Xzibit Lands Regular Role on New Season of ‘Empire’

Rapper turnt actor Xzibit recently announced he will be back as a regular cast member on the popular Fox television show Empire, next season.

After the news was reported by TVLine, the California native announced his good fortune to his fans via Instagram. "Very happy to announce that I will be a series regular on the upcoming 3rd season of @empirefox. Thankful for the opportunity and excited to "bring it" with the rest of the stellar cast already in place. #blessed #WorkHard #stayhumble," he posted.

X to the Z will reprise his role as Leslie "Shyne" Johnson, a rival to the series' main character Lucious Lyon, played by Terrance Howard. He showed up in the season finale episode last season.

X is clearly no stranger to the being in front of the camera. He is probably one of the most prolific MCs turned thespians. The former Pimp My Ride host has acted in over 20 feature films including 8 Mile, xXx: State of the Union, X Files: I Want to Believe and Gridiron Gang. He has also starred in 10 television shows including CSI:Miami, Detroit 1-8-7 and Hawaii Five-0.

The California rapper-actor joins the list of MCs to nab roles on the Lee Daniels musical drama including Ludacris, Petey Pablo and Da Brat. Snoop Dogg, Rita Ora, Juicy J, Timbaland, Charles Hamilton, Pitbull and Montana of 300 have also had cameos on the show.

Season three is scheduled to premiere on Fox on Sept 21.

See 40 Hip-Hop Albums Turning 20 in 2016