the biggest names of this century, and although he is equally as famous for his TV and film exploits, it’s his popular rap music including tracks like ‘Multiply’ and ‘X’ that catapulted him into total stardom. His impressive catalogue, along with his renowned live shows that have taken him all over the world, are now set to draw masses of hip hop fans and music lovers in general to Beckley Park on October 4.
In preparation for the festival I had the unique chance to talk to Xzibit about his impressions of Australia, what audiences can expect at the festival and what the future holds for this remarkable performer.
With various promotional and concert tours Xzibit has been to Australia a number of times before but for those people who are curious as to how Xzibit got involved with Grazzhopper according to the man himself it was as simple as: “They called me, they booked it.”
In regards to previous trips to Australia Xzibit was somewhat reluctant to discuss incidents like: “Almost drowning and then having my run in on the Rove show…” he was, however, happy to alter the subject to kangaroo pizza. “We can talk about the kangaroo pizza though. I had some kangaroo pizza one of the first times I went out there, right before I went on the boat. It was weird it tasted kind of rubbery like deer meat. Its one of those things you just have to try like alligator, I was just in New Orleans so I had alligator – that was like chicken,” he said.
Similar to the kangaroo pizza this visit to Australia will provide Xzibit with another first. “It will be my first time in Geelong. Except I was calling it Gheelong. The rest of my touring staff will be like Gheelong,” he said extremely amused.
For fans Xzibit’s performance at Grazzhopper will be the ultimate experience but as Xzibit explains it’s not just a show for rap fans. “Its hip hop but we’ve been able to tour with Lincoln Park and on the Anger Management tours, we’ve been able to fit along live bands for a long time so at ‘The Gheelong’ it’s not going to be a stretch for us. I think what makes us similar is the energy that we put out on stage I mean it’s a total different genre of music but what we do up there is similar to the way rock feels. I know that’s been my forte for live performances for the longest. So it should be a slam-dunk for us.”
Xzibit also has some reasonable expectations of the audience. “I like when the crowd is energetic. I like it when they are ready to see a show. I like when the crowd is receptive. You know sometimes you’ve got to win a crowd over and sometimes you can bowl them over! I don’t go out there asking for no hand out but I like a crowd that likes to get busy. You know what I’m saying? I like to get up and I like to really get some energy going.”
Despite all the fame and fortune and his approachable public persona Xzibit is wary of being caught up in the hype that surrounds him. “I don’t really consider what I do as a job as really defining who I am as a person. My character of who I am as a man has been developed well before Xzibit ever existed. So I think what my struggle for the longest time was actually thinking that people accepted me because of my job. But that’s not it. I can be very comfortable being me but what I do as a musician is just that. It’s a fine line you’ve got to walk. You know some people believe their own images and that ain’t it. I’m a well traveled, seasoned veteran in this, so me knowing who I am was half the battle.”
Xzibit is also cautious of becoming complacent and taking advantage of his position. “I don’t trip off stuff like that, I like to be challenged. I still feel like I haven’t recorded my best record, that I still haven’t made my mark. I’ve done a lot but I still feel like what I know or what I’ve been through – you guys don’t get it yet. You know what I’m saying, like I really need to explain myself with just a little bit more detail. We’ve had a lot fun and we are going to continue to do that but I need to lay it out a little bit differently for y’all. But that’s just me. I think that’s the next level of pushing yourself not just accepting what everybody else accepts - that’s what separates the average from the great.”
Although he is internationally known for his talents as a performer when asked which of his careers satisfies him the most his answer was simple. “I’m a father first. There’s got to be family. Without family you have no foundation. After that I’m a musician because that’s the best way I can communicate with people. I know that well, I can do that in my sleep. And then after that it’s basically film and TV and entrepreneurial opportunities. I’m a Virgo so my organization of my life is off the charts, when it needs to be (laughs). For me that’s another expression of who I am and what I need to do. If the right opportunity presents itself than you never know what I’m capable of until I try it,” he said.
