On the eve of his long-awaited release from an Arizona prison, rapper DMX’s prison stay now has been extended at least a week after the rapper was allegedly busted with drugs.
According to TMZ, DMX, whose been housed in a Yuma, Ariz., state prison since January, has apparently broken a number of rules since his prison stay began including unauthorized smoking early this year, alleged drug possession and disorderly conduct in April and drug possession, failing or refusing a drug test, smoking in an unauthorized area, acting disrespectfully to the staff and engaging in disorderly or disruptive conduct in June and July.
According to the Associated Press, DMX’s disciplinary infractions have caused his release date to be pushed back to July 19.
DMX originally was sent to prison back in December 2010 for a probation violation following an arrest in November for failing to check in with his probation officer.
According to MTV News, on Dec. 20, DMX was moved to the Flamenco Mental Health Unit of Alhambra, a division of Arizona State Prison Complex, after the judge in his case, Judge Christine Mulleneaux, described DMX as having “an undiagnosed mental condition.” Judge Mulleneaux then ordered the rapper back to prison for a year.
DMX’s lawyer, Gary Jenkins, spoke with MTV News about his investigation into the violations and explained that the rapper’s refusal to take a mandatory drug test did result in the extension of his prison stay. Jenkins, who said he has yet to learn any information about DMX’s alleged drug possession, explained that he hopes his client will finally deal with his apparent drug addiction.
“I hope that this time he understands that his addiction can’t be dealt with privately,” remarked Jenkins.
The rapper’s manager, Nakia Walker, also spoke with MTV News about DMX’s drug addiction, explaining that she believes he wants to leave Arizona to deal with his drug problems.
“Prison was never a place for Earl because he has a sickness,” said Walker. “If he is medicated properly, he wouldn’t have the need for drugs.”
Amidst his current prison drama, DMX has been prepping for the release of his seventh studio album, Redemption of the Beast, which is slated to be released later this year. The album’s lead single, “Y’all Don’t Know,” featuring Busta Rhymes, is slated to be released within the next two to three weeks. –nicholas robinson
