DMX

DMX, Eve, The LOX To Reunite On Ruff Ryders Tour

19 Jan 2012 18:18:05 EST

Swizz Beatz also onboard for U.S. and overseas dates, RR co-CEO Joaquin 'Waah' Dean tells MTV News.
By Rob Markman

DMX
Photo: Larry Busacca/ Getty Images

At their height, Ruff Ryders were one of the most electrifying crews in rap. Now, DMX, Swizz Beatz, Eve and the LOX are planning to reunite on an upcoming Ruff Ryders Tour. "Everybody's on deck. It's just that we're making sure all of the schedules are intact," RR co-CEO Joaquin "Waah" Dean told MTV News. Dates are still being finalized, but Dean confirmed that he expects the tour to start between March and April. The plan is for the crew to begin their run overseas and then come over to the U.S.

"We gonna take it nice and slow. We ain't gonna do like how we used to do, 30 or 40 cities; we not gonna go that far just yet," he said. "We gonna take it slow. Do a nice little five to 10 joints overseas and then some dates on this side just to build the momentum and have some fun with it." "We are all family and we're going to come back stronger than when we left. ... It's going to take the nation by storm," DMX told TMZ on Thursday (January 19). When the story was first reported by TMZ, there was some question concerning the LOX's involvement, but Dean insists that Jadakiss, Styles P and Sheek Louch will be onboard. "LOX is done; can't do nothing without the LOX," he boasted. In addition to all the original members of Ruff Ryders, the tour will also showcase RR's new talent like Murda Mook. "We're not starting from scratch, but we're starting from a whole new generation who have to get familiar with us," Waah said. Will you check out the Ruff Ryders Tour? Let us know in the comments!

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Jay-Z And DMX 'Did Not Like Each Other,' Irv Gotti Says

06 Oct 2011 14:22:35 EDT

A planned Jay, DMX and Ja Rule supergroup was halted due to a quiet feud, Gotti reveals on 'RapFix Live.'
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway

Irv Gotti
Photo: Natasha Chandel/ MTV News

In the late 1990s, there were few rappers bigger than Jay-Z, DMX and Ja Rule. Separately, each artist crafted a catalog of hits, toured the country and sold millions of records.

Now, imagine a supergroup comprised of the three. Well, that was Irv Gotti's vision, but the three alpha males only recorded a handful of songs and just couldn't get it together. "Jay and X did not like each other at all. And it was always competitive," Irv revealed when he appeared on Wednesday's "RapFix Live." DMX has recently voiced his disdain for Hov, but in the late 1990s, it appeared that the two were on a unified front. They frequently collaborated and even toured together, but according to Gotti, things weren't always as they seemed. It all stemmed from an early battle, circa 1994, between Hov and the Dog, years before any one of them broke through. Though DMX was used to winning most of his battles decisively, nearly every account of the showdown revealed that it ended in a tie. "X hated Jay because it was the one battle that he said it wasn't absolutely sure in everyone's mind that he won," Irv said. The quiet feud even spilled onto collaborative records. In 1995, Jigga, X and Ja Rule all appeared on Queens, New York, rapper Mic Geronimo's "Time to Build" track. By the time Hov got to the studio, DMX had already laid down the song's closing verse — a top honor for any rapper. "Jay goes, 'OK, he's closing the record? Yo, you think he's better than me?' " Gotti recalled Hovito asking. Gotti remembers Jay feeling slighted, and in retaliation, he aimed his verse — which he wrote on the spot in 10 minutes with no pen or pad, directly at DMX. There were key lines in Jigga's verse that Irv believes were direct references to the original battle between the two titans: "F--- what you n---as kickin' on the mic/ Chicken like you don't know what an ass whippin' feels like." "His whole verse, he's sh--tin' on my man," Irv said of the "Empire State of Mind" MC's bars. "Now, X got problems with me." DMX and Jay-Z continued to collaborate, and alongside Ja Rule, they recorded "Mudergram" in 1998 and "It's Murder" a year later, but nothing else as a trio. "With those three guys, I felt very special," Irv said. "Here it is, in hindsight, three guys that were really at the top of their game at one time or another, and they all my friends." Imagine that. Do you wish Jay, X and Ja had recorded a full album together? Let us know in the comments!

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Irv Gotti Says He's 'Best Man' For Def Jam Presidency

05 Oct 2011 23:24:49 EDT

'If you let Def Jam die, you're gonna let a bit of the culture die,' he tells 'RapFix Live,' fearing label's lack of leadership could lead to its demise.
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway

Irv Gotti
Photo: Natasha Chandel/ MTV News

When you think of the great Def Jam executives, Russell Simmons, Rick Rubin, Lyor Cohen and Kevin Liles all come to mind. But don't forget to credit Irv Gotti with helping rebuild the legendary hip-hop label in the mid-1990s.

After producing for Jay-Z's independent debut, Reasonable Doubt, Gotti helped set up the now-infamous deal between Hov's Roc-A-Fella and Def Jam. DMX, in all his multiplatinum glory, came next, and Ja Rule followed, all brought to Def Jam by Gotti. Now, the Murder Inc. founder wants to head the seminal rap record company. "I wanted to speak on this because I love the hip-hop culture with a deep, deep passion," Irv Gotti said when he visited "RapFix Live" on Wednesday (October 5). "Def Jam is the light of that culture; Def Jam personifies the hip-hop culture. There is no other hip-hop label like Def Jam." Irv acknowledged the contributions of late label executive Shakir Stewart but criticized former Def Jam Chairman and CEO L.A. Reid and said there hasn't been a proper president at the company since Jay-Z left at the top of 2008. Gotti, like Violator's Chris Lighty, has always had his name come up whenever rumors of who will take the label's reins surface. "If you don't want to hire me — the best man for the job, the man who will die for it — cool, I understand. You think I'm Suge Knight, you think the feds may come in here again if you hire me, cool," the music producer said referring to the money-laundering charges he beat in 2005. "Put somebody in there, because you not giving any sign or any indication that you care about my culture." Gotti said the company that serves as a home to Rick Ross, Young Jeezy and Fabolous has a talented roster but needs leadership. Irv recalled the time when Cohen went to DMX's Yonkers, New York, neighborhood to sign the rough-around-the-edges hitmaker. He also told host Sway a story about how Lyor once played basketball against the LOX at the famed Rucker Park. He's also worried that if someone isn't brought in soon, the label will eventually crumble. "This is helping our lives. This is a culture that is deep for us. You can't let it die, and if you let Def Jam die, you're gonna let a bit of the culture die," Gotti pleaded passionately. "And the fact that you ain't got no one up there leading the army and ain't had nobody — you just let the artists come up there, give you a record and you put it out. That's not what Def Jam is about." Do you think Irv should lead Def Jam? Let us know in the comments!

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DMX Released From Jail

19 Jul 2011 14:40:11 EDT

'It is time to let the Dog out of the kennel,' rapper's manager says in a statement announcing the release.
By Gil Kaufman

DMX
Photo: Getty Images

It took a week longer than he anticipated, thanks to some jailhouse violations, but DMX was released from an Arizona state jail in Yuma on Tuesday morning (July 19) after serving nearly eight months of a one-year sentence for probation violations. A spokesperson for the rapper (born Earl Simmons) confirmed his release to MTV News and hinted that the end of X's latest stint behind bars will hopefully mark a new beginning for the troubled MC. "Earl has so much more to offer the world," manager Nakia Walker said in a statement announcing X's release. "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 & street accredited rhymes. It is time to let the Dog out of the kennel." "I spoke to my daughter, I just got off the phone with my wife," DMX told AllHipHop.com following his release. "I'm going to go see my daughter while the sun is up, then I'm going to be in the studio, man." Though the Yonkers, New York, native's music career has been stalled out for much of the past eight years due to legal and drug issues, he has signed a label deal with UMMG (United Music & Media Group), and Walker has promised "extraordinary things happening from rapper DMX over the next couple months that include collaborations with major names in the music industry." DMX was slated for release last week after serving seven months of his one-year sentence — including credit for 100 days behind bars while awaiting trial — but was held over for an extra week due to several minor infractions, including refusal to submit to a drug test and smoking in unauthorized areas.

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DMX's Jail Time Extended Over Alleged Drug Violation

12 Jul 2011 16:22:18 EDT

Rapper will remain in Arizona state prison for at least another week.
By Gil Kaufman

DMX
Photo: Larry Busacca/ Getty Images

It sounds like rapper DMX will have to wait at least another week to get his latest attempt at a career reboot off the ground. According to TMZ, the MC (born Earl Simmons) was ordered to stay in prison for another week after authorities allegedly caught him with drugs. X, 40, has been housed at a state prison in Yuma, Arizona, since January, and according to the gossip site, he has broken a number of rules over the past month, including 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. Of the seven alleged disciplinary infractions since January, four have come since June 12, with two more in April for alleged drug possession and disorderly conduct, and another in January for unauthorized smoking. Due to his latest infractions, the troubled rapper — who had been slated to be released Wednesday — will spend at least another week in prison, according to the Associated Press. His new release date is July 19. He was sent back to prison in December for a probation violation after an arrest in November for failing to check in with his probation officer. Around December 20, X was reportedly transferred to a mental-health unit after the judge in his case described him as having an "undiagnosed mental condition," before ordering him back to prison for one year. X's lawyer, Gary Jenkins, told MTV News that he is still looking into the alleged violations, but that the rapper's reported refusal to take a mandatory drug test did result in a seven-day hold that will delay his release until July 19. Jenkins said he did not yet have information about the alleged drug possession, but that he is hopeful his client will get the help he needs to work on his drug addiction issues when he is released. "I hope that this time he understands that his addiction can't be dealt with privately," Jenkins added. The rapper's manager, Nakia Walker, said that after years of battling with the authorities and getting caught in a revolving door between his home and jail in the state, she senses that X wants to leave Arizona and get a fresh start. "Prison was never a place for Earl because he has a sickness," she said. "If he is medicated properly, he wouldn't have the need for drugs." Current plans call for X to drop his new single, "Y'all Don't Know," featuring Busta Rhymes, within the next two to three weeks.

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DMX Moved To Mental-Health Unit Of Arizona Prison

28 Dec 2010 15:28:41 EST

Judge says rapper has 'an undiagnosed mental condition.'
By Jayson Rodriguez

Photo: Paul Redmond/ WireImage

DMX has been transferred to the mental-health unit of an Arizona prison facility, according to a report. The troubled rapper (born Earl Simmons) was arrested in November after a probation violation stemming from his most-recent supervised release. DMX served a short four-month sentence in Maricopa County Jail for a separate violation. The Yonkers, New York, native has had several run-ins with the law in that state, including six arrests. His latest violation occurred when X refused to undergo treatment after officials discovered he tested positive for cocaine in his system at least five times while he was on probation. The rapper was charged with felony probation violation and later pleaded guilty in a Phoenix courtroom. The judge handling his case warned the rapper that his mental state was contributing to his deviant behavior. Earlier this month, Judge Christine Mulleneaux described DMX as having "an undiagnosed mental condition." The judge then ordered him back to prison for one year. According to the Phoenix New Times, just before the holidays, X was transferred to the Flamenco Mental Health Unit at Alhambra, a division of Arizona State Prison Complex. Records indicate the move occurred December 20, and the rapper will not be allowed visitors for 30 days. As of press time, it was unclear whether X will undergo any type of evaluation of if the former Ruff Ryders star is simply being observed while he goes through a detoxing period.

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DMX Sentenced To One Year In Jail

16 Dec 2010 13:08:09 EST

Rapper pleaded guilty in Phoenix to probation violation.
By Paul Cantor

DMX
Photo: Larry Busacca/ Getty Images

DMX is heading back to jail for a year. On Thursday morning (December 16), the rapper (born Earl Simmons) pleaded guilty in a Phoenix courtroom to a felony probation violation. He was arrested on November 18 for not checking in with his probation officer, failing to submit to drug testing and refusing to undergo treatment. "I did make the effort that I could, and I appreciate any help you can give me," Simmons told Judge Christine Mulleneaux, according to the Phoenix New Times. Judge Mulleneaux was not wholly sympathetic to X's pleas for leniency, saying he tested positive for cocaine five times during his probation. She said he likely had an undiagnosed mental condition that he needs to take care of, and until he does so, he'd continue on his path of substance abuse. "Your criminal history goes back to 1988," she said. "It's going to continue if you don't take care of your mental health." According to The Associated Press, DMX told Phoenix station KSAZ-TV that he had been kicked out of a drug treatment program because he had a drink at a Scottsdale club during a performance. X had been on probation since July, having served four months of a six-month sentence handed down in March for failing a court-mandated drug test and testing positive for cocaine. Following his release in July, he began serving a 90-day sentence for a reckless driving charge in Los Angeles dating all the way back to 2002. In May of 2009, he was released from 90 days in a Phoenix jail on charges of drug possession, fraud and animal cruelty from 2008.

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DMX Arrested On Probation Violation

19 Nov 2010 13:59:28 EST

'When you don't follow the rules, there's consequences,' X's manager tells MTV News.
By Gil Kaufman

Photo: Paul Redmond/ WireImage

DMX was back in a familiar place Thursday after being arrested on a felony charge of violating his probation. The troubled MC (born Earl Simmons) was picked up and jailed for not following the terms of his probation, which included checking in with his probation officer, according to his manager. "He just didn't check in with his probation officer, and it's just a matter of him not following the rules," manager Nakia Walker told MTV News on Friday (November 19) while confirming that the rapper is being held without bail until a probation-revocation hearing slated for next Wednesday. At press time, Walker said she hadn't spoken to her client, who she claimed was going through a rough patch in his life. Asked how the oft-arrested MC ended up in jail again, she said, "Because he's not perfect. This is a difficult time in his life. He's going through some things. ... Sh-- happens. I can't tell you why he makes the decisions to do the things that he does. Other than that, there's no real excuse for it. When you don't follow the rules, there's consequences." X has been out on parole on an assault conviction and was arrested in Phoenix. It marked his sixth arrest in Maricopa County, where he has made his home for nearly a decade. In that time, he has racked up arrests and jail stints for crimes including theft, drug possession and animal cruelty. A spokesperson for the Maricopa County Sheriff's office could not be reached for comment at press time, but Walker denied the details of a Radar Online report that said X was also cited for cocaine possession, as well as for using Oxycontin without a prescription, failing to submit to drug tests, failing to participate in counseling programs and driving on a suspended license. "Those are old charges they're talking about," she said. According to the gossip site, the complaint against DMX, 39, read, "Mr. Simmons has several felony convictions, and has been given multiple opportunities to succeed on probation. He has been directed to treatment, as well as chose his own treatment program and continues to use illegal drugs following their opportunities." Fox 10 spoke to X last week in an interview in which he said he wanted to stay out of headlines and focus on his music. "I was in Tent City for a while," he said of his six-plus months in the county's notorious 2,000-inmate outdoor prison camp. "I don't take orders well or direction. [Sheriff Joe Arpaio] said, 'You had an attitude problem.' They talk to you any kind of way. At the end of the day, I am still a man." Arpaio, a notoriously hard-nosed lawman, has spoken about his disappointment with the lenient sentences DMX has gotten from Arizona judges, but X said he's not mad at the sheriff. "No, hate would ruin my life. I wish him the best — good health, long life — leave me alone," DMX said. While Walker did not specify what difficulties DMX is facing in his life at this moment, the arrest came just as the once-platinum rapper was beginning to mount a comeback. Earlier this week, he released a new single produced by Swizz Beatz as part of his Monster Mondays series. The song, called "Ya'll Don't Really Know," features Busta Rhymes and finds the gravelly voiced X back at his hard-hitting, grimy best, chanting and barking defiantly over a ominous Swizz track, one of several collaborations Walker said were in the can.

