With a new album on the way, DMX sniffs out a rap return with the Weigh In, a free EP that dropped Tuesday (May 15).

The new music falls in line with DMX’s former releases, both sonically and in subject matter. On the EP, he focuses on overcoming adversity (“Where I Wanna Be”) and makes his trademark references to his “dogs” (“Where My Dogs At,” and S**t Don’t Change,” ft. Snoop Dogg).

“It was incredible,” DMX told MTV News, about working with Snoop and Tyrese, who also appears on the EP. “I just happened to call Snoop while I was in the studio, he answered the phone, I sent him the joint, the next day I had it back,” he recalled. “I appreciate the fact that the love is still there. I look forward to working with more artists. I normally don’t work with too many artists, but these have always been friends of mines.”

DMX bit into the rap scene in 1998, when he snagged two No. 1 albums in the same year with the turbulent discs, It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot and Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood.

Last month DMX had a breakdown on an episode of Couples Therapy when he cried out for his “mommy” and delved into the emotional source of his previous drug use.

The scrappy rapper, who has become known for his many run-ins with the law, is now happy to put music first.

“I wish it was always like that but you can’t really worry about what people think, what they say. I just gotta do me,” he said. “The focus is on taking the music seriously, as a job, and less trouble.”

DMX is also working on his seventh studio album, Undisputed, which is set to be released in the fall. You can download or listen to the Weigh In here.