What DMX learned from being locked up in prison
DMX lived a troubled life in many ways, particularly in terms of his relationship to the law. He was incarcerated so frequently, but those experiences in jail weren’t without their life lessons.
X was condemned to jail time for a range of crimes, be it related to drugs, weapons or reckless driving. He was imprisoned for assault, tax evasion and animal cruelty through the years, and, really, all of this just scratches at the surface. He was so often in trouble, but he was a religious man, too, who was eager to better himself.
Back in 2011, DMX was serving time once again, this time for breaking the terms of his parole. During this particular stint, Vibe managed to secure an interview with the rapper, during which time he revealed a little of what he was experiencing behind bars.
“What I decided to do this time is that—usually when I go to jail, I do all my push-ups and pull-ups and get my workout routine in,” he told the interviewer over the phone, seemingly in high spirits. “But I said I’m going to fall back on that and just exercise the mind this time around.”
Part of this regimen of “exercising” his mind revolved around reading the Bible and “practicing certain ways of acting… Ways of doing things, frames of mind.”
Pressed to elaborate on what this particular stint in jail had taught him, X highlighted his genuine desire to change for the better. “I realized that [change] is something that I want do this time,” he said.
What was different this time around was that his desire for positive change was his main focus, whereas before he was preoccupied by the temptations of his vices. “Like the last few times I couldn’t wait to get out and go have a drink,” he admitted. “Like all my focus was on going to the club or things of that nature.”
This time, music was on his mind. “Now,” he said, “I’m in a frame of mind where I’m like, ‘Right, into the studio and get my grind on.’”
Aside from his work, X was also eager to see his kids. “When I get out I’m going to pick my daughter up,” he said. “And I had another baby since I been in here, so I’m going take my daughter to see my other daughter, I’m going to hang out for the day, and at night I’m going into the studio.”
There’s a definite melancholy to reading these comments now, knowing what was to come. Following his release this time, DMX would be sent to jail many more times and, ultimately, he would die too young, passing away aged 50 in 2021. He clearly harboured the intention to make positive changes in his life, but, really, he never quite managed it.