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".
Baby Motha
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Showed up at the federal court in Queens Wednesday
To accept a plea agreement
Inside the courthouse, DMX signed autographs with a sketch artist over the face
As well as the fans caught off guard
By this star's appearances
My baby motha be buggin' soon as I walked in the door
Don't even like so I can't fuck with her
Thinkin' 'cause we got a kid together, I'm stuck with her, nah
My baby motha be buggin' soon as I walked in the door
Got me like, "I ain't fuckin' with that bitch no more"
Don't even like so I can't fuck with her
Thinkin' 'cause we got a kid together, I'm stuck with her, nah
My baby's motha be buggin', she wanna blast stick bitches
One of them talk shit, and then get they ass kicked bitches
Once upon a story, y'all niggas know the story
And that everything is lovely when it's all about the glory
But soon as shit hit the fan, honies be wanna take the kid and scram
I'm having bad thoughts, don't like how dark it's getting man
From the time I wake up and get dressed
I get stressed, and hardly ever get rest
It's '05, so I'm on some different shit, cousin
She ain't gon' have me liftin' through that riffin' shit, cousin
I got moves to make and mad shit to do
Her friends are looking good so I might hit the crew
It's like one and two that might get a nigga that big and happy
And I know them bitches will fuck me, 'cause when I see 'em, they be winkin' at me
You listenin' thinkin' that's a crazy brother
But I'm gon' have to be a father who ain't fuckin' with his baby motha
My baby motha be buggin' soon as I walked in the door
Got me like, "I ain't fuckin' with that bitch no more"
Don't even like so I can't fuck with her
Thinkin' 'cause we got a kid together, I'm stuck with her, nah
My baby motha be buggin' soon as I walked in the door
Got me like, "I ain't fuckin' with that bitch no more"
Don't even like so I can't fuck with her
Thinkin' 'cause we got a kid together, I'm stuck with her, nah
Bitches be callin' the cops, thinkin' they callin' the shots
Takin' the dude with the bag, baby it's all in the pops
And do yo' thing, 'cause I'm doin' mine, boo
A nigga just been chillin', I been just fine, and you?
I kicked it with my honey and she put me on to something
You gon' think until you really see me gone, I'm frontin'
Maybe if you kept your friends of respectable distance
Out of our business, I wouldn't have to come and visit
I thought you knew, let the shit you like switchin' clothes
When them bitches through, ain't too sure when they home
But that ain't never stopped yo' ass from passin' on the Guess
Askin' for that Cougie sweater, paddin' up the breast
Paddin' up the butt, but you think niggas is stupid
Last week yo' shit was like the dog, look at it now, too big
I ain't gon' blow yo' shit no more, I shouldn't be even did that
Cause you my baby motha, and I'ma always hit that
Give a hell what you say (you don't)
I ain't never gon' go away (you won't)
I'ma stalk you 'til I find you (been there)
Turn around and be right behind you (still there)
Be in the bushes outside yo' house
Just waitin' for you to come out
'Cause I'm a stupid bitch (I know)
A real fuckin' stupid bitch (I know)
Ain't nothing but a stupid bitch
My baby motha be buggin' soon as I walked in the door
Got me like, "I ain't fuckin' with that bitch no more"
Don't even like so I can't fuck with her
Thinkin' 'cause we got a kid together, I'm stuck with her, nah
My baby motha be buggin' soon as I walked in the door
Got me like, "I ain't fuckin' with that bitch no more"
Don't even like so I can't fuck with her
Thinkin' 'cause we got a kid together, I'm stuck with her, nah
My baby motha be buggin' soon as I walked in the door
Got me like, "I ain't fuckin' with this bitch no more"
Give me a Puerto Rican honey that cook rice and beans
And hair down to her ass, who looks nice in them jeans
So I can be like, "Damn, you looking good and I wanna fuck"
But you a chicken so when I'm finish, I got a duck
Plus, you don't wanna be around and see what honey do
And plenty comin' through, she comin' through with that twenty-two
Trust me, you don't need that in your life
Oh yall bitches already know, I got a wife
You's a stupid bitch, a real fuckin' stupid bitch
You ain't nothing but a stupid bitch, bitch!
My baby motha be buggin' soon as I walked in the door
Got me like, "I ain't fuckin' with that bitch no more"
Don't even like so I can't fuck with her
Thinkin' 'cause we got a kid together, I'm stuck with her, nah
My baby motha be buggin' soon as I walked in the door
Got me like, "I ain't fuckin' with that bitch no more"
Don't even like so I can't fuck with her
Thinkin' 'cause we got a kid together, I'm stuck with her, nah
The lyrics of DMX's song "Baby Motha" are an expression of frustration and dissatisfaction with his baby mama. The lyrics are straightforward, with DMX explaining how his baby mama is constantly nagging and bothering him, and how he just wants to move forward with his life without her. He talks about how he feels trapped because they have a child together, and how he doesn't even like her, making it impossible for him to be with her. The chorus reiterates his feelings, with him saying that he is not going to be with her because they have a kid together.
In the second verse, DMX raps about how some women just want to use the existence of a child to their advantage to manipulate men. He expresses his concern that his baby mama might try to take his child away from him, and he is worried about what might happen in the event of a custody battle. He talks about how he has moved on and how he has other things to do, but his baby mama is still bugging him. He also mentions that he might have casual relationships with other women, but he will not let anyone else come between him and his child.
