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".
Damien III
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Uh-huh
What the fuck, you forgot about me?
You've been eatin' real good lately
Didn't get a shout out on your last album, what you hate me?
Arf
Said I was your dog
Said I was your nigga that let you see it all through the fog
Said I was your mans and them
And any problem that you had I would handle them
Eh yo dog it's like this, I fuck with you lightly (uh-huh)
Cause I knew if I fucked with you too deep you'd bite me (uh)
Get mad at me, send niggas wantin' to fight me (uh)
Whole time you fucked with me you didn't like me
Oh where you hear that?
Pssh, niggas talk
Plus you know how shit flow in New York
Walls have ears, buildings heard
Supposed to be shh but spill the word
[Chorus]
Everywhere that I go, everything that I see
Every place that I touch I feel him fuckin' with me
I'm gonna fly arf
Why you lie? You told me it was Ryde or Die
I'm gonna fly arf
Eye for an eye, what happened to my piece of the pie?
Now dog, you know me better than that
I could put you ahead of the pack, instead of the back
I could have niggas sellin' tapes, instead of the crack
Could have niggas fallin' down, with lead in they back
Ain't much that I can't do when I want to
I don't really need you, nigga fuck you
What?
Nah I'm just playin', got a wife and kids
Little Dame ain't come across dem triflin' kid
Yo what you mean by that?
Mean by what?
You is a grimy nigga f'real, I see whassup
I don't even know why I fucked with you from the door
Cause you know I can give you what you wanted and more
I could of got it from him
But you would of hate to wait
But I wouldn't have the weight
c'mon, don't hate
What happened to the right hand, Light Man?
Nah that's Dark Man
Well let's get it right then
[Chorus]
Now I see for who you are, it's like I know you (uh-huh)
So I can't trust you as far as I can throw you (uh)
Oh you, don't know you are the reason
that I go through what I go through, let me show you
Didn't I promise you again, to slight your friends
Countin' these pairs of Timbs, these endless ends?
But what did it cost me? (c'mon)
My life to be taken softly, man BACK THE FUCK UP OFF ME
Don't fuck with me like that when I fuck witchu like this
Don't come at me like that when you know that you might miss
Go on about your business
If any cat you send me way, ain't gon' be no witness
Lord Jesus
c'mon dog, look who you're fuckin'
PLEASE HELP ME
Whassup dog? Man you buggin'
KEEP THE DEVIL
Thug life, thought we were tight
OUT OF MY LIFE
I'll be back aight? Psych
[Chorus: x2]
In DMX's song Damien III, the rapper is having a conversation with his inner demons, represented by a character named Damien. The lyrics are a continuation of the previous two tracks, where DMX made deals with Damien and subsequently regretted them. Here, DMX is angry with Damien for not being acknowledged on his last album and questioning if his "friendship" with Damien was ever genuine. He also speaks about how he has grown distant from Damien, realizing that he cannot fully trust him after being betrayed in the past. Throughout the song, DMX expresses how he feels manipulated and taken advantage of, ultimately deciding that he needs to move past this relationship and keep the devil out of his life.
The track touches on themes of distrust, betrayal, and questioning one's values, which are common in DMX's music. It also showcases his raw emotion and ability to paint a vivid picture with his words, allowing the audience to feel his frustration and anger towards Damien. The chorus repeats the question of what happened to their previous friendship and how DMX feels like a piece of him has been taken away.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey yo D, it's your nigga D
Introducing himself and addressing DMX as a close friend.
What the fuck, you forgot about me?
Expressing frustration about not getting a shoutout on DMX's last album.
You've been eatin' real good lately
Noticing DMX's recent success.
Didn't get a shout out on your last album, what you hate me?
Asking why he didn't receive credit for his contributions on DMX's last album.
Said I was your dog
Recalling when DMX described him as a loyal friend.
Said I was your nigga that let you see it all through the fog
Reminiscing about times when he acted as a guide for DMX during difficult times.
Said I was your mans and them
Referencing when DMX referred to him as part of his inner circle.
And any problem that you had I would handle them
Asserting his loyalty to DMX by offering to help him with any problems he faced.
Eh yo dog it's like this, I fuck with you lightly (uh-huh)
Explaining that while he associates with DMX, he keeps his distance to avoid any negative consequences.
Cause I knew if I fucked with you too deep you'd bite me (uh)
Acknowledging that being too involved with DMX would likely result in betrayal or conflict.
Get mad at me, send niggas wantin' to fight me (uh)
Pointing out that DMX has a history of getting angry and sending others after him.
Whole time you fucked with me you didn't like me
Revealing that DMX may have been insincere in their friendship, despite his previous statements.
Pssh, niggas talk
Dismissing rumors that he has heard about DMX from other people.
Plus you know how shit flow in New York
Suggesting that DMX's behavior is typical of the New York hip-hop scene.
Walls have ears, buildings heard
Implying that people are always listening, even if they are not directly involved in a conversation.
Supposed to be shh but spill the word
Warning DMX that secrets can be easily leaked and spread around, even by those who appear trustworthy.
Everywhere that I go, everything that I see
Feeling like he is being watched and controlled by a malevolent force.
Every place that I touch I feel him fuckin' with me
Sensing that the force is actively interfering with his life in a negative way.
I'm gonna fly arf
Promising to escape the force and its influence over him.
Why you lie? You told me it was Ryde or Die
Accusing DMX of lying to him about their supposed loyalty to each other.
Eye for an eye, what happened to my piece of the pie?
Demanding retribution for DMX's betrayal and questioning what happened to the benefits he was promised.
Now dog, you know me better than that
Defending himself against accusations that he is disloyal or untrustworthy.
I could put you ahead of the pack, instead of the back
Claiming that he has the power to help DMX achieve greater success and status.
I could have niggas sellin' tapes, instead of the crack
Asserting that he has the ability to help DMX shift his focus from drug dealing to making money from music.
Could have niggas fallin' down, with lead in they back
Threatening to use violence to accomplish his goals, if necessary.
Ain't much that I can't do when I want to
Implying that he is capable of almost anything, if motivated.
I don't really need you, nigga fuck you
Rejecting the idea that he needs DMX's help or support.
Nah I'm just playin', got a wife and kids
Suggesting that he is not entirely serious about his previous statements and is just joking around.
Little Dame ain't come across dem triflin' kid
Stating that his family is not involved with any unsavory or dangerous individuals.
Mean by what?
Asking DMX to clarify what he means by his accusations and criticisms.
You is a grimy nigga f'real, I see whassup
Agreeing with DMX that he is not entirely trustworthy or honest.
I don't even know why I fucked with you from the door
Questioning his initial decision to become friends with DMX.
Cause you know I can give you what you wanted and more
Pointing out that he had the power to help DMX achieve his goals but chose not to do so.
I could of got it from him
Acknowledging that he had the option of working with someone else to achieve his own success.
But you would of hate to wait
Noticing that DMX is impatient and would not have wanted to wait for success to come slowly.
But I wouldn't have the weight
Stating that he did not have the same level of influence or power as DMX did.
c'mon, don't hate
Trying to ease the tension and convince DMX to stop being angry or resentful towards him.
What happened to the right hand, Light Man?
Asking about DMX's former associate, Light Man, who used to work closely with him.
Nah that's Dark Man
Clarifying that he was actually thinking of someone else, not Light Man.
Well let's get it right then
Correcting himself and trying to avoid any confusion or mistakes in their conversation.
Now I see for who you are, it's like I know you (uh-huh)
Realizing that DMX is not the loyal friend he once claimed to be and is instead a betrayer.
So I can't trust you as far as I can throw you (uh)
Acknowledging that DMX cannot be trusted and is likely to cause more harm than good.
Oh you, don't know you are the reason
Blaming DMX for the problems and difficulties he is currently experiencing.
that I go through what I go through, let me show you
Planning to reveal to DMX how his behavior and actions have negatively impacted him.
Didn't I promise you again, to slight your friends
Reminding DMX that he previously promised to harm his enemies and people who had wronged him.
Countin' these pairs of Timbs, these endless ends?
Boasting about his wealth and success, despite his current difficulties.
But what did it cost me? (c'mon)
Admitting that he has paid a steep price for his accomplishments.
My life to be taken softly, man BACK THE FUCK UP OFF ME
Demanding that DMX stop interfering with his life and leave him alone.
Don't fuck with me like that when I fuck witchu like this
Threatening to retaliate against DMX if he continues to harass him.
Don't come at me like that when you know that you might miss
Warning DMX that he is not invincible and may face consequences if he is not careful.
Go on about your business
Telling DMX to focus on his own affairs and leave him alone.
If any cat you send me way, ain't gon' be no witness
Threatening to harm anyone DMX sends after him, potentially with fatal consequences.
Lord Jesus
Expressing desperation and fear about the dangerous situation he is now in.
c'mon dog, look who you're fuckin'
Asking DMX to consider the potential consequences of continuing to harass him.
PLEASE HELP ME
Begging for help and protection from a higher power, likely referring to God or Jesus.
Whassup dog? Man you buggin'
Expressing confusion and frustration with DMX's behavior and actions.
THUG LIFE, thought we were tight
Referencing the idea of loyalty and trust within the hip-hop culture, which often emphasizes the importance of sticking together through hard times.
OUT OF MY LIFE
Ending their friendship and relationship completely.
I'll be back aight? Psych
Making a sarcastic joke about potentially coming back to seek revenge, when in reality he has no intention of doing so.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ANTHONY FIELDS, EARL SIMMONS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind