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. SisqΓ³ 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 You Ever
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Uhh, grrr, what the fuck have they done?
Ar, arf
Now don't you ever (fuck around)
Now don't you ever (fuck around)
Nigga don't you ever (fuck around)
Now don't you ever (fuck around)
Now don't you ever (fuck around)
Now don't you ever (fuck around)
Nigga don't you ever (fuck around)
Now don't you ever (fuck around)
Aiyyo I got a mean flow that'll drown niggas, put down niggas
Can't stand to be around niggas if they clown niggas
How many times must I break the same niggas off somethin' dumb
So we know, where the fuck I'm comin' from?
Gun and ones, watch a black nigga turn purple
With this fo'-pound, I bust mo' rounds, in the circle
The nigga that tried is the same nigga that fried
So he'll never rest in peace 'cause of the way that he died
I'm Evil, like Kneival, faggot I'll leave you
Like I shoulda did your peoples before they could conceive you
How's a buck-fifty sound, for a quick ass cut?
Here's a flasback, I fuckin blow your bitch-ass up
And it's no problem, handlin' a nigga with a death wish
Leave him breatheless, and hit his wife with a dead fish
Must I show this nigga, I can throw this nigga, I'll blow this nigga
You can get it too, just because you know this nigga
Now don't you ever (fuck around)
Now don't you ever (fuck around)
Nigga don't you ever (fuck around)
Now don't you ever (fuck around)
Now don't you ever (fuck around)
Now don't you ever (fuck around)
Nigga don't you ever (fuck around)
Now don't you ever (fuck around)
I get pumped, just like a bodybuilder
And it's been more than a couple of times my pump shottie spilt a
Nigga's guts on the door, because he wanted more
Than he could stand, now him and his man is on the floor
That's what you get for talkin' shit you shouldn't have got me started
You motherfuckers never wanted nuttin', but you got it
I shit on niggas like a toilet, 'cause all it, takes
Is a second for it to get hectic so call it
How you want it? Punk bitch talkin' junk bitch
Fuck around and you'll be found in a trunk bitch
Niggas is off-brand like no frills
And I got mo' skills to show my fo' kills, my fuckin fo' thrills
Got some cold shit, have you like, "Oh shit!" Don't laugh money
When I'm done with this nigga, I'm gettin' in yo' shit
Break niggas, especially fake niggas over dumb shit
With one hit, watch the dum-dum split this bum's shit
Now don't you ever (fuck around)
Now don't you ever (fuck around)
Nigga don't you ever (fuck around)
Now don't you ever (fuck around)
Now don't you ever (fuck around)
Now don't you ever (fuck around)
Nigga don't you ever (fuck around)
Now don't you ever (fuck around)
Fuckin' see some cats thinkin' the worst
Dumb cats, them cats sleep in a hearse
Where yo' guns at? Run that, see a nigga thirst
Been there, done that, and did it first
Nigga can't tell me shit about this
And I keep somethin 'that'll hit if I miss
One thing a nigga stay with is hot shit
Got this, what you cats want? Not this
I constantly gots to remind young niggas
Uh-uhh, don't do that, some niggas
Think 'cause I ain't killed a nigga this week
That shit is sweet
Fuck around, you'll be dead in the street
Red with a sheet, over the corpse
Shit is deep, so I shed a tear, over the loss
If you creep, then you niggas'll roll with the force
Shoulda paid that money that you owed to the boss
Now don't you ever (fuck around)
Now don't you ever (fuck around)
Nigga don't you ever (fuck around)
Now don't you ever (fuck around)
Now don't you ever (fuck around)
Nigga don't you ever (fuck around)
Nigga don't you ever (fuck around)
Now don't you ever (fuck around)
Uh-huh
Don't do it dog, it's just not worth it
Please, for your sake
Y'know? C'mon
DMXβs song βDonβt You Everβ is a hardcore hip-hop track that provides a warning to those who might test DMX. In the first verse, DMX warns that anyone who messes with him will suffer a terrible fate. Heβs got a mean flow and heβs not afraid to use his gun to put down anyone who would clown him. The second verse is much the same, where he warns that heβll break a man off for trying to go up against him. Then in the third verse, DMX acknowledges that some people think the worst of him, but that itβs only because heβs constantly reminding people not to mess with him. He finishes the song with a plea for people not to test him β itβs just not worth it.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't do it dog, it's just not worth it
I advise you not to get into trouble or cause problems, it's not worth risking your life or freedom
Uhh, grrr, what the fuck have they done?
I am angry and frustrated at the situation that some people have caused, and I am feeling aggressive
Ar, arf
I am growling like a dog to emphasize my toughness and dominance
Now don't you ever (fuck around)
I am warning you not to mess with me or try to start any trouble, or you will face serious consequences
Nigga don't you ever (fuck around)
I am specifically addressing black people and telling them not to provoke me or test my patience
Aiyyo I got a mean flow that'll drown niggas, put down niggas
I have a powerful and aggressive rap style that can overpower and defeat my opponents
Can't stand to be around niggas if they clown niggas
I don't like hanging out with people who make jokes or insults at other people's expense
How many times must I break the same niggas off somethin' dumb
I am frustrated that I have to keep dealing with the same people who cause trouble or provoke me with their stupidity
So we know, where the fuck I'm comin' from?
I am reminding my listeners that I come from a difficult background and an environment where people have to be tough and aggressive to survive
Gun and ones, watch a black nigga turn purple
I am threatening to shoot my opponents, and I am mocking them by saying their face will turn purple when they realize they are about to die
With this fo'-pound, I bust mo' rounds, in the circle
I am bragging about my gun and my ability to shoot multiple rounds in a short time period, especially if there are multiple enemies surrounding me
The nigga that tried is the same nigga that fried
The person who challenged me or tried to provoke me is the same person who got killed or hurt as a result
So he'll never rest in peace 'cause of the way that he died
I am saying that my opponents who cross the line will not be forgiven or respected even after they die, because they brought it upon themselves
I'm Evil, like Kneival, faggot I'll leave you
I am calling myself evil like the famous daredevil Evil Kenevil, and I am threatening to leave my enemies beaten and humiliated
Like I shoulda did your peoples before they could conceive you
I am saying that I should have hurt or killed my opponents' family members before they were born, to prevent them from causing me problems later in life
How's a buck-fifty sound, for a quick ass cut?
I am asking my enemies how they would like a deep cut in their face, which would require 150 stitches to heal
Here's a flasback, I fuckin blow your bitch-ass up
I am reminding my opponents of a previous time when I used explosives to blow them up, and I am threatening to do it again
And it's no problem, handlin' a nigga with a death wish
I am saying that it's easy for me to deal with people who want to die or act suicidal, because I will gladly kill them
Leave him breatheless, and hit his wife with a dead fish
I am saying that I will leave my enemies unable to breathe, and then I will insult their wife by hitting her with a dead fish
Must I show this nigga, I can throw this nigga, I'll blow this nigga
I am saying that I am capable of throwing, shooting, or killing my enemies, and I am daring them to test me
You can get it too, just because you know this nigga
I am warning anyone who associates with my enemies or tries to protect them, that they will also face consequences and punishment
I get pumped, just like a bodybuilder
I am saying that I feel energized and powerful when I am angry or in a violent situation, like a bodybuilder who lifts weights
And it's been more than a couple of times my pump shottie spilt a
I am saying that I have used my shotgun to shoot and wound or kill my enemies multiple times in the past
Nigga's guts on the door, because he wanted more
I am describing a violent and bloody scene where I shot the stomach of an enemy and his guts spilled out onto the door, because he provoked me or challenged me
Than he could stand, now him and his man is on the floor
I am saying that my enemy and his companion were overwhelmed and physically defeated by me, and they are lying on the floor out of breath
That's what you get for talkin' shit you shouldn't have got me started
I am saying that my enemies brought this violence onto themselves by insulting or challenging me, and they should have kept their mouth shut
You motherfuckers never wanted nuttin', but you got it
I am saying that my enemies did not ask for or deserve the violence that I am inflicting on them, but they brought it upon themselves by crossing me
I shit on niggas like a toilet, 'cause all it, takes
I am using a crude metaphor to say that I dominate and humiliate my enemies, like a toilet cleaning up waste
Is a second for it to get hectic so call it
I am saying that my enemies or anyone who provokes me should be aware that things can escalate quickly, and they should think twice before testing me
How you want it? Punk bitch talkin' junk bitch
I am asking my enemies how they want to be defeated or killed, and insulting them by calling them names like punk and junk bitch
Fuck around and you'll be found in a trunk bitch
I am saying that if my enemies continue to provoke me or cross me, they will end up dead and their body will be hidden in a car trunk
Niggas is off-brand like no frills
I am saying that my enemies are inferior or cheap, like generic or no-name products that are not as good as name brands
And I got mo' skills to show my fo' kills, my fuckin fo' thrills
I am saying that I have more skills and abilities to kill or defeat my enemies, and I have already killed four people in the past for fun or excitement
Got some cold shit, have you like, "Oh shit!" Don't laugh money
