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".
F*** Y'all
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ayo, fuck y'all niggas (man, fuck you too)
It's big dog baby gettin' down like what
See I'm a thorough bread, I don't fuck with much
Bloodline is where the pups at
They off the Grand Champ, yeah what black
Don't nothin move less, dog say so
Off the chain I got at least 3 kills
Even though my last album only did 3 mil
I still give 'em chill 'cause they feel dog
I can't help what it is, shit is real dog
You must have thought that it was a joke or somethin'
Now you done fucked around
And got your man choked for frontin'
Now hold up playa 'cause I don't play those games
And don't ask me shit 'cause I don't say no names
See what I know I'm taking to the fuckin' grave
So keep knockin' 'cause you ain't gettin' a fuckin' thing
Ayo fuck y'all niggas (ay, fuck you too)
Ayo, fuck y'all niggas (man, fuck you too)
Ayo fuck y'all niggas (ay, fuck you too)
Ayo, fuck y'all niggas (man, fuck you too)
Ayo who we be was off the last joint
But now it's who we see and we forget the last joint
Cats ain't never walked like X
Even before Kool G Rap talked like sex
I've been around since at least '83
So ain't no sense in you motherfuckers hatin' me
'Cause I'm gon' be here when you cats is gone
And other cats is on, another batch is born
Don't give a fuck about none of y'all
Fuck each and every one of y'all
'Cause I done done it all, been where ya at
Been where ya goin', then brought it back
I tried to tell ya about it but you wouldn't listen
Now I'm gonna take you to the hood 'cause the hood will listen
I wish you woulda listened 'cause then you woulda known
That it's only right to give a dog a bone
Bitch
Ayo fuck y'all niggas (ay, fuck you too)
Ayo, fuck y'all niggas (man, fuck you too)
Ayo fuck y'all niggas (ay, fuck you too)
Ayo, fuck y'all niggas (man, fuck you too)
Ah man
There are some things I can't stand
When a nigga holla wanna shake my left hand
When a nigga follow 'cause he actin like my man
Nigga might as well swallow 'cause he actin like a fan
And I got balls like you do
Man I got pull to pull through you
Stan don't they know how we do
Ear to the streets with our hearts to the people
Gots to give a little to get somethin' back
And what you usually give see you ain't nothin black
But when you don't give then it won't last
His shit will disappear like wit a nigga that smoked fast
You'll get broke fast, that's the Lord's will
Hold up I think somebody's a the door, shh, chill
You sit right there, I'ma nanswer that
'Cause when I finish poppin ain't nobody answerin' back
Ayo fuck y'all niggas (ay, fuck you too)
Ayo, fuck y'all niggas (man, fuck you too)
Fuck y'all niggas (ay, fuck you too)
Ayo, fuck y'all niggas (man, fuck you too)
Fuck y'all niggas (ay, fuck you too)
Ayo, fuck y'all niggas (man, fuck you too)
Fuck y'all niggas (ay, fuck you too)
Ayo, fuck y'all niggas (man, fuck you too)
Fuck it, fuck it, fuck it, fuck it, fuck it, fuck it
The lyrics of DMX's "F*** Y'all" are a direct attack against those who have wronged him, disrespected him, or tried to bring him down. In the song, DMX asserts his dominance and superiority, using his reputation and past success to dismiss those who dare to cross him. The chorus, "Ayo fuck y'all niggas (ay, fuck you too)/ Ayo, fuck y'all niggas (man, fuck you too)," is a direct confrontation against these individuals, refusing their overtures and indicating that he wants nothing to do with them.
The first verse of the song reveals that DMX is a "big dog baby," getting down to business and taking no prisoners. He is a "thorough-bred," totally committed to his craft and his art, and he doesn't waste his time with those who don't share his passion or his work ethic. He derives his inspiration and his strength from his "bloodline," a reference to his family background, his upbringing, and his roots in the hip hop community. He declares that he is in charge, and that "Don't nothin move less, dog say so."
In the second verse, DMX asserts his dominance even more strongly, stating that he has been around since at least 1983, and that he will continue to be a major player in the industry long after his contemporaries have vanished. He doesn't care what anyone thinks of him, as long as he is true to himself and his fans. He accuses his critics and detractors of being jealous and envious of his success, and warns them that they will never be able to bring him down.
Line by Line Meaning
Ayo fuck y'all niggas (ay, fuck you too)
I don't care about you and your opinions (and vice versa)
Ayo, fuck y'all niggas (man, fuck you too)
I don't care about you and your opinions (and vice versa)
It's big dog baby gettin' down like what
I am the dominant one here and I'm ready to show it
See I'm a thorough bread, I don't fuck with much
I only associate myself with certain people
Bloodline is where the pups at
My family is where my support comes from
They off the Grand Champ, yeah what black
My family is reputable and respected
Don't nothin move less, dog say so
I'm in control here, and nothing happens without my say-so
Cats clueless about the way it go
Others don't understand the way things work like I do
Off the chain I got at least 3 kills
I'm successful and have achieved a lot
Even though my last album only did 3 mil
Despite any perceived failures, I'm still respected and successful
I still give 'em chill 'cause they feel dog
I still have a great impact on my audience
I can't help what it is, shit is real dog
I am what I am and that's just how it is
You must have thought that it was a joke or somethin'
You must have underestimated me
Now you done fucked around
You made a mistake
And got your man choked for frontin'
Your actions have consequences
Now hold up playa 'cause I don't play those games
Don't mess with me, I don't tolerate games
And don't ask me shit 'cause I don't say no names
Don't come to me with questions because I won't name names
See what I know I'm taking to the fuckin' grave
I'll never reveal secrets I hold
So keep knockin' 'cause you ain't gettin' a fuckin' thing
Keep trying to get information, you won't succeed
Ayo who we be was off the last joint
My image and reputation were established in my previous work
But now it's who we see and we forget the last joint
People only care about the present and what's new
Cats ain't never walked like X
No one has ever had the same level of success or impact as me
Even before Kool G Rap talked like sex
I've been successful for a long time
I've been around since at least '83
I've been in the game for a long time
So ain't no sense in you motherfuckers hatin' me
There's no reason for others to hate on my success
'Cause I'm gon' be here when you cats is gone
I'll be successful for a long time to come
And other cats is on, another batch is born
Others will come and go but I'll still be here
Don't give a fuck about none of y'all
I don't care about anyone except myself
Fuck each and every one of y'all
I don't like any of you
'Cause I done done it all, been where ya at
I've achieved a lot and been in your shoes before
Been where ya goin', then brought it back
I've gone through what you're going through and came out successful
I tried to tell ya about it but you wouldn't listen
I tried to give advice but no one wanted to listen
Now I'm gonna take you to the hood 'cause the hood will listen
I'll prove my point by showing you in the streets
I wish you woulda listened 'cause then you woulda known
If only you listened to me, you would have known what to expect
That it's only right to give a dog a bone
It's important to recognize and reward success
Bitch
Just a disrespectful insult
There are some things I can't stand
There are some things that really annoy me
When a nigga holla wanna shake my left hand
When people try to act friendly but with bad intentions
When a nigga follow 'cause he actin like my man
When people try to follow me for recognition
Nigga might as well swallow 'cause he actin like a fan
These people might as well go away because they're acting like fans
And I got balls like you do
I'm not afraid to stand up for myself
Man I got pull to pull through you
I have the influence to overpower you
Stan don't they know how we do
People already know how we get down
Ear to the streets with our hearts to the people
We're in tune with the community and care about the people
Gots to give a little to get somethin' back
You have to make sacrifices to receive rewards
And what you usually give see you ain't nothin black
What you usually give isn't good enough
But when you don't give then it won't last
When you don't give, it won't be successful
His shit will disappear like wit a nigga that smoked fast
Your success will disappear like smoke after someone has smoked
You'll get broke fast, that's the Lord's will
If you don't work hard and make sacrifices, you won't succeed
Hold up I think somebody's at the door, shh, chill
Wait, someone is interrupting me, be quiet
You sit right there, I'ma answer that
Stay where you are, I'll go see who it is
'Cause when I finish poppin ain't nobody answerin' back
I'll be ignoring people after I'm done with this conversation
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lou Courtney, Earl Simmons, Rondell Edwin Turner
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind