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. Sisqรณ 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".
Cold World
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Doesn't really get this dark in the day
Boy they really turn their backs when you talking
When they lay somebody's else's head where you lay
Know that I ain't easy to be hard
I find it even harder to be easy
You know sometimes I close my eyes and I wonder
If I ever left how much you diss me
If a man can say then he can recognize his own daughter
And if hell is below would you pay the price to go
Then I can make it to heaven for sure
This is a cold world, (what)
Cold world
We make it this way, but we don't like it this way
This is a cold world, (what)
Cold world
We make it this way, but we don't like it this way
Just don't know what they say what they talking
So I just let a nigga say what he feel
Walkin' with the kid they gon' end up in the coffin
But I'ma say what I gotta say with this deal
Niggas hating you fly in the town
Might as well be charging while they hating
I'm a dog so I don't fuck with cats
If they gon' have me living in this fake pen
It's about time I be at them
Look what you all did to this rap shit
Know a nigga is wrong, come on with the cat shit
Wack shit, get niggas torn down slap quick
Bam, bam, bam go down that quick
Acting like the chauffeur's gone
And I'm sayin' got mill with the ruthless one
It's 2 piece, if your faggot ass 2 persona
I go hard, no dog don't do it, too late it's done
Hold up, I'ma show you why a dog is the illest, killest
You might touch it, but you feel it
The realest nigga to ever do it, the realest nigga to ever do it
And y'all gon' bring me back to it
Y'all gon' make me lose my mind
Middle name is crime, came from crime
You thought I'ma change in time, niggas don't know me
But you been holdin' something
You ain't gotta get show me
This is a cold world
Cold world
We make it this way, but we don't like it this way
This is a cold world
Cold world
We make it this way, but we don't like it this way
The tunnel looks bright up from behind but you gotta keep moving
Moving, moving because if life stops spinning in the right direction
You lose it, lose it, lose it, lose it
See in the night, I pray to keep me breathing
To see another day to give them something to believe in
'Cause I know I won't waste me this way
When you tryin' hard to make a change
The song "Cold World" by DMX feat. Adreena Mills is a commentary on the harsh realities of life. The lyrics express the artist's frustration with the way people turn their backs on each other and the difficulty of trying to be both tough and vulnerable. DMX raps about how people in the world can be cold-hearted, and how it's often hard to tell who is genuine and who isn't. The track also touches on themes like familial relationships and the idea that life is a journey with many ups and downs.
In the opening verse, DMX laments the fact that people turn their backs on each other and don't offer support. He muses on how he would be viewed if he were to leave this world and observes that loyalty isn't always easy. In the second verse, he talks about how people hate on him because of his success, revealing that people don't always want to see others thrive. The final verse implores listeners to keep moving forward despite the challenges of life, believing that hope and perseverance will eventually triumph over hardships.
Line by Line Meaning
Doesn't really get this cold in the summer
The world can be unforgiving and cold, even in times when it's supposed to be warm and welcoming.
Doesn't really get this dark in the day
The darkness of the world can be all-consuming and overpowering even in broad daylight.
Boy they really turn their backs when you talking
People can be dismissive and unconcerned about your problems when they don't affect them directly.
When they lay somebody's else's head where you lay
People can take your place or position, and you'll be left to pick up the pieces of your shattered life.
Know that I ain't easy to be hard
Being strong is not easy, and it takes a lot of willpower to endure the hardships of the world.
I find it even harder to be easy
Sometimes it's harder to be kind and understanding than it is to be tough and uncompromising.
You know sometimes I close my eyes and I wonder
The world can be a confusing and scary place, and it's hard to make sense of things sometimes.
If I ever left how much you diss me
People will often forget about you or speak ill of you when you're no longer around.
Yo somebody told me blood is thicker than water
Family bonds are supposed to be strong and unbreakable despite any differences or difficulties.
If a man can say then he can recognize his own daughter
If someone is willing to make the claim that they have a daughter, it should be easy for them to recognize her.
And if hell is below would you pay the price to go
Some people are so consumed by their own darkness that they seem to be heading towards their own personal hell.
Then I can make it to heaven for sure
If you're willing to pay the price to make things right, you can find peace and salvation in this world.
Just don't know what they say what they talking
People can say whatever they want, but it doesn't necessarily reflect the truth or the reality of the situation.
So I just let a nigga say what he feel
Rather than argue or engage in conflict, it's often easier to let someone say what they want and move on.
Walkin' with the kid they gon' end up in the coffin
The dangerous and violent nature of the world can often lead to tragic and senseless deaths.
But I'ma say what I gotta say with this deal
In spite of the violence and danger of the world, you have to speak your truth and stand up for what you believe in.
Niggas hating you fly in the town
People will often resent your success and try to bring you down, even when you're doing well.
Might as well be charging while they hating
In the face of criticism and adversity, it's better to keep pushing forward and striving for excellence.
I'm a dog so I don't fuck with cats
Some people are strong and reliable, while others are cowardly and untrustworthy.
If they gon' have me living in this fake pen
The world can often feel like a prison, trapping you inside with its limitations and constraints.
It's about time I be at them
It's time to stand up and fight for what you believe in, even if it means taking risks and facing danger.
Know a nigga is wrong, come on with the cat shit
Some people will pretend to be your friend or ally, but they're actually just using you for their own purposes.
Wack shit, get niggas torn down slap quick
People will often turn on you or criticize you, no matter how good or talented you are.
Bam, bam, bam go down that quick
The world can be brutal and unforgiving, and things can change very quickly and unexpectedly.
Acting like the chauffeur's gone
People will often ignore or belittle you when they think you're not important or influential.
And I'm saying got mill with the ruthless one
Despite the challenges and obstacles you face, you still have to stand up and fight for what's right.
It's 2 piece, if your faggot ass 2 persona
People can be two-faced and deceitful, saying one thing and doing something entirely different.
I go hard, no dog don't do it, too late it's done
If you're going to fight for something, you have to be willing to put everything on the line and do whatever it takes to win.
Hold up, I'ma show you why a dog is the illest, killest
When you're pushed to your limits, you have to show people what you're really made of and how strong you truly are.
You might touch it, but you feel it
Some things can't be explained, but you can still sense their presence and their power over you.
The realest nigga to ever do it, the realest nigga to ever do it
When you're true to yourself and your beliefs, you become a powerful force that can change the world.
And y'all gon' bring me back to it
Despite the hardships and obstacles you face, you're always going to return to what you know best and what you do best.
Y'all gon' make me lose my mind
The world can be overwhelming and chaotic, pushing you to the brink of insanity and despair.
Middle name is crime, came from crime
For some people, the only way to survive and succeed in this world is through criminal activity and violence.
You thought I'ma change in time, niggas don't know me
Some people will try to change you or make you conform to their expectations, but you'll always be true to yourself.
But you been holdin' something
People will often keep secrets or hidden agendas, making it hard to trust them or work with them effectively.
You ain't gotta get show me
Some things don't need to be explained or demonstrated because they're already known or felt by everyone involved.
The tunnel looks bright up from behind but you gotta keep moving
The future may look bright and hopeful, but you still have to work hard and push forward to achieve your goals.
Moving, moving because if life stops spinning in the right direction
Life can be like a spinning top, moving forward and changing direction unpredictably.
You lose it, lose it, lose it, lose it
If you lose your focus or your drive, you can quickly fall behind and lose everything you've worked for.
See in the night, I pray to keep me breathing
Even in the darkest and most dangerous times, you have to stay strong and keep fighting for your survival.
To see another day to give them something to believe in
The only way to inspire others and make a difference in the world is by staying true to your beliefs and your values.
'Cause I know I won't waste me this way
You can't afford to waste your talents, your abilities, or your potential in a world that can be so unforgiving and brutal.
When you tryin' hard to make a change
Despite the challenges and obstacles you face, you have to keep pushing yourself and trying to make a difference in the world.
This is a cold world
The world can be harsh, cruel, and unforgiving, and it can seem like no one cares about you or your problems.
We make it this way, but we don't like it this way
Despite our own efforts and actions, we don't always like or approve of the world we ourselves have created.
Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: EARL SIMMONS, ANDREENA MILLER, DINO FEKARIS, NICK ZESSES, DAMON J. BLACKMAN, RENE WONDER HILL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Stuart William
Goosebumps. Every time I hear this amazing verse. DMX is always going to be the greatest artist of all time.
He-Ay TM
Gives me chills. . you can feel the hurt from DMX. Realest ever.
Gmailkto Konto
I want say the same REALEST EVER THIS ONE!
YANG GYAN
๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅโข
Stuart William
This is the best verse of all 2012. It's powerful. It's deep. It's what has been missing in hip-hop for a few years. A verse from someone's heart.
That_Kid_Mesh
RIP TO the legendddd this album was slept but the real fans knows wassup!
B. O
This is the best album of all time
mike johnson
This song is absolute ๐ฅ
45 years ago
Yes bro rt
ankokugaiBOSS
I have to give this song and the entire album a thumbs up. Hip hop still lives and breathes through DMX so we should be thanking him. Stay UP Darkman x