One gem of good news can be found buried among the onslaught of headlines focusing on the country’s current state of political affairs this Friday (Jan. 25). As reported, DMX has been released from prison two days earlier than expected.

The veteran rapper, who was sentenced to one year in prison on a tax evasion charge last year, was officially released from West Virginia’s Gilmer Federal Correctional Facility early Friday morning. He was initially slated to be released on the 27th. But, due to the date falling on a weekend, he was able to be processed out of the facility before week’s end.

While he has served his time, he is not in the clear just yet. Last April, DMX was ordered to pay back the government a sum of $2.3 million, which he had been allegedly withholding throughout the course of a decade. In addition to paying restitution, he reportedly must also enter an outpatient program for substance abuse and mental health.

During his sentencing, the 48-year-old offered a statement of apology, during which he explained he didn’t realize the extent of the severity of his crime. “I was in a cloud. I wasn’t thinking straight,” he said at the time.

Now that X is getting back on his feet, the rapper’s team has assured fans they have plenty to look forward to. As previously reported, he is looking to record a new album — one that he began penning in jail. X is also looking to take on a few on-screen projects, including a biopic.

While the specifics regarding what the Ruff Ryders icon will be working on now that he’s a free man have yet to be revealed, he is gearing up to celebrate this next chapter of his career in Connecticut next month. DMX’s welcome home party is set to take place on Feb. 8 at the Lotus Lounge.

Welcome home, DMX!