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".
Convo
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But to me it's blatant
Nothin' but all the blood here
I'm dealin' with Satan
Plus with all the hate
It's hard to keep peace (Uh huh)
Thou shall not steal,
I tried doin' good, but
Good's not too good for me
Misunderstood,
Why you chose the hood for me
Mean I'm aight,
I just had to work hard at it
Went to grandma for the answer,
She told me that God had it
So now here I am,
Confused and full of questions
Am I born to lose
Or is this just a lesson
And who it's goin' choose
When it gets turned around
And will it be
Layin' in my own blood
And on the ground
My child,
I watched you grow up
And I've been there (Uh huh)
Even at those times
You least suspected it I was there
And look at what I've given you
A talent to rhyme
I may not come when you call,
But I'm always on time
Somebody's knockin'
Should I let 'em in
Lord we're just startin',
But where will it end
Somebody's knockin'
Should I let 'em in
Lord we're just startin',
But where will it end
But when the funds are low
The guns will blow
Lookin' for that one that owe,
Make 'em run that dough
No!
Put down the guns and write a new rhyme
You'll get it all in due time
You'll do fine
Just have faith
'Cause you mine (Uh huh)
And when you shine
It's gon' be a sight to behold.
So don't fight to be old,
Or lose sight when it's cold
See that light down the road,
It's goin' guide you there
Two sets of footsteps,
I was right beside you there
But what about them times
I only saw one
Those were the times that I was under the gun,
It was then I carried you my son
Led you to safety
It just wasn't your time to face me (Uh huh)
Ah-yo a few of them times I thought you would erase me
But all you did was embrace me
Prepared me for the worst
Offered me eternal light,
And scared me with the hearse
And the curse
Turned to grace
When the hurt, turned to faith
No more runnin', (Uh huh)
Slidin' in the dirt
'Cause I'm safe
Somebody's knockin'
Should I let 'em in
Lord we're just startin,
But where will it end
Somebody's knockin'
Should I let 'em in
So if I'm yo' man
I'm in yo' hands
What's yo' plan?
Never had a friend
'Cause you couldn't trust your man
Learned to stand before I crawled
Things were twisted!
And if you showed me anything at all
Then I missed it
Looked the wrong way (Uh huh)
I've done some wrong things (True)
Kept a bad attitude,
But that's what wrong brings
And now you mean to tell me that
After all this time,
It was you that kept the dog from goin' out of his mind.
It was you that breathed life
Into my lungs when I was born
And it was you that let me know
What was right,
From what was wrong
And it was you that let me do
What I knew what could be done
And it was you that gave me a good wife
And a beautiful son
And it's been you speakin' to me
Inside my mind
And it's been you who has forgiven
Time after time
It was you who opened my eyes
So I could see
It was you who shined yo'
Light on me
The lyrics of DMX's song The Convo speak to a person's struggle with their inner demons and the constant battle between good and evil. DMX expresses his confusion and frustration with the world around him, feeling as though he is dealing with Satan and facing hate and bloodshed on a daily basis. He questions his purpose in life and wonders whether he was born to lose or if there is a lesson to be learned from his struggles.
DMX also reflects on his past and the challenges he has faced, including stealing to survive and being misunderstood as a product of his environment. However, he finds solace in his faith and his talent for rhyming. He acknowledges that his journey has not been an easy one, but he is determined to keep fighting and to trust in a higher power to guide him.
The song's poignant lyrics and DMX's signature raw and intense delivery make it a powerful tribute to the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity. It underscores the importance of faith, hope, and perseverance in overcoming life's challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
You tell me that there's love here
But to me it's blatant
Nothin' but all the blood here
I'm dealin' with Satan
Plus with all the hate
It's hard to keep peace (Uh huh)
The singer dismisses the idea that there is love among his people, seeing nothing but violence and destruction, which he attributes to Satan. The singer is burdened by the overwhelming hatred and struggles to maintain peace.
Thou shall not steal,
But I will to eat
I tried doin' good, but
Good's not too good for me
Misunderstood,
Why you chose the hood for me
Mean I'm aight,
I just had to work hard at it
The singer acknowledges that stealing is wrong, but out of necessity, he has done it to survive. He confesses that good deeds do not seem to help his situation, and questions why he was placed in this difficult environment. Nevertheless, he believes he can handle it by working hard and persevering.
