Xzibit returns to TV in FOX drama

By TV Insider
JR Staff Writer

Initially, Xzibit was the bad boy of the rap game. He was hand-picked by Dr. Dre to take over gangsta rap. X to the Z, as he calls himself, was featured in videos by Snoop Dogg and other legends from the West. When Dr. Dre began working on the second album from Eminem, Xzibit was pushed to the side.

Following his 2000 hit, "X," Xzibit was unable to provide the game with another hit single. Soon, he was forgotten and named another one hit wonder. While most fans had forgotten Xzibit, apparently MTV had not. Xzibit was cast as the host for their experimental series, "Pimp my Ride."

Over the next five years, Xzibit proved not to be the bad guy he portrayed himself to be. Instead, he was actually a geniunely funny guy. Quickly, Xzibit became the face of MTV, as they did minor promotional work on his albums. Despite his attempts to stay in the rap game, Xzibit's claim to fame soon became "Pimp my Ride."

In 2009, the ride officially ended and Xzibit has had roles on other shows. He has made appearances on the ratings monster "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." Now, Xzibit has landed a more secure gig with FOX on their upcoming fall drama, Weekends at Bellvue. Xzibit will be playing the role of 'Chuck.'

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Gangsta Rap pioneer, Nate Dogg, dead at 41

By The Hip Hop Writer
JR Contributing Writer

Gangsta rap lost a true pioneer this morning when Nate Dogg died at the age of 41. Nate Dogg began his career with the upstart Death Row Records. One of the quiet members of the crew, Nate Dogg was in the middle of the biggest beef of all-time.


Despite being a part of some of hip hop's toughest crews, Nate Dogg earned crossover appeal. By the 2000s, Nate was primarily known as Snoop Dogg's sidekick. He has provided hooks for many of the top rappers in the game. In 2007, Nate had a stroke that almost claimed his life.

Earlier today, Nate Dogg's life was officially claimed and the hip hop community is taking the time to mourn him. Rappers who have worked with him have released statements. Read the original article at Hip Hop Vibe.

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Snoop Dogg's "Serious Pimp" brand sues for Copyright Infringement

By Mr. Hollywood
JR Staff Writer

Much like other successful rappers, Snoop Dogg has built a strong brand outside of rap. He has ventured into doing films and clothing, among other things. In 2009, Snoop Dogg turned heads when he landed an executive role with the resurrected Priority Records.

Snoop Dogg has had several clothing lines in his career, but they have all been shut down. His most recent clothing venture has been his most successful. Snoop Dogg launched another brand, Serious Pimp, and they have done well. The brand is known for their sunglasses, OG Bandana.

The sunglasses have sold well and Snoop Dogg has profited off of it. Recently, the sunglasses have become the subject of a lawsuit. Greg Stefanik and his partners have been accused of selling sunglasses that look eerily similar to Serious Pimp's "OG Bandana" glasses. The company has documents that prove Stefanik has been selling these glasses in stores across the nation.

Out of all of Snoop Dogg's business ventures, Serious Pimp is his oldest and most successful. The brand was launched in 1999 and he wants to keep it around for another twelve years and longer. In the lawsuit, the company states Stefanik partnered with Lowrider Magazine, using their name to sell products across the nation. Snoop Dogg, who is currently working on his new album, has yet to release a statement about the situation.

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Nelly and Snoop Dogg to appear on The CW's "90210"

By TV Insider
JR Staff Writer

Nelly and Snoop Dogg are no strangers to acting as their film and television roles are just as popular as their music. Recently, the two rappers were cast in an episode of The CW's "90210." The show has featured quite a few rappers in its short run.

Snoop Dogg has played in many films, including a few serious roles. However, the rapper's most-famous film role was likely Soul Plane. Snoop's scene will not be a major one on "90210." He will be shown at a local car wash in the episode, but Nelly's role will be a little bigger.

In 2005, Nelly made a famous appearance on The Longest Yard. Nelly has also made small appearances on such shows as "CSI: New York." His appearance on "90210" is a chance for Nelly to market his new music. In the episode, Nelly will be playing himself as he is filming a new video. There has not been any news about when the episode of the show will broadcast. It is likely to air sometime towards the end of the current season.

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