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't You See
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!
Fuck why y'all niggas talking 'bout huh? (it's time I see you)
Get it right, you fagot niggas heard Suge Knight
Double are's the only niggas he respect and, why y'all niggas shook right?
Why y'all get on Hot 97 and, talk wit a baritone
Wit two niggas downstairs with licensed guns to take why y'all home
Scared ass niggas, you think they going take a life so they can get life [nope]
For no cake, and why y'all can get at us on Labor Day
We make stones that say ? your moms labor day
I'm in the hood so we can link up, any place you think of
Hand held don't hold prints plus I burnt the tip of my fingers
I'm a Bronx gangsta nigga, double are's hoodrat
The nigga they come get quick bitch, on this hood shit
[Cross]
Why y'all bitches think the riders a joke, well I don't play (let's go)
I blow you whole fucking shit up like Tim McVeigh
Gimme the needle, not tomorrow, but today
Cross coming why y'all better get the fuck out the way
I ain't the shit that you see that's on the top of your church
I put a bomb in your baby carriage, brick through your hearse
[Infa-Red]
Tell your CEO, don't call my CEO apologizing (sorry)
I'm at your wake in the choir standing harmonizing
It's Infa-Red the shit that be on top of the heater
The best thing in New York since Steinbrenner signed Jeter
Hold Camby sister the hostage, then send 'em a reef
So stop fronting vegetarian just scared of beef
[Eve]
Yo, hey suck my dick bitch, the way this chick spit ridiculous
Here we go again, only we on Kiss shit
We coming and you keep running
You keep claiming you the best that done it
Pussy let me see something
Fake niggas screaming "Ryde or Die"
Same niggas we run up on and make 'em cry
Outta all the camps in this game, nigga
We the champs in this game
Who kick the real shit before the fame
Fuck you fat ass, fake bad ass niggas
Still play the hood while you ride past niggas
Coward trust me, we keep it gutter
Hope you stay mad a hater 'cause you can't touch us, huh
"It's time I see you"
[Styles]
Hey yo, I ain't got a care in the world
Kidnapping your kid, maiming your mom, and airing your girl
And like, you ain't got a care in the world
I'm hopeless and numb, I can't see but I can focus my gun
And I'm down for smoking blunts to the head
My nerves is shot, my paces is short, I dump in your head
I'm the hardest nigga out you outta know it by now
I'm the nigga that they talk about going to Chao
And my name ring bells, my blade stay bloody
If you heard about me beefing dog I leave the most shells
The nigga to salute, the quickest to shoot
Holiday Styles, motherfucker, giving you pound
[Sheek]
What? Like I won't run up and break your jaw
Like they make a vest for your head to stop the 4
I'm tired of rapping, let's get the mack and send niggas on vacation
Right in front of the radio station
Motherfuckers ain't quiet til the tech go off
Arteries hitted, hawkin, they neck is shit
I'm the motherfucking hardest
I smack the shit out of any one of your artists
Whatever the label
Why y'all niggas don't want beef, why y'all want meat at the table
And I don't give a fuck, Sheek'll do life in the box
Before any of why y'all bitch niggas front on the LOX
What? Motherfuckers, see man
[Jadakiss]
Yo, If I miss your head and your neck, I'll hurt your chest
If you from the streets betrayal is worse than death
And I'm known for getting money, not known for wildin
But I'm real I could rock both phones in the island
This is how we even the bets
I kill everything you love dog, right now, even the pets
Everything got dubs on it, even the vets
50 close, then 50 wide, even the sets
Cause the bullets is like calisthenics when I'm squirting
When they start hurting, that means they working
Only way we coming is hard
Industry is like jail nigga, double are's running the yard, uh
This excerpt is a verse from the song "Can't You See" by DMX. The song is a posse cut featuring DMX and other members of the LOX, a rap group that included Styles, Sheek, and Jadakiss. This verse specifically is performed by Drag-On, Cross, Infa-Red, Eve, Styles, Sheek, and Jadakiss. The verse is filled with violent imagery and threats toward anyone who may cross them or disrespect them. The lyrics speak of shooting guns, bombing baby carriages, kidnapping children, and other heinous acts.
The verse is characterized by its aggression and bravado. It is clear that the performers are trying to set themselves apart from others in the rap game by presenting themselves as hard-hitting, ruthless individuals who will not be messed with. The use of violent imagery is meant to intimidate anyone who may try to challenge or undermine them.
Overall, the lyrics of "Can't You See" are reflective of the aggressive and confrontational nature that characterized much of the rap music of the late 1990s and early 2000s. The LOX and DMX in particular were known for their hard-hitting lyricism and willingness to confront anyone who they perceived as a threat.
Line by Line Meaning
Fuck why y'all niggas talking 'bout huh?
Why are you all talking nonsense and wasting time?
Get it right, you fagot niggas heard Suge Knight
Understand that only real gangsters like Suge Knight command respect
Double are's the only niggas he respect and, why y'all niggas shook right?
DMX only respects the members of Ruff Ryders, so why are you all acting scared?
Why y'all get on Hot 97 and, talk wit a baritone
Why do you go on radio shows like Hot 97 and speak with a fake, deep voice?
Wit two niggas downstairs with licensed guns to take why y'all home
There are two armed men waiting downstairs to escort you home safely
Scared ass niggas, you think they going take a life so they can get life [nope]
You scared individuals think that those armed men will kill someone so they can go to jail for life? No chance.
Ask Puff they ain't trying to hear that nigga
If you don't believe me, ask Puff Daddy. He won't entertain that talk.
For no cake, and why y'all can get at us on Labor Day
Why do you want to start trouble with us for no reason, especially on a holiday like Labor Day?
We make stones that say ? your moms labor day
We create tombstones that commemorate your mother's Labor Day
I'm in the hood so we can link up, any place you think of
I'm available in the neighborhood, ready to meet at any location you suggest
Hand held don't hold prints plus I burnt the tip of my fingers
I use a handheld weapon that doesn't leave fingerprints, and I have burned my fingertips to avoid identification
I'm a Bronx gangsta nigga, double are's hoodrat
I am a gangster from the Bronx and a loyal member of Ruff Ryders
The nigga they come get quick bitch, on this hood shit
I am the person they quickly come to get in any situation involving the streets
Why y'all bitches think the riders a joke, well I don't play (let's go)
You think we Ruff Ryders are a joke, but I am not one to be messed with
I blow you whole fucking shit up like Tim McVeigh
I can destroy everything you have just like the infamous terrorist, Tim McVeigh
Gimme the needle, not tomorrow, but today
Give me the drugs (needle) immediately, not tomorrow
Cross coming why y'all better get the fuck out the way
Cross is coming, so you better move out of the way
I ain't the shit that you see that's on the top of your church
I am not the holy figure you see at the top of your church
I put a bomb in your baby carriage, brick through your hearse
I am capable of placing a bomb in your baby carriage and smashing a brick into your hearse
Tell your CEO, don't call my CEO apologizing (sorry)
Make sure your CEO understands not to apologize to my CEO
I'm at your wake in the choir standing harmonizing
I will be present at your funeral, standing in the choir, harmonizing
It's Infa-Red the shit that be on top of the heater
I am Infa-Red, the one who is always armed with a gun
The best thing in New York since Steinbrenner signed Jeter
I am considered the best thing to come out of New York since the New York Yankees signed Derek Jeter under owner George Steinbrenner
Hold Camby sister the hostage, then send 'em a reef
I will take Marcus Camby's sister hostage and then send them a funeral wreath
So stop fronting vegetarian just scared of beef
Stop pretending to be a vegetarian, when in reality you are just scared of confrontation and conflict
Yo, hey suck my dick bitch, the way this chick spit ridiculous
Hey, disrespectful woman, listen to my impressive and skillful rap abilities
Here we go again, only we on Kiss shit
We are back at it again, but this time we are on Jadakiss's level
We coming and you keep running
We are approaching and you are constantly fleeing
You keep claiming you the best that done it
You keep boasting about being the best in the game
Pussy let me see something
Come on, show me what you've got
Fake niggas screaming 'Ryde or Die'
Inauthentic individuals are shouting 'Ryde or Die'
Same niggas we run up on and make 'em cry
We approach the same individuals and make them cry in fear
Outta all the camps in this game, nigga
Among all the groups in this industry
We the champs in this game
We are the champions in this industry
Who kick the real shit before the fame
We are the ones who spoke the truth before becoming famous
Fuck you fat ass, fake bad ass niggas
We have no respect for those overweight, fake tough guys
Still play the hood while you ride past niggas
We remain loyal to our neighborhood while you drive by without acknowledging the people
Coward trust me, we keep it gutter
Believe me, we stay true to the streets
Hope you stay mad a hater 'cause you can't touch us, huh
I hope you remain angry and jealous because you can't harm us
Hey yo, I ain't got a care in the world
I couldn't care less about anything
Kidnapping your kid, maiming your mom, and airing your girl
I am capable of kidnapping your child, injuring your mother, and publicly embarrassing your girlfriend
And like, you ain't got a care in the world
And it seems like you don't care about anything either
I'm hopeless and numb, I can't see but I can focus my gun
I feel empty and emotionless, I may not see well, but I can accurately aim my gun
And I'm down for smoking blunts to the head
I am open to smoking marijuana directly to the head
My nerves is shot, my paces is short, I dump in your head
I am on edge, easily triggered, and I will shoot you in the head
I'm the hardest nigga out you outta know it by now
I am the toughest person you will come across, and you should already know that
I'm the nigga that they talk about going to Chao
I am the person that everyone talks about, a legend in the streets
And my name ring bells, my blade stay bloody
My name is well-known and my knife is always covered in blood
If you heard about me beefing dog I leave the most shells
If you hear about me having a conflict with someone, I will leave behind the most ammunition casings
The nigga to salute, the quickest to shoot
I am the person everyone respects and the fastest to pull the trigger
Holiday Styles, motherfucker, giving you pound
I am Styles, a respected figure, and I am acknowledging you with a fist bump
What? Like I won't run up and break your jaw
You think I won't approach you and break your jaw?
Like they make a vest for your head to stop the 4
As if they manufacture bulletproof vests for your head to protect against my shots
I'm tired of rapping, let's get the mack and send niggas on vacation
I am tired of just rapping, let's grab the guns and send these individuals on a permanent vacation
Right in front of the radio station
We will take action right in front of the radio station
Motherfuckers ain't quiet til the tech go off
No one will be silent or peaceful until the firearm is discharged
Arteries hitted, hawkin, they neck is shit
I will hit their arteries and cause severe injury in their necks
I'm the motherfucking hardest
I am the toughest motherfucker out there
I smack the shit out of any one of your artists
I will violently strike any one of your artists
Whatever the label
It doesn't matter what record label you represent
Why y'all niggas don't want beef, why y'all want meat at the table
Why are you all avoiding confrontation? Why do you just want to eat in peace?
And I don't give a fuck, Sheek'll do life in the box
I don't care, I am willing to spend my life in prison
Before any of why y'all bitch niggas front on the LOX
Before any of you cowards disrespect The LOX
Yo, If I miss your head and your neck, I'll hurt your chest
If I miss shooting you in the head and neck, I will still inflict severe damage to your chest
If you from the streets betrayal is worse than death
In the streets, betraying someone is seen as a fate worse than death
And I'm known for getting money, not known for wildin
I am known for making money, not known for engaging in reckless behavior
But I'm real I could rock both phones in the island
But I am genuine, I have connections in both tough neighborhoods
This is how we even the bets
This is how we settle our scores and make things right
I kill everything you love dog, right now, even the pets
I will destroy everything you care about, including your pets, right this instant
Everything got dubs on it, even the vets
Everything we have is worth twice as much, even the veterans
Cause the bullets is like calisthenics when I'm squirting
When I am shooting, the bullets are as fast and as impactful as a vigorous workout
When they start hurting, that means they working
When the bullets start causing pain, that means they are doing their job
Only way we coming is hard
We only approach situations with maximum force
Industry is like jail nigga, double are's running the yard, uh
The music industry is like a prison, and Ruff Ryders are in control
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: EVE JEFFERS, EDDIE HOLLAND, BRIAN HOLLAND, LAMONT HERBERT DOZIER, SHANDEL GREEN, S. MARTIN, J. SMITH, JASON PHILLIPS, DAVID STYLES, SEAN JACOBS, MEL JASON SMALLS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind