Latest news with #PimpMyRide
Black America Web
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Pimp My Paycheck: Xzibit Was Only Getting $5,000 An Episode
Source: Gilbert Flores / Getty In a recent interview, rapper and former television host Xzibit revealed that he was only paid $5,000 per episode for his role on MTV's popular show Pimp My Ride. Despite the show's widespread success and cultural impact, the financial compensation he received was surprisingly low. Xzibit opened up about the disconnect between public perception and reality, explaining that what appears successful from the outside does not always reflect the truth behind the scenes. He shared that the initial deal he signed was not favorable and likely mishandled by his agents at the time. They had no way of knowing how big the show would become, and the contract failed to secure better terms. Xzibit had also hoped that being on MTV would help promote his music by including his videos, but that opportunity never came to fruition. As the show progressed, Xzibit began to feel restricted by the obligations it placed on him. He expressed dissatisfaction with being unable to tour or pursue other opportunities due to his commitment to the show. His frustration only grew as he realized the financial arrangement was not improving in line with the show's growing popularity. He went on to claim that the situation worsened when Viacom, MTV's parent company, began reducing his earnings. Although his contract included a clause promising him 15 percent of all merchandise featuring his name or likeness, that promise was undercut. Xzibit noted that while the first season's DVD box prominently featured his face, later seasons did not, with the packaging instead focusing solely on the cars. This change appeared to be a deliberate way to avoid paying him his share of merchandise profits. Xzibit also alleged that when the show went into syndication, his music was removed from the episodes. This move, he believes, was made specifically to avoid paying him additional royalties. His story sheds light on the often unseen struggles artists face behind the scenes, even when their work is widely celebrated. Pimp My Paycheck: Xzibit Was Only Getting $5,000 An Episode was originally published on
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
YG Opens Up About Being Sexually Assaulted at Age 14: ‘I Kept It Inside For A Long Time'
YG revealed he was the victim of sexual abuse when he was a teenager on his poignant '2004' single in March. Now, the Compton rapper is opening up to about being sexually assaulted by a 30-year-old when he was just 14 years old. 'I kept it inside for a long time,' he told ABC News on Wednesday (May 14). 'My family's first time hearing about that was when the record came out.' More from Billboard Xzibit Shares Thoughts on 'Pimp My Ride,' Cannabis, Hip-Hop Media & How It Feels to Drop His First Album in Over a Decade Styles P Says He & Jim Jones 'Ain't in the Same League' When Asked About Verzuz Battle Gerardo Coronel Breaks Through to No. 1 on Latin Airplay Chart With 'No Se Dice' The 35-year-old said he played the candid track for some of his male friends and was surprised to hear that many could relate after enduring similar experiences growing up. '90 percent of the people that I played it for — the men, the males — they all got similar stories. That was the conversation everyone was having,' he said. 'It was like, 'Yeah, I was sexually abused.'' When the encounter took place over 20 years ago, he thought it was 'lit' and didn't realize he had been sexually assaulted. 'It wasn't a thing that I did some with an older woman — it's lit,' YG explained of his thought process at the time. 'You go through life and you see stuff and you learn stuff and it's like, 'I got raped.'' '2004' came together when (J Pounds) pushed YG to open up about something he had never talked about before on a record during a studio session. 'He like, 'You gotta talk about something you ain't never talked about. You gotta dig deep! What's something that you ain't never told somebody that nobody know,' he recalled. 'Then I was like, 'Bop twice my age.' And everybody was like, 'What?!'' YG hopes his honesty influences peers and fans to tell their own stories. 'Especially coming from an artist — somebody like me — it's unexpected,' he added. 'People put me in a box… They look at us like we gang members, we animals, we not human, but it's like, bro, I'm human. I go through real-life stuff.' While '2004' came as a shock to many of YG's fans and friends, it's only the tip of the iceberg as far as his personal story goes, and he's planning to delve deeper into his life with the arrival of his The Gentleman's Club album this summer. 'People say I live a dangerous life — I talk about that and I give it to you straight like that,' he said. 'Now me going through this growing stage of my life, it ain't hard for me because I'm telling my truth.' This year marks a chapter of change in YG's life, who was baptized for the first time with his children in March. '2004' arrived with an accompanying music video, co-directed by the rapper himself, which boasts over 1.5 million views on YouTube. Watch the full interview with YG below. If you or someone you know is struggling and in need of help in the wake of sexual assault, please contact RAINN at 800-656-4673 or at Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
The Drive
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Drive
West Coast Customs' 'Deconstructed' Lamborghini Urus Is the ‘Otis' Maybach Reborn
@westcoastcustoms | Instagram The latest car news, reviews, and features. A lot's been said among car enthusiasts over whether the Urus SUV is a legitimate Lamborghini or not—the Audi Q8 switchgear, powertrain, and underpinnings do it absolutely no favors—but step outside the bubble of automotive nerds, and the car has become a bona fide status symbol. Among certain circles in Los Angeles, you aren't anybody unless you're rolling in a Urus (that may or may not be shared with, like, four other guys) and the car has been name-dropped frequently in hip hop—a surefire indicator for any car that, culturally, you've made it. The big Lambo's latest music video appearance may just be the coolest we've ever seen the Urus. Modified by West Coast Customs of Pimp My Ride fame is a 'deconstructed' Urus made to feature in Young Thug's video for the song 'Money on Money.' Doors were removed, the roof and hood were cut up, Mad Max -style fenders were added, and exhaust tips were extended very far and made to shoot flames. Forget the Performante, this is what a truly wild, weight-shaved Urus should look like. Rap fans of a certain age will recognize the whole bit as an homage to 2011's 'Otis' video in which Jay-Z and Kanye West did something very similar with a Maybach 57. Coincidentally, that very car was present at the West Coast Customs display at last year's LA Auto Show. My brain is broken, so whenever I hear the word 'deconstructed,' the only thing that comes to mind is a pretentious chef serving up separated components of a childhood classic and thinking they're really doing something. This Lambo, however, is deconstruction I can really get behind. Screenshot Screenshot Screenshot Screenshot Screenshot Got a tip or question for the author? You can reach him here: Chris Tsui is The Drive's Reviews Editor. He oversees the site's car reviews operation in addition to pitching in on industry news and writing his own evaluations of the latest rides. He lives in Toronto. .article-sidebar]:pt-0>
Metro
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Xzibit reveals $1,000,000 reason he rejected Pimp My Ride return
'Pimp My Ride changed my life,' rapper Xzibit told Metro (Picture: MTV Networks) To hip hop fans, Xzibit is the LA rap titan who made a name for himself during the late 90s and early 2000s, delivering multiple hits and sharing stages with icons such as Dr Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg and 50 Cent. But for a generation beyond the beats, he's best known as the larger-than-life host who brought vehicular makeovers to the masses on MTV's Pimp My Ride. It's been 18 years since the final episode of the US show aired, which captivated audiences for six seasons and inspired a global franchise, including a UK version hosted by Tim Westwood. Yet, despite a wave of imitators and reboot attempts, nothing has managed to recapture the magic of the original series. As he gears up for the release of Kingmaker, his first solo album in over a decade, Xzibit talked to Metro about his experience on Pimp My Ride, discussing the factors that led to the show's end, his personal choice to move on, and revealing his stance on potentially returning as host should the series be officially revived. 'Pimp My Ride changed my life,' he said, sitting in the lounge area of his SoCal recording studio. 'It turned me into a global brand. I had soccer moms coming up to me pinching my cheeks and telling me how much they love me.' Xzibit has come a long way since he first started helping people customise their cars (Picture: vixinator) He hosted the show from 2004 until 2007 (Picture: MTV Networks) But after the taping of the show's final episode, which saw Xzibit and the Galpin Auto Sports team transform a Cadillac Fleetwood Hearse, the relationship between the rapper (real name Alvin Joiner) and the show's executives began to fray. 'You really want the truth about why Pimp My Ride only lasted six seasons?' Xzibit asked, prefacing his answer with the caution that 'some people don't want their childhood ruined'. 'It ended because my contract was up and I didn't want to renew it,' he explained. 'I was on my way out the door at 20th Century Fox after filming the last episode, and it was like, 'Yo, all good things must come to an end.' I'm good. I'm very good. I'm shaking hands and I'm like, 'Okay guys, contract's up, I don't want to renew. I'm out.'' As Xzibit was saying goodbye to Pimp My Ride and 20th Century Fox, he was simultaneously getting ready for an overseas tour. On top of that, he'd just wrapped up filming The X-Files: I Want to Believe, where he played Special Agent Mosley Drummy alongside David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson. Would you like to see Xzibit return to host Pimp My Ride? Yes No He's appeared in films and TV shows including 8 Mile, XXX: State of the Union and Hawaii Five-0 (Picture: Matt Baron/Rex Features/Shutterstock) 'So, I'm at 20th Century Fox. I'm on my way overseas. I just got done with the film, and I get a call. 'Hey, the guys from advertising want to come down and say hello to you before you take off.' 'Okay, cool. I come downstairs. 'Hey X, man, so happy that you agreed to do this last episode for us. I know you are on your way out the country.'' Confused, Xzibit enquired about the episode. The brand partnerships team had apparently secured a Fantastic Four collaboration for Pimp My Ride, a deal the Paparazzi rapper knew nothing about. 'I was like, 'I'm on my way to Europe. I ain't filming no f***ing Fantastic Four episode,'' Xzibit said that he told the ad guys. Determined to leave for his overseas trip, Xzibit made a swift exit and got into his car. Not long after, the show's executives called him. Xzibit received an offer to return to Pimp My Ride – but he turned it down (Picture: vixinator) He emphasised how 'grateful' he is for what the show did for his career (Picture: Matt Baron/BEI/Rex Features/Shutterstock) 'I get a call, and they're like, 'Hey, listen, we know you're on your way out the country but we got one more thing to shoot before you take off. It's this Fantastic Four episode.' 'Yeah, I just heard about it,'' Xzibit told them. The executives offered to fly the Multiply rapper back and forth to Europe on a private jet to do the episode, as well as double his fee. Little did they know, however, that the ad team had told him exactly how much the network was being paid for the collaboration. 'I had just heard the f***ing number,' he recalled. 'I said, 'Hey, okay, give me a million dollars. I'll do it.' They're like, 'Oh, Xzibit. You know that's not in the budget, we don't have it.'' Unhappy with their response and perceived unfair treatment, he declined the offer and walked out on the show indefinitely, which is why the episode in question ended up being hosted by Houston rapper Chamillionaire. Chamillionaire hosted an episode of Pimp My Ride in 2007 (Picture:) 'Chamillionaire did that episode because apparently any n***a with braids could do what Xzibit does,' he jokes. Asked whether he would come back and host a reboot if it was brought to him, Xzibit is adamant the answer would be no. 'I know that it will never be what it's supposed to be,' he explained. 'And really, ownership is what's attractive. Let's sit at the table together, not underneath it. Don't sit me underneath the table. Let me sit at the table with you.' Thankful for what the show did for his career, he concluded: 'They've tried to remake that show over and over and over again and I'm glad it represented what it represented. 'And I'm super grateful it did what it did for my career.' Xzibit's new album Kingmaker is out May 16 via Greenback Records Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. Arrow MORE: 'I wrote huge songs with popstars at their lowest points but turned down millions' Arrow MORE: Netflix viewers rediscover 00s sci-fi thriller with 'unexpected' twist as it climbs the charts Arrow MORE: Friends star remembers Matthew Perry's 'gentlemanly' reaction to her wardrobe malfunction
New York Times
22-04-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
NBA Playoffs picks, odds, how to watch Tuesday: Pacers, Lakers, Thunder host Game 2s
For Tuesday's particular slate, last weekend's Game 1 action was both clarifying and confusing. We knew the Indiana Pacers were one of the league's top teams down the stretch, and we knew that 'Playoff Andrew Nembhard' was a proper-noun thing. But going forward, is Saturday's rout of the Milwaukee Bucks replicable if Damian Lillard is back on the floor? Will Game 1 reveal itself as a premonition or a moot point? Advertisement Later that night, on the other side of the country, Anthony Edwards' Minnesota Timberwolves put together a 22-point road stunner at the expense of the Los Angeles Lakers. What do we make of that one? Is the new-look Lake Show in trouble (along with its many, many bettors)? Can LA really win the series if Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid look so comfortable? Are Luka Dončić's unique Wolves-bothering skills non-transferable outside the Dallas-Fort Worth metro? One of most hyped first-round draws could get out of hand swiftly … or it could return to Minnesota all knotted up. Such is the sliding door nature of Game 2s. A 1-1 split gives us that 'it's going seven' spirit. A 2-0 advantage brings talk of a sweep. One sure truth surrounding Tuesday's schedule? The Oklahoma City Thunder are a wagon — a historically-huge, tricked-out custom wagon, like something from the 'Pimp My Ride' days. OKC humiliated the Memphis Grizzlies by 51. Maybe the only question here is 'can the Thunder win a playoff game by 60?,' followed by something like 'is that legally allowed to happen?' Watching in person? Get tickets on StubHub. Pacers lead series 1-0 Series odds: Pacers -275, Bucks +220 Milwaukee did a few things right in its series opener over the weekend. It won the margins at the foul line and on the offensive glass, and Giannis Antetokounmpo muscled his way to 36 points. That's the end of our list. With Lillard (blood clots) held out from Saturday and Kyle Kuzma reduced to a cardio routine (zeros across his box score, save for two fouls), Antetokounmpo looked in over his head. Lillard is questionable for Game 2, and the Bucks will need as much jumpshooting as possible to hang with surging, frenetic Indy. The offense got good looks all afternoon in Game 1, finishing with collective 52/38 shooting splits and just eight turnovers. Six Pacers scored in double figures, and Tyrese Haliburton had 12 dimes to one giveaway. Shakeia Taylor on Game 1: 'Nembhard was Indiana's best guy in the 2024 playoffs, averaging 14.9 points, 5.5 assists and 3.3 rebounds in 17 games, and it looks like he is picking up where he left off … 'Drew was aggressive from the jump,' Siakam said. 'When he's aggressive and getting downhill, I always tell him he's one of the best at doing that, and we know what he can do on defense. He's a special player and we need that from him.'' Thunder lead series 1-0 Series odds: Thunder -10000, Grizzlies +2500 Content warning: Memphis' team stats from Sunday are hard on the eyes. Look away if you're partial to these Grizz. Alright now. The Thunder held the Grizzlies to 6-for-34 shooting behind the arc (17.6 percent, not good). They forced 22 turnovers to 18 assisted field goals (also not good). Memphis' best starter was Ja Morant at a plus-minus of minus-25. It was one of the biggest blowouts in postseason history. Advertisement Maybe this talented but overexerted Grizzlies group can steal a game in hostile territory. Even if they can't make it happen, we deserve to celebrate the Thunder as a futuristic and hard-willed basketball machine. Oklahoma City had the best point differential of any regular-season NBA team ever, and all of its major core pieces were age 26 or younger. If it's feeling like an inevitability, let's embrace what's in front of us. Darnell Mayberry on Game 1: 'The way the Thunder cruised to victory in Game 1 was perhaps more significant than anything. They showed up and never let up. In the first 2:18 of the third quarter, the Thunder unleashed a 12-0 run, showing complete focus and commitment to finishing the job properly. As a reward, no Thunder starter needed to play in the fourth quarter… 'We played to our identity,' Gilgeous-Alexander said. 'Nothing more, nothing less than that. We were who we were all year in those minutes, and that's going to be the key to our success, just staying true to who we are.'' Timberwolves lead series 1-0 Series odds: Timberwolves -140, Lakers +115 JJ Redick spent much of Saturday's postgame presser lamenting the Game 1 grind. 'It's not to say our guys weren't ready to withstand a playoff-level basketball game. We were mentally ready. I thought our spirit was right. I thought even when they made runs, our huddles were great. The communication was great. I'm not sure physically we were ready, if that makes sense,' he said. 'And really, when they started playing with a lot of thrust and physicality, we just didn't respond to meet that.' Minnesota controlled the tempo and dominated the glass Saturday, blowing its host out behind transition 3-point shooting and second-chance looks. The stars were actually held in check — Anthony Edwards shot 8-for-22 and Julius Randle had 16 points to seven turnovers. It was the role players that put things away (on the road no less, bucking the oft-cited playoff truism). McDaniels shot 11-for-13 with the starters, and Reid made six 3s off the bench. Outside of Dončić, LeBron James and Austin Reaves, no Laker had more than nine points. That must change for the favorites to send things back up north all evened up. Jon Krawczynski on Game 1: 'It had to have been cathartic for the Wolves to beat Dončić as soundly as they did, to send the Laker fans to the exits with more than four minutes to play. But this is a team that plays its worst basketball when the wind is at its back. There was no celebrating after this game, no trash talk or chest puffing. They were, as a group, following McDaniels' lead. 'We all live for these moments, but we're a team that understands that it's just one game, and we've got to try to get another one before we go home,' Conley said. 'We're completely locked in right now, so I'm just proud that we're able to stay solid.'' Betting/odds, ticketing and streaming links in this article are provided by partners of The Athletic. Restrictions may apply. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication. (Photo of Lu Dort: William Purnell / Getty Images)
