DMX ASSAULTS PRISON GUARD OVER BAD FOOD

X (sorry, we mean Earl Simmons) released a statement yesterday saying in part, "Many of you know me as DMX but right now I am speaking to you as Earl Simmons ... For the record, I want to state 'I Did Not' physically touch or hit an officer. This is just another attempt to destroy my credibility."

Sorry Earl, you did a pretty good job of destroying it on your own.

BTW -- if you haven't been following all of X's escapades in Tent City jail -- where Charles Barkley is also set to serve time -- X is accused of throwing a food tray at an officer after he was accused of stealing an extra meal.