We've Got Hollywood Covered
|

‘Empire’ Adds Xzibit to Cast as Rival to Lucious in Season 2

Rapper joins long list of celebrity guest stars on the Fox series that includes Chris Rock, Alicia Keyes

| February 25, 2016 @ 10:10 AM
xzibit empire

Fox

Xzibit is about to make some serious noise on season two of “Empire.”

TheWrap has learned that Xzibit, real name Alvin Joiner, will appear on the Fox hip-hop drama as Leslie “Shyne” Johnson, a rival to Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard).

Shyne has managed several musical acts and managed to sell a few albums, but his primary business continues to be guns and drugs.

Also Read: 'Empire' Midseason Finale Ends With Violent Shocker

He carries a massive chip on his shoulder for what he feels is disrespect from the music industry — especially Lucious.

Xzibit has sold millions of records throughout his rap career, with his 1996 debut album “At the Speed of Life” peaking at No. 22 on the hip-hop charts. He also previously hosted the popular MTV series “Pimp My Ride.” Xzibit has also appeared in films like “8 Mile,” “Derailed” and “Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans.”

The rapper joins a long list of impressive guest stars from “Empire’s” second season, which includes Chris Rock, Alicia Keyes and Adam Rodriguez.

Also Read: 'Empire' Producer Danny Strong: 'You Better Buckle Up' For Rest of Season

The midseason finale of “Empire” ended with a shocking twist that scored the hip-hop drama 11.5 million total viewers and a 4.4 rating/13 share in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic.

“Empire” Season 2 resumes Wednesday Mar. 30 on Fox.

40 Exclusive Portraits From TheWrap's Fall TV Issue Cover Shoot (Photos)

1 of 41

Jussie Smollett (”Empire“), Jack Falahee (”How to Get Away With Murder“), Katharine McPhee (”Scorpion“), Ryan Guzman (”Heroes Reborn“), Keke Palmer (”Scream Queens“), Justin Baldoni (”Jane the Virgin“), Jaimie Alexander (”Blindspot“), Rachel Bloom (”Crazy Ex Girlfriend“) Rebecca Rittenhouse (”Blood & Oil“) and Mehcad Brooks (”Supergirl“)

View In Gallery