Yesterday afternoon, news hit the web that just like Beyoncé, J. Cole, D’Angelo and more, the one-and-only DMX would be the latest artist to release a “surprise” album. According to the reports, Redemption of the Beast, dropping January 13, was an official release from the Dog, making for his eighth solo release. The 16-track album includes features from Freeway and Jannyce, but a quick glance at the tracklist shows tracks that have been available on the web since 2008! And the cover art? I think my little brother made it in Microsoft Paint. Well fear not, X fans – this is not official at all!

Taking to Instagram, his Ruff Ryders brother Swizz Beatz cleared up the rumors:

When the DOG come back you will know 100% !!!!!! Stop the B.S fake albums!!!!!!!! Fyi We Cooking Fire

He later added: “I see a lot of rapper but I know only 1 X!!!!!!! #nofakealbums We Got Fire,” so at least we know there will be new, OFFICIAL music coming from X soon! And with Swizzy on the beat, it should be fire!

Marisa Mendez