The final verse is an attack on his baby mama. He calls her out for her behavior and how she is holding him back. He talks about how he wants a different type of woman in his life, and he lists the qualities that he's looking for. The final line of the verse is a scathing attack on his baby mama, with DMX calling her a "stupid bitch."
Line by Line Meaning
My baby motha be buggin' soon as I walked in the door
My child's mother starts complaining as soon as I enter the house
Got me like, "I ain't fuckin' with that bitch no more"
She makes me feel like I should break up with her
Don't even like so I can't fuck with her
I don't even like her, so I can't have sex with her
Thinkin' 'cause we got a kid together, I'm stuck with her, nah
She thinks we are stuck together because of our child, but that's not true
My baby's motha be buggin', she wanna blast stick bitches
My child's mother wants to fight with other women
Once upon a story, y'all niggas know the story
It's a common story that you all know
And that everything is lovely when it's all about the glory
Everything seems great when it's about fame and success
But soon as shit hit the fan, honies be wanna take the kid and scram
But as soon as things get tough, women want to take the child and leave
I'm having bad thoughts, don't like how dark it's getting man
I'm having negative thoughts and don't like how the situation is turning out
From the time I wake up and get dressed
From the moment I wake up and get ready
I get stressed, and hardly ever get rest
I'm always stressed and hardly ever get to rest
It's '05, so I'm on some different shit, cousin
It's the year 2005 and I'm on a different path, my friend
She ain't gon' have me liftin' through that riffin' shit, cousin
I'm not going to be dragged into confrontations with her
I got moves to make and mad shit to do
I have important things to do and a lot to accomplish
Her friends are looking good so I might hit the crew
Her friends look attractive, so I might sleep with them
It's like one and two that might get a nigga that big and happy
There are one or two women who could make me very happy
And I know them bitches will fuck me, 'cause when I see 'em, they be winkin' at me
I know those women will sleep with me because they flirt with me
You listenin' thinkin' that's a crazy brother
You're listening to me and think that I'm insane
But I'm gon' have to be a father who ain't fuckin' with his baby motha
But I'm going to have to be a father who is not romantically involved with his child's mother
Bitches be callin' the cops, thinkin' they callin' the shots
Women call the police, thinking they have control of the situation
Takin' the dude with the bag, baby it's all in the pops
Taking the man with the money and it's all in the father's hands
And do yo' thing, 'cause I'm doin' mine, boo
You do your thing, because I'm doing mine, my dear
I kicked it with my honey and she put me on to something
I spent time with my girlfriend and she told me something
You gon' think until you really see me gone, I'm frontin'
You won't believe me until you see me gone
Maybe if you kept your friends of respectable distance
Maybe if you kept your friends at a respectable distance
Out of our business, I wouldn't have to come and visit
If they stayed out of our business, then I wouldn't have to come over
I thought you knew, let the shit you like switchin' clothes
I thought you already knew that I don't like when you switch clothes
When them bitches through, ain't too sure when they home
When those women leave, I'm not sure when they'll be back
But that ain't never stopped yo' ass from passin' on the Guess
But that never stopped you from passing on the Guess brand
Askin' for that Cougie sweater, paddin' up the breast
Asking for that Cougie sweater and padding up the chest area
Paddin' up the butt, but you think niggas is stupid
Padding up the buttocks, but you think men are foolish
Last week yo' shit was like the dog, look at it now, too big
Last week your butt was small, but now it's much bigger
I ain't gon' blow yo' shit no more, I shouldn't be even did that
I'm not going to reveal your secret anymore, I shouldn't have done that in the first place
Cause you my baby motha, and I'ma always hit that
Because you're my child's mother, and I will always sleep with you
Give a hell what you say (you don't)
I don't care what you say (even though you claim you do)
I ain't never gon' go away (you won't)
I will never leave (even though you think I will)
I'ma stalk you 'til I find you (been there)
I will follow you until I find you (I've done it before)
Turn around and be right behind you (still there)
I will turn around and be directly behind you (I'm still doing it)
Be in the bushes outside yo' house
I will be hiding in the bushes outside your house
Just waitin' for you to come out
Just waiting for you to leave the house
'Cause I'm a stupid bitch (I know)
Because I'm a foolish woman (and I know it)
A real fuckin' stupid bitch (I know)
A truly foolish woman (and I know it)
Ain't nothing but a stupid bitch
Nothing but a foolish woman
Got me like, "I ain't fuckin' with this bitch no more"
She makes me feel like I should never have sex with her again
Give me a Puerto Rican honey that cook rice and beans
I want a Puerto Rican woman who can cook rice and beans
And hair down to her ass, who looks nice in them jeans
With hair that goes down to her butt and looks good in jeans
So I can be like, "Damn, you looking good and I wanna fuck"
So I can say, "Damn, you look good and I want to have sex with you"
But you a chicken so when I'm finish, I got a duck
But you're shy, so when I'm done, I have to find someone else
Plus, you don't wanna be around and see what honey do
Plus, you don't want to be around to see what my girlfriend will do
And plenty comin' through, she comin' through with that twenty-two
Other women are going to come, and she might even have a gun
Trust me, you don't need that in your life
Trust me, you don't want that in your life
Oh yall bitches already know, I got a wife
All you women already know, I have a wife
You's a stupid bitch, a real fuckin' stupid bitch
You are a foolish woman, a truly foolish woman
You ain't nothing but a stupid bitch, bitch!
You are nothing but a foolish woman, woman!
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KASSEEM DEAN, EARL SIMMONS, FELTON CLYDE PILATE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind