Can DMX take over the Rap Game again?

By The Voice
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Released from prison, DMX headed straight into the studio and began recording new music. A free man, once again, DMX is determined to take over the game. Well over a decade ago, DMX was the man in hip hop. There was no one tougher or more gruesome than Dark Man X.

Not only was DMX considered the ultimate thug rapper, he also starred in hip hop's version of Goodfellas, Belly. The film was not met with much acclaim outside of hip hop, but DMX was credited for playing a role much similar to himself. DMX reigned supreme for a few years, before he struggled to sell.

In 2001, DMX's popularity began to wane, but he still remained relevant because of his previous hits. By 2003, DMX had decided to retire from the game. A short three years later, he returned with his album, Year of the Dog... Again. The album was met with mixed reviews and critics were ready to count DMX out.

Unfazed, DMX began recording his next album, which has still yet to come. There have been numerous changes to the album, including a double album released on the same day. One album was going to be hardcore and the other album was going to be gospel. However, DMX's drug use got the best of him and he was arrested for various crimes. In 2009, DMX was sent to prison and began serving a two-year sentence, which he was recently released from.

DMX's career had been on the decline for ten years, his label and legal issues only made matters worse. As a free man, DMX still had trouble finding a label to release his album. DMX has returned to the Ruff Ryders, but they had trouble releasing Eve's album. With his popularity down, anyways, and a less-than-perfect label situation, can DMX defy the odds and take over the game the way he did in 1998?