Rapper DMX released from prison

DMX has been released from prison.

The 'Who We Be' rapper - real name Earl Simmons - was released from an Arizona prison after serving nearly eight months of a one-year sentence for violating his probation by drinking alcohol during a concert.

The hip-hop star's probation stemmed from an earlier charge of attempted aggravated assault and using a false name to avoid a $7,500 hospital bill.

Upon release DMX, 40, told Allhiphop.com: "I spoke to my daughter, I just got off the phone with my wife.

"I'm going to go see my daughter while the sun is up, then I'm going to be in the studio man."

DMX's manager, Nakai Walker, said he is now hoping to re-start his much stalled rap career and has vowed to avoid serving any more jail time.

She said: "I can tell you one thing, he's not going to be going back there [to prison] again.

"Earl has so much more to offer the world. His latest project has been on hold for so long - it's time for X to redefine the world of hip-hop.

"It is time to let the Dog out of the kennel."

DMX's next album - his first since 2006's 'Year of the Dog... Again' - will reportedly feature a number of collaborations with other rappers, including Busta Rhymes.