A cry for help, maybe? Rapper DMX, born Earl Simmons, has been arrested again after admitting to his probation officer he’s been violating his probation terms by continuing to use illegal drugs — just when his wife announces her intentions to release a tell-all book on her life with him.
X was picked up on March 9 by the Adult Probation Office, according to Phoenix ABC affiliate KNXV, and charged with five counts of violation for using illegal substances such as cocaine for the past nine months.
“He admitted to using cocaine, so he’s back in our jail,” said Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who’s arrested the rapper five times. “I think it’s about time to give him hard time.”
The sheriff said if the rapper is serious about kicking his drug habit, the Arizona jail system — where X has already logged time on animal cruelty and drug possession charges — could help him get clean.
“We do have a great drug prevention program in the jail, so if he stays in our jail system I will consider (letting) him go through our program,” Arpaio told a KNXV reporter.
In June 2009, DMX, 39, was sentenced to more than a year of probation after pleading guilty in May to attempted aggravated assault for throwing a food tray at a jail officer, an incident that occurred while X was in jail serving a 90-day sentence for felony theft, drug possession and animal cruelty. He was given 18 months of supervised probation and ordered to pay fines upon his release in May.
The rapper was attempting to make a comeback and had been working with producer Swizz Beatz, but his demons have apparently prevailed again. He’s only made a few public appearances since his May release from jail, with the latest proving to be disastrous. He attempted to play a live show in Colorado, but it ended in a near riot when he arrived deal-breakingly late and tried to force his way onto the stage.
This last strike may be the one he needs to finally get clean, but as for that comeback … –gerald radford
