Previous reports that rapper DMX was set to appear VH1’s “Celebrity Rehab” have now been denied by X’s publicist Pam Pinnock who released a statement clearing up the accusations.

According to the Hip Hop Press: “Several media outlets have reported that my client Earl Simmons, aka DMX has signed on to appear in VH1’s ‘Celebrity Rehab  Reality Show,'” a statement reads. “These reports are false and Mr. Simmons has not greed to appear in any reality show . Mr. Simmons is currently serving a 90 day jail sentence at Tent City Jail in Arizona . He has expressed great appreciation to the overwhelming amount of support he has received from his fans during this difficult time. He would like his fans to know that he is taking this time to focus on his personal as well as spiritual growth, and is looking forward to being released soon.”

X is currently in Arizona serving a 90-day sentence on drug charges and will be released later on this year. However, apparently upon release he will not be checking into the show. It’s kind of sad though, this is one rumor that I was actually looking forward too. Perhaps all of these rumors will now prompt the show to get X on, and maybe he will even consider going through with it. Whichever he decides, we are pulling for you X!

Jay-Z says “Gangsta” Is Dead

Finally someone is attempting to rid Hip-Hop’s “gangsta” image. Jay-Z recently went on record discussing President Obama’s role in the decline of this “gangsta” image.

“Obama represents so much hope for blacks and Latinos. The hope he represents is bigger than any of the huge problems he could possibly correct,” he said. “When you have positive role models, you can change your life for the better. The day Obama got elected, the gangsta became less relevant.”

So it seems that Hov seems to think that gangsta’s are so last season. I can agree with that to a certain extent, however the demolition of the “gangsta” has been years in the making. So is “gangsta” dead? You be the judge of that. I will say this though: Hov’s support of President Obama is beautiful, and the more negative depleted from this Hip-Hop culture, the better. Perhaps now that Jay-Z has spoken on this issue, there will be more rappers speaking out about their opinions on this matter. I’m looking forward to see what other Hip-Hop artists have to say.