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".
Don't Gotta Go Home )
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I mean we all men, we all men
We know how the shit go, love one, fuck another
I mean, it is what it is, it is what it is
I mean, we knew what it was, when we became a part of it (yeah)
Ain't no sense whinin' about it now, feel me?
It's like
I can see right through you
I know your girl been treatin' you wrong (yeah!)
But she ain't no good for you
Why do you hold it inside (uh!)
Boy you should let me know
I just want to make you right
Wanna be the one you could cry on
Baby, it's like I love my wife
But we goin through things and I ain't goin home tonight
You got time for a nigga, or is he still with you?
Wanna meet at the same spot, or should I come and get you?
Aight, I'll be there in 10, be in the front
I been gettin' what I need so I'mma give you what you want
One-on-one, 'cause you know how to talk to Dog
You walk the dog and understand New York is hard, baby
So you, you ain't gotta go home tonight
You can stay right here with me
Uh, I ain't goin' nowhere
When you wake up I'm gon' be right there
Don't you worry 'bout a thing
I ain't worried about shit!
You're here with me
Look, it's like I love my wife
But we goin through things and I ain't goin' home tonight, aight?
It's kinda strange, that when you call (mmm)
She's never home
Now you're there all alone
And, you deserve so much more baby (what!)
I can treat you better than she can (what!)
It doesn't make sense
To keep on loving, and keep on trusting
When, in return all you get is nothing
Damn, you got me fucked up and I'm feelin' it more
Never had a mis-tress dis-tressed before
Oh come on ma, like it ain't that deep
Like ain't no love there, like I don't hate that I gotta creep
We go to sleep in each others arms
And I feel like this is where I belong
If lovin' you is right then I ain't wrong
This is the same ol' song, wife and fam
Gotta be a father and husband but I'm still yo man, baby
You ain't gotta go home tonight
You can stay right here with me
Uh, I ain't goin' nowhere
When you wake up I'm gon' be right there
Don't you worry 'bout a thing
I ain't worried about shit!
You're here with me
Look, it's like I love my wife
But we goin through things and I ain't goin' home tonight, aight?
This situation's getting critical (uh-huh!)
I watch so many tears fall (uh-huh!)
I know she's not what you want (uh-huh!)
So why you keep on holding on?
When I'm right here (what!)
All you need to do is call (what!)
Don't be afraid (yeah!)
'Cause she won't know at, all
You ain't gotta go home tonight
You can stay right here with me
Uh, I ain't goin' nowhere
When you wake up I'm gon' be right there
Don't you worry 'bout a thing
I ain't worried about shit!
You're here with me
Look, it's like I love my wife
But we goin through things and I ain't goin' home tonight, aight?
You ain't gotta go home tonight
You can stay right here with me
Uh, I ain't goin' nowhere
When you wake up I'm gon' be right there
Don't you worry 'bout a thing
I ain't worried about shit!
You're here with me
Look, it's like I love my wife
But we goin through things and I ain't goin' home tonight, aight?
In “Don’t Gotta Go Home,” DMX is singing about being in a relationship with his wife but currently going through some tough times. He is then confronted by another woman who knows he’s been having relationship problems and offers to be there for him. The lyrics suggest that DMX loves his wife but can’t deny the attraction he has for the other woman. The song then portrays him looking for comfort from the other woman and admits to not going back home that night. The chorus keeps repeating the words “You ain’t gotta go home tonight/You can stay right here with me,” which is basically the other woman accepting him into her bed for the night. The song finishes with DMX saying “It's like I love my wife/But we're going through things and I ain't going back home tonight, aight?”
The verses of the song suggest that DMX is struggling in his relationship with his wife and finds himself seeking comfort and solace in another woman. He loves his wife, but the relationship is going through tough times, and he needs to find solace elsewhere. The woman who he finds comfort in is an individual who knows him and his problems and can share his pain. She comforts him, and they both find solace in one another's arms, thus helping them both move forward. However, this decision for both DMX and the other woman to give in to their desires will eventually come to have consequences.
Overall, the song portrays a relationship going through tough times, where DMX's desire for comfort and solace leads him to seek out other relationships. The lyrics suggest an argument that he is not entirely okay with his decision but finds happiness with the other woman. The song creates a melancholic mood that is typical of DMX's music, creating an excellent portrayal of the struggle between love and temptation.
