Rapper DMX pleads not guilty to felony charges

Published Friday July 25th, 2008

The Associated Press

PHOENIX - DMX rapped for reporters outside a Phoenix courtroom after pleading not guilty to felony charges of theft and identity theft.

Then he plugged his new album.

Authorities allege the 37-year-old rapper gave the name "Troy Jones" and an incorrect Social Security number to a Scottsdale hospital in April to avoid paying $7,500 in medical expenses.

Following a hearing on Thursday, DMX, whose real name is Earl Simmons, rapped: "If you ever fall down, get back up."

The theft and identity theft charges come after months of trouble for Simmons, who also faces multiple charges of drug possession and cruelty to animals in Maricopa County.

He is due in court Aug. 12 for a conference relating to those charges.

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