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".
A 'Yo Kato
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This go out to my dog Kato
Rest in piece, baby
He's the kingpin
Dogs that I call my friends
Prayin' for all my friends
Things I do for my friends
Started off, two dogs with the same goals (uh)
Nothing but two dogs walkin' the same road (uh)
Two different cultures, but had the same heart (yeah)
Enjoyed seeing the light, but lived in the dark
Fifth album, bumped heads in the parking lot (aight)
Was a quiet brother, didn't like to bark a lot
Came direct (uh), when he came, gained respect
So I gave respect, (uh) we shared the same respect
To name regret, in our own circles (what)
Two brothers with good hearts, but if you start
Two brothers that'll hurt you (yeah)
Know how that dirt do, hittin' four corners
(Arf, arf, arf, arf) right back up on us
God tried to warn us, but sometimes we don't see
When I first heard I'm like "This can't be
Y'all niggas is buggin'
Got the wrong information or something
Please tell me these niggas is frontin'"
God, no
Dogs that I call my friends
Prayin' for all my friends
Things I do for my friends
We miss you, a'yo Kato
Dogs that I call my friends
Prayin' for all my friends
Things I do for my friends
We miss you, a'yo Kato
A'yo K', let me kick it with you for a minute
There was things left unsaid, dog, we wasn't finished
Never got to say thank you for being a friend
Dogs for life, and you rode to the end
Held dog down, didn't let a day go by
Every time dog came the the Chi' (what)
I was good, trips out to Phoenix, with the scrambler squad
Now I come back to Phoenix and like, damn, it's hard
To accept the fact, that you won't be coming back
But I hope you coming back, 'cause I won't accept the fact
When you came to New York, you had to come to the crib
And vice-versa, (yeah), that's just how we did
Remote control cars, (what), we would race all day
It was adventure, we would chase all day (yeah)
So I'm not gonna say goodbye my nigga
Instead I would rather
Focus on the time we spent together, that's what matters
Dogs that I call my friends
Prayin' for all my friends
Things I do for my friends
We miss you, a'yo Kato
Dogs that I call my friends
Prayin' for all my friends
Things I do for my friends
We miss you, a'yo Kato
I need you to save me a spot, next to you and the Lord (aight)
I don't know when I'm coming, but keep checking the door (aight)
But while I'm here, knock on wood
I'll make sure that your kids remember who their father was
And Val is good, (aight) understood how real niggas move
We don't talk, but ya gonna always have family in New York
Believe that (yeah), where you at, you can see that
We dogs for life and to death and I mean that
Dogs that I call my friends
Prayin' for all my friends
Things I do for my friends
We miss you, a'yo Kato
Dogs that I call my friends
Prayin' for all my friends
Things I do for my friends
We miss you, a'yo Kato
Yo, Where The Hood At is banging right now, man
That was your favourite joint, ya'mean?
(We miss you, Kato)
It's going just like we thought it would, baby
(We miss you, Kato)
Aight
(We miss you, Kato)
I'll always love you K'
The song "A Yo Kato" by DMX is a tribute to his friend Kato, who passed away. The song talks about their friendship and the bond they shared. DMX expresses his love and respect for his friend throughout the song. The first verse takes us through their journey of being two dogs with the same goals and the shared experiences they had. The second verse is a heartfelt goodbye to Kato, DMX asks him to save him a spot next to him and the Lord and promises to keep his memory alive for his children.
DMX portrays the depth of their friendship by emphasizing how they had each other's back and shared a similar culture, though they were from different worlds. The song also mentions how their bond was not limited to just music but transcended into their personal lives as well. The mention of remote-controlled cars and race exemplifies how the two friends had fun experiences beyond just music. Kato's unfortunate death left a deep void for DMX, but he concludes that his friend will always be remembered and that they will always be dogs for life.
Line by Line Meaning
Uh
This is the beginning of the song.
This go out to my dog Kato
This song is dedicated to DMX's friend Kato.
Rest in piece, baby
DMX wants Kato to rest in peace.
He's the kingpin
DMX sees Kato as a leader.
Dogs that I call my friends
DMX refers to his friends as dogs.
Prayin' for all my friends
DMX is praying for his friends.
Things I do for my friends
DMX will do anything for his friends.
We miss you, a'yo Kato
DMX misses Kato.
Started off, two dogs with the same goals (uh)
DMX and Kato started off as friends with similar aspirations.
Nothing but two dogs walkin' the same road (uh)
DMX and Kato began their friendship together walking towards common goals.
Two different cultures, but had the same heart (yeah)
DMX and Kato were from different backgrounds and cultures, but shared the same values.
Enjoyed seeing the light, but lived in the dark
DMX and Kato enjoyed living in the moment, even though they were in a dark place in life.
Fifth album, bumped heads in the parking lot (aight)
DMX and Kato had a disagreement during the creation of DMX's fifth album.
Was a quiet brother, didn't like to bark a lot
Kato was a low-key type of person who didn't say much.
Came direct (uh), when he came, gained respect
When Kato spoke, he was straightforward and earned respect for it.
So I gave respect, (uh) we shared the same respect
DMX and Kato had mutual respect for each other.
To name regret, in our own circles (what)
DMX and Kato were both regretful about certain things in their own lives.
Two brothers with good hearts, but if you start
DMX and Kato were both good people, but could become dangerous if provoked.
Two brothers that'll hurt you (yeah)
If someone messed with DMX or Kato, they would fight back.
Know how that dirt do, hittin' four corners
DMX and Kato know the streets and the game.
(Arf, arf, arf, arf) right back up on us
They are always ready for whatever comes their way.
God tried to warn us, but sometimes we don't see
DMX believes that God sends us warnings, but we don't always notice them.
When I first heard I'm like "This can't be
DMX was in disbelief upon hearing about Kato's death.
Y'all niggas is buggin'
DMX thought that maybe the news was fake or a mistake.
Got the wrong information or something
DMX thought someone gave him wrong information about Kato.
Please tell me these niggas is frontin'
DMX wanted someone to tell him that it was all a joke.
Dogs that I call my friends
DMX refers to his friends as dogs.
A'yo K', let me kick it with you for a minute
DMX wants to talk to Kato.
There was things left unsaid, dog, we wasn't finished
DMX and Kato had things left unsaid before Kato's death.
Never got to say thank you for being a friend
DMX never got to express his gratitude towards Kato for being a friend.
Dogs for life, and you rode to the end
DMX sees Kato as a lifelong friend who stuck by him until the end.
Held dog down, didn't let a day go by
Kato was loyal to DMX and made sure to always have his back.
Every time dog came the the Chi' (what)
Kato would make sure DMX was taken care of when he visited Chicago.
I was good, trips out to Phoenix, with the scrambler squad
DMX enjoyed his trips with Kato and their other friends to Phoenix.
Now I come back to Phoenix and like, damn, it's hard
DMX finds it difficult to go back to Phoenix without Kato.
To accept the fact, that you won't be coming back
DMX struggles to come to terms with Kato's death.
But I hope you coming back, 'cause I won't accept the fact
DMX is hopeful that Kato will come back to life.
When you came to New York, you had to come to the crib
Kato would always come visit DMX in New York.
And vice-versa, (yeah), that's just how we did
DMX would also visit Kato in his hometown.
Remote control cars, (what), we would race all day
DMX and Kato enjoyed racing remote control cars together.
It was adventure, we would chase all day (yeah)
They had fun and made the most out of each day.
So I'm not gonna say goodbye my nigga
DMX doesn't want to say goodbye to Kato forever.
Instead I would rather
DMX would rather focus on something else.
Focus on the time we spent together, that's what matters
DMX wants to cherish the memories he shared with Kato.
I need you to save me a spot, next to you and the Lord (aight)
DMX wants Kato to save a spot for him in heaven.
I don't know when I'm coming, but keep checking the door (aight)
DMX doesn't know when he'll pass away, but asks Kato to wait for him at the gates of heaven.
But while I'm here, knock on wood
DMX is hoping for good luck and a long life.
I'll make sure that your kids remember who their father was
DMX promises to keep Kato's memory alive for his children.
And Val is good, (aight) understood how real niggas move
DMX knows that Kato's wife, Val, is doing well and understands the struggles of life in the streets.
We don't talk, but ya gonna always have family in New York
DMX lets Kato know that he has a family in New York, even if they don't talk as often.
Believe that (yeah), where you at, you can see that
DMX believes that Kato is watching over him from heaven.
We dogs for life and to death and I mean that
DMX is expressing his loyalty and love for Kato, even in death.
Yo, Where The Hood At is banging right now, man
DMX acknowledges the popularity of his song.
That was your favourite joint, ya'mean?
DMX wants to know if Kato liked that song.
(We miss you, Kato)
DMX and his friends miss Kato.
It's going just like we thought it would, baby
DMX and his friends are seeing the success they expected.
(We miss you, Kato)
DMX and his friends still miss Kato.
Aight
The song is coming to an end.
(We miss you, Kato)
DMX and his friends will always remember Kato.
I'll always love you K'
DMX expresses his love for Kato.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Kasseem Dean, Earl Simmons
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
COZY GIRLFRIEND
Happy they can be reunited at least - RIP DMX
I.N.O
Dam straight
Uldis Bebriss
I believe a lot of us came here to listen to this song, after reading the sad news :( RIP :(
BeardedFatGuy1
@Uldis Bebriss I def did 🙏
Tane Nathan
@BeardedFatGuy1 I second that
Mr 85
Facts Y.O
𝕸𝖆𝖗𝖎𝖚𝖘
Rip DMX you will be missed i'm literally shaking i grew up with you and it hurts to see this moment, hope the family get easy over this tragic moment 😭😭😭😭😭😢😢😢😢
Lalo Malo
Word man I feel you bro
This day was a sad one for real hiphop heads like us
May god be with DMX
Realist mc I ever herd
Dom Sansotta
So did all of us
Michael 🙂
Real DMX fans know this one