Line by Line Meaning
Grr, yeah
An expression of energy and enthusiasm
I mean we all men, we all men
Acknowledging that all men share common desires and experiences
We know how the shit go, love one, fuck another
Understanding the common reality of having multiple partners
I mean, it is what it is, it is what it is
Accepting the current situation, without judgment
I mean, we knew what it was, when we became a part of it (yeah)
Acknowledging that the situation was known beforehand
Ain't no sense whinin' about it now, feel me?
Stating that there's no point in complaining now
It's like
An expression of continuation or transition
There's something on your mind (what!)
Noticing that something is troubling the other person
I can see right through you
Understanding the other person's emotions without them saying anything
I know your girl been treatin' you wrong (yeah!)
Acknowledging that the other person's partner is causing stress and pain
But she ain't no good for you
Asserting that the other person deserves better
Why do you hold it inside (uh!)
Asking why the other person keeps their pain to themselves
Boy you should let me know
Encouraging the other person to open up
I just want to make you right
Expressing a desire to help the other person feel better
Wanna be the one you could cry on
Offering emotional support to the other person
Baby, it's like I love my wife
Explaining that the artist is married but facing issues
But we goin through things and I ain't goin home tonight
Stating that the artist won't be going home to their wife tonight
You got time for a nigga, or is he still with you?
Asking if the other person is available to spend time together
Wanna meet at the same spot, or should I come and get you?
Offering options to make plans to meet up
Aight, I'll be there in 10, be in the front
Confirming a meeting time and location
I been gettin' what I need so I'mma give you what you want
Suggesting that the artist can give the other person what they desire
One-on-one, 'cause you know how to talk to Dog
Implying that the two have a close, personal relationship
You walk the dog and understand New York is hard, baby
Referencing a shared experience living in New York City
So you, you ain't gotta go home tonight
Offering a place for the other person to stay
You can stay right here with me
Inviting the other person to spend the night
When you wake up I'm gon' be right there
Promising to be there in the morning
Don't you worry 'bout a thing
Assuring the other person that everything will be fine
I ain't worried about shit!
Expressing confidence in the situation
Look, it's like I love my wife
Repeating the earlier explanation
But we goin through things and I ain't goin' home tonight, aight?
Repeating the earlier statement
It's kinda strange, that when you call (mmm)
Noticing a pattern when the other person contacts their partner
She's never home
Observing that the other person's partner is often unavailable
Now you're there all alone
Acknowledging the other person's loneliness
And, you deserve so much more baby (what!)
Asserting that the other person deserves better treatment
I can treat you better than she can (what!)
Offering to be a better partner than the other person's current one
It doesn't make sense
Asserting that the current situation is illogical
To keep on loving, and keep on trusting
Recognizing the futility of continuing a relationship that causes pain
When, in return all you get is nothing
Acknowledging that the other person is not receiving anything positive from their current partner
Damn, you got me fucked up and I'm feelin' it more
Expressing confusion and pain about the situation
Never had a mis-tress dis-tressed before
Commenting on the unusual nature of the connection between the two
Oh come on ma, like it ain't that deep
Downplaying the seriousness of the situation
Like ain't no love there, like I don't hate that I gotta creep
Acknowledging the lack of love in the current marriage, and the need to behave deceitfully
We go to sleep in each others arms
Referencing the physical closeness in the current marriage
And I feel like this is where I belong
Expressing a sense of belonging with the other person
If lovin' you is right then I ain't wrong
Asserting that the connection with the other person feels right
This is the same ol' song, wife and fam
Commenting on the common experience of marital issues
Gotta be a father and husband but I'm still yo man, baby
Asserting that the singer can fulfill multiple roles
This situation's getting critical (uh-huh!)
Acknowledging that the situation is becoming more severe
I watch so many tears fall (uh-huh!)
Observing the other person's pain and sadness
I know she's not what you want (uh-huh!)
Acknowledging that the other person's partner is not what they desire
So why you keep on holding on?
Asking why the other person continues to stay in an unhappy relationship
When I'm right here (what!)
Offering an alternative partner to the other person
All you need to do is call (what!)
Stating that the other person just needs to reach out
Don't be afraid (yeah!)
Encouraging the other person to take a risk
'Cause she won't know at, all
Asserting that the other person's partner won't find out
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Earl Simmons, Antoine L. Macon, Ryan Dimitri Bowser, Monica Arnold
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind