DMX died on April 9, 2021 in White Plains, New York, after he was hospitalized on April 2 following a reported heart attack.
Biography
Earl Simmons was the second of three children of a single mother, and was born in Mount Vernon, New York Simmons ended up growing up in the School Street housing projects of Yonkers, New York. He began rapping around the age of 13, amusing crowds of children with rhymes that relied on spelled-out words, a style he called "spellbound." A local rapper eventually asked the young Earl to beatbox for him, and Simmons agreed, adopting the stage name DMX, which stands for "Dark Man of the Unknown," X being an algebraic expression for unknown. But at the time, stood for a drum system that delivered amazing beats. Eventually he decided to try his hand at serious rapping, and honed his skills during a stint at a group home. He also got into fights and frequently was on the run from police. During this period, he also began doing shows and battling other rappers (Once battling and defeating Jay-Z), making a name for himself in the New York area. He released his first album called "DMX: Unleashed and Unreleased" which was an instant hit on the streets of Yonkers. He was also featured in the Unsigned Hype section of The Source in 1988.
He stated he wanted to be a preacher when he retires from his rapping career as he stated in his reality TV Show DMX: Soul Of A Man.
DMX was a fan of the Pit Bull type dogs (American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers). He had a tattoo of one of his deceased dogs, on his back, which read "One Love Boomer". He later contributed over $1 million to the United Negro Association for unfortunate black children in New York City..
Recording career
In and out of jail, DMX decided to focus solely on his rap career. He began seriously looking for a deal and linked up with Pete McCormick Schaub, an A&R for Small Island at the time. Eventually, he signed a management deal with Ruff Ryders. They negotiated deals with both Bad Boy and Death Row Records, but he eventually landed at Def Jam. He is currently at Sony BMG, set to release his first of three albums on August 1st 2006. Rumors also arose that DMX had signed for 50 Cent's G-Unit Records, but were dismissed in a public news conference.
It's Dark and Hell Is Hot
Before It's Dark and Hell Is Hot, DMX released the single "Born Loser" which was banned on MTV due to the video's graphic images. DMX's debut single was "Get At Me Dog", which was an instant hit. His critically-acclaimed debut album, It's Dark and Hell Is Hot, is often credited with revitalizing Hardcore Rap in the mainstream scene, after the death of Tupac Shakur, and after Puff Daddy and Bad Boy Entertainment briefly dominated the charts with their pop-oriented and sample-reliant tunes.
In 1997, DMX earned a second major-label shot with Def Jam, and made a successful guest appearance on LL Cool J's "4, 3, 2, 1." Additional guest spots on Ma$e's "24 Hours to Live" and fellow Yonkers MCs the The LOX's "Money, Power, & Respect" created an even stronger buzz, and in early 1998, he released his debut Def Jam single, "Get At Me Dog." The song went gold and was a hit on the rap and dance charts. The single paved the way for DMX to release his classic first full-length album, It's Dark and Hell Is Hot, which debuted as number one on the pop charts.
Produced mostly by Damon "Dame Grease" Blackman, (Swizz Beatz produced the "Ruff Ryders' Anthem", paving the way for future projects between the two). It's Dark and Hell Is Hot earned DMX numerous comparisons to Tupac Shakur for his booming and aggressive presence on the mic. The album went on to sell over four million copies and earned him credit for revitalizing Hardcore Rap after the deaths of Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. Shortly after the album's release in May 1998, DMX was accused of raping a stripper in the Bronx, but was later cleared by DNA evidence. He made his film debut together with Nas and Method Man in Hype Williams' mildly successful film Belly. Although not a critical success, the film found a strong following with hip hop audiences.
Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood
DMX completed his second album before the end of 1998, and a pending buyout of Def Jam pushed the record into stores December 15. Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood entered the charts at number one and eventually went triple platinum. This number one hit made DMX the first rapper to have two number one albums in the same year. The cover photo of the rapper covered in pig's blood caused some controversy. The single "Slippin'" became his first chart hit in the UK. DMX hit the road with Jay-Z and the Method Man/Redman team on the blockbuster Hard Knock Life tour the following year. He had a song called "Jack Moves" with the legendary rap group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, but the song did not appear on the album.
...And Then There Was X
DMX released his third album on December 21, 1999, ...And Then There Was X, which was his third straight album to debut at number one. Party Up was his biggest single since "Get at Me Dog" which became his first Top Ten hit on the R&B charts. His next singles off the album, "What's My Name" & "What These Bitches Want" feat. Sisqó were also popular. ...And Then There Was X is the rapper's best-selling album to date, going 6x platinum and 9x platinum worldwide, & one of the fastest made by DMX : Def Jam urged him to realise the tracks within a month, while DMX used to take a year to write songs.
The Great Depression
After resolving his legal problems, DMX returned to the studio and completed his fourth album, The Great Depression. Released October 3, 2001, it was DMX's fourth straight album to debut at number one. The album demonstrated his still strong allegiance with the Ruff Ryders. The Great Depression went platinum quickly, but lacked the staying power of his previous releases.
Grand Champ
Released in 2003, Grand Champ was DMX's fifth straight album to debut at number one, extending DMX's position as the only artist in history to have 5 albums (his entire album catalog at that point) debut at #1. Fans and critics claimed disappointment with the album, most stating that it felt formulaic. After its release, DMX informed the public that he planned on retiring from the rap game and that Grand Champ would be his final album. He later ended his brief retirement and announced his plans to record the album Year of the Dog...Again. It debuted with approximately 125,000 albums sold, but failed to give DMX a sixth consecutive #1 album. The album is his lowest selling to date, and has yet to reach Gold in the U.S.
Year of the Dog...Again
Released August 1st 2006, Year of the Dog...Again had numerous problems due to DMX switching record labels, as well as numerous delays. The album's five predeccesors debuted at #1, while this album missed the top spot by only a few thousand sales. In March, 2006 it was announced that the album had been renamed to "Year of the Dog, Again," from "Here We Go, Again." When DMX switched to Sony, Def Jam allowed him to keep all of the tracks he had created for the album. It was reported that most of the tracks were being reworked, with updated production, however the reworked album has also been leaked. DMX has also appeared on Busta Rhymes' "Touch It (The Remix)". He has also released his new singles "Lord Give Me A Sign", and "We In Here" feat. Swizz Beatz, which are included in "Year of the Dog...Again".
11
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ohh, huh, that's how it's goin down huh?
You niggaz hit me like that
in the fuckin back? In the fuckin back?!
Bitches!! ARF, ARF!!
(WHAT?! WHAT?! WHAT?! WHAT?!)
This how we do bitch niggaz, f'real
I'm tryin to let you niggaz know how the fuck it's goin dizzy
When it comes to that flow (YO!) I gets busy
Dog don't care get, bear like grizzly
Boom boom boom! ATF, who the fuck is he?
Dog is the nigga that's gon' walk through the night
Park the car twenty blocks away and walk to the fight (WHAT?!)
And go where the fuck I want cause New York is alright
The dog is alright, if the hawk is on sight
Everything from "Get at Me Dog" to "What's My Name?" (woo!)
X got a rep, niggaz trust my name
Ain't never been a nigga to discuss my fame (WHAT?!)
Fuck my fame, nigga, what's my name? (WHAT?!)
I'ma keep it real no matter what it cost me
Never one to be taken lightly or softly
Dog, I don't know you please back the fuck up off me
Before I have him, 'cause I popped you tryin to off me
[Chorus 2X: DMX]
So don't walk too fast or talk too much
Cause y'all niggaz is ass, and you know whassup
Cause y'all niggaz'll blast and we like WHAT?!
And my niggaz'll blast and Y'ALL FUCKED UP!
[DMX]
I done told you niggaz to walk with me, and stand
Now who's lookin at me, akwardly? My man
But you know who I let talk to me? My fans
Take pictures shake hands cause, that's my man
It'll be what it is for as long as I let it last
Shit niggaz put out? I'd be wrong if I let it past
Think that shit is hot bitch, just because you said it fast? (WHAT?!)
I'm about to dead it fast, you pumped off unleaded gas (c'mon!)
Don't keep goin where you're goin it's a dead end
'fore a nigga catch you at the door tryin to get it
Key tryin to fit in, fo'-pound spittin
Get what you put in (WHAT?!) bullshit forbidden (WHAT?!)
Stop talkin wreckless, cause - y'all don't mean it (woo!)
y'all better respect this, cause - y'all don't seen it (woo!)
y'all better check this cause I'm gon' bring it
Bring it? I don't think y'all really want to see it!
[Chorus]
[DMX]
Aiyyo why do niggaz run they mouth, when they ain't bout it? (uh-huh)
Ain't "Ryde or Die" but, stay wantin to shout it (uh-huh)
Stay pullin the thing out but what you gon' do without it?
No, I want to know f'real, what you gon' do without it? (f'real!)
We done tested y'all niggaz, the rest of y'all niggaz
Threatened y'all niggaz, STRAIGHT UP, double vested y'all niggaz
And it was ONLY out of love that we protect y'all niggaz
And because of a nigga in jail, we respected y'all niggaz
But
[Chorus - 1/2]
[DMX]
Be careful where you walkin cause the ground's real shaky
Nigga hold the fo' but PLEASE don't make me
Please don't mistake me, make me, angry (WHAT?!)
Love me or hate me (WHAT?!) niggaz can't break me (c'mon!)
[Chorus - 2X]
The lyrics to DMX's song Number 11 are a typical DMX style of rap that is tough and unapologetic. The song opens with DMX being angry about being hit "in the fuckin back," and he immediately sets the tone by using aggressive language against his enemies. DMX's flow is relentless, and with lines such as "I'm tryin to let you niggas know how the fuck it's goin dizzy, " he is letting everyone know that he is not to be messed with.
DMX speaks about his fame and doesn't care for discussion as long as his name is respected. He is ready to stand up for himself and "keep it real," no matter the cost. He urges his associates to be careful with their words and actions as the consequences can be extreme. DMX's gritty delivery and sharp rhymes define his unique style and make him one of the most beloved rap artists of his generation.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo, uhh
Introduction to the song
Ohh, huh, that's how it's goin down huh?
Acknowledgment of how the situation is unfolding
You niggaz hit me like that
Exclamation of surprise and betrayal
in the fuckin back? In the fuckin back?!
Questioning the cowardice of the attackers
Bitches!! ARF, ARF!!
Expression of anger towards the attackers
(WHAT?! WHAT?! WHAT?! WHAT?!)
Reiteration of the shocked response to the betrayal
This how we do bitch niggaz, f'real
Stating that betrayal will not be tolerated and will be met with confrontation
I'm tryin to let you niggaz know how the fuck it's goin dizzy
DMX is trying to explain his perspective on the situation
When it comes to that flow (YO!) I gets busy
DMX is skilled in rapping
Dog don't care get, bear like grizzly
DMX is tough and unafraid
Boom boom boom! ATF, who the fuck is he?
Sound effects followed by questioning the identity of a person, implying that DMX has no fear of authority
Dog is the nigga that's gon' walk through the night
DMX is fearless and will go to great lengths to achieve his goals
Park the car twenty blocks away and walk to the fight (WHAT?!)
DMX is willing to take extra precautions to avoid detection or interference
And go where the fuck I want cause New York is alright
DMX is confident and in control of his surroundings
The dog is alright, if the hawk is on sight
DMX is confident in his abilities and is not afraid of any threats
Everything from "Get at Me Dog" to "What's My Name?" (woo!)
DMX references his previous hit songs to demonstrate his success
X got a rep, niggaz trust my name
DMX is well-respected and has a strong reputation
Ain't never been a nigga to discuss my fame (WHAT?!) Fuck my fame, nigga, what's my name? (WHAT?!)
DMX is not interested in discussing his fame, but rather wants people to know who he truly is
I'ma keep it real no matter what it cost me
DMX is honest and truthful, even if it means facing consequences
Never one to be taken lightly or softly
DMX is a serious and intense individual
Dog, I don't know you please back the fuck up off me
DMX does not tolerate disrespect or unwanted attention, and will defend himself
Before I have him, 'cause I popped you tryin to off me
DMX will take extreme measures to protect himself and his reputation
So don't walk too fast or talk too much
Advice to others to be cautious and not draw attention to themselves
Cause y'all niggaz is ass, and you know whassup
Insulting the character of others and implying they are weak
Cause y'all niggaz'll blast and we like WHAT?!
Suggesting that his crew is dangerous and not to be underestimated
And my niggaz'll blast and Y'ALL FUCKED UP!
Warning to others that his crew will not hesitate to retaliate against any perceived threats
I done told you niggaz to walk with me, and stand
DMX expects loyalty and support from those around him
Now who's lookin at me, akwardly? My man
DMX notices when those around him are acting suspicious or uncomfortable
But you know who I let talk to me? My fans
DMX is appreciative of his fans and is willing to interact with them
Take pictures shake hands cause, that's my man
DMX values his fanbase and considers them allies
It'll be what it is for as long as I let it last
DMX is in control of his own destiny and determines his own success
Shit niggaz put out? I'd be wrong if I let it past
DMX will not tolerate disrespect or negative comments about him
Think that shit is hot bitch, just because you said it fast? (WHAT?!)
DMX challenges the validity of others' opinions and suggests that they are simply repeating popular sentiments
I'm about to dead it fast, you pumped off unleaded gas (c'mon!)
DMX is ready to put an end to any negativity or disrespect directed towards him
Don't keep goin where you're goin it's a dead end
Words of caution to others to avoid potentially dangerous or unproductive situations
'fore a nigga catch you at the door tryin to get it
DMX implies that dangerous individuals may be waiting for those who engage in risky behavior
Key tryin to fit in, fo'-pound spittin
DMX references the use of guns and violence
Get what you put in (WHAT?!) bullshit forbidden (WHAT?!) Stop talkin wreckless, cause - y'all don't mean it (woo!)
DMX warns others not to talk negatively or recklessly, as he does not take those threats lightly
y'all better respect this, cause - y'all don't seen it (woo!)
DMX demands respect for his success and reputation, which some may not fully appreciate or understand
y'all better check this cause I'm gon' bring it
DMX is not afraid to confront any threats or challenges that come his way
Bring it? I don't think y'all really want to see it!
DMX suggests that others are not prepared for the consequences of their actions
Aiyyo why do niggaz run they mouth, when they ain't bout it? (uh-huh)
DMX questions why people talk a big game when they are not capable of backing it up
Ain't "Ryde or Die" but, stay wantin to shout it (uh-huh)
DMX accuses others of claiming loyalty to him, but not actually being willing to act on it
Stay pullin the thing out but what you gon' do without it?
DMX challenges those who rely on weapons to defend themselves and suggests that they are powerless without them
No, I want to know f'real, what you gon' do without it? (f'real!)
DMX questions the true abilities and resourcefulness of others
We done tested y'all niggaz, the rest of y'all niggaz
DMX implies that he and his crew have proven themselves through previous confrontations with others
Threatened y'all niggaz, STRAIGHT UP, double vested y'all niggaz
DMX explains how he has used intimidation and force to maintain his reputation and protect himself
And it was ONLY out of love that we protect y'all niggaz
DMX suggests that he only threatens others out of a sense of loyalty and protection to his own crew
And because of a nigga in jail, we respected y'all niggaz
DMX acknowledges that he and his crew have shown respect to others out of respect for a mutual acquaintance who is currently incarcerated
Be careful where you walkin cause the ground's real shaky
DMX implies that the situation is unpredictable and potentially dangerous
Nigga hold the fo' but PLEASE don't make me
DMX warns others to be cautious when wielding weapons around him, as he may respond with force
Please don't mistake me, make me, angry (WHAT?!) Love me or hate me (WHAT?!) niggaz can't break me (c'mon!)
DMX refuses to be taken advantage of or intimidated by others and is confident in his own abilities
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ANTHONY FIELDS, EARL SIMMONS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mr. Ez Back
I still know every word like it's 2001😎😎 Fire song🔥🔥🔥
Wjk Sis
✌✌✌✌✌😇😢💪I NEVER FORGET THIS SONG YOU WAS SINGING THE TRUE MY STORIE I NEVER FORGET IN THIS SONG 👑 JLO.A FROM R.DAM😙✌
Tom Gould
I always loved the controlled anger in this classic
Cliff de Wind
One of my favs of X. Still going down in 2020
MsAbsolute2009
2021! Definitely in my top 10 faves. Hard and gritty love DMX. It is April 12, 2021 and its only 3 days since they announced DMX's passing. From the time I initially posted which was 2 month ago till now I have to save that this is my number 1. Been listening to my top 5 the whole weekend and yeah this bumped to Number 1 for me. Rise is power on the other side Earl Simmons aka DMX aka X.
Steve Hilton /SMTH TV
2020 Dmx still the realest
truestdude
Panama city. We went down after being in Tallahassee for FAMU Homecoming. Man we had a blast!! This joint always reminds me of that time. Had this shit on blast wolfing @ females passing by!! Rip King!! #dmx #gonetoosoon
Vampire Clan
rip dmx
skys the limit
Sadieth Shadow
2021 this still hits. Rest in paradise X.
Anthony Martin
Damn RIP X