Xzibit

About the Author

Xzibit, born Alvin Joiner, is a multifaceted artist renowned for his commanding presence in hip-hop and his insightful contributions to music history. Rising to fame in the late 1990s with his gritty, street-smart rhymes and charismatic delivery, he has since evolved into a respected cultural commentator. In his debut book, The History of Gangster Rap: From Schoolly D to Kendrick Lamar, the Rise of a Great American Art Form, Xzibit traces the explosive evolution of the genre that shaped urban America, blending personal anecdotes from his own career with meticulous research on pioneers like Schoolly D and modern icons like Kendrick Lamar. Through this work, he celebrates gangster rap not just as music, but as a vital expression of resilience, rebellion, and artistry that has profoundly influenced global culture.