I am saying that I have some surprising or impressive things to show my enemies, and they should not underestimate me or laugh at me
When I'm done with this nigga, I'm gettin' in yo' shit
I am saying that after I defeat or kill my current enemy, I will go after his associates and cause them harm as well
Break niggas, especially fake niggas over dumb shit
I am saying that I enjoy breaking or defeating my enemies, especially those who are not genuine or authentic, and I do it for petty reasons
With one hit, watch the dum-dum split this bum's shit
I am saying that I can defeat or kill my enemies with just one hit or shot, and I am mocking them by calling them dumb and bums
Fuckin' see some cats thinkin' the worst
I am observing that some people expect the worst from me or are afraid of me, and I am amused by their fear
Dumb cats, them cats sleep in a hearse
I am calling my enemies stupid and predicting that they will end up dead and buried in a hearse
Where yo' guns at? Run that, see a nigga thirst
I am challenging my enemies to show their guns and give them to me, and I am saying that they are thirsty or desperate for a fight
Been there, done that, and did it first
I am saying that I have already experienced and accomplished everything that my enemies are trying to do, and I did it before they did
Nigga can't tell me shit about this
I am saying that no one can teach me anything about violence or aggression, because I am already an expert and have seen it all
And I keep somethin 'that'll hit if I miss
I am saying that I always carry a weapon that can cause collateral damage or hurt innocent people, even if I miss my intended target
One thing a nigga stay with is hot shit
I am saying that I always carry a gun or a weapon that can cause damage, and I am proud of it
Got this, what you cats want? Not this
I am saying that I have something to show or offer my enemies, but they don't want it or can't handle it
I constantly gots to remind young niggas
I am saying that I have to constantly warn and threaten younger people who are trying to challenge me or prove themselves
Uh-uhh, don't do that, some niggas
I am telling my listeners not to follow my enemies or copy their behavior, because it will only lead to trouble and danger
Think 'cause I ain't killed a nigga this week
I am saying that some people expect me to kill someone every week or on a regular basis, and they are surprised or disappointed when I don't
That shit is sweet
I am saying that it's a good thing that I don't have to kill someone every week, because it's not easy or enjoyable
Fuck around, you'll be dead in the street
I am warning my enemies that if they continue to provoke me or cross me, they will end up dead and lying on the street
Red with a sheet, over the corpse
I am saying that my enemies will be covered in blood and wrapped in a sheet after I kill them
Shit is deep, so I shed a tear, over the loss
I am admitting that the violence and killing is affecting me emotionally, and I am expressing sadness or regret over the loss of human life
If you creep, then you niggas'll roll with the force
I am saying that if my enemies try to sneak up on me or attack me, they will be met with overwhelming force and violence
Shoulda paid that money that you owed to the boss
I am saying that my enemies should have paid their debts or their dues to someone more powerful than them, and now they are facing the consequences
Uh-huh
I am affirming my message or my threat, and ending my song with a confident and intimidating tone
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Kasseem Dean, Earl Simmons
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sincere Sentinel of Sentience and Sapiens
I will never forget the day I bought this album from Sam Goody at the mall as a 9-year-old kid, and listening through it all when I returned home in one sitting. This song especially changed the course of my life musically forever.
Joseph Blanchard
Lol they let you just buy this album yourself, or did your parents actually have to buy it for you or something?
Ripple Moon
My fav off this album
K K
Word that's beautiful G , my best memory was Xmas morning and my momma got.me.flesh of my flesh blood of my blood album , I remember ripping the paper wrapping off.and seeing X coverd in.blood , was the happiest memeroy of reviewing a gift I ever experienced, X brought me my happiest moment in my life and made me fall in love w this art form called rap/hip-hop boombap golden era X is the Grand Champ DMX the GREAT, never be another ,. Big love to the dog going to bump X til I'm gone
Jason Moore
@Ripple Moon Swizz Beatz killed my this beat, Swizz is a problem.
Jason Moore
@K K Swizz Beatz was shining on this album, especially with this beat.
Witness The Wrath
I remember listening to this album at age 12-13 running around up to no good with my friends. Good memories, one in particular the old lady called the cops on us for shooting a beehive with a bb gun, we ditched the gun and tried to get away on our bikes and I crashed after about 10-15 pedals it was embarrassing.
I4NI
the good old days where we could do crazy shit, now it's just on ps5 now lmao
Don Robertson
Back when i was 13⦠stealing cars, robbing gas stations, jumping punk kids and stealing their shoes⦠miss being a kid
asmr by nature
Haha..oh yea, sounds fun. I was 14 with a bunch of friends. We went to a empty field with helmets and had a bb gun war...Dude, old lady called cops - helicopter came quick assuming it was a real shootout. Cops everywhere, we all ran the other way.. We got outta there on our bikes, one of my mans got caught ..lol.
The Streets is rough..πππ₯Έ...