“Eventually there is nothing sexy about a fifty year old rapper- I just ain’t seen it yet!! So eventually that hat is going to have to come off. But it doesn’t mean I’m just going to have to be done with that part of my life. One thing comes off and another thing comes on, you know? But who knows, right? My heart’s got to put me in the right direction.”
Before Xzibit potentially becomes that first un-sexy fifty year old rapper be sure to check him out in all his buff, toned and very sexy glory this October at the Grazzhopper festival.
Xzibit (US) plays an exclusive show at the Grazzhopper Festival at Beckley Park, Geelong on Saturday October 4.
Canberra, Australia - Reported by Justin on 19 September
New Xzibit Blog: Today is my birthday.......
And I am 34 big ones!!!! To some....im a young man, to others I may be a old man depends on which side of the fence you are on at the moment. There's no party planned, so dont ask. I did one in vegas last year at the palms in las vegas, it was dope. I might do one next year for 35, to me...thats a milestone.As I get thru the day im getting emails and text messages from "friends" saying happy birthday and it feels good that they actually remembered it. I got a suprise yesterday, my girl and my son gave me a star wars millieneum falcon and a birthday cake. I might not seem excited about my birthday and you are right. Not for any bad reason in particular, I wasnt raised celebrating my birthday. I had my first birthday party at 18 or 19 I cant really remember. My parents were Jehovah's Witnesses, so we never celebrated bithdays or holidays, accepted or exchanged gifts or said the pledge of allegence. Only until I was an adult and on my own, did I start "having" birthdays and birthday partys. You know im always reading between the lines so here is what I observed. The celebration of YOUR birthday, 9 times out of 10 ends up being a reason for YOU to get everbody else drunk...... Im a horrible person to throw a suprise party for as well, Simply because I ask to many questions and I know when people are lying, and I really pay attention to body language. Most of my friends cant hold in a fart..... let alone a secret. SO I wasnt looking to party this year. No, this year I went ocean fishing out of Long Beach for my birthday. I went alone to clear my thoughts. There were 9 old guys on the boat, we went out about 6am and came back the dock about 4pm. There was a guy with no teeth on the boat, his name was "SMILEY"... of course, and he and the rest of the guys on the boat went on and on about how much they despised each other and wanted to throw each other over the side, it was hilarious!!! Then they shared sandwiches and fig newtons they each had brought from home that morning. They were from all diffrent walks of life but on the boat, they were 1 and the same. These guys had no idea who or what I was getting up early with the "die hards" and they could care less, I was one of the guys when I bought the 1st round of Bud lights, but when I caught a 10 lb link cod I became the enemy! LOL It was .. that! I came home and had dinner with my family with the fish I had caught ( and I caught the biggest fish on the boat and WON the jackpot 50bucks....LOL ) and my son was excited because he is doing so well in school, his history teacher asked him to host the 1st 15 mins of class for him. I had a great time yesterday, it was diffrent from all my other birthdays if you had to line em all up and look at them side by side. But to me it was best. I got to see the ocean relax and clear my thoughts. I have alot of work to do right now, I am feeling like its time to get this music up out of me and get it to you guys asap. No time for BS ,that way.... when I get to where I need to be........Then I have a REASON to celebrate.
Yours Truly
Alvin "XZIBIT" Joiner
"Virgo's my not rule the world, but you gotta come to us to organize the troops!!!!!"
Saturday October 4 is festival day, and it is a riot of activity at Grazzhopper HQ in the leadup. Everyone is working round the clock to make Grazzhopper 08 a killer event.
Xzibit is the headline act and he wont disappoint!
THE BIGGEST EVER MUSICAL EVENT TO HAPPEN IN THE GEELONG REGION, GRAZZHOPPER FESTIVAL IS A MUST SEE FOR LOVERS OF ROCK, HIP HOP & DANCE MUSIC.
