Fresh out of prison, rapper DMX is already hard at work trying to re-establish his life. And while the rapper is working to finish his upcoming seventh album, Redemption of the Beast, he recently spoke with Billboard’s The Juice to discuss his new record, his upcoming reality show and how he wants to bring the “real” back to hip-hop.
“I kind of took it back to how I felt on my first album — the hunger, the energy, the hardness of it,” said DMX. “I’ve had a lot of late nights in the studio, getting it in, getting it back to where it’s supposed to be.”
Having started work on the album prior to his arrest in November 2010 for violating his probation, Redemption of the Beast will feature production from longtime collaborator Swizz Beatz as well as producers Dame Grease and Caviar.
According to DMX, who, as of late, has been laying down vocals in the studio by himself, his album will breathe new life into hip-hop, “bringing hip-hop back to where it’s supposed to be. It’s not at a good place right now … [There’s] a lot of whack rappers out there. It’s too corny.”
And although rumors have been swirling that DMX will soon sign with Rick Ross’ Maybach Music Group, the rapper said “that remains to be seen.”
Until then, DMX will also focus on his upcoming reality show, which he says is “still in the negotiation process,” but will focus on his life as a father as he reconnects with his 10 kids, as previously reported.
“It’s about bringing all my kids together,” DMX said. “I got 10 kids, from New York to California. It’ll show another side of me, the father that I am.”
And while DMX is more than pleased to be reconnecting with his beloved family, the veteran rapper also hopes that with his newfound outlook on life, he can reconnect with the world of hip-hop and become a better artist.
“The first time around, it was given to me. Now, I’m working for it,” said DMX. “There’s definitely a difference in what I’m gonna give, and what I’m gonna get out.” – icholas robinson
