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 Minute For Your Son
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I need to talk I'm so tired of trying to run, Father
Let's take a walk I'm so sorry for what I've done, Father
It ain't my fault The devil's been on my back lately He's like a hawk
You never give us more than we can handle But it's gettin' hard
And I'm a strong individual But I need you, God
A lot of things that I used to I don't want to
Runnin' the streets like I used ta
Up in the light -- Hallelujah!! -- on Sunday
I thank you Lord for the blessings that you gave me
And for my life the blessings that you have saved me
And for my wife
You have carried me enough times and that's the truth
Carried me through the rough times throughout my youth
And through it that I saw you was still wit me
I was that one lost sheep and you was comin' to get me
[Chorus:]
Lord, you got me like, your love got me like
Lord, you got me like, your love got me like
Lord, you got me like, your love got me like
Lord, you got me like, your love got me like
I'm lookin' at life a lil' different now since you hugged me
And I always loved my people but now they love me
Thank you for the love, Lord, we praise ya
Jacob, ascendants, from Africa to Asia
Bleeding the blood of Christ over our life
Wrong or right just help us make it through the night
And we'll shout your name in times of need
And times of joy and when we bleed
And when we are overcome with grief
You don't have to tell me twice; I'm a take heed
And because of what you've given me, I know you'll deliver me
And I won't drown no matter how deep the river be
You are the strength I never knew I had
Kept the heart good when they told me it was bad,
All praise is due to ya, that's why I had to dedicate somethin new to ya,
Thank you Father
[Chorus]
Lord, you got me like, your love got me like
Lord, you got me like, your love got me like
Lord, you got me like, your love got me like
Lord, you got me like, your love got me like
Uh I never knew a love like this before
Messin' with the Thug Life, I missed it all
Open up the doors and let me in
I'm done wit the cards so let's begin
Prayers that you give to me, I give to them
Same way you live in me I live in them
Life is a blessing now you got me smiling
From inside of my heart when inside it was dark
And it doesn't rain any more only sunshine
No pain anymore.... I really love mine
You wash away the tears with the fears
I'm happier than I've ever been in my life, in thirty years
You know that
One day I'll speak the word
You know that!
When I do, I will be hear
You know that!
You have me a permanent smile
And you know this, Father, 'cause I'm you're child!!
The song "A Minute For Your Son" by DMX is a heartfelt conversation between a son and his father, or rather, his Father in heaven, God. The lyrics convey the son's perspective of feeling lost and spiritually challenged, as he confesses that the devil has been on his back lately, and he has been struggling to run away from his past life, profanity, and chaotic lifestyle. The son is seeking guidance, love, forgiveness, and solace in God's presence, acknowledging the father's infinite blessings that he has given and saved him through his life, including his wife.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the love of God, which got him like, and how blessed he is to be loved and carried by God, who helped him find his way out of the darkest moments in his life. DMX's gratitude towards God for the love, guidance, and mercy he has received is evident through his words, making the song relatable to many who have been through difficult times and are seeking hope and redemption.
DMX's "A Minute For Your Son" has a powerful message that brings hope and reassurance to those struggling with spiritual battles. The lyrics can be interpreted as a prayer and a message that no matter how lost or hopeless you might feel, God's love will always guide you through.
Line by Line Meaning
You got a minute for your son, Father?
DMX wants to talk to his father and asks him for a minute of his time.
I need to talk I'm so tired of trying to run, Father
DMX is tired of running away from his problems and wants to discuss them with his father.
Let's take a walk I'm so sorry for what I've done, Father
DMX wants to apologize for his actions and suggests taking a walk with his father to discuss it.
It ain't my fault The devil's been on my back lately He's like a hawk
DMX blames the devil for tempting and leading him astray.
You never give us more than we can handle But it's gettin' hard
DMX reminds himself that God never gives us more than we can handle but acknowledges that it's getting difficult.
And I'm a strong individual But I need you, God
DMX knows he's strong, but also recognizes that he needs God's help and guidance.
A lot of things that I used to I don't want to Runnin' the streets like I used ta
DMX has changed his ways and no longer wants to engage in negative behaviors such as running the streets.
I know I'm gonna speak the word for you one day Up in the light -- Hallelujah!! -- on Sunday
DMX has faith that he will speak the word of God one day and praises him in advance.