A LICENSED, ALL-AGES ALL-DAY AFFAIR, HELD OVER THREE STAGES, INCLUDING AN ENORMOUS BIG TOP MARQUEE, THE FESTIVAL IS GOING TO BE MASSIVE. FIRST ROUND TICKETS HAVE SOLD OUT, SECOND ROUND TICKETS HAVE SOLD OUT
- BUT THERE ARE STILL SOME THIRD ROUND TICKETS LEFT IF YOU’RE QUICK.
Some of the other acts performing on the day include: THE RAPTURE 'Throne of Blood' DJ SET USA (only Vic Show) * GRINSPOON * FAKER * SHIHAD * OPERATOR PLEASE * THE GALVATRONS * MAMMAL * DUKES OF WINDSOR * BLUEJUICE * VANDALISM * TRIAL KENNEDY * YOUNG & RESTLESS * MUPH & PLUTONIC
The Forum, Sydney
The Entertainment Quarter (directly opposite the Hordern pavillion)
Moore Park NSW Australia
Sunday 5 Oct 2008 7:00 PM
Tickets: http://www.moshtix.com.au
On Air Entertainment is pleased to announce the return of hip hop superstar Xzibit to Sydney in early October 2008. After headlining the Grasshopper festival in Geelong, Xzibit will perform 1 exclusive show at the Forum in Sydney on October 5th before returning to the states. Xzibit will take the stage in Sydney for an exclusive Australian performance and the intimate setting of the Forum is sure to make this show one not to be missed.
As I am based in Australia, I hope to be able to get in touch with Xzibit while he is out here to see what he has planned for the near future. Keep an eye on XzibitCentral.com for more first hand information!
Canberra, Australia - Reported by Justin on 17 September
New Xzibit Blog: DR DRE AND THE LOSS OF ANDRE YOUNG JR.........
I cant even begin to express my sadness for my dear friend at this time. Dr DRE has been a mentor a friend and a real guild thru some of the best and worst times in my carrier. When I lost my son Xavier in may it was a horrible experience for my family and I, and to have this happen to someone in the circle as well brings back all of those feelings right back. My son was alive for almost 2 weeks and passed, It hurt like hell, Andre Young Jr. was 20 years old, so Doc got to see him mature to a young man. Its not natural for a parent to bury a child at any point in time of your life, trust me. My prayers go out to the Young Family and I would like to ask all of you to do the same. Ladies and gentlemen life is extremly short, dont take a day you are alive for granted, if you have kids, love em, hug them and tell them! You never know when its going to be the last time you get to say it to them. My heart goes out to my big homie DR DRE!
Alvin"XZIBIT"Joiner
ps. If you have a way to go to the aftermath web site go visit and leave any thoughts for DRE and his family. thanks.
Canberra, Australia - Reported by Justin on 29 August
New Xzibit Blog: LET THAT BE A LESSON TO US ALL......
