Xzibit Lands in Psych Ward on ‘Weekends at Bellevue’

Detroit rapper Xzibit has taken a noticeable hiatus from the music scene to pursue his acting career. Perhaps it's been as a result of his preparation for a new gig. This week, the 'Full Circle' creator was cast in the pilot for the upcoming medical TV drama 'Weekends at Bellevue.'

The TV series will center on a psychiatrist -- played by actress Lauren Ambrose -- who oversees the weekend shift at a hospital's psychiatric unit. Xzibit has joined the cast as the character Chuck, but no further details have been revealed on what his role will actually entail. Other cast members will include Amber Stevens, Lloyd Braun, Gail Berman, Janet McTeer and Eric Winter. The show will be directed by Jack Bender, who brought 'Lost' and 'The Sopranos' into America's homes.

Xzibit's previous TV appearances include stints on MTV's 'Pimp My Ride,' 'The X-Files: I Want to Believe,' 'CSI:Miami' and 'Gridiron Gang.' His most recent guest appearance was a spot on the ABC crime series 'Detroit 1-8-7,' which premiered in September.

The rapper-turned-actor has had some financial troubles in recent years, which forced him to file for bankruptcy in 2009. He cited that as the reason for the cancellation of his MTV show.

Xzibit released his sixth studio album, 'Full Circle,' in 2006, and since then he has been focused on his acting career. His upcoming LP, 'MMXI,' is tentatively slated for release later this year, and has confirmed features from 40 Glocc, Kurupt and production from Scoop DeVille.