Xzibit Opens His "Arms"

In the year since his last album, 2004's Weapons of Mass Destruction, Xzibit has become a full-fledged TV star as the host (and consulting producer) of MTV's Pimp My Ride. The rapper, who appeared opposite buddy Eminem in 8 Mile, has also continued to made his mark on the big screen with roles in XXX: State of the Union. Derailed, featuring Jennifer Aniston, Clive Owen and RZA, and Gridiron Gang, with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, are also upcoming.

But the gravelly voiced rapper is now ready to return to what he does best. "I've been with a camera in front of my face for the last year, so now it's about time to do what I love, and that's get in the studio and make some hot music," says the rapper.

He has two new records on the way: his as-yet-untitled sixth solo set and Arms and Hammers, the debut from Strong Arm Steady, his crew featuring fellow West Coast rappers Mitchy Slick, Krondon and Phil the Agony. "We're gonna finish the Strong Arm Steady one first," says Xzibit, "and then go in fresh and do the Xzibit record."

Xzibit, whose previous records have featured Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Eminem, expects to hook up with familiar faces again in the studio. "I work with the best," he says. "No need to go anywhere else."

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Song Stories

“Help Me”

Joni Mitchell | 1974

Joni Mitchell wrote and recorded this song for her album Court and Spark, but she had to switch from her regular band to make the song sound exactly the way she wanted. "I had attempted to play my music with rock & roll players," she told Rolling Stone. "They’d laugh, 'Awww, isn't that cute? She's trying to teach us how to play.'" Mitchell switched to a jazz band, Tom Scott’s L.A. Express, and scored the biggest hit of her career in the process.

More Song Stories entries »

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