I read what happend in " The D" (DETROIT< for those not in the know) to this guy 'YUNG BERG'. I just was wondering if he had ever BEEN to detroit BEFORE he said what he said. I moved to california when I was 17 by myself, before that I used to live in Albuquerque NM, but before that...I was born in Detroit. I was 9 and figured out that you could be killed very quickly in Detroit. There was lots of "hood justice" on my block. People rarely called the police. So then I got to thinking who is "YUNG BERG"? I am not trying to diss the kid any more than he has done to himself, but I havent heard his music. I have only heard this story about him not liking "dark butts" ( whatever that means) and now this. Then he spit on one of the real ones from the city, (TRICK TRICK) which really was the icing on the ass whooping in my book. It just got me to thinking. In the days of 2008 we see so many artist taking big ass "L's" (losses) artist being beatin in public, artist going to jail, from everything to murder and rape, to artist being broke, robbed, strung out or just flat out falling off. and we all just sit around waiting for the bad news to RUSH to us thru the net or the text or just that gossip girl who knows EVERYTHING about NOTHING>THIS IS CONSIDERED BEING A FAN OF THE MUSIC??? Talent is out the window, it seems like people love train wrecks and lots of em. Maybe im getttin old, but that shit is not entertaining to me. Where do you get your fix of hip hop without the "JERRY SPRINGER" feeling attached to it? It feels like HIP HOP is now the new WWE, think about it......everybodys mad, on steroids, threatining to kick each others asses... ALL THE TIME! lots of money, its on tv, fuck him, fuck her, fuck this, fuck that etc. etc. but whos really going hard at the art form? Now dont get me wrong...SOME PEOPLE JUST DESERVE THAT SWIFT KICK IN THE TEETH, to get your point across, Trust me I KNOW. But LORD JAMAL from BRAND NUBIAN was just out here for the x games and he came to my crib to hang out, we talked about music of course and he agreed that the challenges we face in music today stem from all the bullshit ASSOCIATED with being a artist, fitting the "image". which really sucks. I am guilty of watching TMZ and all that other shit as well, I cant front, my whole family checks it out from time to time. but to me its sad more than anything. Here is the flip side to it, from where I come from people didnt have college to look forward to and a very select few get to go to the NBA or NFL. So what we HAD was music, especially HIP HOP it was one of the only outlets that could be reached with your MIND and your DRIVE. IF we turn allow HIP HOP to be turned into a 3 ring circus, dont be mad when all you have the option to be later on..........is a CLOWN! , BE YOU, STAY FOCUSED.
Canberra, Australia - Reported by Justin on 28 August
Afeni Shakur-Davis: Hip Hop Cultures Most Famous 'MOMMA'
In a Web ‘EXCLUSIVE’, Afeni Shakur-Davis is interviewed by Robert of ThugLifeArmy.com. Topics range from her son Tupac (2Pac) to the hip hop nation to the Black Panther Party.
Afeni Shakur-Davis, the mother of hip hop icon, social activist, actor and poet Tupac Shakur (2Pac), is a very amazing woman. She takes the legacy of her son very seriously.
Afeni Shakur-Davis is probably the best known ‘Mom’ in hip hop culture. Tupac wrote a song for her, ‘Dear Momma’, to show his appreciation for her, and that song has become a symbol or an anthem for mom’s thru out hip hop culture and beyond.
Tupac aside, the life of Afeni Shakur-Davis is a journey that you can admire and respect. Afeni was born Alice Faye Williams in Lumberton, North Carolina. She is a former Black Panther and was one of the Panther 21. She was acquitted of 156 counts against her and other members of the Black Panther Party during the Panther 21 trial.
She has had an amazing walk in life, one filled with many struggles; but now days her family is one of her greatest blessings. Now at 61 years of age she admits she is tired and devotes much of her time to the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation and Center for the Arts, along with speaking to the youth of the nation. She lives on a farm in Lumberton, North Carolina. Her farm has been certified as an ‘organic’ farm, and she is proud of the fact that she can self sustain herself on her farm.
ThugLifeArmy.com was blessed to be the only web site to sit down with Afeni Shakur-Davis in this ‘web exclusive’ interview.
Afeni opened up in this interview and spoke on many topics. Topics range from her son Tupac and the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation and Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts, to hip hop, to her own legacy and everything in-between. This interview brings out a great side of Afeni, one that is seldom seen. She laughs, she cries and the commitment to her son Tupac is evident thru out the interview.
A very loving spirit pours thru her words as she answers the questions put forth to her. She has an overwhelming love and commitment towards children and the youth of the hip hop nation. She talks about the summer camps held in Oakland and Atlanta this past summer.
She talks about the trip to South Africa and the work the TASF is doing there. She is a very giving and caring person but also very humble and this interview shines a light on her persona.
One thing that is dear to Afeni’s heart is the completion of the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts Visitor Center and Peace Garden in Stone Mountain, Georgia. In this interview she explains her ‘commitment’ to Tupac, and getting the Arts Center finished is one thing that she wants to see finished. Hip hop and even the mainstream society should want to see the Center finished for all the work they do and for preserving the legacy of Tupac Amaru Shakur. Afeni Shakur-Davis has gave so much and has asked for nothing in return. It is time we all stand up and help her finish the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts. Not just for Afeni but for us as the hip hop community and for our children and for their children.
For ways to help support and donate to the Center please visit http://www.tasf.org . For more information on this please read http://www.thuglifearmy.com/news/?id=4490
This interview is a rare look into the beautiful spirit that is Afeni Shakur-Davis. I would like to thank Carlos Colman.
I hope you enjoy hearing what Afeni has to say, and I would like to Afeni Shakur-Davis and Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation Executive Assistant to Afeni Shakur-Davis, Carlos Coleman for arranging time for Ms. Shakur to speak with us.
This is Pt.One of the interview with Afeni Shakur-Davis. Part Two will post Monday August 25th 2008.
In part one Afeni gives her thoughts on Tupac’s music. her commitment to her son Tupac, and to the youth. Her thoughts on meeting Miriam Makeba, the trip to South Africa, AIDS malnutrition in South Africa and thoughts on hip hop and how the hip hop nation needs to ‘stand up’. See also talks about Tupac not finishing high school, the Black Panther Party and the Panther 21 trial, the upcoming presidential election and the failure of the hip hop nation to make the candidates address the issues facing young people, and young people and their rights, and she comments on being an ‘Elder’.
Hope you enjoy the interview. Click below to listen, And be sure to look for Part 2 Monday.
Canberra, Australia - Reported by Justin on 22 August
New Xzibit Blog: "REAL TALK"
Today, I had the most eye opening conversaton with my son, and it stuck with me all day. It was on my mind so much that I wanted to share it with you. My first son is 13, goin on 30 if you ask me!! He's a bright kid. But he is also easily influenced by his friends. when I say "easily" I mean stupid shit that we as men ALWAYS DO! Guys dont like to feel like they are not part of their pier group, we strive to fit in... WE ALL WANT TO SAY AND DO THE SAME THINGS! If one starts playing a certian x box game....they all have to play it, if lil johnny buys a cell phone....they all need cell phones. But there is a flip side to that as well. As we mature and grow up to adults, some of us never break that pattern of behavior. Leading to people following other people with no ambition of their own (misery loves company) I tell you the truth when I say " I have had to make UNPOPULAR DECISIONS in order to get to where I am in life." Unpopular in the sense....that my "friends" always thought I should do what "THEY" thought was best. I dont do that (anymore) I make the decision that is going to effect my family and I in the most positve way possible< You see I live "RIGHT" not in the "RIGHT NOW", meaning that nobody wins the game the same way, we ALL have destiny, but each path is unique. So thats where the conversation started.....I need my son to be a LEADER, so I raise him like one. I told him that the "friends" I had in school are no where around me right now (give or take 1 or 2 people) and that the time I wasted trying to impress them and fit in with them, was time I took away from getting the MOST out of school and the resources that were made available to me at that time. I had to remind him that yes, we are blessed but nothing has ever come easily to me, it takes HARD consistant work, dedication, faith, dignity, and KNOWLEDGE OF SELF. Knowing who you are and whats right FOR YOU, is half of what you need to know to live a well balanced life. trying to be "down" with your folks will get you exactly that.......... you will not only be down, you will eventually find yourself "down and out".Dont get me wrong all "friends" aint bad, in fact you need Wack people around you at some time in your life.......that way when good people come around............ you can tell. If you follow people and dont follow your own voice, you cannot complain when things turn to shit and nobody around you can help. Dont get mad @ them.....shit! they goin thru the same shit you got on your plate..they led you to it! I am a young father trying to raise a boy into a man, and the fine print that we sometimes forget to read in raising our kids, tend to be the most important parts. I talk to my son so that the mistakes I made.....He is aware of, not to stop him from trying dumb shit, HE'S GONNA DO THAT ANYWAY! LOL But to give him somthing to compare it to when his friends tell him to do something he knows I wouldnt approve of. You cant be around your kids every waking moment (school, play, other peoples houses, etc) So you have to instill morals and standards that THEY find the value in upholding. And it dont hurt to lead by example either!!!!!! Well im done ranting, some of the kids reading this are proably like "WTF?????" and some of you guys know exactly where im coming from. (mostly other parents) I do not have all the answers, never said I did. But I do know whats "right" for me...and figuring that out was not a easy thing to do. Talk to your young ones, even if they act like they aint tryin to hear you, THEY DO! REAL TALK>
Canberra, Australia - Reported by Justin on 10 August
New Xzibit Blog: R.I.P BERNI MAC!!!!!!!!
