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".
Dog
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Weezy, what up?
Ooh-wee
Why must you insist on being so motherfuckin' much? (Woo!)
Like a motherfuckin' pussy to a dog, bitch, hmm
Nah dog
Come on!
I stretch your jaw out, who next to call out?
Who left the call out? You catch the fall out (uh, yeah)
You take the brawl out, I get to ball out (come on!)
None of my dawgs could say I left my dawgs out (uh-huh)
I never dog out, my fellow bloodhound (wow)
I left it all out, y'all letting it all out (yeah)
Go extra hard out then ask your dog 'bout me
Lil Tunechi, baddest dog up in the dog house
Keep a bad bitch walk around with my bone out (uh)
She swallow puppies you know we got PETA on the phone now (okay)
I make her pussy rain cats and dogs, ooh, it's pourin' down (damn)
Gave my dog a pound 'cause he hit me with a couple pounds (err)
Tell your big dog I'll break him down to puppy chow (oh!)
Bah, I left your skull out
I DM'd DMX and said they never X'd the dog out
(Here we go!)
Let the dogs out
(Here we go!)
Let the dogs out
(Goddamn, let it go)
Let the dogs out
(Oh! Talk to me)
Let the dogs out
(Talk to me)
Let the dogs out
(Talk to me)
Let the dogs out
Who let the dog out? They let the dog out
Straight out the dog house, now get the fuck out!
What y'all niggas know about making a movie? Show 'em out
Be careful, 'cause what you say will get you punched in your mouth (come on)
When it's time to roll out, my niggas is goin' out
Coming with that hardware that y'all niggas don't know about
Let off and blow 'em out, that's how we show 'em out
Put a couple of bodies on them things then we throw 'em out
Serious niggas spit serious shit
When I hear y'all niggas spit, all I hear is a bitch (uh)
When it's time to get active, my niggas get into it
I ain't sayin' you a sucker, I'm just sayin' don't do it
Let the dogs out
(Here we go!)
Let the dogs out
(Goddamn, let it go)
Let the dogs out
(Talk to me)
Let the dogs out
(Talk to me)
Let the dogs out
(Bounce with me) (Walk with me)
Let the dogs out
(Goddamn)
Let the dogs out
(Oh, let it go)
Come on
Err
Ayy
Ayy
Ayy
What
What
What
That just happened
The song "Dogs Out" by DMX is an aggressive and confrontational track about his dominance and power in the rap game. The lyrics describe DMX's attitude towards other rappers, using the metaphor of a dog to represent his ferocity and loyalty to his crew. The refrain "Who let the dogs out?" is a direct reference to the 2000 hit song by the Baha Men, but in this context, it is used to challenge other rappers to step up and face DMX's lyrical prowess. The second verse takes a more serious turn, with DMX warning his enemies of the consequences of crossing him and his crew. Overall, the song is an intense and unapologetic declaration of his rap skills and dominance.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo swizz, that's what we doing?
DMX and Swizz discuss their plan while beginning to create their song.
Why must you insist on being so motherfuckin' much? (Woo!)
Like a motherfuckin' pussy to a dog, bitch, hmm
Nah dog
Come on!
DMX is surprised by Weezy's attempt to stand out and be flashy and compares it to a dog chasing after a cat. He encourages Lil Wayne to stay calm and not to overdo it.
Who let the dogs out? Who let the dogs out?
I stretch your jaw out, who next to call out?
Who left the call out? You catch the fall out (uh, yeah)
You take the brawl out, I get to ball out (come on!)
None of my dawgs could say I left my dawgs out (uh-huh)
I never dog out, my fellow bloodhound (wow)
I left it all out, y'all letting it all out (yeah)
Go extra hard out then ask your dog 'bout me
Lil Tunechi, baddest dog up in the dog house
Keep a bad bitch walk around with my bone out (uh)
She swallow puppies you know we got PETA on the phone now (okay)
I make her pussy rain cats and dogs, ooh, it's pourin' down (damn)
Gave my dog a pound 'cause he hit me with a couple pounds (err)
Tell your big dog I'll break him down to puppy chow (oh!)
Bah, I left your skull out
I DM'd DMX and said they never X'd the dog out
DMX boasts about his skills and contacts while insisting that no one will be left out of the project. He calls himself and Lil Wayne 'bloodhounds', and a bad bitch whom he keeps close wears his 'bone'. DMX claims that he made an explicit song that could upset PETA, which raises concerns about animal cruelty. The rapper also jokes about giving his friend's dog a 'pound' while breaking someone's skull.
(Here we go!)
Let the dogs out
(Here we go!)
Let the dogs out
(Goddamn, let it go)
Let the dogs out
(Oh! Talk to me)
Let the dogs out
(Talk to me)
Let the dogs out
(Talk to me)
Let the dogs out
DMX encourages everyone to let loose and bring their energy to the studio as they begin recording.
Who let the dog out? They let the dog out
Straight out the dog house, now get the fuck out!
What y'all niggas know about making a movie? Show 'em out
Be careful, 'cause what you say will get you punched in your mouth (come on)
When it's time to roll out, my niggas is goin' out
Coming with that hardware that y'all niggas don't know about
Let off and blow 'em out, that's how we show 'em out
Put a couple of bodies on them things then we throw 'em out
Serious niggas spit serious shit
When I hear y'all niggas spit, all I hear is a bitch (uh)
When it's time to get active, my niggas get into it
I ain't sayin' you a sucker, I'm just sayin' don't do it
DMX is still focusing on the project and tackles anyone who tries to disrupt the process. He also put his crew and their hardware/protection in the spotlight. DMX delivers a warning against those who may be disrespectful or cause any unintentional harm.
(Bounce with me) (Walk with me)
Let the dogs out
(Goddamn)
Let the dogs out
(Oh, let it go)
Come on
Err
Ayy
Ayy
Ayy
What
What
What
That just happened
DMX ends with a colla, wild callout showing off personalities and energy they exhibit while recording.
Lyrics © CARLIN AMERICA INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Abraham Orellana, Anslem Douglas, Dwayne Carter Jr., Earl Simmons, Kasseem Dean, Osbert Gurley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind