DMX: "I ain't Goin' back to Jail"
Rapper Curses to Miami Judge after Bond Release Denial
Paying much attention to the personal lives and legal affairs of rappers rarely benefits fans who actually follow Hip-Hop for the music.
For better or worse, most understand that some of their favorite MCs occasionally incur gun or weed charges. However, those missteps become an issue when they clearly affect the ability to maintain a stable career.
Even some of Darkman X's most loyal supporters could tell you about an embarrassing arrest or court appearance quicker than they could name a bangin' new track he's released. Considering that DMX was once considered a legend and even compared by some to 2Pac, it's tough not to consider this problematic.
DMX Arrested
Less than a week ago, X told Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Lawrence Schwartz that "I ain't goin back to no f-----g jail" during an extradition hearing. The multi-platinum rapper/actor was responding to Schwartz's refusal to release him on bond. He was arrested earlier in the month in Miami because he failed to appear at a Phoenix court on drug possession and animal cruelty charges.
It's not surprising that DMX, whose real name is Earl Simmons, would be upset enough to utter profanities at Schwartz or any judge. His legal history is well documented, and he must be tired of it all. But if that were really the case, why would he hurt his cause by disrespecting someone who has control over his future?
Simmons' attorney was even seen giggling during the hearing. That's because he knows how absurd the whole situation is. A handcuffed DMX walked away from the podium explicitly stating what he would not do. Only telling the judge to "Get at Me Dog" would rank higher on the list of things not to say while requesting release.
DMX's Legal Troubles
Not unlike several other celebrities, DMX has been charged with many serious and bizarre crimes, but has not served a great amount of time. Impersonating an FBI agent and fighting dogs are among the most notable ones.
Remember when everyone's favorite dog charted two No. 1 albums in the same year? He achieved that feat nearly a decade ago. His poor judgment off the mic, though, makes it seem like it's been much longer.
But with so many years in the game, he's the type of rapper that will probably never be completely void of a fan base. Musical depreciation cannot be the only reason his album sales have been on a steady decline since his string of platinum albums ended with 2003's "The Grand Champ." People don't seem content to continue supporting rappers like X, who's easier found on CNN acting foolishly than on record-store shelves with new material.
Younger rappers like Lil' Wayne and T.I. have experienced their own legal woes over the last few years, but they've dominated the game by setting new trends and creating hit singles, two things DMX hasn't done in years.
He's 37 years old, but DMX can't blame his fall on age with Jay-Z, Nas and others still selling records and embarking on successful tours. The media could be held accountable to an extent too, but reporters will always be ready with microphones, pens and cameras if entertainers keep getting caught up with the boys in blue.
The talent DMX exhibited early in his career could still translate to quality music in the future. He'll always have passion for music and the desire to speak his mind. But none of that will matter if he's only remembered as a jailbird whose mic skills took a backseat to hearings, cocaine charges and fatuous comments directed at officials.
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