Maricopa County Sheriff's OfficeDMX's apparently never one to pass up a promotional opportunity.
The rap-sheet-laden rapper turned up in a Phoenix courtroom today for arraignment on felony charges of theft and identity theft, and aside from pleading not guilty, he took the time to offer a preview of his new album to the assembled masses.
At an impromptu press conference after the arraignment, DMX touted his forthcoming Walk With Me Now and You'll Fly With Me Later and offered short rap when asked for comment about his legal predicament, a little ditty that went something like this:
"If you ever fall down, get back up!"
DMX's fall came on Tuesday, when a grand jury indicted the 37-year-old performer on two felony counts. He was rung up for theft and identity theft for allegedly giving a false name and Social Security number to an Arizona hospital in April to get out of paying a $7,500 bill.
A police investigation found DMX checked into the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale under the pseudonym of Troy Jones. His birth name is really Earl Simmons.
He was arrested Saturday on an outstanding warrant. On his way to the clink, he told local TV news crews on the scene that his arrest was a case of "harassment."
By our count, it was the fifth bust in three months for the hip-hopster.
Aside from the ID snafu, DMX is facing misdemeanor animal cruelty and felony drug-possession charges stemming from two raids on his Phoenix-area home. SWAT teams found marijuana and a number of malnourished and dehydrated pit bulls on the property. He was also dinged in May by Arizona's finest for some bad motoring skills, including reckless driving and driving with a suspended license.
He's also facing separate charges in Miami for outstanding warrants and failing to appear in court after two arrests just four days apart last month for driving with an invalid license and trying to purchase marijuana and cocaine from an undercover officer.
The Cradle 2 the Grave star has now pleaded not guilty across the board.
The X-Man is slated to return to Phoenix court on Aug. 12, no doubt giving him another chance to hype his new Ruff Ryder-produced album, which is slated for release sometime later this year.