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Eminem Declares 'I'm Back!' With Roaring Epicenter Concert

26 Sep 2010 12:20:05 EDT

Detroit MC puts on an energizing set, as Big Boi, DMX, House of Pain, Bush, KISS and more hit the stage on day 1 of eclectic California rock festival.
By Ryan J. Downey

Eminem
Photo: Michael Caulfield/ WireImage

FONTANA, California - Detroit descended upon California as Eminem made a triumphant return to the West Coast at the Epicenter 2010 Festival on Saturday. Marshall Mathers performed just before KISS (whose love affair with Detroit is well documented), and what the rapper lacked in pyro he more than made up in fanfare. Still one of the biggest-selling artists in the world, Epicenter was one of only a handful of concerts Em put on in 2010. Cali happily welcomed Eminem back, roaring, dancing and rapping their approval. Epicenter's first of two days was marked by sweltering heat in the 100s and a handful of performers whose absence from the stage was even longer than Slim Shady's self-imposed hiatus. 1990s alt-rockers Bush, featuring frontman (and Gwen Stefani's husband) Gavin Rossdale, made the fest their first major show in nine years, while House of Pain made it their first in 12 years. Oft-troubled rapper DMX rapped for a VIP-only audience. Sponsored by Los Angeles rock station KROQ, Epicenter is only in its second year and is the brainchild of the same veteran music-industry trio who put together Rock on the Range in the Midwest and Canada. Last year's lineup included Tool, Linkin Park and Alice in Chains. This year, Epicenter moved to the parking lot of the expansive Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, part of California's Inland Empire. The first major player to hit the main stage was one half of the mega-selling progressive hip-hop duo Outkast. Big Boi emerged in the afternoon, after opening sets from Hollywood Undead-spinoff Deuce and keyboard-heavy L.A. trio Crash Kings. Big Boi's DJ complained about the heat nearly melting his vinyl, but the Atlanta MC smoothly mixed solo tracks into an otherwise Outkast-leaning set that included some freestyling. Papa Roach may not sell as many records as they used to, but the band received a heroes' welcome the second they hit the stage. They've updated their look, too, trading the nu-metal garb for skinny jeans, hipster sneakers and longer hair, all of which suits them. They unleashed a dirtier, darker side than was apparent on their earliest hits, and frontman Jacoby Shadix was the consummate showman, leaving fans hanging on his every hand motion. "Last Resort" closed the set, sounding appropriately more raw and energized than the version on their major label debut. Gavin Rossdale may have dabbled with the band Institute and a solo career, but at Epicenter, the singer/guitarist got back to Bush, performing the music that put him all over the radio in the '90s and touring with an opening act called No Doubt. Back then, Bush became one of the first bands to capitalize on the mainstream doors blown down by Nirvana. Bush hail from England, not Seattle, but grunge motifs are all over their numerous hits, many of which they played: among them "Machinehead," "Swallowed," "Everything Zen," "Glycerine" (which Rossdale belted out solo with an acoustic guitar) and a set-closing "Come Down." The sun mercifully went down as the second stage prepared for hip-hop headliners House of Pain, who came on after Kinda Major, Smile Empty Soul, the Knux and Big B warmed up the crowd. It's been an eventful journey for rapper/singer Everlast, who began his career as a scrappy solo artist, found fame with House of Pain and their massive hit "Jump Around," before reinventing himself as a guitar-slinging country/rap troubadour after suffering a surprise heart attack. Everlast had his guitar for most of the set as he led a full band (drums, bass, keys and a horn section!) flanked by Danny "Danny Boy" O'Connor. The pair rapped House of Pain songs like "Shamrocks and Shenanigans," "On Point," "Put Yer Head Out" and, of course, "Jump Around" over a variety of familiar songs, including the beats made famous by Dr. Dre's "The Next Episode" and Tupac's "California Love," all during a rousing and lively set that included a dedication to Gang Starr's late MC, Guru. There was also an appearance by members of their most recent project, La Coka Nostra. Expectation was palpable for Eminem's first West Coast concert appearance this year. Video screens projected a message written as if it were taken from news headlines. The text spelled out the dark period in Eminem's career, when retirement seemed a possibility, before heralding his triumphant return. Looking healthy and ready for battle, Eminem was backed by huge production (including several clever, stylized videos that played throughout), a hype man, a band, and even D12 for a short medley. Like his September stadium shows with Jay-Z, Eminem kept the song selection diverse, drawing from newer material and classic tracks like "The Way I Am." The show kicked off with "Won't Back Down" and "3 a.m.," setting the tone for the rest of the performance. "I'm back, man," he told the crowd early in the set. "You miss me? I missed y'all." He led the crowd in a "Free Lil Wayne" chant as he launched into "No Love." Em asked the crowd if they had ever "had beef" with their parents just before "Cleaning Out My Closet." A "Big Proof Forever" message was displayed on the screen when the rest of his Detroit crew D12, including a shirtless Bizarre, flooded the stage for tracks like "Fight Music." Cell phones and lighters were raised high during the Aerosmith-sampling "Sing for the Moment." It was a long marathon of quality tracks during which Em proved to have as much stamina as ever, despite his lack of touring. Sandwiched right between the night's biggest acts, DMX gave the tiny VIP tent something incredible to remember when he banged out hits like "Party Up in Here," as well as one new track. The Ruff Ryder looked to be in good health and grateful for the audience's enthusiasm. He made several references to his faith, thanking and praising God profusely. What can you say about KISS that hasn't been said? The band closed the night with pyrotechnics and dependable spectacle. There's the makeup, the production, the costumes, the stunts, the constant marketing of everything from condoms to Dr. Pepper, sure, but you know what else? There's the songs! KISS, who have been together for close to 40 years, crafted a catalog at their height that includes lean, mean, muscular rock anthems like "God of Thunder," "Detroit Rock City" and the ubiquitous "Rock N' Roll All Night." Founding members Ace Frehley and Peter Criss are both gone, but Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons still tear it up live for their KISS Army, and Epicenter was no exception. Drummer Eric Singer has of course been part of the KISS family for a longtime and Thommy Thayer does an admirable job of filling Space Ace's shoes, guitar effects and all. Sunday (September 26), the second and last day of the outdoor festival, will feature Blink-182 in their only North American appearance this year, alongside Rise Against, Bad Religion, Against Me! and more.

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DMX Says Turning Himself In Was The 'Best' Decision

27 Jul 2010 14:02:22 EDT

'It's one of the first steps in regaining everything I lost,' rapper said prior to serving his sentence on a reckless driving charge.
By Shaheem Reid

DMX
Photo: MTV News

The Dog says he is now obedient and will follow the will of God. On Monday, DMX turned himself in to Los Angeles Metropolitan Court for a reckless driving charge he received in 2002. The rap veteran's lawyer, Aja Southern, said he is expected to serve no more than 90 days as part of his plea bargain.

Representatives for the Los Angeles Superior Court system were not available at press time to respond to inquiries made by MTV News. Before going to jail, X taped an interview in which he spoke about his most recent legal situation. "What's going on today is that I'm going to turn myself in," he said. "Me and my crew, we came to the conclusion that would be best. It was something that happened years ago, a driving in infraction." X also noted that getting the jail sentence behind him is another step in his personal and professional recovery. "I like L.A., I like the fans, I like to come out here to work. I wanna get that over with," he explained. "It's one of the first steps in regaining everything I lost." In the video, X looks to be getting in shape, gaining some mass and starting to resemble the man that fans know for terrorizing the mic with his lyrical barks. The Yonkers, New York, native noted that he has a new outlook on spirituality. "My relationship with God has gotten so much stronger. He's always had his hand on me. He always guided me. I didn't always go where he wanted me to go. But he always had me. Now that I'm actually listening and being obedient, life is so much better." DMX is working on new music. A track called "Time to Get Paid," which plays throughout his less-than-a-minute interview, is slated to come out soon. He also appears on the remix to "Stop the Party" with Busta Rhymes, Swizz Beatz, Cam'ron and Ghostface Killah.

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