DMX is back.
The Ruff Ryders rapper has reportedly signed a new deal with Def Jam Recordings, XXL reports. Swizz Beatz confirmed X’s new signing during a recent interview with “The Breakfast Club.” “Just re-signed so it’s gonna be a good year for him, God willing,” he said. “I just want it to happen so he can go to where he been supposed to have went.”
Swizz acknowledged that X had been off the scene for a bit because “he wasn’t in his right form.” However, the producer noted that his fans have remained loyal. “He missed a lot of time, but you know what, those people still show up to them shows,” Swizz added. “He does something different with them.”
DMX released his 1998 debut album “It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot” on Def Jam and became one of the label’s top-selling artists throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s. X released five additional albums on the label, including “Flesh of My Flesh,” “Blood of My Blood,” and “… And Then There Was X.” His final album on Def Jam was “Grand Champ,” which dropped in 2003.
X recently appeared on the Swizz-produced record “Just in Case,” which also features Rick Ross. The song is said to be the theme music for Forest Whitaker’s “Godfather of Harlem” crime drama series on Epix.
Things have been looking up for the Yonkers rapper following his release from prison earlier this year. X was released from a West Virginia prison in January after serving a one-year sentence for tax evasion. He wasted no time booking shows and hitting the stage as he embraced his freedom. X hit the road and embarked on a 32-date U.S. tour in celebration of the 20th anniversary of his debut It’s “Dark and Hell Is Hot.”
DMX has also performed at festivals such as Rolling Loud in Miami and made a special appearance at Kanye West’s Sunday Service at Coachella back in April.