I thank you Lord for the blessings that you gave me And for my life the blessings that you have saved me And for my wife
DMX expresses gratitude to God for the blessings and gifts he has received, including his life and his wife.
You have carried me enough times and that's the truth Carried me through the rough times throughout my youth
DMX recognizes and is thankful for the times that God has carried him through tough times and challenges in his life.
And through it that I saw you was still wit me I was that one lost sheep and you was comin' to get me
DMX acknowledges that God was always with him, even when he felt lost and alone.
Lord, you got me like, your love got me like
DMX is overwhelmed by the love and protection he feels from God.
I'm lookin' at life a lil' different now since you hugged me And I always loved my people but now they love me Thank you for the love, Lord, we praise ya
DMX sees life differently after God's embrace and is thankful for the love he has received from others.
Jacob, ascendants, from Africa to Asia Bleeding the blood of Christ over our life
DMX references the descendants of Jacob, a biblical figure, and acknowledges the universal reach of Christianity.
Wrong or right just help us make it through the night
DMX asks for God's help to make it through tough times, regardless of whether his actions have been right or wrong.
And because of what you've given me, I know you'll deliver me And I won't drown no matter how deep the river be
DMX is confident that God will deliver him, no matter the challenges he faces, and he won't give up.
You are the strength I never knew I had Kept the heart good when they told me it was bad, All praise is due to ya, that's why I had to dedicate somethin new to ya, Thank you Father
DMX acknowledges that God is the source of his strength and kept his heart pure, even when others told him otherwise. He praises God and dedicates a new song to him.
Uh I never knew a love like this before Messin' with the Thug Life, I missed it all Open up the doors and let me in I'm done wit the cards so let's begin
DMX never experienced a love like God's before, and regrets his past involvement with a thug lifestyle. He invites God to come into his life and start anew.
Prayers that you give to me, I give to them Same way you live in me I live in them
DMX shares the prayers God gave him with others, and acknowledges that God lives in him and others who believe in him.
Life is a blessing now you got me smiling From inside of my heart when inside it was dark And it doesn't rain any more only sunshine No pain anymore.... I really love mine
DMX's life is now a blessing, and he's happy and grateful. After experiencing darkness in his heart, now there is only light and happiness. He no longer feels pain and is content with his life.
You wash away the tears with the fears I'm happier than I've ever been in my life, in thirty years
God helps DMX overcome his fears and sadness, making him happier than he has ever been in his life.
You know that One day I'll speak the word You know that! When I do, I will be hear You know that! You have me a permanent smile And you know this, Father, 'cause I'm your child!!
DMX has faith that one day he will speak God's word and will be heard. He is happy and smiling because he knows that God is always with him and supports him, just like a loving father supports his children.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: EARL SIMMONS, KASSEEM DEAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Adewale Akanji
This was probably his most underrated track nobody really paid attention to. One of my favorite tracks of all-time. RIP DMX
Silent 1
I agree they just put 2 songs on the same track
Mario Godinho
I Agree bruv
Gwendolyn Traylor
@Silent 1 2 or 4songs at the end of the Prayer skit, celebrate the life of a man who truly has a relationship with the Man Above
L W
Cause it's not the usual DMX that folks are use to not even the beat , but this my first time ever hearing this particular song & I love it too bad main stream & the industry don't want songs like this coming out ....They never wanted X to come out with music like this that why they would let him throw it on an album as a bonus track or the last track & won't push it as a single
DJ ST
@Silent 1 yea it was a bonus q
Dwayne Robinson
“And it doesn’t rain anymore, only Sunshine
No pain anymore, I really love mine
You washed away the tears with the fears
I’m happier than I ever been in my life, the whole 30 years!”
I felt that. I felt the whole song but those lines stand out to me.
Falcon84
RIP DMX 😢🙏🏾. It’s almost prophetic listening to this now. Now he can be at peace with the most high 🙌🏾
Robert H.
Another legend gone but will never be forgotten. This man’s music will forever touch me. Rest In Eternal Peace Earl Simmons A.K.A. DMX. 12/18/1970 - 04-09-2021. ✌️ to his family and May The Most High Continue to watch over the ones out there battlin’ drug addiction. God bless
Nikolayski1337
Rest in peace, X! Thanks for everything you gave us. One love