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".
Against the Grain
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(I gots to make a move and make it soon
I gots to take a block and make it boom)x2
Goin Against the grain... Know what im sayin? Ye-yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, shit's about to jump off and
Lookin' for the bus to bring in my man from up north
Been like three years since when got knocked
Punked up like five new blocks, holding down for it
Kept a nigga straight with money in the books
And them bitches is crooks who look out for other crooks
Took him shopping, money in his pocket is straight
Dropped him off at the wife's crib after we ate
Our estate was the next move for me
Had to make that nigga chill for at least two to three months
Cause when it's on, it's on (thats my plate!)
He didn't care
It's like slow down baby
The money ain't going nowhere (what?)
Keep in touch though and show how much your ass is with it
The dope flow is there and in a minute you can get it
Watch a nigga just coming home in a game
Cause on the low we may just be trying to go (go down) against the grain
I gots to make a move and make it soon (uh-huh!)
I gots to take a block and make it boom (come on!)
I gots to make a move and make it soon (what?)
I gots to take a block and make it boom (come on!)
I never figured this nigga would pull this shit that he pulled
What is strange is the change that niggaz go through
When they're locked down and really can't hack it
A motherfucker like me handles a bid like a jacket
Strap it on my back, niggaz ain't built like me
And by the end, niggaz was like "Yo, why you killed Mike, D?
Wasn't me, but yeah he had it coming to him
Used to be my man, so I let my cousin do him (we open up shop! It's four in the mornin!)
Sent him out of state with like half a brick down to my spot in VA
Cause the money comes quick
Half of that got fucked up before I even got the check in on him
But things happen so I really wasn't wreckin' on him
Got him up out of there and sent him down a little further
Ain't heard from him in two months, murder, murder (aahhh!)
And from the next flight thinking I might have to steal something
This hungry shit will make a nigga wanna kill something (fo-fo!)
I gots to make a move and make it soon (uh-huh!)
I gots to take a block and make it boom (come on!)
I gots to make a move and make it soon (what?)
I gots to take a block and make it boom (come on!)
Man, listen, money is missing and shit is hectic
Found the safe, checked it
Shit looks detected
Just what I expected when I got no word from him
Asked around but ain't nobody heard from him (cash long!)
But money talks and most niggaz is snakes
So it wasn't long before his man was ready to take
Me to where he was at, checked my gat
Threw in a four clip, pumped myself up
Cause I can't go for that bullshit
Fuckin' with my last load of cash ain't the issue
It's just real fucked up when your man tries to diss you
Takin' back for niggaz in New York and how they told me so
Now I got to knock his boots, he owes me dough
Layin' up with a hoe, then he hit me with the sob story
The famous "Oh you didn't know I got robbed!" story
Told it's to me he should be grateful to
Fuck that bitch! Look at what she made you do
Now there's love lost and a double cross
Pointed at that bitch, turned her braids into sauce
So you wanna be with him (uh) and talk to me like I'm silly
Five bottle of Mo on the floor, boxes of phillys
Ten g's in the shoebox under the bed
And for every g I put a fuckin' slug in his head
And from then, the moral of the story if you missed it
Is the grand is always gonna be there (why nigga?)
Just never go against it
DMX's song "Against the Grain" talks about the challenges of life on the streets and the lengths some people go to make it. In the first verse, DMX talks to his friend who is coming out of jail after three years and wants to get back into the game. DMX decides to make him stay clean for a few months before making any moves so that they can stay under the radar. He also says that no matter what, they will always be successful as long as they don't go against the grain.
In the second verse, DMX talks about a friend who is missing after taking some of his money. DMX eventually finds out that the friend has been hiding out with a girl while using DMX's money. DMX is furious and decides to go after his friend. He finds him, kills him, and takes his money back. The moral of the story is that the game is always there and will never go away. However, if someone goes against the grain and tries to cheat or double-cross, there will be consequences.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo, remix joint...
Starting the song with a sense of excitement and energy
I gots to make a move and make it soon
Expressing urgency in the need to make a big move
I gots to take a block and make it boom
Wanting to make an impact in a certain area or community
Goin Against the grain... Know what im sayin? Ye-yeah
Choosing to go against the norm or status quo, and wanting the listener to understand and relate to this mindset
Lookin' for the bus to bring in my man from up north
Waiting for someone to arrive from out of town, who will be an important part of the song’s story
Been like three years since when got knocked, Since he got caught
Establishing that this person has been in prison for several years
Punked up like five new blocks, holding down for it
Having a sense of ownership and responsibility over a specific area
Kept a nigga straight with money in the books
Looking out for someone in prison by providing financial support
And them bitches is crooks who look out for other crooks
Suggesting that there are some people who help others out, but always for their own benefit
Took him shopping, money in his pocket is straight, Dropped him off at the wife's crib after we ate
Helping the person reintegrate back into society by providing clothes, money, and food before taking him home
Our estate was the next move for me, Had to make that nigga chill for at least two to three months
Deciding that the best course of action is to keep this person low-key for a while, maybe for safety or strategic reasons
Cause when it's on, it's on (thats my plate!)
Stating that it's important to keep things in order and maintain control, even when things are chaotic
He didn't care, It's like slow down baby, The money ain't going nowhere (what?)
The person getting out of prison may be eager to get involved in making money, but it’s necessary to move slowly and carefully
Keep in touch though and show how much your ass is with it, The dope flow is there and in a minute you can get it
Encouraging the person to stay in contact and emphasizing that opportunities will present themselves in the near future
Watch a nigga just coming home in a game, Cause on the low we may just be trying to go (go down) against the grain
Observing how it’s possible for someone who's just gotten out of prison to be eager to get involved in illegal activities that go against convention
I never figured this nigga would pull this shit that he pulled, What is strange is the change that niggaz go through, When they're locked down and really can't hack it
Reflecting on how someone who seemed loyal and dependable could betray him, and how prison can change people in unexpected ways
A motherfucker like me handles a bid like a jacket, Strap it on my back, niggaz ain't built like me
Emphasizing that he is tough and resilient, and that not everyone could handle being in prison without breaking
And by the end, niggaz was like "Yo, why you killed Mike, D? Wasn't me, but yeah he had it coming to him
Referring to a past conflict over someone named Mike, who was killed and the question of responsibility remains unclear
Used to be my man, so I let my cousin do him (we open up shop! It's four in the mornin!)
Deciding to seek revenge through a third party rather than do it himself
Sent him out of state with like half a brick down to my spot in VA, Cause the money comes quick
Expanding his business to another state, where he believes he can make more money
Half of that got fucked up before I even got the check in on him, But things happen so I really wasn't wreckin' on him
Acknowledging that things don’t always go according to plan, and being OK with that because it’s just par for the course
Got him up out of there and sent him down a little further, Ain't heard from him in two months, murder, murder (aahhh!)
Moving the third party even further away, and implying that something bad has happened to him
And from the next flight thinking I might have to steal something, This hungry shit will make a nigga wanna kill something (fo-fo!)
Feeling the pressure to make money and resorting to violent means to do so
Man, listen, money is missing and shit is hectic, Found the safe, checked it, Shit looks detected
Discovering that money is missing, and there’s reason to believe someone stole it
Just what I expected when I got no word from him, Asked around but ain't nobody heard from him (cash long!)
Confirming that the person who's gone missing is the likely culprit in the theft
But money talks and most niggaz is snakes, So it wasn't long before his man was ready to take
Suggesting that people are corruptible, especially when it comes to large sums of money
Me to where he was at, checked my gat, Threw in a four clip, pumped myself up, Cause I can't go for that bullshit
Preparing for a confrontation with the suspected thief and getting ready to defend himself
Fuckin' with my last load of cash ain't the issue, It's just real fucked up when your man tries to diss you
Not really caring about the money as much as feeling betrayed by someone he trusted
Takin' back for niggaz in New York and how they told me so, Now I got to knock his boots, he owes me dough
Remembering warnings from friends in New York about the person who stole his money, and wanting his revenge
Layin' up with a hoe, then he hit me with the sob story, The famous "Oh you didn't know I got robbed!" story
Confronting the thief and having him use the excuse of being robbed to try to explain his situation
Told it's to me he should be grateful to, Fuck that bitch! Look at what she made you do
Not being interested in hearing excuses and pointing out that the thief’s own choices were the reason for his current predicament
Now there's love lost and a double cross, Pointed at that bitch, turned her braids into sauce
Losing loyalty and trust in others, and seeking retribution on someone who might have been involved in the theft
So you wanna be with him (uh) and talk to me like I'm silly, Five bottle of Mo on the floor, boxes of phillys
Feeling insulted and disrespected by someone he has a history with, and using alcohol and cigarettes to cope with the situation
Ten g's in the shoebox under the bed, And for every g I put a fuckin' slug in his head
Revealing where he kept his money, and indicating that he has already decided to kill the thief
And from then, the moral of the story if you missed it, Is the grand is always gonna be there (why nigga?), Just never go against it
Concluding the song’s story with the lesson that money will always be a powerful motivator, but it’s important to be careful and keep one’s priorities in check
Contributed by Riley E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Okayman
This must have been with that dude Grease.
Louis
Irv Gotti produced this
Steven Kerwood
I’m looking for same song too and final call but dude right this is called make a move and prod by gotti