Earl Simmons (December 18, 1970 - April 9, 2021), better known by his stage… Read Full Bio ↴Earl Simmons (December 18, 1970 - April 9, 2021), better known by his stage name DMX (Dark Man X), was an American rapper from Yonkers, New York and actor signed to Ruff Ryders Entertainment. In 1998 he released his debut solo album, It's Dark and Hell Is Hot, and has since released 1998's Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood, 1999's ...And Then There Was X, 2001's The Great Depression, 2003's Grand Champ and 2006's Year of the Dog...Again.
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".
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-Keep your shit the hardest
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Now what y'all want me to do
Keep your shit the hardest
It's about to go down
Niggas is ready to start this war that's for sure
They can come and get it
We ride or die why
'Cause my niggas is wit it
Now what y'all want me to do
Keep your shit the hardest
It's about to go down
Niggas is ready to start this war that's for sure
They can come and get it
We ride or die why
'Cause my niggas is wit it
I want Monopoly money but I ain't even halfway there
'Cause doin' dirt, a nigga got to take the back way there
What it is is the biz and it's dirty
You'll get rich but life expectancy is about thirty
Think the business is the hallways, I've been up for four days
On parole with warrants that'll send me back the raw way
If I get caught across Jersey state lines
Figure this 98 and I been runnin' since 89
So that's like 9 years delinquent time
You speakin' crime then you know
9 years you owe, get knocked, 9 years you gonna go
No probation or parole more time doin' nothin'
Day room to the yard writin' rhymes an frontin'
Carry niggas greasy because I'm built like that
Bury niggas easy 'cause they get kiled like that
If you ain't in it wit me than you in my way
But either or you will respect mine
Or leave the TEC 9 and leave it for dude
The realest you gonna feel is when you face your death
Sorry I didn't know nigga don't even waste your breath
Coppin' pleas not D why you flippin'
Nigga know the only thing I'm really scared of is slippin'
Lettin' a nigga catch you when I got my guard down
So I keep 'em up
Noddin' off with one eye open
I can freak it but there's gonna be a time when I'm close 'em both
Lead poisonin' I'ma get hit with an overdose
Over those drug things, crud things
Think I don't know my slug stains, or blood blaze
Raw gun playin' drama
Sadness to another niggas momma
I'ma be the the one that puts you up inside the trauma
These are troublesome times
And the crime prevails
And the dark side keep a nigga's ass in jail
Bada-boom-bada-bing some of this and some of that
I gotta boogie for a minute but you know I'm coming back
Now what y'all want me to do
Keep your shit the hardest
It's about to go down
Niggas is ready to start this war that's for sure
They can come and get it
We ride or die why
'Cause my niggas is wit it
Now what y'all want me to do
Keep your shit the hardest
It's about to go down
Niggas is ready to start this war that's for sure
They can come and get it
We ride or die why
'Cause my niggas is wit it
Try to show niggas but I can only hope they see
You's a little nigga fit right up in a 6 by 3
Layin' up like this
Lips sewn shut eyes closed
Niggas walk past the casket damn shorty nice pose
You was ballin' nigga 'til your ass got balled out
Called out by some disrespectful ass niggas that go all out
I bet you thought it was real funny
Until it had to get cruddy
Me walkin' off leavin' you with all this bloody
What he gonna do when it's all over for real
And the last thing you seein' is that steel
A blast of light that's what he seein' if you blast him right
Hit him in his face and hear them close the casket tight
'Cause it's like it ain't nothin' but endin' it to a nigga
Street sweeper like ahh!
Sendin' it to a nigga
When you in the house you'll play by house rules
2 words you'll never hear again are house lose
And that's house choose it ain't gonna be that
'Cause I can't see that
Ready to get up in this nigga's ass real good so where the weed at
Believe that you ain't going to see nothin' gettin' too familiar
I would tell you what I'll do but than I'd have to kill you
And it ain't even worth it I ain't goin to build nothin'
So I just let you go be that same nigga
Still frontin' laughin' and shit
Like you see somethin' funny
What you sayin' sounds good
But let me see somethin' money
For real
(Dog nigga, dog nigga, dog nigga, dog nigga nigga)
Now what y'all want me to do
Keep your shit the hardest
It's about to go down
Niggas is ready to start this war that's for sure
They can come and get it
We ride or die why
'Cause my niggas is wit it
Now what y'all want me to do
Keep your shit the hardest
It's about to go down
Niggas is ready to start this war that's for sure
They can come and get it
We ride or die why
'Cause my niggas is wit it
Now what y'all want me to do
Keep your shit the hardest
It's about to go down
Niggas is ready to start this war that's for sure
They can come and get it
We ride or die why
'Cause my niggas is wit it
Now what y'all want me to do
Keep your shit the hardest
It's about to go down
Niggas is ready to start this war that's for sure
They can come and get it
We ride or die why
'Cause my niggas is wit it
Keep your shit the hardest
It's about to go down
Niggas is ready to start this war that's for sure
They can come and get it
We ride or die why
'Cause my niggas is wit it
Keep your shit the hardest
It's about to go down
Niggas is ready to start this war that's for sure
They can come and get it
We ride or die why
'Cause my niggas is wit it
I want Monopoly money but I ain't even halfway there
'Cause doin' dirt, a nigga got to take the back way there
What it is is the biz and it's dirty
You'll get rich but life expectancy is about thirty
Think the business is the hallways, I've been up for four days
On parole with warrants that'll send me back the raw way
If I get caught across Jersey state lines
Figure this 98 and I been runnin' since 89
So that's like 9 years delinquent time
You speakin' crime then you know
9 years you owe, get knocked, 9 years you gonna go
No probation or parole more time doin' nothin'
