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".
Can
DMX Lyrics
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I can feel it comin' in the air tonight, hold on
I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, hold on, hold on
The best of y'all niggas remind me of myself when I was younger
When it was hunger that stopped the nigga from goin' under
And you wonder, why I pat you on your head, smile
Meanwhile, somethin' I gotta show you an I hope you can take it
Gotta leave you in the desert, and I hope that you make it
Gotta put you on your ass to see what it does to you
When you stand up an see that I'm just showin' love to you
Other niggas would put a slug through you, over your heads
Cats I fucked with are real, but hey, those are your friends
Its just what you got comin' sometimes you don't know
What you askin' for, did you ask for more?
Shut the casket door, this one here, it is done
And thought you was a killer, you swore you'd never run
Nigga died with his gun still up in the holster
It's comin' in the air? Yeah its getting' closer
I can feel it comin' in the air tonight, hold on
I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, hold on, hold on
I see life through many shades of grays and blacks
I could take that an him 'em with the blazin' tracks
When I make that you fake cats have violent dreams
Takes another dog to be able to hear my silent screams
The devil got a hold on me and he won't let go
I can feel the lord pullin' but he movin' dead slow
Let 'em know that amidst all this confusion
Some of us may do the winnin'
But we all do the losin' its just who does the choosin'
Easy goin', up or down what have you been provin'?
Just that you a fuckin' clown
Bitch seen through the bullshit, but never spoke on it
'Cause I know that deep down you really don't want it
I would of traded the chance of bein' the child with a father
Movin' talent and bein' able to survive when it's harder
My balance on the high beams of life, keep my dreams in strife
That's why I hit these motherfuckin' streets at night
Come on!
I can feel it comin' in the air tonight, hold on
I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, hold on, hold on
There's a lot of shit that I let slide, 'cause its outta my hands
Lotta niggas I let ride, but its not in my plans
And a lot of my mans is not seein' through the fog
Families by the truckload, feedin' them to the morgue
Full moon, the howlin',
The growlin', and prowlin'
Don't know love, can't show love
That means you gonna need more love
Than on old thug, but hold up, roll up
Talkin' out the side of your mouth
Is what's gonna let niggas know, why you bad in your house
When they lied to your spouse, told her it was suicide,
But you an I both know the truth, fool would never die
Listen nigga, if you scared, get a dog, but be prepared, for the mob
'Cause you dead up in the fog, an that's your head by the log
I can smell it in the air, I can tell when its there
This is hell an we both here
Can you feel it? Tell me yeah
I can feel it comin' in the air tonight, hold on
I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, hold on, hold on
The song opens up with the line "Sometimes, sometimes you just know, you just know, that's all." The line sets the tone for the song and DMX immediately launches into his memorable chorus, "I can feel it comin' in the air tonight, hold on, I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, hold on, hold on." The chorus is not only haunting but also deeply emotional. While listening to this song, one can feel a sense of anticipation mixed in with feelings of profound sadness.
The song delves deeper into DMX's struggles and is woven around two central themes - the sense of impending doom and an overwhelming feeling of hopelessness. The rapper acknowledges his enemies, who come in the form of "bitch-ass niggas" who remind him of his younger self when he was struggling to make ends meet. The rapper reflects on his own life, and how he was able to rise above his issues, but acknowledges that there are others who may not be so lucky.
The song provides a glimpse into DMX's soul, and illustrates why he was such a revered artist. It is impossible not to feel moved by his raw emotion and the honesty in his lyrics. His struggles and feelings are universal, and it is not surprising that the song has become so popular over the years.
Line by Line Meaning
I can feel it comin' in the air tonight, hold on
Anticipation of something big that is about to happen
I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, hold on, hold on
This is a long-awaited moment and it's important to hold on to it when it finally comes
The best of y'all niggas remind me of myself when I was younger When it was hunger that stopped the nigga from goin' under And you wonder, why I pat you on your head, smile Look in your eyes and thank the lord for my child
DMX sees himself in young people who are struggling to survive and that's why he shows them love and gratitude for their resilience
Meanwhile, somethin' I gotta show you an I hope you can take it Gotta leave you in the desert, and I hope that you make it Gotta put you on your ass to see what it does to you When you stand up an see that I'm just showin' love to you
Sometimes, tough love is necessary to help someone understand their own strength and abilities, ultimately teaching them how to overcome challenges
Other niggas would put a slug through you, over your heads Cats I fucked with are real, but hey, those are your friends
DMX acknowledges that some people may use violence to solve their problems, but the real friends are the ones who stick with you during tough times without turning on you
Its just what you got comin' sometimes you don't know What you askin' for, did you ask for more? Shut the casket door, this one here, it is done And thought you was a killer, you swore you'd never run Nigga died with his gun still up in the holster It's comin' in the air? Yeah its getting' closer
Things happen unexpectedly and sometimes people are not aware of the consequences of their actions until it's too late; DMX suggests that death is inevitable for some and that it's important to understand the risks of one's behavior
I see life through many shades of grays and blacks I could take that an him 'em with the blazin' tracks When I make that you fake cats have violent dreams Takes another dog to be able to hear my silent screams
DMX's music represents his worldview where life is full of complexity and chaos, and only a few can understand the depth of his message
The devil got a hold on me and he won't let go I can feel the lord pullin' but he movin' dead slow Let 'em know that amidst all this confusion Some of us may do the winnin' But we all do the losin' its just who does the choosin'
DMX believes in God and the devil, and suggests that people possess the power to choose their destiny; he claims that some win and some lose, but it's ultimately up to the individual to make the right choices
There's a lot of shit that I let slide, 'cause its outta my hands Lotta niggas I let ride, but its not in my plans And a lot of my mans is not seein' through the fog Families by the truckload, feedin' them to the morgue
Sometimes people can't change their circumstances and must accept things as they are; DMX regrets that he can't help everyone because the situation is too dire
Full moon, the howlin', The growlin', and prowlin' Don't know love, can't show love That means you gonna need more love
The full moon, the howling, growling, and prowling represent the darkness and violence of human nature, and how those who can't show love may require more of it to change their ways
Listen nigga, if you scared, get a dog, but be prepared, for the mob 'Cause you dead up in the fog, an that's your head by the log I can smell it in the air, I can tell when its there This is hell an we both here Can you feel it? Tell me yeah
DMX warns that danger is imminent and that it's important to be brave in the face of adversity and to understand that we are all in this together, fighting for survival
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jonathan Rotem, Kisean Anderson, Phil Collins
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Erik H
2021 up in here. Thanks DMX!! Nobody knows how freaking amazing this song is!!
Topsey2000
Back in the days whatever Swizz touched turned to gold. D and Swizz, what a team.
Kingjd87
Greatest of his era (late 90s)
LilKyleBrah
Prayers up to DMX
yougotit96
the songs sounds so good because he has so much flow
Genso San
Still unbeatable!
PROUD MARINE 176
DMX!! Rolled out pumped to deez here !! COLD AS A FREEEEEEEEEEZER !!
Ty Ty 101
Can't believe I found this after nearly 15 years
Simon Templer
R.I.P X rest with God
warchild357
was looking for the rare track since long time i never thought i could find this on youtube 5/5