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".
Coming From
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Before light, there was dark
Where you going, where you going?
Where you going, where you going?
Where you going?
If I don't know where I'm coming from
Where would I go?
Where would I go?
If I don't know where I'm coming from
Where would I go?
If I don't know where I'm coming from
Where would I go?
Places that I've have been, things that I have seen
What you call a nightmare, are what I have as dreams
Bad as that may seem, I know is only going to get worse
Love, a slug, which one am I gonna get first?
My journey's been a rough one, I'm not sure when it begins
But the way it's looking, I kind of know when it's gonna end (what, love)
Hold me down baby, it's gonna be a rough ride
Niggas give us plenty of room, 'cause I guess enough died
Let me travel, 'cause my intentions are to travel in peace
Fuck around I lay you down, you hit the gravel and cease
I could be a beast, or I could be a gentleman
But if you ain't my dog, you gonna be like 'Oh, it's him again'
Niggas will never win, this whole rap game is mine
Hottest you ever been, I was that in eighty nine
Seek and you shall find, look within and you will know
Where you coming from, and where you gotta go
Come on!
If I don't know where I'm coming from
Where would I go?
If I don't know where I'm coming from
Where would I go?
Got to keep it real with me
If I don't know where I'm coming from
So to hell with you
Where would I go?
Now where am I going?
If I don't know where I'm coming from
I think I'm going to the top
Where would I go?
Me and DMX
I will spend mad time in one spot, plotting my next move
Trying to figure out what is it, that X do what X do
Some questions go unanswered, that's what I'm afraid of
Sometimes I can't show, but I know what I'm made of
They made love, or should I say they made lust
Bound, there didn't have to be love there, but they made us
I got quite a few sisters, I was the only boy
But being with my dog, was my only joy
Like a kid with a new toy, I forgot about the grind
Escaped the misery, didn't think about the crime
Lost all track of time, was in another world
Everybody knew Earl, but there was another Earl
Lighter side of the dark, riding the park but wouldn't want to
Stayed far, but when they jump me, became a good runner
One by one they all went under, so I had the last laugh
They all thought it all was a joke, but I had the last laugh
Come on
If I don't know where I'm coming from
If I don't know, I don't know
Where would I go?
Where would I go?
If I don't know where I'm coming from
Where would I go?
If I don't know where I'm coming from
But I know where I'm going
Where would I go?
I know where I'm going
If I don't know where I'm coming from
Do you know, do you know
Where would I go?
I feel the ghost from within, coming back to haunt me
Stay love in my peoples, even though they don't want me
When I was bad, I was forgotten, like I was dead and rotten
Should've been getting love, but instead was plotting
Shit wasn't right, and it was all blamed on me
Didn't know that I was special 'til this rap shit came to be
Gave me a way out, showed me it was better to teach
Than bust niggas with the fo-fo, leave them dead in the streets
Over beef that was worth less, than the cost of the slugs
That I bought to kill them
And that's because I thought I ought to kill them
Little did I know, death wasn't right
Didn't always show every breath was a life
It was to be captured in suspended animation
To be felt by all, understood by every nation
What's the sense of hating, when I can show love
What's the sense of faking, when I can show blood
Now what's the moral to this story?
Come on!
If I don't know where I'm coming from
Where would I go?
Where would I go?
If I don't know where I'm coming from
If I don't know, I don't know
Where would I go?
If I don't know where I'm coming from
I don't know
Where would I go?
But I know where I'm coming from
If I don't know where I'm coming from
Do you know where you're coming from?
Where would I go?
Yonkers is where we grew
Trials we got through
On top is where we staying
'Til the end, as long as we pray
P K and Swizz is blazin' tracks every day
On Hot97 ya hear
DMX all through the year
The lyrics in the song "Coming From" by DMX express the importance of knowing one's past and where they come from in order to understand their present and future. The repetition of the line "if I don't know where I'm coming from, where would I go?" emphasizes this message. DMX reflects on his journey in life, the places he has been, and the things he has seen. He acknowledges that his life has been rough, but he is committed to traveling in peace. The lyrics also address the rapper's struggles with love and violence.
DMX talks about his upbringing and his relationship with his siblings. He describes the joy he felt being with his dog and how it allowed him to escape the misery and crime surrounding him. However, DMX also acknowledges that he made mistakes and was forgotten when he was bad. He has learned from his experiences and wants to use his music to teach others the value of life and love.
"Coming From" is a powerful song that speaks to the importance of knowing one's roots and the impact of one's past on their future. DMX's powerful delivery and impactful lyrics have made the song a classic in hip-hop history.
Line by Line Meaning
Believe me, when I say
Trust my words, what I'm about to say is important
Before light, there was dark
The world was formed from darkness before there was light
Where you going, where you going?
Asking where someone is headed in life
If I don't know where I'm coming from
Without knowledge of my past, my future is uncertain
Where would I go?
I would be lost without a sense of direction
Places that I've have been, things that I have seen
My life experiences have shaped who I am today
What you call a nightmare, are what I have as dreams
What others fear, I aspire to
Bad as that may seem, I know is only going to get worse
Despite the difficulties I've faced, I anticipate more challenges ahead
Love, a slug, which one am I gonna get first?
Will I find love or meet a violent death?
My journey's been a rough one, I'm not sure when it begins
My life has been full of hardships, and it's hard to pinpoint when it started
But the way it's looking, I kind of know when it's gonna end (what, love)
Despite the uncertainty, I have an idea of how my life will end, possibly with love
Hold me down baby, it's gonna be a rough ride
This won't be an easy journey, but I hope you'll stay with me
Niggas give us plenty of room, 'cause I guess enough died
Others have learned to stay away from me and my crew because of the violence that has surrounded us
Let me travel, 'cause my intentions are to travel in peace
I want to be able to travel without being bothered or causing trouble
Fuck around I lay you down, you hit the gravel and cease
If you mess with me, I'll kill you on the spot
I could be a beast, or I could be a gentleman
I have the ability to be kind or violent, depending on the situation
But if you ain't my dog, you gonna be like 'Oh, it's him again'
Those who are not close to me will try to avoid me because of my reputation
Niggas will never win, this whole rap game is mine
I believe I am the best in the rap game and will always come out on top
Hottest you ever been, I was that in eighty nine
I was once the most popular and talented rapper of my time
Seek and you shall find, look within and you will know
If you search for answers, you will eventually find them within yourself
Where you coming from, and where you gotta go
Understanding your past and future is key to success
Got to keep it real with me
Be honest with me
So to hell with you
I don't care what you think
Now where am I going?
What's next for me?
I think I'm going to the top
I have high aspirations for my future success
Me and DMX
Referring to himself
I will spend mad time in one spot, plotting my next move
I'll be strategic as I plan out my next steps from a single location
Trying to figure out what is it, that X do what X do
I'm analyzing my own actions to determine what sets me apart from others
Some questions go unanswered, that's what I'm afraid of
Uncertainty is daunting and can leave us feeling uneasy
Sometimes I can't show, but I know what I'm made of
I may not always express myself, but I have a strong sense of my own character
They made love, or should I say they made lust
My parents had a sexual relationship but may not have truly loved each other
Bound, there didn't have to be love there, but they made us
Despite possibly not being in love, they created a family
I got quite a few sisters, I was the only boy
I had many sisters and was the only male sibling
But being with my dog, was my only joy
Spending time with my friend was the only source of happiness in my childhood
Like a kid with a new toy, I forgot about the grind
I would get so caught up in fun that I would lose sight of responsibilities
Escaped the misery, didn't think about the crime
I didn't dwell on the troubles in my life, and instead focused on positive experiences
Lost all track of time, was in another world
I would become so engrossed in my own happiness that I would lose track of time
Everybody knew Earl, but there was another Earl
People knew who I was, but didn't know my true self
Lighter side of the dark, riding the park but wouldn't want to
I enjoyed positive experiences, but didn't want to stay in the park because of its association with violence
Stayed far, but when they jump me, became a good runner
I tried to avoid dangerous situations but would run fast if needed to escape
One by one they all went under, so I had the last laugh
Those who once looked down on me eventually fell from grace, giving me satisfaction
Come on
Encouraging listeners to keep listening and stay engaged
If I don't know, I don't know
If I don't have the answers, then I don't have the answers
But I know where I'm going
Despite uncertainty, I have a sense of where I'm headed
Do you know, do you know
Asking if others also know where they're headed in life
I feel the ghost from within, coming back to haunt me
My past mistakes continue to affect me
Stay love in my peoples, even though they don't want me
I maintain love for those who may not love me back
When I was bad, I was forgotten, like I was dead and rotten
People only paid attention to me when I acted out negatively
Should've been getting love, but instead was plotting
I missed out on love and positive attention because I was too focused on causing trouble
Shit wasn't right, and it was all blamed on me
Things were messed up and I was often blamed for it
Didn't know that I was special 'til this rap shit came to be
I didn't realize my potential until I found talent in rap music
Gave me a way out, showed me it was better to teach
Rap music provided me with an opportunity for success through teaching and inspiring others
Than bust niggas with the fo-fo, leave them dead in the streets
Rather than resorting to violence and killing people with a gun, I want to make a positive impact through music
Over beef that was worth less, than the cost of the slugs
Disagreements and fights that lead to violence are not worth the loss of life that comes from using guns
That I bought to kill them
I have owned guns with the intention of using them to harm others
And that's because I thought I ought to kill them
I believed it was necessary and justified to kill those who wronged me
Little did I know, death wasn't right
I was wrong to believe that killing others was the right solution
Didn't always show every breath was a life
I didn't appreciate the value of life and everything that every breath represents
It was to be captured in suspended animation
The essence of life can be felt and understood by everyone, regardless of race or culture
To be felt by all, understood by every nation
The universal experience of life should bring us all together
What's the sense of hating, when I can show love
We should strive for love and positivity rather than hate
What's the sense of faking, when I can show blood
Rather than being fake or disingenuous, I will show my true self and loyalty
Now what's the moral to this story?
What lesson can be learned from this narrative?
I don't know
I'm not sure
But I know where I'm coming from
Despite uncertainty, I have a clear understanding of my past
Do you know where you're coming from?
Do you have a solid understanding of your own past?
Yonkers is where we grew
The city of Yonkers was an important part of our upbringing
Trials we got through
We have overcome many challenges and struggles in our lives
On top is where we staying
We are successful and will continue to thrive
'Til the end, as long as we pray
We will remain grounded and faithful to God throughout our journey
P K and Swizz is blazin' tracks every day
My producers are consistently creating great music
On Hot97 ya hear
Our music is being played on a popular radio station
DMX all through the year
My music will continue to be successful and relevant throughout the year
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: EARL SIMMONS, ANTHONY FIELDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
YaMommaNYaDaddy
dmx is one of the greatest of all time
Max Schrodinger
Fucking GOAT
Max Schrodinger
Agreed
Jelani Thomas
Not one of he is the greatest
Solomon Wherry
Had me GONE
Jonathan Simpson
Sat at work crying to this. The tears just wouldn't stop falling
Mookie Stewart
We all felt it man ……shit like this was for the real ones and he knew it just like we knew it 🙏 rip
vandl107
😔No shame. Shit hurts.
P L
This deep brother, i understand
Joshua M. De Souza
Can’t believe he just died. My heart goes out to his children. What a great artist he was. This song is IT!