Rapper DMX to retire from music

HOLLYWOOD, March 25 (UPI) -- Hip-hop star DMX says he is giving up his recording career because he is fed up with corruption in the music industry, the Winnipeg Sun reported Thursday.

"The music industry is straight-up robbery. I can't be a part of it anymore. You make so much money for them but at the end of the day, they still disrespect you," said the rapper born Earl Simmons.

"Last year I made $144 million U.S. for Def Jam. They gave me nothing, but they loaned me $3 million against my next album. They own all my music and they won't let me sing for anyone else, not even for myself if I created my own label.

"This is why I don't make records any more," he said.

DMX, who has co-starred in several films in the past few years, said he would like to form a union to protect the rights of artists.

"It's long overdue, and there are many others who are on my side," he noted.

The entertainer can next be seen in the crime drama "Never Die Alone," which he executive produced and which is due in theaters April 2.