DMX takes deal in tax scheme

RAPPER DMX is ready to P-A-Y up.

The performer, whose real name is Earl Simmons, agreed Thursday to plead guilty to a single count of evading taxes instead of going to trial on the 14 counts he was charged with, officials said.

The compromise reduces DMX’s possible prison time from 43 to five years, based on sentencing guidelines.

Prosecutors had charged the “Ruff Ryders Anthem” performer with a “multiyear scheme to conceal millions of dollars” from the IRS through his alleged failure to file personal tax returns for several years.

DMX sold millions of records between 2002 and 2005, enough to amass a $1.7 million tax bill.

Sentencing was scheduled for March 29.