After languishing in prison for an extra week due to disciplinary violations, troubled rapper DMX finally was released from a Yuma, Ariz., state prison yesterday, July 19, after serving nearly eight months of a year-long sentence for violating his probation.
According to AllHipHop, DMX (born Earl Simmons) served seven months of his year-long sentence after being credited 100 days for prison spent awaiting his trial.
Upon his release, the rapper’s first acts of freedom included a trip to his probation officer, a bit of shopping and time spent reconnecting with his family.
“I spoke to my daughter, I just got off the phone with my wife,” said DMX, just minutes after being released from prison. “I’m going to go see my daughter while the sun is up, then I’m going to be in the studio, man.”
DMX is now expected to take up residency in an unknown area of Arizona.
Sources close to the rapper say DMX is already busy lining up future shows and screening offers for television, movie and recording projects.
Reps for the former Ruff Ryders rapper also confirmed that he’s also in serious negotiations to sign with Rick Ross’ Maybach Music Group, although an official offer has not been made just yet.
DMX already has signed a management deal with United Music and Media Group (UMMG) and, according to his manager Nakia Walker, fans can expect more big news from the Yonkers rapper, including the release of his next studio album, Redemption of the Beast.
“Earl has so much more to offer the world. His latest project has been on hold for so long! It is now time for X to redefine the world of hip-hop with his highly anticipated album of inspirational, painful and street accredited rhymes. It is time to let the Dog out of the kennel,” Walker said in a statement announcing X’s release, adding “extraordinary things happening from rapper DMX over the next couple months that include collaborations with major names in the music industry.”
Congrats to DMX for being released. –nicholas robinson
