DMX Ditches Def Jam For Sony Urban

Fresh from Rikers Island prison, DMX has also left Def Jam, his longtime label, behind.

The rapper, whose real name is Earl Simmons, has signed a three-album contract with Sony Urban. His first studio album in three years, Here We Go Again, is expected to be released this summer. The album was originally recorded for Def Jam, but Sony Urban bought the rights to it as part of the deal.

DMX told Billboard.com that he wasn't happy at Def Jam and could no longer work with Def Jam president/CEO Jay-Z because they were both "too big." DMX is the only rapper to have all five of his studio albums debut at #1 on The Billboard 200 chart and go multi-platinum in the U.S.

Here We Go Again was produced by DMX's Ruff Ryders partner Swizz Beatz and another longtime collaborator, Dame Grease.

DMX's Bloodline Records label — whose roster includes Big Stan, Kashmir and Bazaar Royale — was distributed by Def Jam, but he's now looking for a new distributor.

The rapper, who starred in the 2003 film Cradle 2 The Grave with Jet Li, also has three movies and a reality television series in the pipeline.