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".
Blood on My Hand
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Flesh of my flesh, blood of my blood!
Flesh of my flesh, blood of my blood
All of my niggas get down like what
Flesh of my flesh, blood of my blood
All of my niggas get down like what
My dogs is dogs with official bloodlines
Why them niggas always force you to take it back to the streets?
Can I at least go one year without spitting the heat?
Motherfuckers think you sweet till your chest gets messed up
Two days later he's dressed up, let him rest up
He ain't going nowhere, no time soon
Remember high noon? Last thing he heard was boom
Can I get some room, or do I gots ta make me a path?
Break you in half fake niggas make me laugh
Y'all niggas is funny, still talking about money
And ain't got none get the shotgun 'cause you hungry
It's about to get ugly when the lights is out
One, two, three, ho, that's three strikes you out
His knife was out I think they found it still in his hand
He in a bag, and I'm over here, killing his man
Flesh of my flesh, blood of my blood
All of my niggas get down like what
Flesh of my flesh, blood of my blood
All of my niggas get down like what
Flesh of my flesh, blood of my blood
All of my niggas get down like what
Flesh of my flesh, blood of my blood
All my niggas get down like what
I no longer see the shadows that once kept me strong
And I'm starting to get that same feeling that kept me wrong
Can't afford to trust niggas, 'cause niggas lust figures
Plus niggas is scared to bust niggas rush niggas
Doing with the heat, and ain't killing nothing but time
Fucking with the streets you ain't feeling nothing but mine
Tired of hearing niggas rhyme and don't say shit
Fuck is on a niggas mind, why don't they quit
Sucking my dick, looking for something new?
Let your man hold something, with your hold-something crew
You know how niggas do we don't forget shit
If you were there when it's thin, then you there when it's thick
No hitchhikers, fuck that, the ride was rough
And every nigga that was with us, they time was rough
A lot of niggas that is with us, ain't cried enough
So now when niggas come and get us, we fires 'em up
Flesh of my flesh, blood of my blood
All of my niggas get down like what
Flesh of my flesh, blood of my blood
All of my niggas get down like what
Flesh of my flesh, blood of my blood
All of my niggas get down like what
Flesh of my flesh, blood of my blood
All of my niggas get down like what
Motherfuckers, thought that the X would stop
But I got niggas like 'yo, who's the next to drop?'
From his camp get the stamp, grand champ, it's official
Think when you die, how many's gonna miss you?
Lean over in your casket and kiss you
Send you on your way with a blessing
And pray that another learned a lesson
Smith and Wesson ended money's life, now money's wife's a widow
(Gave it to him full blast?), nah, dog, just a little
Besides rap, I don't talk, but make plenty of moves
I'll murder ten of you fools, before your ready to choose
Either win or you lose, and I luh to win
Even if it means I got to shed blood again
Keep the bank account doubling, but don't hate me
Really thought that what you said would either make me or break me?
No, and it don't take me long to write
Matter fact I think I'll drop another song tonight, motherfucker
Flesh of my flesh, blood of my blood
All of my niggas get down like what
Flesh of my flesh, blood of my blood
All of my niggas get down like what
Flesh of my flesh, blood of my blood
All of my niggas get down like what
Flesh of my flesh, blood of my blood
All of my niggas get down like what
In "Flesh of my Flesh, Blood of my Blood," DMX speaks about trusting only those closest to him because he has learned that betrayal is always lurking. He warns that even friends and allies can turn on you for money or fame, and it's important to always be wary. He also mentions his past and how he's had to deal with the consequences of violence on the streets. He speaks about the pain of losing friends and loved ones to violence, and how it's affected him deeply. DMX also mentions his mistrust of the industry and how he believes it's important to stick to his own path, regardless of what others say or do.
Line by Line Meaning
Flesh of my flesh, blood of my blood
My crew is like family to me, we're all in this together and will always be connected.
All of my niggas get down like what
All of my crew is ready and willing to fight for each other, no matter what.
My dogs is dogs with official bloodlines
The members of my crew are all true to their roots and have earned their place among us.
I say, 'stop being greedy, get a plate if you want mine'
I am willing to share with my crew, but they need to stop trying to take more than their fair share.
Why them niggas always force you to take it back to the streets?
Why do some people try to push us back into violence and crime when we're trying to move forward?
Can I at least go one year without spitting the heat?
Can I have some time to chill and not have to be constantly on the defensive?
Motherfuckers think you sweet till your chest gets messed up
People underestimate me until they see the damage I can do when pushed too far.
Two days later he's dressed up, let him rest up
Even though I may have taken out someone, I still have respect for the dead and their families.
He ain't going nowhere, no time soon
The consequences of a life of crime eventually catch up with you and take you down.
Remember high noon? Last thing he heard was boom
The violence of our lives can strike at any time, no matter how much we try to avoid it.
Can I get some room, or do I gots ta make me a path?
Can I just be left alone or do I need to fight my way through to get some peace?
Break you in half fake niggas make me laugh
I have no patience for people who pretend to be something they're not.
Y'all niggas is funny, still talking about money
Some people never learn that money isn't everything and continue to obsess over it.
And ain't got none get the shotgun 'cause you hungry
Some people will do anything to get what they want, even if it means taking someone else's possessions by force.
It's about to get ugly when the lights is out
The darkness of our lives can bring out the worst in people and lead to dangerous situations.
One, two, three, ho, that's three strikes you out
In our world, there are no second chances - make too many mistakes and you're done for.
His knife was out I think they found it still in his hand
The violence of our lives can be brutal and unforgiving, leaving those who die with weapons still in their grasp.
He in a bag, and I'm over here, killing his man
Even as I take out others, I am aware of the weight of my actions and the cost of a life.
I no longer see the shadows that once kept me strong
I have lost my sense of purpose and motivation, no longer feeling like I have anything to fight for.
And I'm starting to get that same feeling that kept me wrong
I am sliding back into the old habits that led me down a dark path before.
Can't afford to trust niggas, 'cause niggas lust figures
I cannot rely on anyone else because they are all too interested in their own gain and power.
Plus niggas is scared to bust niggas rush niggas
People talk a big game, but when it comes down to it, they are too afraid to take action and stand up for themselves.
Tired of hearing niggas rhyme and don't say shit
I am tired of people making music that doesn't have any real meaning or substance behind it.
Fuck is on a niggas mind, why don't they quit
I don't understand why people continue to do things that don't benefit them or anyone else.
Sucking my dick, looking for something new?
People are always looking for a new way to exploit or use me.
Let your man hold something, with your hold-something crew
I am tired of people trying to take what belongs to me and my crew and not giving anything in return.
You know how niggas do we don't forget shit
Once someone crosses us or takes advantage of us, we never forget and are always seeking revenge.
No hitchhikers, fuck that, the ride was rough
I am not going to let anyone ride my success or fame without putting in the same work and struggles as I have.
And every nigga that was with us, their time was rough
No one in our crew has had an easy life and we have all had to fight to get where we are today.
A lot of niggas that is with us, ain't cried enough
Even though we have all been through a lot, we need to keep fighting and pushing ourselves to be better.
So now when niggas come and get us, we fires 'em up
If anyone tries to come between us or attack us, we are ready and willing to fight back with everything we have.
Motherfuckers, thought that the X would stop
People thought that I would quit or be silenced, but I am still going strong and fighting back against those who doubt me.
But I got niggas like 'yo, who's the next to drop?'
Even though I am still fighting, there are still people who are looking for ways to take me down and sabotage my progress.
From his camp get the stamp, grand champ, it's official
I have earned my place as the head of the crew and have proven myself as a true champion.
Think when you die, how many's gonna miss you?
It's important to think about how we want to be remembered and what kind of impact we want to have on the world.
Lean over in your casket and kiss you
Even in death, we can still show love and respect for those we have lost.
Send you on your way with a blessing
We can offer comfort and send our loved ones off to the next world with good wishes and our love.
And pray that another learned a lesson
We can also hope that others will learn from our mistakes and not repeat them in their own lives.
Smith and Wesson ended money's life, now money's wife's a widow
The violence of our world can have devastating consequences, leaving families torn apart and loved ones lost forever.
(Gave it to him full blast?), nah, dog, just a little
The violence we inflict on others may seem small in the grand scheme of things, but it can still have lasting damage and consequences.
Besides rap, I don't talk, but make plenty of moves
I let my actions speak for themselves and am always making moves to secure my spot and protect my crew.
I'll murder ten of you fools, before your ready to choose
I am willing to do whatever it takes to stay on top and protect my people, even if that means violence and taking out my enemies.
Either win or you lose, and I luh to win
In our world, there is no middle ground - you're either a winner or a loser, and I will always strive to be the former.
Even if it means I got to shed blood again
I will do whatever it takes to stay on top, even if that means resorting to violence and harming others.
Keep the bank account doubling, but don't hate me
I am successful and rich, but I don't want people to hate me for it - I just want to keep growing and achieving more.
Really thought that what you said would either make me or break me?
I am stronger than any words or criticisms that people may throw my way, and won't let anyone bring me down.
No, and it don't take me long to write
I am skilled and efficient, and can create new works quickly and easily.
Matter fact I think I'll drop another song tonight, motherfucker
I am always working and never satisfied, and will continue to create and innovate no matter what others say or do.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: KASSEEM DEAN, EARL SIMMONS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind