Rapper to Release Gospel Song About God and Perseverance

DMX (a.k.a. Earl Simmons) reached mainstream success in the late 1990s with songs like "Ruff Ryders' Anthem" and "Party Up,"  but now the performer, who has had both financial and legal troubles of late, is preparing to release a gospel single.

The new song, "Never Give Up," is being produced by Dame Grease, an industry insider who has produced for numerous popular acts, but does not currently have a release date.

"DMX's strong faith in God is always prompting him to create new music that expresses his relationship with God," publicist Domenick Nati told TheBlaze. "In all of DMX's gospel songs his goal is to provide music that people can relate to and a lot of fans tell us that his music gets them through tough times in life."

It isn't clear if "Never Give Up" will be part of a gospel album or simply a stand-alone single. Nati did say that DMZ has discussed the prospect of doing an entire faith-based album, but that a decision on the matter is not currently being discussed publicly.

Video has been released of DMX performing a portion of the song at a studio last week. Watch it below:

DMX last made headlines back in October when he was spotted reading the Bible to a fan outside of a restaurant in Los Angeles, Calif.

Revelations of a gospel song are not completely surprising, as it’s no secret that DMX is a Christian. But his repeated brushes with the law have captured headlines more often than his faith has.

The rapper filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, UPI reported this summer. He owes $1.24 million in child support, alone, and has between $1 million and $10 million in total debt.

Over the summer, he was also arrested for drunk driving in South Carolina and, in a separate incident just days later, police cited him for marijuana possession.

The rapper has also been arrested additional times in the past for a variety of offenses.

As for substance abuse, Nati previously told TheBlaze that it’s a struggle for DMX. While marijuana is still a part of the rapper’s life, he’s working to rid himself of all substances.

“God is really helping him get rid of all the hard stuff and, as far as smoking weed or drinking, that’s the goal to get where he is not consuming any substance,” the publicist said.

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