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. SisqΓ³ 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 X Gon' Give It To Ya
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't get it twisted
This rap shit is mine, motherfucker
It's not a fucking game
Fuck what you heard
It's what you hearin' (it's what you hearin')
It's what you hearin' (listen)
It's what you hearin' (listen)
X gon' give it to ya (what)
Fuck waiting for you to get it on your own, X gon' deliver to ya (uh)
Knock knock, open up the door, it's real
With the non-stop, pop-pop of stainless steel
Go hard, getting busy wit it
But I got such a good heart
That I'll make the motherfucker wonder if he did it
Damn right, and I'll do it again (yeah)
'Cause I am right so I gots to win
Break bread with the enemy (what)
But no matter how many cats I break bread with I'll break who you sendin' me (yeah)
You motherfuckers never wanted nothing (uh, what)
But your life saved, bitch, and that's on a light day
I'm getting down, down like a nigga said, "Freeze" (uh)
But won't be the one ending up on his knees
Bitch please, if the only thing you cats did (come on)
Was came out to play, stay out my way, motherfucker
First we gonna rock, then we gonna roll
Then we let it pop, go, let it go (what)
X gon' give it to ya (uh), he gon' give it to ya
X gon' give it to ya, he gon' give it to ya
First we gonna rock, then we gonna roll
Then we let it pop, go, let it go
X gon' give it to ya (uh), he gon' give it to ya
X gon' give it to ya (uh), he gon' give it to ya
Ain't never gave nothing to me (yeah)
But every time I turn around
Cats got they hands out wanting something from me (uh-huh)
I ain't got it, so you can't get it (yeah)
Let's leave it at that 'cause I ain't with it (yeah)
Hit it with full strength (what)
I'm a jail nigga, so I face the world like it's Earl in the bullpen
You against me, me against you (uh-uh, uh-uh)
Whatever, whenever, nigga, fuck you gon' do?
I'm a wolf in sheep's clothing (what)
Only nigga that you know who can chill
Come back and get the streets open
I've been doing this for nineteen years (what)
Niggas wanna fight me? Fight these tears (what)
I put in work, and it's all for the kids (uh)
But these cats done forgot what work is (uh-huh)
They don't know who we be
Looking, but they don't know who they see, nigga
First we gonna rock, then we gonna roll
Then we let it pop, go, let it go
X gon' give it to ya (uh), he gon' give it to ya
X gon' give it to ya (uh), he gon' give it to ya (come on)
First we gonna rock, then we gonna roll
Then we let it pop, go, let it go (come on)
X gon' give it to ya (uh), he gon' give it to ya
X gon' give it to ya (uh), he gon' give it to ya
Ayy yo, where my niggas at?
I know I got 'em down in the game, give 'em love and they give it back (woo)
Talk too much for too long (what)
Don't give up, you're too strong (what)
Love to the wild-wild honeys (yeah)
Shout out to niggas that done it (come on)
And it ain't even about the dough
It's about getting down for what you stand for, yo, for real (uh-uh, uh-uh)
First we gonna rock, then we gonna roll
Then we let it pop, go, let it go (come on)
X gon' give it to ya (uh), he gon' give it to ya
X gon' give it to ya (uh), he gon' give it to ya (come on)
First we gonna rock, then we gonna roll
Then we let it pop, go, let it go (come on)
X gon' give it to ya (uh), he gon' give it to ya
X gon' give it to ya (uh), he gon' give it to ya (come on)
First we gonna rock, then we gonna roll
Then we let it pop, go, let it go (come on)
X gon' give it to ya (uh), he gon' give it to ya
X gon' give it to ya (uh), he gon' give it to ya (come on)
DMX's song "X Gon' Give It To Ya" is a powerful and aggressive track that showcases the rapper's self-assurance and unstoppable drive. In the song, DMX asserts that he is the king of the rap game and that he will deliver success to his fans. He also warns his enemies that they cannot defeat him and that he will always come out on top.
The verses of the song are filled with violent imagery and references to DMX's tough upbringing and time spent in jail. He revels in his reputation as a fearsome figure and warns anyone who would cross him that they will regret it. However, he also acknowledges that his success is not just about his own talent and drive, but also the support of his loyal fans.
The chorus of the song features a catchy hook and a driving beat that underpins DMX's lyrical prowess. He delivers his lines with an intensity and conviction that makes it clear he truly believes in his own greatness. Overall, "X Gon' Give It To Ya" is a powerful and motivating song that encourages listeners to believe in themselves and never back down from their goals.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah (uh), yeah, yeah (uh) (grr)
DMX is energized and ready to start rapping.
Don't get it twisted
Don't misunderstand what DMX is about to say.
This rap shit is mine, motherfucker
DMX is claiming ownership of the rap genre.
It's not a fucking game
Rap is not a trivial pursuit.
Fuck what you heard
Don't believe the rumors about DMX.
It's what you hearin' (it's what you hearin')
DMX wants listeners to pay attention to what he's saying.
It's what you hearin' (listen)
DMX emphasizes that he wants people to listen closely.
X gon' give it to ya (what)
DMX is going to deliver a powerful rap.
Fuck waiting for you to get it on your own, X gon' deliver to ya (uh)
DMX isn't going to make listeners wait for great rap, he's going to deliver it immediately.
Knock knock, open up the door, it's real
DMX is coming through and being honest.
With the non-stop, pop-pop of stainless steel
DMX is using powerful rhymes to get his point across.
Go hard, getting busy wit it
DMX is putting a lot of effort into his rapping.
But I got such a good heart
DMX is a good person, despite his rough exterior.
That I'll make the motherfucker wonder if he did it
DMX's kindness can be surprising.
Damn right, and I'll do it again (yeah)
DMX is confident in his skills and will keep delivering great rap.
βCause I am right so I gots to win
DMX knows he's right and going to win.
Break bread with the enemy (what)
DMX will work with anyone, even an enemy.
But no matter how many cats I break bread with I'll break who you sendin' me (yeah)
DMX isn't afraid of any opponent.
You motherfuckers never wanted nothing (uh, what)
DMX's opponents never really wanted to fight.
But your life saved, bitch, and that's on a light day
DMX knows he's saved lives and made a difference.
I'm getting down, down like a nigga said, "Freeze" (uh)
DMX is getting down and serious, like a criminal being arrested.
But won't be the one ending up on his knees
DMX won't be brought down by anyone.
Bitch please, if the only thing you cats did (come on)
DMX isn't impressed by his opponents.
Was came out to play, stay out my way, motherfucker
DMX will not let anyone distract him from making great rap.
Ain't never gave nothing to me (yeah)
DMX started from nothing and worked his way up.
But every time I turn around
Despite his success, DMX always faces difficulties.
Cats got they hands out wanting something from me (uh-huh)
People always want something from DMX.
I ain't got it, so you can't get it (yeah)
DMX can't always give people what they want.
Let's leave it at that 'cause I ain't with it (yeah)
DMX is done dealing with people who want something from him.
Hit it with full strength (what)
DMX is putting all his energy into his rapping.
I'm a jail nigga, so I face the world like it's Earl in the bullpen
DMX has been in jail and faces the world with the same toughness as he had in there.
You against me, me against you (uh-uh, uh-uh)
DMX is ready to fight anyone.
Whatever, whenever, nigga, fuck you gon' do?
DMX is ready for any challenge.
I'm a wolf in sheep's clothing (what)
DMX looks unassuming, but is actually very dangerous.
Only nigga that you know who can chill
DMX has the ability to relax despite his tough exterior.
Come back and get the streets open
DMX gets people excited and inspired through his rap.
I've been doing this for nineteen years (what)
DMX has been rapping for a long time and has accrued a lot of experience.
Niggas wanna fight me? Fight these tears (what)
DMX is also a sensitive person.
I put in work, and it's all for the kids (uh)
DMX has worked hard and done a lot of work to help children.
But these cats done forgot what work is (uh-huh)
DMX's opponents have forgotten the value of hard work.
They don't know who we be
DMX's opponents don't really understand him.
Looking, but they don't know who they see, nigga
DMX can be difficult to understand or read.
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Kasseem Dean, Shatek King, Earl Simmons
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@urmaker
@@skeezers6097 Just because you aren't on track to ever become one doesn't mean to not call others one.
Definition of legend
1a: a story coming down from the past
especially : one popularly regarded as historical although not verifiable
the legend of a lost continent
Arthurian legends
b: a body of such stories
a place in the legend of the frontier
c: a popular myth of recent origin
the legend of the Loch Ness monster
d: a person or thing that inspires
@SpencerBerke
THANK YOU FOR THE YEARS OF MUSIC DMX. Rest In Peace.
@jamaal1592
True words.
@Dominic_Delta
He will be missed π’
@kaihd6926
They is a legend ππ’R. I. P.
@marcel9666
ππ»
@codywelter5302
π’π’
@ScenicFights
One of the most hype songs ever. Jet Li and DMX was a badass combo in Cradle to the Grave.
We praying for you DMX.
@kylerobinson6102
Ever seen Romeo Must Die?
@robbie1212
Yup!
@Zay-lh4om
X gave him the drugs