That DMX didn't pay his taxes is the least surprising story this side of Flavor Flav not paying his taxes.

Like Flav, X got caught and in December he pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion in federal court. He had been facing 14 counts and 40 years in prison before taking the deal.

But if X is hoping to get off without prison, he may be out of luck. 

The U.S. District Attorney's Office is recommending the rapper get 5 years in prison -- the max for one count -- when he's sentenced on March 29th. In filings seen by TMZ, prosecutors asked the judge to "send the message" to X that "star power doesn't entitle someone to a free pass."

Pay your taxes, kids. Pay your taxes.