Rapper DMX pleaded not guilty to felony charges of theft and identity theft in a Phoenix court on Thursday. The charges stemmed from a visit the rapper, whose real name is Earl Simmons made to the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona, in April, during which he gave his name as “Troy Jones” to allegedly avoid paying $7,500 for treatment. After he was arrested he told reporters on the scene that his arrest was a case of “harassment.”

After he denied the charges, he had time to offer short rap when reporters asked for comment following the hearing in Maricopa County Superior Court.

“If and when you ever fall down, get back up. ... Stand for something or fall for everything. Wait for the right pitch, you’ll miss every swing,” Earl Simmons sang.  

The 37-year-old rapper is scheduled to appear to court on August 12. He is facing misdemeanour animal cruelty and felony drug possession charges stemming from two raids on his north Phoenix residence. A SWAT team raided his residence to serve arrest and discovered drugs and weapons.

Rap star DMX pleaded guilty in May to 11 counts of animal cruelty and drug possession for allegedly mistreating his 12 pit bulls and for having marijuana around the house.

On June 26, the rapper was arrested again for allegedly trying to purchase marijuana and cocaine from an undercover corp.
Earlier this month, the rapper was arrested at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on outstanding warrants when he missed a court hearing.

DMX has a gospel album in the works entitled “You’ll fly with me later.” His hip-hop album, “Walk With Me Now,” is scheduled for an Oct. 14 release.