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".
Finale
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Next time, the county or the state see me
It's gonna be in a bag
Uhh, this is it baby
End of the road, ha hah
When you a dawg, you a dawg for life
You don't hear me though, you don't hear me though
Watch them young guns that take none, nobody safe
From the Friday The 13th, ghetto Jason
Itchy trigger finger achin', snatch yo' ass
Out that S-class for fakin', forty-fo' blast
Is a bloodbath, take your first step down a thug path
Ain't no love here, just slugs here
Kids know the half, you get plugged here, that's just impossible
For the weak at last now behold the unstoppable
Third eye watchin' you, watchin' me
Throwin' rocks from the penalty box, cop a plea
Young g we was born to die, don't cry for me
Just keep the heat closely and ride for me
'Cause we family for better or worse, you and I
From the dirt, you snatch purse, so hard it hurt
To be here, and each year, I'm pourin' out more beer
For deceased peers, holdin' fort
Police line 'do not cross', they found his corpse
In the loft with the head cut off, and butt naked
Homicide the crime method, add another
Killer verse to the murder record, the grand finale
Who wan' test me, c'mon
Me shot pussy-hole fi fun
Hot corners, cops with warrants, every block is boring
Friday night, getting bent, liquor pourin'
My dawg, not even home a month yet, and blaze a girl
In the stomach, he robbin' niggaz who pumpin'
Lil' blood got popped, by the group home cat
Everybody nervous in the hood, pullin' they gats
Fiends yellin' out, "who got those" go and see
Shorty snot-nosed, he don't floss but he got dough
Thug faces, fugitives runnin' from court cases
Slugs shootin' past for the love of drug paper
Queens cap peelers, soldiers, drug dealers
And God'll throw a beam of lightning down 'cause he feel us
May the next one, strike me down if I'm not the realest
The mayor want to call the SWAT team to come and kill us
But, dawgs are friends, if one see the morgue, one'll live
To get revenge, and we ride to the end
Bravehearts blow the lye with Henn, and still rise
Took alive with live men, my man got three-six to eighteen
And only five in, the belly of the beast
Didn't want to hear the shit I tried to tell him on the streets
It's irrelevant, the beast love to eat black meat
And got us niggas from the hood, hangin' off his teeth
We slangin' to eat, bringin' the heat
Bulletholes, razor scars is the pain in the street, huh
When you a dawg you a dawg for life (Ride or die)
My dawgs feel pain from love (See eye to eye)
Give us one shot at life (Let us fly)
Come on niggas (We dawgs for life)
When you a dawg you a dawg for life (Ride or die)
My dawgs feel pain from love (See eye to eye)
Give us one shot at life (Let us fly)
Come on niggas (We dawgs for life)
There's mad money out here dawg
Mad money out here
What you tryin' to get it? (Word up)
You gonna bust your gun to get it? (Tsh, whatever yo)
I hear you, I hear you
I've lost my grip on reality or so it would seem
Pinch myself to wake up, 'cause I know it's a dream
Niggas that don't know me see me and think I'mma rob 'em
Niggas that know me well see me and think I'mma problem
I'm just a nigga that's misunderstood
But word to Miz I turn your last name to underwood
'Cause if I see it, I'mma take it and run with it, that's me
What type of bullshit is this nigga on? That's D
The dawg come and getcha outside
The more blood flows, when I plug holes with the snub nosed
Gun blows, bullets whistle, wouldn't miss you
Hit you all up in your mouth like it tried to kiss you
Drama, it's right here, how much you need?
Beat you down with gat see how much you bleed
How much you plead, for your life, you was a killer
And all the bitches comin' up out that ass you feelin', gettin realer
Now beg for your life, one more time, one more crime
One more nine, c'mon cry nigga
It's over! This is the shit, that hits hard
You either the last one standing, or the last one to fall
When you a dawg you a dawg for life (Ride or die)
My dawgs feel pain from love (See eye to eye)
Give us one shot at life (Let us fly)
Come on niggas (We dawgs for life)
When you a dawg you a dawg for life (Ride or die)
My dawgs feel pain from love (See eye to eye)
Give us one shot at life (Let us fly)
Come on niggas (We dawgs for life)
The song Grand Finale by rapper DMX is a recollection of the hardships experienced in the streets of the ghetto where violence and crime are rampant. DMX begins by stating his refusal to go back to jail and affirms his desire to stay alive. He emphasizes the difficulty of survival in the harsh environment of the ghetto and warns of the danger of encountering young guns who show no mercy in their dealings. The chorus of βWhen you a dawg, you a dawg for lifeβ underscores the notion that once you are entrenched in the culture of the streets, there is no going back. The lyrics go on to describe various scenes of violence and criminal activity including homicides, drug dealing, and carjacking that are the norm in these parts.
DMX paints a vivid picture of the harsh reality of living in the ghetto where life is cheap, and everyone is both predator and prey. His lyrics eloquently convey the sense of despair, hopelessness, and solitude felt by inhabitants of such neighborhoods, where law enforcement is often absent, and survival depends on one's ability to navigate the harsh terrain of the streets. He uses imagery to describe the brutal nature of street life and conveys the idea that one must always be ready to fight or die.
Line by Line Meaning
I ain't goin back to jail
I will do whatever it takes to avoid returning to prison.
Next time, the county or the state see me, It's gonna be in a bag
If I encounter law enforcement again, it will likely end in my death.
Watch them young guns that take none, nobody safe
Beware of those youthful individuals who show no mercy, as they pose a threat to everyone.
From the Friday The 13th, ghetto Jason
Similar to the iconic horror character Jason Voorhees on Friday the 13th, these individuals bring fear and violence to the urban environment.
Itchy trigger finger achin', snatch yo' ass
Impulsive and trigger-happy individuals are ready to apprehend or harm you.
Out that S-class for fakin', forty-fo' blast
They will forcefully remove you from a luxurious vehicle and use a .44 caliber firearm to unleash a barrage of bullets.
Ain't no love here, just slugs here
There is no affection or kindness present, only deadly projectiles.
Kids know the half, you get plugged here, that's just impossible
Even the younger generations are aware of the dangerous nature of this environment, and it is nearly impossible to escape the cycle of violence.
Third eye watchin' you, watchin' me
There is a constant state of surveillance and awareness, both from external forces and from within oneself.
Throwin' rocks from the penalty box, cop a plea
Being in a confined space, like a jail cell, makes it difficult to actively resist, leading individuals to seek a plea deal to minimize their punishment.
Young g we was born to die, don't cry for me
As young gangsters, our destiny and purpose are intertwined with death, so there is no need for tears when I meet my demise.
Just keep the heat closely and ride for me
Instead, remain armed and loyal, ready to defend my legacy and seek vengeance on my behalf.
'Cause we family for better or worse, you and I
No matter the circumstances, we are bound together like family, standing strong through the good times and the bad.
From the dirt, you snatch purse, so hard it hurt
Emerging from a disadvantaged background, you engage in aggressive criminal activities to survive, even if it causes pain and suffering to others.
To be here, and each year, I'm pourin' out more beer
Despite the risks and loss of life, I continue to toast and commemorate fallen comrades with increased frequency.
For deceased peers, holdin' fort
I remain steadfast in preserving the memory and reputation of those who have passed away.
Police line 'do not cross', they found his corpse
The crime scene is marked with caution tape as the authorities discover the lifeless body of a victim.
In the loft with the head cut off, and butt naked
The gruesome scene reveals a decapitated body, stripped of all clothing.
Homicide the crime method, add another
The method employed to commit the crime is murder, and it adds another statistic to the ongoing violence.
Killer verse to the murder record, the grand finale
With this lyrical contribution, I deliver a powerful and impactful conclusion to the narrative of violence and death.
Hot corners, cops with warrants, every block is boring
The streets are filled with danger and law enforcement actively seeking suspects, resulting in a monotonous atmosphere filled with tension.
Friday night, getting bent, liquor pourin'
During the weekend, people are indulging in excessive alcohol consumption, leading to a wild and chaotic atmosphere.
My dawg, not even home a month yet, and blaze a girl
My close associate, having recently been released from incarceration, wastes no time engaging in criminal activity, including shooting a woman.
In the stomach, he robbin' niggaz who pumpin'
He targets individuals involved in the drug trade, stealing from them and potentially resorting to violence.
Lil' blood got popped, by the group home cat
A young individual associated with gang activity is shot and injured by someone from a group home.
Everybody nervous in the hood, pullin' they gats
The entire neighborhood is on edge, armed and ready for potential conflicts.
Fiends yellin' out, "who got those" go and see
Drug addicts are desperately searching for their next fix, eager to find a dealer to satisfy their cravings.
Shorty snot-nosed, he don't floss but he got dough
Despite being young and inexperienced, this young individual has managed to accumulate wealth without flaunting it.
Thug faces, fugitives runnin' from court cases
The streets are filled with individuals who display hardened and intimidating expressions, as they are fugitives evading legal consequences.
Slugs shootin' past for the love of drug paper
Gunshots are fired with reckless abandon due to the desire for financial gain derived from the drug trade.
Queens cap peelers, soldiers, drug dealers
In Queens, there are individuals who possess the ability and willingness to take lives, whether they are soldiers or involved in the drug trade.
And God'll throw a beam of lightning down 'cause he feel us
The presence of God is acknowledged, as if he were to strike down with a bolt of lightning, it would be a sign that he is aware of their actions.
May the next one, strike me down if I'm not the realest
If I am not an authentic and genuine individual, then may the next act of divine punishment be directed at me.
The mayor want to call the SWAT team to come and kill us
The mayor is inclined to deploy a specialized police unit, SWAT, in an attempt to eliminate us.
But, dawgs are friends, if one see the morgue, one'll live
Despite the conflicts and dangers we face, we mutually support and protect each other, ensuring that if one falls, the other will survive.
To get revenge, and we ride to the end
We are motivated by a desire for vengeance and will persist in our actions until the very end.
