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DMX Faces The Music: Judge Sentenced Him To A Year In Prison
A judge heard a DMX rap song before adding his own lyrics to a court proceeding on Wednesday, ordering the rapper imprisoned for a year in a tax fraud case.
U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff took requests, accommodating DMX’s desire to hear his autobiographical hit “Slippin’” before DMX faced the music over his admission of guilt. The judge called DMX’s fraud a “brazen and blatant” crime that could not go unpunished.
The 47-year-old rapper, known to law enforcement and the courts as Earl Simmons, has been incarcerated since his bail was revoked in January. He sobbed during the proceeding as his lawyer Murray Richman recalled his nightmarish childhood.
“I never went to the level of tax evasion where I’d sit down and plot … like a criminal in a comic book,” DMX said when given an opportunity to address the court.
He said, at times getting choked up, that he “wasn’t following the rules.”
DMX, whose albums include “It’s Dark And Hell Is Hot” and “Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood,” recalled that the judge ordered him imprisoned in January for failing to obey bail restrictions that had allowed him to continue performing concerts while he received treatment for drug addictions.
“It woke me up,” he said.
Before that, he said: “I was in a cloud. I wasn’t thinking straight.”
Richman said DMX, who has appeared in movies such as “Last Hour” and “Romeo Must Die,” has been a model prisoner. Still, prosecutors sought five years in prison for him, citing a lengthy rap sheet and drugs.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Cooper said DMX engaged in tax fraud for six years after having paid taxes previously.
“He essentially went off the grid at a certain time,” the prosecutor said.
Richman said he wanted his client free to support his 15 children and pay back nearly $2.3 million in taxes that are part of a restitution order.
Another defense lawyer, Stacey Richman, called DMX “the American dream,” saying he raised himself out of the ghetto with music that was so inspirational that a former Troy homeless woman called the lawyers to say that hearing one of his songs stopped her from killing herself. The woman now is married and raising a child, Stacey Richman said.
As “Slippin’” played in the packed courtroom, DMX nodded his head slightly to the beat while some of his supporters nodded more enthusiastically.
“I’ve never seen a more horrific background in my life,” he said, describing physical and psychological abuse that left DMX’s teeth knocked out and led him to repeated encounters with the law at an early age.
The judge said that in the court’s view DMX “is a good man.”
“In many ways,” the judge said, “he’s his own worst enemy.”
We Speak Entertainment
Norwegian Rock Sensation Rocky Kramer: A Rising Star Blazing Across the Global Stage
Rocky Kramer, the electrifying Norwegian-born rock star, is fast becoming one of the most talked-about names in the world of rock music. Known for his searing guitar solos, charismatic stage presence, and classical training, Kramer is proving that rock ‘n’ roll is alive and well in the 21st century.
From Trondheim to Hollywood
Born and raised in Trondheim, Norway, Rocky Kramer was immersed in music from an early age. With a pianist and very accomplished vocalist mother and a father that was a first violinist for the Trondheim Symphony Orchestra, Kramer had classical and rock influences in his blood. Initially trained in classical violin, he picked up the guitar as a teenager and quickly developed a reputation as a prodigious talent.
In his late teens, Kramer moved to the United States to pursue his rock dreams. It was a bold move that paid off. His distinctive blend of European musicality and American rock energy quickly caught the attention of industry insiders.
Guitar Virtuoso with a Theatrical Flair
What sets Rocky Kramer apart is his powerful fusion of technical proficiency and dramatic flair. Often compared to the likes of Yngwie Malmsteen and Eddie Van Halen, Kramer brings a neoclassical edge to his playing, while his glam-inspired image calls to mind the larger-than-life icons of 1980s arena rock.
Signed to Allied Artist Music Group, Kramer released his debut album Firestorm in 2019. A concept album with sci-fi themes, Firestorm showcased his musical versatility and cinematic storytelling. Songs like “Rock Star” and “Alcohol” became fan favorites and highlighted his ability to combine metal intensity with catchy hooks and thought-provoking lyrics. Firestorm scored a #1 hit on the Global DRT Charts with the hit single “Rock Star.”
Live Shows That Melt Faces
Whether headlining festivals, opening for legends, or lighting up the screen in virtual performances, Rocky Kramer’s live shows are a spectacle. Known for his explosive energy, intricate guitar work, and sometimes pyrotechnic surprises, his concerts are a must-see experience for fans of all ages.
In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, Kramer adapted quickly by launching Rock & Roll Tuesdays, a popular weekly livestream show that blended music performance, storytelling, and interaction with fans. The series built a global audience and showcased Kramer’s humor, intelligence, and passion for music.
Expanding Into Film and Media
Rocky Kramer’s talents aren’t limited to music. With his striking looks and natural charisma, he’s branching out into acting and producing. He’s been involved in multiple film and television projects, further expanding his brand and artistic reach.
Kramer is also known for championing causes such as music education, anti-bullying campaigns, and mental health awareness. He frequently speaks about the healing power of music and the importance of self-expression.
What’s Next?
With new music reportedly in the works and an ever-growing fan base, Rocky Kramer is poised to become a defining figure in modern rock. He’s that rare artist who bridges the gap between technical mastery and raw emotion—blending old-school rock theatrics with contemporary relevance.
As the world watches and listens, one thing is clear: Rocky Kramer is not just playing guitar—he’s leading a rock revolution.
Follow Rocky Kramer:
- Official Website: https://www.rockykramer.com
- Instagram: @rockykramer
- YouTube: Rocky Kramer Official
Keep your eyes (and ears) open. The Firestorm is only just beginning.
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