
In a current interview, rapper and former tv host Xzibit revealed that he was solely paid $5,000 per episode for his function on MTV’s in style present Pimp My Journey.
Regardless of the present’s widespread success and cultural impression, the monetary compensation he obtained was surprisingly low. Xzibit opened up in regards to the disconnect between public notion and actuality, explaining that what seems profitable from the surface doesn’t at all times replicate the reality behind the scenes.
He shared that the preliminary deal he signed was not favorable and sure mishandled by his brokers on the time. They’d no manner of realizing how massive the present would turn out to be, and the contract didn’t safe higher phrases. Xzibit had additionally hoped that being on MTV would assist promote his music by together with his movies, however that chance by no means got here to fruition.
Because the present progressed, Xzibit started to really feel restricted by the obligations it positioned on him. He expressed dissatisfaction with being unable to tour or pursue different alternatives attributable to his dedication to the present. His frustration solely grew as he realized the monetary association was not enhancing consistent with the present’s rising reputation.
He went on to say that the scenario worsened when Viacom, MTV’s dad or mum firm, started decreasing his earnings. Though his contract included a clause promising him 15 p.c of all merchandise that includes his title or likeness, that promise was undercut. Xzibit famous that whereas the primary season’s DVD field prominently featured his face, later seasons didn’t, with the packaging as a substitute focusing solely on the automobiles. This alteration seemed to be a deliberate method to keep away from paying him his share of merchandise earnings.
Xzibit additionally alleged that when the present went into syndication, his music was faraway from the episodes. This transfer, he believes, was made particularly to keep away from paying him extra royalties. His story sheds mild on the usually unseen struggles artists face behind the scenes, even when their work is extensively celebrated.