Day room to the yard writin' rhymes an frontin'
Carry niggas greasy because I'm built like that
Bury niggas easy 'cause they get kiled like that
If you ain't in it wit me than you in my way
But either or you will respect mine
Or leave the TEC 9 and leave it for dude
The realest you gonna feel is when you face your death
Sorry I didn't know nigga don't even waste your breath
Coppin' pleas not D why you flippin'
Nigga know the only thing I'm really scared of is slippin'
Lettin' a nigga catch you when I got my guard down
So I keep 'em up
Noddin' off with one eye open
I can freak it but there's gonna be a time when I'm close 'em both
Lead poisonin' I'ma get hit with an overdose
Over those drug things, crud things
Think I don't know my slug stains, or blood blaze
Raw gun playin' drama
Sadness to another niggas momma
I'ma be the the one that puts you up inside the trauma
These are troublesome times
And the crime prevails
And the dark side keep a nigga's ass in jail
Bada-boom-bada-bing some of this and some of that
I gotta boogie for a minute but you know I'm coming back
Now what y'all want me to do
Keep your shit the hardest
It's about to go down
Niggas is ready to start this war that's for sure
They can come and get it
We ride or die why
'Cause my niggas is wit it
Now what y'all want me to do
Keep your shit the hardest
It's about to go down
Niggas is ready to start this war that's for sure
They can come and get it
We ride or die why
'Cause my niggas is wit it
Try to show niggas but I can only hope they see
You's a little nigga fit right up in a 6 by 3
Layin' up like this
Lips sewn shut eyes closed
Niggas walk past the casket damn shorty nice pose
You was ballin' nigga 'til your ass got balled out
Called out by some disrespectful ass niggas that go all out
I bet you thought it was real funny
Until it had to get cruddy
Me walkin' off leavin' you with all this bloody
What he gonna do when it's all over for real
And the last thing you seein' is that steel
A blast of light that's what he seein' if you blast him right
Hit him in his face and hear them close the casket tight
'Cause it's like it ain't nothin' but endin' it to a nigga
Street sweeper like ahh!
Sendin' it to a nigga
When you in the house you'll play by house rules
2 words you'll never hear again are house lose
And that's house choose it ain't gonna be that
'Cause I can't see that
Ready to get up in this nigga's ass real good so where the weed at
Believe that you ain't going to see nothin' gettin' too familiar
I would tell you what I'll do but than I'd have to kill you
And it ain't even worth it I ain't goin to build nothin'
So I just let you go be that same nigga
Still frontin' laughin' and shit
Like you see somethin' funny
What you sayin' sounds good
But let me see somethin' money
For real
(Dog nigga, dog nigga, dog nigga, dog nigga nigga)
Now what y'all want me to do
Keep your shit the hardest
It's about to go down
Niggas is ready to start this war that's for sure
They can come and get it
We ride or die why
'Cause my niggas is wit it
Now what y'all want me to do
Keep your shit the hardest
It's about to go down
Niggas is ready to start this war that's for sure
They can come and get it
We ride or die why
'Cause my niggas is wit it
Now what y'all want me to do
Keep your shit the hardest
It's about to go down
Niggas is ready to start this war that's for sure
They can come and get it
We ride or die why
'Cause my niggas is wit it
Now what y'all want me to do
Keep your shit the hardest
It's about to go down
Niggas is ready to start this war that's for sure
They can come and get it
We ride or die why
'Cause my niggas is wit it
In "Keep Your Shit the Hardest," DMX urges his listeners to keep their guard high and stay true to their gritty, streetwise identity. The chorus repeats over and over as DMX proclaims the coming war and readiness of his crew. He emphasizes the importance of upholding one's reputation and being willing to fight to protect it, even if it means going to jail. He speaks about the harsh realities of the business he is in, acknowledging that while it can be lucrative, it is also a dangerous game that can end in tragedy. He warns those who disrespect him, promising to take out anyone who gets in his way. He leaves his musical rivals and the competition with a sense of dread, knowing that he alone represents true authenticity.
The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of the rough, unyielding street life that has long been a staple of DMX's music. The harsh, unapologetic delivery of the verses empowers his listeners to embody their true selves and stay firm in their convictions. The repetition of the chorus makes it a rallying cry for anyone seeking to assert their dominance and prove their worthiness in a dangerous world.
Line by Line Meaning
Now what y'all want me to do
What action or response do you expect from me?
Keep your shit the hardest
Maintain the highest level of strength and resilience
It's about to go down
A conflict or intense situation is imminent
Niggas is ready to start this war that's for sure
Individuals are fully prepared to engage in a violent confrontation without a doubt
They can come and get it
They can attempt to take what belongs to me, but they will face consequences
We ride or die why
We are loyal and committed to each other, even in the face of great danger or potential death
'Cause my niggas is wit it
Because my close friends and associates are fully on board with this mindset
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KASSEEM DEAN, EARL SIMMONS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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John Hendrickson
Rest In Power, DMX!
DJK083
X's most underrated song
Lor H Tommy
Rest In Peace DMX a true legend 💪🏿💪🏿
DocM
Keep Your Shit The Hardest!!! Hardest banger ever!! Know you''re going the hardest in the after life X!! Rest In Power!!
John Hendrickson
Still rocking out to this in December 2020!!!! X Was That Dude! One of Swizz Beats' best beats EVA!
Melvin Anderson
1 of the Hardest ever D.M.X. R.I.P.
Lilianna Kifflin
RIP our genuine soldier. 🎖
VxBE
Facts... this one hit hip-hop hard 😔 R.I.P OG 💪💪
Couch Potato Guy
Dmx on full rotation this weekend
alex82
heavy beat! one of the best from x and swizz