Went to grandma for the answer,
She told me that God had it
So now here I am,
Confused and full of questions
Am I born to lose
Or is this just a lesson
The singer sought guidance from his grandmother who suggested leaving things up to God. Still, he is unsure if his struggles are meant to be his fate or if there is something to learn from it.
And who it's goin' choose
When it gets turned around
And will it be
Layin' in my own blood
And on the ground
The artist questions who will be responsible for the harm that may come to him as a result of his struggles, and wonders if it will be his fate to die violently.
My child,
I watched you grow up
And I've been there (Uh huh)
Even at those times
You least suspected it I was there
And look at what I've given you
A talent to rhyme
I may not come when you call,
But I'm always on time
In response to the artist's concerns, a divine voice reassures him that he has never been alone and unseen, even when he least expected it. The voice specifically highlights the artist's gift for rhyming and assures him that while help may not always come when he wants it, it will come when it's needed.
Somebody's knockin'
Should I let 'em in
Lord we're just startin',
But where will it end
Somebody's knockin'
Should I let 'em in
Lord we're just startin',
But where will it end
The singer questions whether or not to let someone in his life who is knocking at his door. He wonders where this encounter will take him and questions what the future holds.
But when the funds are low
The guns will blow
Lookin' for that one that owe,
Make 'em run that dough
No!
Put down the guns and write a new rhyme
You'll get it all in due time
You'll do fine
Just have faith
'Cause you mine (Uh huh)
The singer acknowledges that when broke, people often resort to violence to collect debt, but he rejects this path and instead encourages himself to write better rhymes and have faith that things will work out. He also reminds himself that a divine force is watching over him.
And when you shine
It's gon' be a sight to behold.
So don't fight to be old,
Or lose sight when it's cold
See that light down the road,
It's goin' guide you there
Two sets of footsteps,
I was right beside you there
The artist encourages himself to strive for success, promising that it will be worth it when he finally achieves it. He advises himself not to give up and to keep moving forward towards a bright future, with the help of a divine force.
But what about them times
I only saw one
Those were the times that I was under the gun,
It was then I carried you my son
Led you to safety
It just wasn't your time to face me (Uh huh)
The divine voice reminds the artist that even when he could only see one set of footprints, he was never alone. During times of great danger, the voice carried the artist to safety and shielded him from harm because it was not the right moment for them to meet.
Ah-yo a few of them times I thought you would erase me
But all you did was embrace me
Prepared me for the worst
Offered me eternal light,
And scared me with the hearse
And the curse
Turned to grace
When the hurt, turned to faith
No more runnin', (Uh huh)
Slidin' in the dirt
'Cause I'm safe
The artist reflects on moments where he thought he was going to die, but instead found comfort and support from a divine force. Through these experiences, he was able to transform his pain into faith and overcame his difficult circumstances, no longer running or sliding in the dirt due to feeling safe.
So if I'm yo' man
I'm in yo' hands
What's yo' plan?
Never had a friend
'Cause you couldn't trust your man
Learned to stand before I crawled
Things were twisted!
And if you showed me anything at all
Then I missed it
Looked the wrong way (Uh huh)
I've done some wrong things (True)
Kept a bad attitude,
But that's what wrong brings
The singer recognizes that everything he is and will be is in the hands of a divine force. He reflects on the fact that he's had few friends because he didn't trust others, and on his struggle to overcome difficult situations. He acknowledges that he may have missed opportunities in the past, but still made some bad decisions and had a negative attitude, which resulted from a difficult environment.
And now you mean to tell me that
After all this time,
It was you that kept the dog from goin' out of his mind.
It was you that breathed life
Into my lungs when I was born
And it was you that let me know
What was right,
From what was wrong
And it was you that let me do
What I knew what could be done
And it was you that gave me a good wife
And a beautiful son
And it's been you speakin' to me
Inside my mind
And it's been you who has forgiven
Time after time
It was you who opened my eyes
So I could see
It was you who shined yo'
Light on me
The artist acknowledges and commends the divine force for all the ways in which it's affected his life, including preventing him from losing his sanity in times of stress, giving him life and the knowledge of right and wrong, and supporting him in his pursuits. He also credits the divine force for giving him a family and for speaking and forgiving him over and over again. Finally, he acknowledges that it was the divine force that ultimately enlightened him and shone a light on his life.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAMON J BLACKMAN, J GILLESPIE, EDWARD PENNY, EARL SIMMONS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind