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".
Ain' t no Way
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Swizz Beatz
Nigga, ryde or die
DMX what what
C'mon
Ain't no way you're gonna stop my flow
Ain't no way y'all niggas just don't know
Where niggas is about to go oh no oh no
Ain't no way you're gonna stop my shine
Ain't no way you niggas gonna stop mine
Y'all niggas must be out yo mind, I don't know why
Now, what the fuck is you niggas pressing me for?
I saw more ass than a ho and you stressing the raw
If I was testing your jaw, maybe then you would respect me
But you can't respect me 'cause you don't even know me
Nigga check me (come on)
I'm that motherfucker that'll put you to sleep, while you sleeping
Then die from a hundred feet, you just knew you was creeping
But, bad decisions lead to last decisions
Fast collision, now yo ass is missing (what)
Take it over there now you bring it back to the streets
Have you forgotten what it means when a dog shows his teeth?
Let me break it down for you, he's about to attack you
Still standing here fagot? You must want me to smack you
You ain't been there or done that, fuck is y'all niggas telling me
I'm the only nigga, walking the streets with four felonies
But peep this, I see shit is hard, niggas is struggling
So leave rap alone for a little while, go back to hustling
Ain't no way you're gonna stop my flow
Ain't no way y'all niggas just don't know
Where niggas is about to go oh no oh no
Ain't no way you're gonna stop my shine
Ain't no way you niggas gonna stop mine
Y'all niggas must be out yo mind, I don't know why
Give it to niggas just how they give it to, me
Hit 'em in a rhyme because I'm a MC
Been a lot of places most niggas won't, see
That's why I'm at a level that y'all niggas won't, be
Let your man hold something now he want, more
You ain't no fucking killer what was the front, for
It was a time when the world was at your front, door
Now they change places niggas want, raw
Niggas laughed at me and was mad at me
'Cause the way life was going had to be a, tragedy
But after me, it's over, I'ma take the whole verse
I tried to keep it real that's why I let y'all niggas go first
But you looked a gift horse right in the mouth
Didn't appreciate what you got when you got it
So if I see it, I'ma dot it, better to hide it
You gotta car? Better drive it, the fuck up outta here
And hope and pray I don't pull up alongside it
Come on
Ain't no way you're gonna stop my flow
Ain't no way y'all niggas just don't know
Where niggas is about to go oh no oh no
Ain't no way you're gonna stop my shine
Ain't no way you niggas gonna stop mine
Y'all niggas must be out yo mind, I don't know why
Niggas don't know so I gotta flip
It seem they've forgotten how dark it could get
Barks like a pit scratch when I hit
We both know you pussy but you stay talking shit
What I'ma have to do dog, run up in yo mess
Catch you while you comfortable put one up in yo chest
One up in yo vest, of course they the hollows
You goin' away today, you just lost tomorrow
I'ma go platinum (nah) you gots to be kidding why!
Make it double platinum, no bullshitting
And I'ma stay flipping flows, ripping shows
Stripping ho's, getting dough let me go
And nigas know, who the best is
The dog, DMX is the rest is or might as well be helpless
I'm reckless 'cause when I wreck shit
I might snatch a niggas necklace
Then go from like midnight to breakfast
Come on
Ain't no way you're gonna stop my flow
Ain't no way y'all niggas just don't know
Where niggas is about to go oh no oh no
Ain't no way you're gonna stop my shine
Ain't no way you niggas gonna stop mine
Y'all niggas must be out yo mind, I don't know why
Ain't no way you're gonna stop my flow
Ain't no way y'all niggas just don't know
Where niggas is about to go oh no oh no
Ain't no way you're gonna stop my shine
Ain't no way you niggas gonna stop mine
Y'all niggas must be out yo mind, I don't know why
Y'all niggas just don't know
You niggas is about to go oh no oh no
Way you're gonna stop my shine
Y'all niggas won't everstop mine
You must be out your mothafuckin' mind
I love it, I love it
Nigga, ryde or die
DMX what what
C'mon
Ain't no way you're gonna stop my flow
Ain't no way y'all niggas just don't know
Where niggas is about to go oh no oh no
Ain't no way you niggas gonna stop mine
Y'all niggas must be out yo mind, I don't know why
Now, what the fuck is you niggas pressing me for?
I saw more ass than a ho and you stressing the raw
If I was testing your jaw, maybe then you would respect me
But you can't respect me 'cause you don't even know me
Nigga check me (come on)
I'm that motherfucker that'll put you to sleep, while you sleeping
Then die from a hundred feet, you just knew you was creeping
But, bad decisions lead to last decisions
Fast collision, now yo ass is missing (what)
Take it over there now you bring it back to the streets
Have you forgotten what it means when a dog shows his teeth?
Let me break it down for you, he's about to attack you
Still standing here fagot? You must want me to smack you
You ain't been there or done that, fuck is y'all niggas telling me
I'm the only nigga, walking the streets with four felonies
But peep this, I see shit is hard, niggas is struggling
So leave rap alone for a little while, go back to hustling
Ain't no way you're gonna stop my flow
Ain't no way y'all niggas just don't know
Where niggas is about to go oh no oh no
Ain't no way you're gonna stop my shine
Ain't no way you niggas gonna stop mine
Y'all niggas must be out yo mind, I don't know why
Give it to niggas just how they give it to, me
Hit 'em in a rhyme because I'm a MC
Been a lot of places most niggas won't, see
That's why I'm at a level that y'all niggas won't, be
Let your man hold something now he want, more
You ain't no fucking killer what was the front, for
It was a time when the world was at your front, door
Now they change places niggas want, raw
Niggas laughed at me and was mad at me
'Cause the way life was going had to be a, tragedy
But after me, it's over, I'ma take the whole verse
I tried to keep it real that's why I let y'all niggas go first
But you looked a gift horse right in the mouth
Didn't appreciate what you got when you got it
So if I see it, I'ma dot it, better to hide it
You gotta car? Better drive it, the fuck up outta here
And hope and pray I don't pull up alongside it
Come on
Ain't no way you're gonna stop my flow
Ain't no way y'all niggas just don't know
Where niggas is about to go oh no oh no
Ain't no way you're gonna stop my shine
Ain't no way you niggas gonna stop mine
Y'all niggas must be out yo mind, I don't know why
Niggas don't know so I gotta flip
It seem they've forgotten how dark it could get
Barks like a pit scratch when I hit
We both know you pussy but you stay talking shit
What I'ma have to do dog, run up in yo mess
Catch you while you comfortable put one up in yo chest
One up in yo vest, of course they the hollows
You goin' away today, you just lost tomorrow
I'ma go platinum (nah) you gots to be kidding why!
Make it double platinum, no bullshitting
And I'ma stay flipping flows, ripping shows
Stripping ho's, getting dough let me go
And nigas know, who the best is
The dog, DMX is the rest is or might as well be helpless
I'm reckless 'cause when I wreck shit
I might snatch a niggas necklace
Then go from like midnight to breakfast
Come on
Ain't no way you're gonna stop my flow
Ain't no way y'all niggas just don't know
Where niggas is about to go oh no oh no
Ain't no way you're gonna stop my shine
Ain't no way you niggas gonna stop mine
Y'all niggas must be out yo mind, I don't know why
Ain't no way you're gonna stop my flow
Ain't no way y'all niggas just don't know
Where niggas is about to go oh no oh no
Ain't no way you're gonna stop my shine
Ain't no way you niggas gonna stop mine
Y'all niggas must be out yo mind, I don't know why
Y'all niggas just don't know
You niggas is about to go oh no oh no
Way you're gonna stop my shine
Y'all niggas won't everstop mine
You must be out your mothafuckin' mind
I love it, I love it
In the lyrics of DMX’s song Ain't No Way, the rapper describes his dominance in the rap game and his refusal to be stopped by anyone. He asserts his unshakable confidence in his flow and shine, declaring that there is no way any other rapper can compete with him. DMX delivers his words with a rough and assertive tone, highlighting his no-nonsense attitude towards his rap game.
He takes a dig at other rappers who try to challenge him but do not command any respect because they do not know him or his struggles. DMX also talks about his extensive criminal record, and how it sets him apart from other rappers. He also insists that if other rappers want to compete with him or his level of success, they should go back to hustling instead of rapping.
Overall, the song’s lyrics speak to DMX's confidence and belief in his abilities, as well as his willingness to put in the effort needed to stay on top of the rap game.
Line by Line Meaning
Ain't no way you're gonna stop my flow
There is no way that anyone can interrupt my rhythm.
Ain't no way y'all niggas just don't know
There is no way that you guys are unaware of the upcoming events.
Where niggas is about to go oh no oh no
The destination that people are heading to is risky.
Ain't no way you're gonna stop my shine
Nobody can stop me from shining.
Ain't no way you niggas gonna stop mine
Nobody can halt my progress.
Y'all niggas must be out yo mind, I don't know why
I have no clue why you are not acknowledging my talent.
Now, what the fuck is you niggas pressing me for?
What are you bothering me for?
I saw more ass than a ho and you stressing the raw
I have seen many things and you are worried about drugs.
If I was testing your jaw, maybe then you would respect me
If I were to challenge you, you might show me some respect.
But you can't respect me 'cause you don't even know me
You can't have respect for me because you don't even know who I am.
Nigga check me (come on)
Come on, see if you can test me.
But peep this, I see shit is hard, niggas is struggling
But the truth is that I understand how difficult life can be for many people.
Ain't no way you're gonna stop my shine
Nothing can prevent me from shining.
Give it to niggas just how they give it to, me
I am giving to others in the same way that others give to me.
Hit 'em in a rhyme because I'm a MC
I express myself in rap music because I am a skilled rapper.
Barks like a pit scratch when I hit
My attacks are fierce and unstoppable.
You goin' away today, you just lost tomorrow
Your life is going to change quickly and drastically.
Who the best is, The dog, DMX
I am the best, and I am DMX.
Y'all niggas just don't know
You guys are unaware of the situation.
You niggas is about to go oh no oh no
You are about to be in a dangerous position.
Y'all niggas won't ever stop mine
Nobody can stop my progress.
You must be out your mothafuckin' mind
You are crazy.
I love it, I love it
I enjoy this lifestyle and this type of music.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Kasseem Dean, Earl Simmons
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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@marklebowskisanders2467
This was gospel in 98-99...got me through it all. When I listen in 2021, it brings back so many memories....top 10 dead or alive, maybe higher.
@rickjustus6416
Started rappin this out of nowhere at work after 20 years. Shitz still solid dun
@johnygillson3407
No doubt about it
@legendarynyce3842
Respect. Maybe I'm biased, XMan definitely TOP 5🔥🔥🔥
@williammartinez6630
@Rick Justus LMAO same shit just happened to me
@rickjustus6416
@William Martinez it always happens out of nowhere. Like band "cmon huh"! Or whatever he says in the beginning
@rickybenjamin9072
R.I.P To my childhood role model DMX one of the greatest MCs of all time
@mysternoventas2587
On My Soul💔
@berthadelone8544
For real yo.
@old_man_8033
No doubt