Wow, One of the GREAT ONES left us yesterday ladies and gentelmen. Berni Mac was a genius and a huge comideian and and actor! I have the upmost repect for how we came up and how he conducted himself in life. The classic rags to riches story if you really go do your research. I didnt know the man personally, but yet and still......I feel the loss. Just payin my respects folks.
STAY FOCUSED!
Alvin "Xzibit" Joiner
SONG FOR THE DAY: "The Living Years" MIKE & THE MECHANICS
Canberra, Australia - Reported by Justin on 10 August
Xzibit to perform in Geelong, Australia at the Grazzhopper music festival
HIP hop superstar Xzibit will perform at Geelong's Grazzhopper festival in his only Victorian gig for three years.
Known as Mr X, he is the host of MTV show Pimp My Ride, features in the new movie The X-Files: I Want To Believe and has performed with Eminem and Snoop Dogg.
"This is huge, we've been working on a big hip hop act for about six weeks now," festival organiser Barry Brauer said.
"We didn't know who we would be able to draw out here.
"Xzibit is a celebrity in his own right."
Another international act was also likely to be signed by the end of the week, Mr Brauer said.
Budget priced early-bird tickets had been snapped up by eager music fans, he said.
What are your thoughts on this story. Tell us here Xzibit's website boasts his collaboration with some of the biggest music stars of the decade, including Snoop Dog, Dr Dre, Linkin Park and Eminem.
Born Alvin Joiner in Detroit, Xzibit moved to Los Angeles via New Mexico in his teens, the website stated.
The US hip hop star then took his skills to the silverscreen, appearing in 8 Mile with Eminem, the newly-released X-File's movie and 2005's action hit XXX: State of the Union with Ice Cube and Samuel L. Jackson.
"Showcasing a special talent for the theatrical world, MTV approached X in 2003 with an opportunity that would soon open a new chapter in his career," the website stated.
"The worldwide success of his popular MTV show, Pimp My Ride has elevated Xzibit's celebrity by showcasing his charm and personality through the hosting stint."
Pimp My Ride is a global reality show that turns the scrapheap-bound cars of teens into their dream vehicles.
In the weeks after the festival was announced more than 3000 festival hopefuls logged onto the Grazzhopper website and joined the mailing list.
Industry experts predicted the Grazzhopper Festival would become Geelong's signature music event and become the forerunner of more outdoor concerts at Beckley Park.
The October 4 festival boasts an impressive line up of some of Australia's hottest acts, including Faker, Grinspoon, Shihad, Horsell Common and Muph and Plutonic and hometown rockers The Galvatrons.
This video was shot at Xzibit's show at The Forum, Sydney, on October 5th 2008. The video includes live performances of Paparazzi, Get Your Walk On and What's the Difference.
On stage MC's: Xzibit, Defari, Jelly Roll. On the decks: Dj Invisible, Sir Jinx.
Xzibit - Thank You music video released!
New Xzibit Film Clip
Xzibit - Thank You music video clip, filmed in London, with real life fans throughout the clip. Are you in the film clip?