Bravehearts blow the lye with Henn, and still rise
The courageous individuals in our group smoke marijuana laced with Hennessy, yet we continue to face and overcome challenges.
Took alive with live men, my man got three-six to eighteen
It is a victory in itself to escape imprisonment and live amongst others who are alive, while my friend received a prison sentence of three to eighteen years.
And only five in, the belly of the beast
Having served only five years, he is confined within the highly oppressive and dangerous prison system.
Didn't want to hear the shit I tried to tell him on the streets
Despite my efforts to offer guidance and advice, he refused to listen to the valuable information I shared while we were on the streets.
It's irrelevant, the beast love to eat black meat
The authorities have no interest in considering our circumstances or understanding our struggles, as they readily target and mistreat individuals of African descent.
And got us niggas from the hood, hangin' off his teeth
They have managed to gain control over us, individuals who hail from the impoverished neighborhoods, as if we were mere playthings hanging from the teeth of a predator.
We slangin' to eat, bringin' the heat
We engage in illegal activities, such as drug dealing, to provide for our basic needs and constantly face dangerous situations.
Bulletholes, razor scars is the pain in the street, huh
Bullet wounds and knife injuries serve as physical reminders of the pain and suffering endured in the urban environment.
I've lost my grip on reality or so it would seem
I feel as though I no longer have a firm grasp on reality, although this may just be a perception.
Pinch myself to wake up, 'cause I know it's a dream
In an attempt to regain a sense of reality, I metaphorically pinch myself, recognizing that the current circumstances may be an illusion.
Niggas that don't know me see me and think I'mma rob 'em
Strangers who are unfamiliar with me perceive me as a potential threat, assuming that I am inclined to rob them.
Niggas that know me well see me and think I'mma problem
On the other hand, individuals who are acquainted with me view me as someone who often causes trouble or turmoil.
I'm just a nigga that's misunderstood
In reality, I am simply an individual who is often misinterpreted or not fully comprehended by others.
But word to Miz I turn your last name to underwood
As a means of asserting dominance or power, I have the ability to diminish or diminish your reputation, much like a magician making something disappear.
'Cause if I see it, I'mma take it and run with it, that's me
If I come across something valuable or beneficial, I will seize it and capitalize on the opportunity, as that is an intrinsic part of who I am.
What type of bullshit is this nigga on? That's D
I am often subjected to skepticism or disbelief, as others question the validity or legitimacy of my actions and intentions.
The dawg come and getcha outside
I, as the designated protector or enforcer, will step in and confront or handle any potential threat or conflict, even if it occurs outside of a specific location.
The more blood flows, when I plug holes with the snub nosed
Violence escalates and injuries become more severe when I use a short-barreled firearm to inflict harm or damage.
Gun blows, bullets whistle, wouldn't miss you
The discharge of firearms produces a distinct sound as bullets fly through the air, signifying the precision and accuracy of the shots.
Hit you all up in your mouth like it tried to kiss you
The bullets strike their target, causing damage or injury that can be likened to an unwanted and forceful kiss to the mouth.
Drama, it's right here, how much you need?
Conflict and tension are present in abundance, and the question posed is how much more of it do you require or desire?
Beat you down with gat see how much you bleed
If necessary, I am prepared to physically assault or harm you with a firearm to demonstrate the severity of your potential injuries.
How much you plead, for your life, you was a killer
I mockingly inquire how desperately you would plead for your life, despite being someone who has taken the lives of others.
And all the bitches comin' up out that ass you feelin', gettin realer
The women who were once attracted to you are now abandoning or turning against you, illustrating the increasing severity and authenticity of the situation.
Now beg for your life, one more time, one more crime
I demand that you plead for your life once again, as this potentially represents your final opportunity to do so before the deadly consequences.
One more nine, c'mon cry nigga
One more gunshot from a 9mm handgun will seal your fate, so go ahead and cry out, knowing that it will be futile.
It's over! This is the shit, that hits hard
It is the end! This moment signifies the culmination of events and its impact is deeply felt and significant.
You either the last one standing, or the last one to fall
In this world of violence and survival, you will either emerge as the final survivor or meet your demise as the last one to perish.
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ROBIN MAYS, IRVING LORENZO, NASIR JONES, LORENZO PATTERSON, ANDRE ROMEL YOUNG, EARL SIMMONS, CLIFFORD SMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@hammbone8184
The way Method Man raps sounds so effortless
@madizm05
Eazy
@benabderrezak5248
Ah 0
@yvonniamcdonald8844
I know right itβs like he is just having a conversation with you it just flows... I was watching this and my first thought was NY rappers just have that special sauce itβs just something different
@use828
I CONCUR! πππππ
@thomasanderson468
Esco killed this shit
@Grayson91003
"This is it baby, the end of the road, when your a dog, your a dog for life" - RIP Xπππ
@michael.angelo6064
ππβ
@bustakitayancey7261
π’π’π’π₯π₯π₯
@KB-cw1iz
Breaks my heart..RIP π