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".
Bring The Noize
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Uh, uh, what, I smell pussy, uh, uh, uh, uh
I'mma take it back to the shit talkin' slick talkin'
Slap a nigga and call him my bitch and keep walkin'
Half y'all niggas is pussy
The other half of y'all niggas is fake thugs so please don't push me
If we was in jail you'll be in the bullpen under mad pressure
When they carry you out I'mma tie your man
But these cats ain't built like your killed like
Blood gets spilled like poke a nigga tonight
Bang bang what! Ah it hurts
The fuck you screamin' on me for I'm puttin' in work
We leave more bodies then the bloods and the crips
This is how it's goin' down nigga thuggin' a bitch
Fuck a nigga with it we on the same bullshit y'all niggas on lets get it on
You know how we roll nigga bring the noise
Y'all don't wanna fuck with them boys
Come on dog put away them toys
'Cause I'mma put in a clip and you'll get yours
You know how we roll nigga bring the noise
Y'all don't wanna fuck with them boys
Come on dog put away them toys
'Cause I'mma put in a clip and you'll get yours
No matter how many cats he brought wit'um I'mma split 'em
Hair raised on my back get low and hit 'em
Stopped him dead in his tracks
Knowing damn well you ain't mean what you said on the wax
Dogs don't know nothin' but bust that nigga
Dogs don't nothin' but fuck that nigga
Dogs don't know nothin' but suck my dick
When it comes to what happened dogs don't know shit
Did two years in one night
I popped two peers in one fight
Two ears in one light, aight, aight
That's what it is follow
Too many dick riding niggas wanna swallow
Follow my mans and them
And get popped with yo mans and them is what I'm handin' them
It's hot things, drop things, stop things, drop things
Cook a nigga like hot wings
You know how we roll nigga bring the noise
Y'all don't wanna fuck with them boys
Come on dog put away them toys
'Cause I'mma put in a clip and you'll get yours
Been around the block did my dirt
Earl thorough as in thorough, put in work 'til it hurt
I've seen less pussy in a stripe club fuckin' with y'all niggas
Yes that means all y'all niggas
Most y'all cats don't know what ruthless means
Will you be able to survive the truth I've seen
Cats would'nt be alive if you was on my team
But the truth is the ride is rough ya mean
Got me like God what the fuck
Dog gon' bang or somebody getting' stuck
Back up the truck jump right the fuck out on niggas
Empty the five out on niggas
Hush mothafuckas don't you cry
Dog gonna make sure that you die
Point blank range so the slug go through
Then I'mma hit yo crib and pop yo family too nigga
You know how we roll nigga bring the noise
Y'all don't wanna fuck with them boys
Come on dog put away them toys
'Cause I'mma put in a clip and you'll get yours
You know how we roll nigga bring the noise
Y'all don't wanna fuck with them boys
Come on dog put away them toys
'Cause I'mma put in a clip and you'll get yours
In DMX's song "Bring The Noize," the rapper addresses his haters and critics, referring to them as weak and fake. He opens the song by repeating the phrase "I smell pussy," which implies that he senses cowardice or weakness in those around him. DMX then goes on to boast about his own strength and toughness, threatening to physically harm anyone who tries to challenge him. He raps about his experience dealing with difficult situations and violence, proclaiming that he and his crew are not to be messed with.
Overall, "Bring The Noize" is a typical DMX track, full of aggression and bravado. The lyrics are confrontational and provocative, with DMX asserting his dominance and dismissing anyone who dares to question his authority.
Line by Line Meaning
I smell pussy
I detect weakness or cowardice in my surroundings.
I'm a take it back to the shit talkin', slick talkin'
Slap a nigga and call him my bitch and keep walkin'
I will go back to the days of confidently insulting and physically dominating others without fear of consequences.
Half y'all niggas is pussy
The other half of y'all niggas is fake thugs so please don't push me
Most of you are weak or pretending to be tough, so don't provoke me.
If we was in jail you'll be in the pool playin' in the air pressure
Leave you up on the stretcher nigga I'm gonna test you try your hand
When they carry you out I'm a tie your man
If we were in prison, you would be too weak to play basketball and I would beat you so badly that your comrades would have to carry you out on a stretcher while I retaliate against your accomplices.
But these cats ain't built like your killed like
Blood gets spilled like poke a nigga tonight
Bang bang, what! Ah! It hurts
The fuck you screamin' on me for I'm puttin' in work
We leave more bodies then the bloods and crips
This is how it's goin' down nigga thuggin' a bitch
Fuck a nigga with we on the same bullshit y'all niggas on lets get it on
These people are not as strong as they claim to be and will end up getting killed; we make people bleed and moan in pain as we dominate them, and we are more violent than notorious gangs such as the Bloods and Crips. Let's fight, even though we are all on the same level of stupidity.
You know how we roll nigga bring the noise
Y'all don't wanna fuck with them boys
Come on dog put away them toys
'Cause I'm a put in a clip and you'll get yours
Our crew is serious and ready for a fight; do not underestimate us or try to use guns against us, because we will retaliate and make you regret your actions.
No matter how many cats he brought with him, I'm a split him
Hair raised on my back get low and hit him
Stopped him dead in his tracks
Known damn well you ain't mean what you said in the past
Dogs don't know nothin' but bust that nigga
Dogs don't nothin' but fuck that nigga
Dogs don't know nothin' but suck my dick
When it comes to what happened dogs don't know shit
No matter how many allies he brings along, I will defeat him; I will anticipate his moves and strike him down. I know he is lying when he talks tough. We attack aggressively and without mercy. When we are questioned about our actions, we refuse to answer.
Did two years in one night, I popped two pills in one flight
Two ears in one light, aight, aight
That's what it is follow
Too many thick live niggas wanna swallow
Follow my mans and them
And get popped with yo mans and them is what I'm handin' them
It's hot things, drop things, stop things, drop things
Lookin' like a nigga like hot wings
I experienced a lot of chaos and danger in one night, consuming large amounts of drugs and being exposed to loud noises and bright lights. Many men are eager to be part of our violent crew, but if they follow us into battle, they may end up being injured or killed. We use powerful weaponry and cause destruction wherever we go, leaving behind fiery wreckage reminiscent of buffalo wings.
Been around the block did my dirt
Earl Stiral put in work till it hurt
I've seen less pussy in a stripclub fuckin' with y'all niggas
That means all y'all niggas
Most y'all know what ruthless means
Will you be able to survive the truth I've seen?
Cats wouldn't be alive if you was on my team
But the truth is the ride is rough you mean
I have lived a life of crime and violence, working hard for my criminal boss Earl Stiral until it caused me pain. I have encountered many weak individuals in strip clubs who associate with you people, indicating that all of you are weak. Most of you can't even understand how brutal and savage my world is. If you were part of my crew, you would have been killed already. However, the truth is that our violent lifestyle is hard to endure and not glamorous in any way.
Got me like God what the fuck
Dog gone bang somebody's getting' stuck
Back up the truck jump right the fuck out on niggas
Empty the five out on niggas
Hush mtherfuckers don't you cry
Dog gone make sure that you die
Point blank range so the slug go through
Then I'm a hit your crib and pop your family to nigga
I am in shock and need to vent my anger; I will shoot someone to release my frustration. We will approach our enemies in a truck, jump out and shoot them with our guns. We will make sure they don't make a sound or put up a fight. I will shoot them so closely that the bullet will go through them, and then I will go to their house and kill their loved ones as well.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Franklin Crum, Edwin Serrano, Earl Simmons
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind