Xzibit recently opened up about how he nearly joined Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Entertainment but ultimately stayed loyal to Loud Records. In a candid conversation, the rapper revealed that despite interest from both Dre and music mogul Jimmy Iovine, his then-label head, Steve Rifkind, refused to let him go.
“Jimmy and Dre wanted to sign me, but Steve Rifkind, who ran Loud, shut it down,” Xzibit shared. “He told them, ‘Xzibit is like my son. We started together, and we’re going to finish together.’”
Though the deal never materialized, Dre’s influence on Xzibit’s career was undeniable. Even without an official Aftermath contract, the West Coast MC had the rare opportunity to benefit from Dre’s executive production on multiple projects and witness the producer’s legendary work ethic firsthand.
Lessons from Dr. Dre: The “13th Note” and West Coast Legacy
One of the most memorable experiences Xzibit had under Dre’s guidance came during the making of 2001, the seminal 1999 album that redefined West Coast hip-hop. During those sessions, Dre introduced Xzibit to an unconventional concept called “mastering the 13th note.”
“Dre put the beat on and told us to stay in the pocket of the ‘13th note’—which is silence,” Xzibit recalled. “If you get it right, it changes the whole feel of the track.”
Beyond technical precision, Dre also made sure every verse paid homage to the roots of West Coast hip-hop. Xzibit recalled being instructed to begin his verse with a classic lyric from a past hit. “He made us start with a classic West Coast lyric. I used Pistol Grip Pump by Volume 10: ‘I was raised in a hood called what-the-death!’”
Xzibit & Dr. Dre’s Unofficial Aftermath Partnership
Xzibit is part of a legendary lineup of artists who benefited from Dr. Dre’s production expertise. While Dre officially signed and transformed rappers like Eminem, 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, and The Game into global superstars, his unofficial collaborations with Xzibit proved equally valuable.
Their work extended beyond the studio to legendary live performances, including the Up in Smoke Tour, which showcased the golden era of West Coast hip-hop. Even without an Aftermath contract, Xzibit’s time working with Dre helped define his career and solidified his status in hip-hop history.
For Xzibit, the experience was more than just about music—it was a masterclass in precision, artistry, and paying homage to hip-hop’s roots. While the contract never came, the lessons and collaborations left an indelible mark on his journey.
