Xzibit has traveled from hip hop to pimping rides and now an official actor. While he has appeared in films like “Gridiron Gang” and “The X Files: I Want to Believe,” the Detroit rapper is tackling a more dramatic role in “American Violet.”  Early reviews of the film, which is based on a true story of one woman’s battle against a racist and classist legal system, are proving it will be a critics favorite.  While we always give rappers who go the dramatic route a side-eye, Xzibit effectively delivers as a deadbeat and abusive father.

Here, X to the Z talks “American Violet,” hip hop and the Diddy-gay-club fiasco that was blowing up on blogs a few weeks ago.  

How familiar were you with the story before you started filming?
Abuse of power is nothing new in the Black community, as far as police brutality is concerned.  Bringing it to life in this instance, it was refreshing because it was told in a different manner.  It was told in a way that hasn’t been done before.  We see victories here and there, but this is one that was extremely important. To be a part of this film and to work with such accomplished actors, it was a great thing for me. 

What was it like working with the legendary Alfre Woodard?
I was tripping out being on set with her!  She's very personable, humble and confident.  She was talking to me the whole time, cracking jokes.  She's like talking to one of my aunts. [Laughs]

You've achieved more mainstream success with movies and television rather than hip hop.  Do you miss hip hop?
Damn!  You officially kicking me out, my dude? [Laughs]

No, I'm not! [Laughs] You've just really done well with the films and television.
I love music.  Music is the catalyst for why all of this stuff is working.  It's what I feel I communicate the best. Other people, they see the film and TV, but the music, for me, is important. It started when I was a child, I believed in it and there are certain things I feel like I have to accomplish in music.  Just the drive and what needs to be said.  I feel like I do have some records left in me. I have to get it done.

What is the difference between Hollywood and hip hop?
Man, where do I begin? [Laughs] Well, people can be punctual in hip hop but it's a must in movies.  You have to hit your marks, you have to hit your timing, you have to be where you need to be—you mean what you say, you say what you mean. In music, it's a constant grind until you achieve a level of success, but in movies it's different, it's immediate.  You don't have to wait weeks and weeks and hope you get paid.  You perform, you get what you negotiate, that's it, you go home and it's a wrap. 

Does being a single parent impact your decisions regarding acting and music?
No, creativity is creativity.  I can't censor the world according to my parenting skills—you know what I mean? [Laughs] My job is to make a well-rounded individual out of my son.  I take the time to not police the world because I don't have responsibility there.  Responsibility lies with my son.  I talk to him and give him the information that he needs.  As long as we have an understanding, we don't get confused.

When all of that drama came out about Diddy and the gay club, you made a comment on your MySpace about homophobia and hip hop.  Do you think homophobia is a big issue when it comes to hip hop?
It started as just common place; it was just part of the language.  I think the overtones that it creates, is not what really exists. I don't think if you are gay and you go to a hip-hop club that you'll get beat up for being gay.  That's not what is going to happen. I think words are the way that people express themselves—just like if you say bitch on a rap record for a long time you can rally thousands of women that will say that's incorrect.  You can't focus on one single thing or bad aspect of what happens in hip hop and try to blanket it.  That's not the root of the problem.  It exists, I think it's how you portray it, and it’s how you use it.  You gotta paint with a broad brush when you talk about homophobia because it's a lot of things that exist in hip hop that aren't exactly right, but it's part of the landscape. 

But, were you surprised at how people freaked out about what you said on the radio about going to a gay club with Diddy?
No, people want to draw eyeballs to their sites—that's not even what I said.  If you're going to quote me, at least quote what I said.  But, it's more exciting to say, “He took me to a gay club.”  The problem I saw was, it's not they were trying to get headlines, but the fact that they were trying to say it's a negative thing—period—to be gay.  You know what I'm saying?  Off top!  You can't really shoot people down because if we're going to start that we might as well start from square one and jump off the slave ship! [Laughs]
 
I hear that!  What do you want people to walk away with from "American Violet"?
I want people to see that people can make a difference, if you actually have the heart and virtue to get through the circumstances and get through the struggle.  It doesn’t always happen like a Disney ending but change can occur.  Change is happening so be part of it, not part of the problem. 

“American Violet” is in theatres Friday, April 17th.  Click here to watch the trailer! 

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Clay is a blogger for BET.com's What the Flick.  You can read more of his work at www.claycane.net.