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".
Born Loser
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Some old born loser type of shit (shit)
On the remix tip (tip, tip)
Dr. Seuss (Seuss Seuss Suess)
The Born Loser, not because I choose to be
But because all the bad shit happens to me
I got kids, but their mothers don't want them to know me
Use to have a family now I'm out on my own
Had to scrap with the Pitt, cause I tried to take his bone
Bitches don't like me, they don't kiss me or hug me
They call me Kill-pretty, because I'm mad ugly
I use to get pussy, but I busted off quick
Now I gets none, so I gotta beat my dick
Time are hard in the ghetto, I steal for a living
Eatin turkey flavored Now or Laters for thanksgiving
If that ain't enough, life is rough, I swear
I don't have an address so I can't get welfare
They kicked me out the shelter
Because they said I smelled a little like the living dead
And look like helter skelter
My clothes are so funky, they bad for my health
Sometimes at night my pants go to the bathroom by their self
Even when I was little nothin went my way
I got beat up, and chased home from school every day
And despite the fact I won all the spelling bees
On my report card, I didn't get F's, I got C's
But for those who choose to snooze
Since I was born with no hope, I ain't got nothin to lose...
Young man went out and made a name for himself
Young man went out and made a name for himself
Young man went out and made a name for himself
Check check check it out
Verse 2
The Born Loser, a title I was branded with
Went to Liberty Island, and got stranded with
The Statue of Liberty, but they really didn't hafta
Leave my black ass there till the day after
No time for laughter, this shit's for real
Ribs are showin through my back, cause I haven't had a meal
In about a week, you can see bones in my hands
The racoons, beat me to the garbage cans
I'm Starvin Marvin, and it shouldn't be like that
The only thing that I'm carvin, is an alley cat
But sometimes in the daytime
I daydream of a Manwich
When all I'm really eatin is an oxygen sandwich
For those that don't know,
Thats 2 peices of bread slapped together
Or I'll have a rain sandwich, depending on the weather
Born loser, caught up in the game
And I ain't even got nobody to blame..
Young man went out and made a name for himself
Young man went out and made a name for himself
Young man went out and made a name for himself
The Born Loser, yeah, that use to be my m o
When I couldn't get a soul, to listen to my demo
Doors shut in my face, until I started jammin 'em
I'm behind the doors now, but I'm the one slammin 'em
I did what I had to, to get where I got
Though I'll admit, what I had to do was a lot
I still gave it a shot, and sometimes I had to shoot
Catchin vicks just to get a little loot
I thought it was cute, and didn't care who knew
Mess around get in my way and I'd bag you too
Cause I was, born to lose, straight from the beginning
Hit the dugout, because I struck out the 1st inning
Winning, was everything, thats why I had to ask
My man to front me the loot, and he said I'd be glad to
Now, who needs a major label, we got our own
I'm the divine master of the unknown
Ain't nothin changed, I'm the same as before
When opportunity knocks, I'd just answer the door
But criminal at heart, even though I don't show it
I was always a winner I just didn't know it (know it)
Young man went out and made a name for himself
Young man went out and made a name for himself
Young man went out and made a name for himself
Born Loser.
DMX the great.
In DMX's song "Born Loser," the rapper delves into his troubled past and the struggles he faced growing up. The song is a heartbreaking anthem that details the harsh reality of life for those living in poverty and without opportunity. The use of the term "Born Loser" is a reference to the fact that DMX feels he had no choice but to be a failure because of the circumstances he was born into.
Throughout the song, DMX talks about being abandoned by his family, rejected by women, and struggling to put food on the table. He describes his clothes as being dangerous to his health and his inability to get welfare assistance because he has no fixed address. Even as a child, he was bullied and harassed, despite his exceptional spelling ability.
The lyrics are a sobering reminder of the harsh realities faced by many in society and the obstacles they must overcome to succeed. DMX's powerful delivery and raw honesty make "Born Loser" a poignant and moving song.
Line by Line Meaning
And away we go (we go we go we go)
Let's get started on this song!
Some old born loser type of shit (shit)
This is a song about being a born loser.
On the remix tip (tip, tip)
This is the remix version of the song.
Dr. Seuss (Seuss Seuss Suess)
A reference to the children's book author and illustrator Dr. Seuss.
The Born Loser, not because I choose to be
I'm a born loser not because it's what I want, but because life keeps throwing bad things at me.
But because all the bad shit happens to me
I've had a lot of bad luck in my life.
I got kids, but their mothers don't want them to know me
I have children, but their mothers don't want them to have anything to do with me.
Sisters use to like me, but now they call me homie
Women who used to be attracted to me now just see me as a friend.
Use to have a family now I'm out on my own
I used to have a family, but now I'm alone.
Had to scrap with the Pitt, cause I tried to take his bone
I got into a fight with someone over a small and insignificant thing.
Bitches don't like me, they don't kiss me or hug me
Women aren't attracted to me physically, and they don't show me affection.
They call me Kill-pretty, because I'm mad ugly
People mock my appearance, calling me 'Kill-pretty' because I'm so ugly.
I use to get pussy, but I busted off quick
I used to be able to have sex, but now I can't last.
Now I gets none, so I gotta beat my dick
I'm not having sex anymore, so I have to masturbate to satisfy my sexual desires.
Time are hard in the ghetto, I steal for a living
Times are tough in the ghetto, and I have to steal in order to survive.
Eatin turkey flavored Now or Laters for thanksgiving
I can only afford to eat cheap and unappealing candy for Thanksgiving.
If that ain't enough, life is rough, I swear
If my situation wasn't already bad enough, life is incredibly difficult and unfair.
I don't have an address so I can't get welfare
I don't have a permanent address, so I can't get government assistance.
They kicked me out the shelter
I was kicked out of the shelter I was staying in.
Because they said I smelled a little like the living dead
I was asked to leave the shelter because I smell bad and look unhealthy.
And look like helter skelter
I look like I'm falling apart and out of control.
My clothes are so funky, they bad for my health
My clothes are so old and dirty that they're making me sick.
Sometimes at night my pants go to the bathroom by their self
My clothes are so old and damaged that they're falling apart on their own.
Even when I was little nothin went my way
I've had bad luck my entire life, even when I was a child.
I got beat up, and chased home from school every day
I was bullied and physically attacked at school on a daily basis.
And despite the fact I won all the spelling bees
Despite being smart enough to win spelling bees, other aspects of my life were still difficult.
On my report card, I didn't get F's, I got C's
Even though I tried my best, I wasn't able to do well in school.
But for those who choose to snooze
For anyone who isn't paying attention,
Since I was born with no hope, I ain't got nothin to lose...
Because I've always been a loser, I have nothing to lose by trying.
The Born Loser, a title I was branded with
I've always been labeled a 'Born Loser' by others.
Went to Liberty Island, and got stranded with
I went to Liberty Island, but I got stuck there and couldn't leave.
The Statue of Liberty, but they really didn't hafta
I saw the Statue of Liberty, but it wasn't worth the trouble I went through to get there.
Leave my black ass there till the day after
They left me there overnight and didn't care about my well-being.
No time for laughter, this shit's for real
I'm not joking or laughing about my situation, it's a real and serious problem.
Ribs are showin through my back, cause I haven't had a meal
I'm so underfed that my bones are showing through my skin.
In about a week, you can see bones in my hands
I'm so skinny that the bones in my fingers are visible.
The racoons, beat me to the garbage cans
Even the raccoons eat better food than I do.
I'm Starvin Marvin, and it shouldn't be like that
I'm so hungry that it's unfair and shouldn't be happening.
The only thing that I'm carvin, is an alley cat
I'm so desperate for food that I would eat a stray cat if I had to.
But sometimes in the daytime
However, during the day,
I daydream of a Manwich
I imagine a delicious sandwich to make myself feel better.
When all I'm really eatin is an oxygen sandwich
In reality, I'm not eating anything, let alone a delicious sandwich.
For those that don't know,
For anyone who's unfamiliar with this term,
Thats 2 peices of bread slapped together
An 'oxygen sandwich' is just two pieces of bread with nothing in between them.
Or I'll have a rain sandwich, depending on the weather
If I'm really out of options, I'll eat whatever I can find, even if it's rainwater and bread.
Born loser, caught up in the game
I was born as a loser and stuck in that situation.
And I ain't even got nobody to blame..
I don't blame anyone else for my problems, it's just my situation.
The Born Loser, yeah, that use to be my m o
I used to be a born loser all the time.
When I couldn't get a soul, to listen to my demo
When I couldn't get anyone to listen to my music.
Doors shut in my face, until I started jammin 'em
I was never given a chance until I started making my own opportunities.
I'm behind the doors now, but I'm the one slammin 'em
I'm the one in power now and I'm making things happen.
I did what I had to, to get where I got
I did whatever it took to succeed.
Though I'll admit, what I had to do was a lot
Even though I succeeded, it was a difficult and challenging journey.
I still gave it a shot, and sometimes I had to shoot
I took risks and had to be aggressive in order to achieve my goals.
Catchin vicks just to get a little loot
I had to be involved in criminal activity to make money.
I thought it was cute, and didn't care who knew
I found it amusing and didn't care if people knew what I was doing.
Mess around get in my way and I'd bag you too
I was willing to hurt or attack anyone who got in my way.
Cause I was, born to lose, straight from the beginning
I've always been a loser, and I will probably always be one.
Hit the dugout, because I struck out the 1st inning
I didn't do well right away, but I kept trying and eventually succeeded.
Winning, was everything, thats why I had to ask
Winning was important to me, so I had to take risks to achieve it.
My man to front me the loot, and he said I'd be glad to
I borrowed money from a friend to help me achieve my goals.
Now, who needs a major label, we got our own
I don't need anyone else's help or support, I can succeed on my own.
I'm the divine master of the unknown
I'm mastering the unknown aspects of life and succeeding despite the odds.
Ain't nothin changed, I'm the same as before
Even though I'm successful now, I'm still the same person I always was.
When opportunity knocks, I'd just answer the door
I'm always ready to take advantage of an opportunity when it arises.
But criminal at heart, even though I don't show it
I'm still a criminal at heart, even if I'm not actively committing crimes.
I was always a winner I just didn't know it (know it)
Even though I was always a born loser, I had the potential to be a winner all along.
Young man went out and made a name for himself
I became successful and well-known despite my challenging background.
Young man went out and made a name for himself
I'm proud of my accomplishments and my success.
Young man went out and made a name for himself
I am an inspiration to others who come from similar backgrounds.
Contributed by Madison H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Limits98
Lyrics
Uh-oh
Young man went out and made a name for himself
Yeah. Dr. Seuss. Dr. Seuss
Young man went out and made a name for himself
DMX the great
Dr Seuss
[Verse 1]
The born loser, not because I choose to be
But because all the bad shit happens to me
I got kids, but their mothers don't want them to know me
My sisters used to like me but now they call me "homie"
I used to have a family, now I'm out on my own
Had to scrap with a pit because I tried to take his bone
Bitches don't like me, they don't kiss me or hug me
They call me "kill pretty" because I'm mad ugly
I used to get pussy, but I busted off quick
Now I gets none so I gotta beat my dick
Times are hard in the ghetto, I steal for a living
Eating turkey-flavored Now & Laters for Thanksgiving
If that ain't enough, life is rough I swear
I don't have an address so I can't get welfare
They kicked me out the shelter because they said I smelled a
Little like the living dead and looked like Helter Skelter
My clothes are so funky, they're bad for my health
Sometimes at night my pants go to the bathroom by themself
Even when I was little nothing went my way
I got beat up and chased home from school every day
And despite the fact I won all the spelling bees
On my report card, I didn't get F's, I got Z's
But for those who choose to snooze
Cause I was born with no hope, I got nothing to lose
[Hook]
Young man went out and made a name for himself
Young man went out and made a name for himself
Young man went out and made a name for himself
[Verse 2]
The born loser, a title I was branded with
Went to Liberty Island, and got stranded with
The Statue of Liberty, but they didn't really have to
Leave my black ass there until the day after
No time for laughter, this shit's for real
Ribs are showing through my back cause I haven't had a meal
In about a week, you can see bones in my hands
The raccoons beat me to the garbage cans
I'm starving Marvin, and it shouldn't be like that
The only thing that I'm carving is an alley cat
But sometimes in the daytimes I dream of a Manwich
But all I'm really eating is an oxygen sandwich
For those that don't know, that's two pieces of bread slapped together
Or I'll have a rain sandwich, depending on the weather
Born Loser caught up in the game
And I ain't even got nobody to blame
[Hook]
Young man went out and made a name for himself
Young man went out and made a name for himself
Young man went out and made a name for himself
Young man went out and made a name for himself
Dr. Seuss
[Verse 3]
The Born Loser, yeah, that used to me my M-O
When I couldn't get a soul to listen to my demo
Doors shut in my face until I started jamming them
I'm behind the doors now and I'm the one slamming them
I did what I had to to get where I got
Though I'll admit what I had to do was a lot
I still gave it a shot, and sometimes I had to shoot
Catching vics just to get a little loot
I thought it was cute and didn't care who knew
Mess around, get in my way and I'll bag you, too
Cause I was born to lose straight from the beginning
In the dugout because I struck out the first inning
Winning was everything, that's why I had to
Ask my man to find the loot, and he said "I'd be glad to"
Now who needs a major label? We got our own
I'm the Divine Master of the Unknown
Ain't nothing changed, I'm the same as before
When opportunity knocked I just answered the door
A criminal at heart even though I don't show it
I was always a winner but I just didn't know it
Young man went out and made a name for himself
Young man went out and made a name for himself
Young man went out and made a name for himself
Young man went out and
mrsm222
"Young man went out and made a name for himself,"despite all those odds.
You fought the pain. You done good.
Now R.I.P. X 🙏🏽
BigSnipp
Brother knocked 'em out.
Levi Athan
hell yeh, "Young man went out and made a name for himself,"
G.A.D❄️🌌
"I was always a Winner, just didn't knew it". Tears rolling down my face... Rip Dmx forever love and Respect 💯🖤⚡🐕
Eric Saunders
THE GOWANAS CREW" PRODUCED BY SONY RECORDS producer, "MIKE BARIL" COMING SOON!
bluhgh
Tears? 😂
Chris Doyle
Jesus...this is a song to play for trivia. Nobody will ever guess this is DMX. This is dope.
Charis Glaze
Is this Chris Doyle from that once lived Jackson Tennessee in 1999
Robin Onyango
So true he sounds like Vanilla ice you can't even guess it's DMX.. It would have made a great soundtrack in the movie juice
Eric Saunders
THE GOWANAS CREW" PRODUCED BY SONY RECORDS producer, "MIKE BARIL" COMING SOON!