Rapper DMX was arrested today on charges of failing to give it to ya (it, in this case, being taxes, and “ya” being the U.S. government). According to The Hollywood Reporter, X is alleged to have concealed millions of dollars in income from the IRS, and avoided paying as much as $1.7 million in taxes over the years. The rapper surrendered himself into federal custody today.
The case will presumably go down in history as the only time the federal government has ever referenced the lyrics of “X Gon’ Give It To Ya” in connection to a high-profile case, with the IRS noting that, while the rapper was “raking in millions from his songs,” “DMX didn’t give any of it to the IRS.” (And yes, that’s pretty much the exact same joke we made up top, but what were we gonna do? Make a tax evasion joke about “Party Up”?)
DMX is currently facing 14 separate counts related to tax fraud and evasion. It remains to be seen how this will affect the Ruff Ryders reunion tour announced last month.