The spring portion of Empire's second season is about to be even more juicy as actor/rapper Xzibit has signed on to serve as Lucious Lyon's new rival.

According to Deadline, Xzibit will play the role of music industry mogul Leslie "Shyne" Johnson, who, like Lucious, has a background in gangster life. His rags to riches story also parallels Lucious's as he managed artists, started record imprints and sold a few units as an artist himself. However, the roots of his success have always been drugs, guns and extortion. He feels excluded by the other media moguls, specifically Lucious, and wants his rightful place at the top.

Xzibit is no stranger to acting. He has also starred in major releases including Bad Lieutenant, Gridiron Gang and xXx: State of the Union, to name a few. 

The second season of Empire returns on March 30.

Check out Empire star Jussie Smollett speak on criticism he's received in the video below:

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(Photo: James Dimmock/Fox)