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Though his release was delayed a week for failing a drug test, DMX is a free man today, after serving almost eight months in an Arizona state jail for a probation violation.

All Hip Hop caught up with the troubled rapper, born Earl Simmons, as he was greeted by a group of friends and family, and he revealed that his plans for the day included spending time with his daughter and heading straight to the studio. “I spoke to my daughter, I just got off the phone with my wife,” DMX said. “I’m going to go see my daughter while the sun is up, then I’m going to be in the studio man.”

X was sentenced to one year in prison in December 2010, after violating his probation by refusing to submit to mandatory drug testing and making several other minor infractions, including smoking in unauthorized areas.

“Earl has so much more to offer the world. His latest project has been on hold for so long!” his manager Nakia Walker said. “It is now time for X to redefine the world of Hip-Hop with his highly anticipated album of inspirational, painful & street accredited rhymes. It is time to let the Dog out of the kennel.”

DMX is reportedly staying in Arizona, while he settles back into his career, and hopefully stays drug free. Though he has signed a label deal with United Music & Media Group, he is also rumored to be in heavy negotiations with Rick Ross’ Maybach Music Group.