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 Love
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's for the ladies (Ha ha)
Strickly for the ladies (One more time)
Hey, that's all this is
Uh uh (Uh uh)
She was five seven one twenty-five
Man, loose lips with those thighs (Uh)
But right about now my throat was gettin' real dry
Shoo this shit, had to be the cutest bitch
I seen in a long time and I don't do this shit, like
Runnin' up on hoes, what up ma, I'm X
Cause you know how this goes, come on ma, I'm X
We just chill, sat and talk to the first light
And for the first time I didn't fuck on the first night
And it was aight, shorty was a Thoroughbred
Like "Belly", we ain't fuck, she just gave me head, for real
[Chorus]
From the time that the sun is up
Till the stars show up
It really doesn't matter to me
It doesn't matter babe
There's no love like the dog love
There's no love, it's dog love
No matter what, I'll hold you down
Nobody else will come around
Don't even matter cause
There's no love like the dog love
I got my dog love, got my dog love baby
(There's no love, it's dog love)
I run with shorty, pass off the gun to shorty
Do whatever gots to be done with shorty, straight like that
When I hit her like "I'll be right back"
Yo, I'll be right back, ain't no bullshittin', I'll be right back
She got a nigga catchin' feelings, I'm a street nigga hard body
But, she got me catchin' feelings
Man, those eyes, those lips
Be like damn, those thighs, those hips
She like "blam", make a nigga have to touch somethin' (For real)
Not necessarily fuck somethin', as long as I touch somethin' (For real)
A nigga blood boil when I see another nigga holla (WHAT)
Don't make me have to pop a nigga in his fuckin' collar
[Chorus]
Hey yo, shit is goin' to smooth (Uh)
Since Stella got a new groove (Yeah) it's like we got somethin' to prove
We gon' make it, rain or shine
My heart is yours and yours is mine
Like Eve said, "Love Is Blind" (Come on), right about now
I can't see shit cause you always on my mind
Been like that, since I met her, had to have her so I went to get her
But I'm a dog so I didn't sweat her
And it wasn't bout the cheddar, I don't trick
I got two things for bitches, couple of jokes and some dick
Yeah the kid talk slick but that's not what I'm about
We got dog love and me and shorty ridin' it out, we out
[Chorus]
All I want is you in my life
All I got is you in my life
All I need is you in my life
So I know I'm gonna be all right
All I want is you in my life
All I got is you in my life
All I need is you in my life
So I know I'm gonna be all right
The song "Dog Love" by DMX featuring Janyce and Amerie is a dedication to love, specifically to the love between DMX and his lady. The intro to the song makes it clear that it is meant for the ladies, and the rest of the song speaks directly to a woman. The lyrics describe how DMX meets a woman and is immediately in awe of her beauty, specifically her thighs. However, he emphasizes that he is not just trying to hit it and quit it, and he surprises himself by not having sex with her on the first night they meet. Instead, they just talk and get to know each other, and he is attracted to her personality as much as her looks. The chorus of the song repeatedly emphasizes that there is no love like "dog love," and that no matter what happens, DMX will hold his lady down.
The verses also describe how DMX feels possessive and protective of his lady. He passes off his gun to her and trusts her completely, but he also gets jealous and angry when other men try to holler at her. However, he ultimately trusts her and knows that they have an unbreakable bond. The song also references the movie "Belly," which is a film about two friends trying to escape their lives of crime. Together, the lyrics paint a picture of a deep and passionate love between two people who are part of a gritty, dangerous world but who find solace and stability in each other.
Line by Line Meaning
She was five seven one twenty-five
Describing the physical attributes of the woman he saw.
Man, loose lips with those thighs (Uh)
His attraction to her thighs and how he doesn't want to be a disrespectful man.
Couldn't just let her walk by (right), I ain't a thirsty nigga
He couldn't resist talking to her but doesn't want to come off as too desperate.
But right about now my throat was gettin' real dry
Feeling nervous around her and struggling to keep his composure.
We just chill, sat and talk to the first light
They spend time together and talk until dawn.
And for the first time I didn't fuck on the first night
He chooses to spend time with her and not rush into physical activity.
And it was aight, shorty was a Thoroughbred
He enjoyed her company because she was high-quality and refined.
Like 'Belly', we ain't fuck, she just gave me head, for real
They didn't have sex but engaged in other sexual activity.
There's no love like the dog love
The love between them is strong and unbreakable, like the loyalty of a dog.
No matter what, I'll hold you down
He will always be there for her through thick and thin.
When I hit her like 'I'll be right back'
He leaves to handle his business but assures her that he will return.
She got a nigga catchin' feelings
He is beginning to develop strong emotions for her.
Don't make me have to pop a nigga in his fuckin' collar
He is willing to protect her and fight for her if necessary.
My heart is yours and yours is mine
They love each other deeply and belong to each other.
Like Eve said, 'Love Is Blind' (Come on), right about now
He is blinded by his love for her and can only think about her.
Been like that, since I met her, had to have her so I went to get her
He knew he wanted her from the moment he met her and pursued her.
And it wasn't bout the cheddar, I don't trick
He wasn't after her money and doesn't use money to impress women.
We got dog love and me and shorty ridin' it out, we out
They are committed to each other and their love will endure.
All I want is you in my life
She is the only one he wants and needs in his life.
All I got is you in my life
She is everything to him.
All I need is you in my life
She is all he needs to be happy and fulfilled.
So I know I'm gonna be all right
As long as he has her, everything will be okay.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: EARL SIMMONS, AMERIE MI MARIE ROGERS, SIEDAH GARRETT, CLIFTON MAGNESS, JANYCE SPENCER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Bryan Brooks
I’m bumping everything from:
Ruff Ryders anthem
Stop Being Greedy
Slippin’
Dogs For Life
What’s My Name
ATF
Get At Me Dog
Ain’t No Sunshine
Damien 123
Niggaz Done Started Something
Grand Finale
No Love 4 Me
Party Up
Angel
Good girls Bad Guys
School street
Who we be
We Right Here
I miss you
How’s it going down
Money power respect
4,3,2,1
Shut Em Down
Trina Moe
Where the hood at
Miss you Kate
Ready to meet him……..ETC I LOVE YOU 4EVER DMX!!!! GRRRR!!! ARF ARF!!!
Naz King
RIP DMX ..gonna be missed!
Ja'Maul M
loved this track from 2006, DMX fan for life.
GRIM. Music
RIP DMX, real feelings in these songs mann
Jordan Prior
2020 still the jam 💯👌🏽😎
TheDrog92
Great song... DMX THE BEST!!!
Greg Comstock
This song hits hard
Bewar Muhsin
Rest In Peace my buddy Legend. got really memories with this song.. It takes me back to 2006..
Mothusi Prosper`RA Molao
RIP X...go well King..
lcfctomm
big memories coming from this track!
TORIANO50
this shit get to ur soul make u think hard about shit