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".
Angel
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yet lose his own soul in the process?
I know you've never seen him
But don't fight with him
You're gonna make it through the night
To the light with him
You're alright with him
I know you've never seen him
But don't fight with him
You're gonna make it through the night
To the light with him
You're alright with him
I said you're alright with him
I'm callin' out to you, Lord, because I need your help
See, once again I'm havin' difficulty savin' myself
Behavin' myself, you told me what to do, and I do it
But every and now and then it gets a little harder to go through it
Losin' friends day by day
I'm in so much pain when I'm here, Lord, please take me away
I put you here to do a job, and your work ain't done
To live is to suffer, but you're still my son
And there will be a time when you shine as bright as the stars
But there won't be a his or hers, just ours
Then you'll see what I've been tryin' to show you all these years
Do the right thing, 'cause after the tears come the cheers
I will, my Lord, with my heart and my soul
That's gonna be how I roll, from now until I mold
Lead and I'll follow, you take away the sorrow
I'ma sleep on what you said and holla back tomorrow
I know you've never seen him
But don't fight with him
You're gonna make it through the night
To the light with him
You're alright with him
I said you're alright with him
I know you've never seen him
But don't fight with him
You're gonna make it through the night
To the light with him
You're alright with him
I said you're alright with him
I want you to know, Lord, that for what you given me I'm thankful
Sincerely, from the bottom of my heart, I'm grateful
You gave us power in our words, so I think before I speak
And that way when I speak, they know I'm here to teach
Can't tell 'em nothin' wrong, 'cause I love 'em too much
I reach a lot of people, and Lord, I'm lovin' the touch
But deep inside, I've got somethin' that's workin' against
Everything I know is right, what I know makes sense
That's when you must fight harder than you've ever fought before
'Cause what you've got goin' on inside you is a war
Between good and evil, be careful of those who wanna be you
They smile but are not really happy when they see you
Be careful of the ones that always wanna get you high
'Cause when the time comes, that one'll let you die
Listen to me! I'm here, but I can only help you
If you want me to help, what do you want for yourself?
I know you've never seen him
But don't fight with him
You're gonna make it through the night
To the light with him
You're alright with him
I said you're alright with him
I know you've never seen him
But don't fight with him
You're gonna make it through the night
To the light with him
You're alright with him
I said you're alright with him
My Lord, my savior, don't judge my behavior, but instead
Take what's in my heart and put it in my head
See, I guess I really never knew how proud I made you
My life is yours, my soul I gave you
I don't know if I'll do good enough (he's by your side)
And we both know the hood is rough (right by your side)
Sometimes I don't know what to do (X, dry your eyes)
But I know what I gotta do (it'll be alright)
You keep givin' me the word, and I'll put it to song
Talk to me, I'll talk to them, and we can't go wrong
This is the start of somethin' strong, and this is just the start of it
Praises to you, my Lord, for lettin' me be a part of it
I was that kid that, been there, did that
Became ashamed so I hid that, but ain't no longer with that
Use me as an example, if I can do it, then they can too
With the Lord behind us, there ain't nothin' that we can't do
I know you've never seen him
But don't fight with him
You're gonna make it through the night
To the light with him (the light with him)
'Cause you're alright with him ('cause he loves you)
I said you're alright with him
I know you've never seen him
But don't fight with him
You're gonna make it through the night
To the light with him
'Cause you're alright with him ('cause he loves you)
I said you're alright with him
He's by your side
Right by your side
X, dry your eyes
'Cause it'll be alright
Yeah, he's by your side
Right by your side
X, dry your eyes
'Cause, it's gonna be alright
Yeah yeah, yes it is
DMX’s song “Angel” is a soulful and introspective track that deals with themes of faith, redemption, and inner conflict. The song begins with a question that reflects the singer’s anxieties about losing himself and succumbing to the lure of worldly possessions. DMX goes on to call out to the Lord for help in saving himself, expressing his doubts and pains, and vowing to do right. The chorus of the song reassures the listener that they are safe and alright with the divine presence, even if they have never seen Him. DMX talks about the power of words and influence, the importance of being discerning about who is around you, and the struggles of staying true to what is right when there are temptations and doubts.
There is a heavy emphasis on the idea of an internal battle between good and evil, and this battle is something that everyone must face on their own. DMX speaks directly to the listener, encouraging them that even in their darkest moments, there is always hope and a way out. At the end of the song, DMX expresses his gratitude to the Lord for allowing him to be a part of something bigger than himself and for giving him the strength to overcome his struggles.
Overall, “Angel” is a powerful and emotional song that showcases DMX’s range as an artist and his ability to connect with his audience on a deep, personal level.
Line by Line Meaning
What good is it, for a man to gain the world
What's the use of acquiring everything in the world
Yet lose his own soul in the process?
If in the process, one loses their soul?
I know you've never seen him
I understand that you have never seen the person I'm referring to
But don't fight with him
Do not engage in confrontation with him
You're gonna make it through the night
You will eventually make it through the difficult times
To the light with him
Towards hope and positivity
You're alright with him
You are safe with him
I said you're alright with him
I reiterate that you are safe with him
I'm callin' out to you, Lord, because I need your help
I am reaching out to you, Lord, as I am in need of your assistance
See, once again I'm havin' difficulty savin' myself
I am struggling to save myself
Behavin' myself, you told me what to do, and I do it
I am behaving in the way that you instructed me to
But every and now and then it gets a little harder to go through it
Occasionally, it becomes more challenging to follow the instructions
Losin' friends day by day
Every day, I am losing friends
I'm in so much pain when I'm here, Lord, please take me away
Being here is causing me immense pain, Lord, I ask that you take me away
I put you here to do a job, and your work ain't done
Your purpose here is not yet complete
To live is to suffer, but you're still my son
Living entails suffering, but you are still my child
And there will be a time when you shine as bright as the stars
There will come a time when you will excel and achieve greatness
But there won't be a his or hers, just ours
There will not be any division between us based on gender, it will be a collective achievement
Then you'll see what I've been tryin' to show you all these years
Eventually, you'll understand what I've been attempting to teach you for all these years
Do the right thing, 'cause after the tears come the cheers
Do the right thing, because after sadness and hardship, there will be joy and celebration
I will, my Lord, with my heart and my soul
I will do as you say, Lord, wholeheartedly
That's gonna be how I roll, from now until I mold
That's going to be how I live my life, until I leave this world
Lead and I'll follow, you take away the sorrow
If you lead me, I'll follow, and you will help relieve my grief
I'ma sleep on what you said and holla back tomorrow
I'm going to think about what you said and get back to you tomorrow
I want you to know, Lord, that for what you given me I'm thankful
I want you to know, Lord, that I am grateful for what you have given me
Sincerely, from the bottom of my heart, I'm grateful
I am genuinely, deeply grateful
You gave us power in our words, so I think before I speak
You gave us the power of language, so I make sure to think before I speak
And that way when I speak, they know I'm here to teach
As a result, when I speak, people know that I am here to educate and share knowledge
Can't tell 'em nothin' wrong, 'cause I love 'em too much
I cannot misguide them, because I care for them deeply
I reach a lot of people, and Lord, I'm lovin' the touch
I am able to influence a multitude of people, and I am grateful for that ability
But deep inside, I've got somethin' that's workin' against
However, deep down something is hurting me
Everything I know is right, what I know makes sense
Despite that, I know that what I believe is correct and sensible
That's when you must fight harder than you've ever fought before
That is the moment when you must strive harder than ever before
'Cause what you've got goin' on inside you is a war
Because an internal battle is taking place within you
Between good and evil, be careful of those who wanna be you
A conflict between good and evil is happening. Be cautious of those who want to be like you
They smile but are not really happy when they see you
They may smile, but they are not happy when they see your success
Be careful of the ones that always wanna get you high
Be wary of those who always encourage you to be intoxicated
'Cause when the time comes, that one'll let you die
Because when the situation arises, that person will allow your demise
Listen to me! I'm here, but I can only help you
Hear me! I am here, however, my assistance is limited
If you want me to help, what do you want for yourself?
If you desire my support, what are your aspirations?
My Lord, my savior, don't judge my behavior, but instead
My Lord, my savior, do not criticize my conduct, but instead
Take what's in my heart and put it in my head
Implant the feelings within my heart into my mind
See, I guess I really never knew how proud I made you
I never realized how much it meant to you that I made you proud
My life is yours, my soul I gave you
My life belongs to you, and I have given you my soul
I don't know if I'll do good enough (he's by your side)
I am uncertain if my efforts will suffice (he will assist you)
And we both know the hood is rough (right by your side)
We both are aware that the neighborhood is challenging (still, he will support you)
Sometimes I don't know what to do (X, dry your eyes)
Occasionally, I am uncertain of what steps to take (X, calm down)
But I know what I gotta do (it'll be alright)
But I know what my goals are (everything will be okay in the end)
You keep givin' me the word, and I'll put it to song
You keep providing me with messages, and I will turn them into music
Talk to me, I'll talk to them, and we can't go wrong
Communicate with me, and I will communicate with others, and we cannot fail
This is the start of somethin' strong, and this is just the start of it
This marks the beginning of a firm foundation, and this is just the beginning
Praises to you, my Lord, for lettin' me be a part of it
I offer my gratitude to you, my Lord, for allowing me to be a part of this
I was that kid that, been there, did that
In my past, I was that youngster who had been there and done that
Became ashamed so I hid that, but ain't no longer with that
I felt ashamed, so I covered it up, but I'm no longer doing that
Use me as an example, if I can do it, then they can too
Utilize me as an illustration. If I am capable of it, then they are as well
With the Lord behind us, there ain't nothin' that we can't do
With the support of the Lord, we can achieve anything
To the light with him (the light with him)
Towards hope and positivity (with the Lord)
'Cause you're alright with him ('cause he loves you)
Because you are secured with him (because he loves you)
He's by your side
He is supporting you
Right by your side
Always beside you
X, dry your eyes
X, calm yourself
'Cause it'll be alright
Everything will be okay in the end
Yeah, he's by your side
Yes, he is supporting you
'Cause, it's gonna be alright
Because, everything will be alright in the end
Yeah yeah, yes it is
Yes, it is
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Anthem Entertainment, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Earl Simmons, Irving Lorenzo, Taiwan Green
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind