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 Your Whole Crew
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ayy
Come on
Uh, uh-huh
But they don't hear me though
Uh, but they don't hear me though
Uh, but they don't, but they don't, but they don't, they don't
And got blood on my dick 'cause I fucked a corpse (come on)
I'm a nasty nigga, when you pass me, nigga, look me in my eyes (what?)
Tell me to my fuckin' face that you ready to die (come on)
You be a dead motherfucker, red motherfucker (uh)
Don't get stupid, you heard what I said motherfucker (uh)
Who shot you? Ah, nigga, like you don't know (woo)
Stickin' you for your dough while I'm fuckin' your broke ho (what?)
Yo, don't you get the picture? Niggas can't touch me (uh)
'Cause I don't give a fuck, G, I'll get you touched, B
I got joints that with one slug'll take apart a door
And enough crazy niggas behind me to start a war (come on)
So what you want, nigga, help? 'Cause you's about to rest (uh)
When I'm fed, Red Cross couldn't clean up the mess
And a vest won't do nothin' but make you look a little thicker (Yea!)
'Cause in the dark, you ain't nothin' but a lil' nigga (What!)
And if you'd been thinkin' about that shit you did
You wouldn't've brought the joint with you kid
Now I'ma have to get you kid, and split your wig with the machete (what?)
I bring beef to niggas, and string 'em out like spaghetti (come on)
You ain't ready, nor can you stand how I'm bringin' it (uh)
How I'm givin' it is how I'm livin' it so I'm swingin' it (uh)
Red dot on your head, 'cause you's in mid-range
Red dot on your chest opens up your rib cage, nigga
I just love when a nigga bring his whole crew
It's just a bigger piece of cake for me to chew a hole through
I just love when a nigga bring his whole crew
It's just a bigger piece of cake for me to chew a hole through
I just love when a nigga bring his whole crew
It's just a bigger piece of cake for me to chew a hole through
I just love when a nigga bring his whole crew
It's just a bigger piece of cake for me to chew a hole through
Now if your heart was as big as your mouth, you'd be real
But it's not, so I know if you get knocked, you'll squeal
Like a bitch, 'cause you is a bitch and always been a bitch (oh)
And you know how niggas do a bitch, we run up in a bitch (oh)
Put something in a bitch, nigga, do you know me? Nigga, do you owe me? (uh-huh)
Figured you could blow me? Well I'ma let this trigger fill you homie
Y'all niggas gots to be smokin' somethin' thinkin' you chokin' somethin' (uh)
Fuckin' around with me you'll be a broken somethin' (woo)
I'm out for blood with the Crips at war
How much shit could you talk wit your lips on the floor?
Pussy niggas make me itch, so I scratch, you's a bitch (uh, uh, uh)
So I snatch up your face, fake-ass pit, so I scratch you (uh, uh, come on)
And yeah, there was a time, when I woulda jumped up and choked this nigga
(But now) but now I'm on some shit like, "yo, smoke this nigga!" (uh-huh)
I'm bout to find out how much guts you got before I spill 'em
Somebody come and get this motherfucker before I kill him (please)
(Arf) fresh out the asylum, I'm wildin'
Y'all niggas know the phone numbers for help, you best to dial 'em (ayy)
Nine-one-one, emergency, the urgency
Will have witnesses seein' what the surgeon see (woo)
How far you gon' get, wit' your dome split, fool (come on)
And catch your man slippin' 'cause he think his shit cool (come on)
But it ain't, so I paint the walls with his blood (uh, uh, uh)
Another dick in the mud, nigga, what? (come on)
I just love when a nigga bring his whole crew (uh)
It's just a bigger piece of cake for me to chew a hole through (nigga)
I just love when a nigga bring his whole crew (uh)
It's just a bigger piece of cake for me to chew a hole through
I just love when a nigga bring his whole crew
It's just a bigger piece of cake for me to chew a hole through
I just love when a nigga bring his whole crew
It's just a bigger piece of cake for me to chew a hole through (come on)
Ayo, you know who this is for (uh)
They let the dogs in the door (come on, come on, yeah)
Ayo, you know who this is for (come on)
They let the dogs in the door (yeah, yeah)
I just love when a nigga bring his whole crew
It's just a bigger piece of cake for me to chew a hole through (come on)
I just love when a nigga bring his whole crew
It's just a bigger piece of cake for me to chew a hole through
I just love when a nigga bring his whole crew
It's just a bigger piece of cake for me to chew a hole through
I just love when a nigga bring his whole crew
It's just a bigger piece of cake for me to chew a hole through
I just love when a nigga bring his whole crew
It's just a bigger piece of cake for me to chew a hole through (come on)
I just love
The song "Bring Your Whole Crew" by DMX is a hardcore rap song that expresses the rapper's violent and aggressive side. The lyrics are filled with graphic descriptions of violence, including killing and sexually assaulting a corpse. DMX also portrays himself as a fearless and unstoppable force, surrounded by a gang of dangerous men who are ready to start a war whenever necessary.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "I just love when a nigga bring his whole crew" four times, which can be interpreted in different ways. It could mean that DMX enjoys taking on multiple opponents at once because it gives him more opportunities to display his strength and power. Alternatively, it could suggest that DMX is so confident in his abilities that he is not intimidated by a large group of people, and actually relishes the challenge they present.
The verses of the song reinforce DMX's tough and intimidating persona, as he delivers lines like "Who shot you? Ah, nigga, like you don't know" and "Red dot on your chest opens up your rib cage, nigga". The aggression and violence in the lyrics is matched by the intense and relentless beat, which features distorted guitars and pounding drums.
Overall, "Bring Your Whole Crew" is a dark and uncompromising song that reflects the harsh realities of street life, and showcases DMX's raw talent for lyrics and delivery.
Line by Line Meaning
Uh
Start of the song
Ayy
Ad-lib
Come on
Encouraging listener to pay attention
Uh, uh-huh
Ad-lib
But they don't hear me though
Feeling unheard and ignored
Uh, but they don't hear me though
Repeating feeling of being unheard and ignored
Uh, but they don't, but they don't, but they don't, they don't
Repeated feeling of being unheard and ignored
I got blood on my hands and there's no remorse
Feeling guilty of past actions
And got blood on my dick 'cause I fucked a corpse (come on)
Boasting about a disturbing and illegal act
I'm a nasty nigga, when you pass me, nigga, look me in my eyes (what?)
Boasting about being intimidating and aggressive
Tell me to my fuckin' face that you ready to die (come on)
Challenging someone to confront him
You be a dead motherfucker, red motherfucker (uh)
Threatening violence towards someone
Don't get stupid, you heard what I said motherfucker (uh)
Warning someone not to mess with him
Who shot you? Ah, nigga, like you don't know (woo)
Boasting about being involved in violent acts
Stickin' you for your dough while I'm fuckin' your broke ho (what?)
Bringing attention to his immoral and illegal behavior
Yo, don't you get the picture? Niggas can't touch me (uh)
Feeling untouchable and invincible
'Cause I don't give a fuck, G, I'll get you touched, B
Being willing to harm others without remorse
I got joints that with one slug'll take apart a door
Boasting about his weapons and their power
And enough crazy niggas behind me to start a war (come on)
Boasting about the loyalty of his associates
So what you want, nigga, help? 'Cause you's about to rest (uh)
Taunting someone who he plans to harm
When I'm fed, Red Cross couldn't clean up the mess
Implying that his violence will result in a significant mess
And a vest won't do nothin' but make you look a little thicker (Yea!)
Boasting about his ability to harm someone even if they wear protection
'Cause in the dark, you ain't nothin' but a lil' nigga (What!)
Insulting and threatening someone
And if you'd been thinkin' about that shit you did
Suggesting that someone's actions have consequences
You wouldn't've brought the joint with you kid
Implying that someone made a mistake by bringing something to a certain location
Now I'ma have to get you kid, and split your wig with the machete (what?)
Threatening to harm someone with a dangerous weapon
I bring beef to niggas, and string 'em out like spaghetti (come on)
Bringing conflict and harm to people, and boasting about it
You ain't ready, nor can you stand how I'm bringin' it (uh)
Boasting about his violent tactics
How I'm givin' it is how I'm livin' it so I'm swingin' it (uh)
Implies that his violent behavior is a reflection of his life
Red dot on your head, 'cause you's in mid-range
Threatening to shoot someone in the head
Red dot on your chest opens up your rib cage, nigga
Implying that he will harm someone's vital organs
I just love when a nigga bring his whole crew
Enjoys causing conflict with a group of people
It's just a bigger piece of cake for me to chew a hole through
Boasting about his ability to win fights against multiple people
Now if your heart was as big as your mouth, you'd be real
Accusing someone of being fake and lacking bravery
But it's not, so I know if you get knocked, you'll squeal
Believing that someone will confess to a crime if caught
Like a bitch, 'cause you is a bitch and always been a bitch (oh)
Insulting someone and calling them weak
And you know how niggas do a bitch, we run up in a bitch (oh)
Expressing violent thoughts towards someone
Put something in a bitch, nigga, do you know me? Nigga, do you owe me? (uh-huh)
Asking someone if they have wronged him or are familiar with him
Figured you could blow me? Well I'ma let this trigger fill you homie
Threatening someone after they have upset him
Y'all niggas gots to be smokin' somethin' thinkin' you chokin' somethin' (uh)
Insulting someone and belittling their skills
Fuckin' around with me you'll be a broken somethin' (woo)
Threatening to harm someone who interacts with him negatively
I'm out for blood with the Crips at war
Expressing violent intentions towards a group
How much shit could you talk wit your lips on the floor?
Believing that someone will stop speaking up after being harmed
Pussy niggas make me itch, so I scratch, you's a bitch (uh, uh, uh)
Insulting someone and boasting about his own violent tendencies
So I snatch up your face, fake-ass pit, so I scratch you (uh, uh, come on)
Threatening to harm someone physically
And yeah, there was a time, when I woulda jumped up and choked this nigga
Remembering past incidents where violent behavior would be used
(But now) but now I'm on some shit like, "yo, smoke this nigga!" (uh-huh)
Expressing a desire to harm someone in the present
I'm bout to find out how much guts you got before I spill 'em
Threatening to harm someone severely
Somebody come and get this motherfucker before I kill him (please)
Expressing a desire to harm someone unless they are removed from the situation
(Arf) fresh out the asylum, I'm wildin'
Ad-lib
Y'all niggas know the phone numbers for help, you best to dial 'em (ayy)
Boasting about being intimidating and advising someone to call for assistance
Nine-one-one, emergency, the urgency
Referring to calling emergency services for assistance
Will have witnesses seein' what the surgeon see (woo)
Implying that violence will result in serious medical attention
How far you gon' get, wit' your dome split, fool (come on)
Threatening to harm someone severely
And catch your man slippin' 'cause he think his shit cool (come on)
Threatening to harm someone who he believes is confident and unafraid
But it ain't, so I paint the walls with his blood (uh, uh, uh)
Describing harm he will cause to someone who he does not believe is cool
Another dick in the mud, nigga, what? (come on)
Insulting someone and boasting about harm he has caused in the past
I just love when a nigga bring his whole crew (uh)
Enjoying causing conflict with a group of people
It's just a bigger piece of cake for me to chew a hole through (nigga)
Boasting about his ability to win fights against multiple people
It's just a bigger piece of cake for me to chew a hole through (come on)
Repeated boasting about his ability to win fights against multiple people
Ayo, you know who this is for (uh)
Directing attention to a certain group of people
They let the dogs in the door (come on, come on, yeah)
Reinforcing the idea that he is dangerous and aggressive
Ayo, you know who this is for (come on)
Directing attention to a certain group of people
They let the dogs in the door (yeah, yeah)
Reinforcing the idea that he is dangerous and aggressive
I just love
Expressing enjoyment of causing harm and conflict
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Anthony Fields, Earl Simmons
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind