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".
Fire
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I love music cause it's something special
I just have the words, when I'm done, I bet you
It will make you easier to cope with the pressure
Dark, cause you think the light won't let you
Right now all I see is shapes and sounds
You snake, you crown, that's why I shake it down
It is what it is, you crying like "I'ma make it now"
What the fuck off your knees, I don't swim like that
Put them, let it go, let it go, I throw that thing right back man
I can smell pussy from a mile away
Nigga your style…so put the smile away
Nigga acting like I'm the only one with problems
You know something about em, let's solve em
And at my words, you're not even half of it
And that's the reason why you'll always be
After me, faggot
Oh my god, no matter how hard I try
I can't get away from it
I got so much fire built up inside of me
But when it's time to let it go
I got one thing to give and one thing only
Yo dog
Hot bars is the only thing these motherfuckers getting
It's time to show these niggas dog ain't raised a fucking kitten
Eat 20 niggas like a twenty piece bucket of chicken
Ain't on my level, snowflake, who the fuck is you kidding?
Now how this chicken you came is what I am still
Fire hard enough to burn your whole entire grill
And believe me them 3rd degree burns are hard to heal
I have you wishing you listen to fire marshall bill
You can't take the fire that I'm bringing y'all
I'll have your ass begging for a fire extinguisher
And all your mens looking at you like damn holmes
I'm hot enough to burn the flesh off the dead bones
So for you niggas that be claiming that you got heat
And claiming that you the best and the next to eat
I'll be next to x on x degrees, with bars that will hit you
Like a bottle of Texas Pete
What?
Don't start what you can't deal with
Cause I'm a nigga that still get thugged up baby, real shit
I'm a dog for real, I beast on niggas
Then get back to the streets on niggas, fest on niggas
Open a bottle of liquor, pop a can of beer
Pour the first sip but your homies, he ain't here
You burn you know and your heart be still right there
It is what it is, at times life ain't fair
You ain't me, so what I'm bout to do to this rapshit
Well have some real nigga talk excuse my back shit
Wish a nigga would, wish a nigga could
Regardless what you think a nigga still good
So easy to kill a nigga, especially when you don't feel a nigga
Can't see the real in a nigga,
You don't know about Gucci, you don't know about Prada
We won't be do know, if we gonna do what we gotta, nigga!!
In DMX feat. Kashmere's "Fire" lyrics, the rapper talks about the power of music and how it helps him cope with life's challenges. He states that he sees only "shapes and sounds" and that music helps him express his feelings and deal with the pressure. DMX also talks about his rough life and how he is always ready to face any challenges. He tells his listeners not to start a fight they can't handle and emphasizes that he is a real dog and a beast in the industry.
DMX also talks about his skills and experience, calling out other rappers who claim to be the best. He says that he can eat 20 "niggas" like a twenty-piece bucket of chicken and that his bars are fire enough to burn someone's entire grill. He warns that anyone who messes with him will be left begging for a fire extinguisher. DMX also mentions his love for alcohol, and talks about how it helps him deal with the loss of his friends and the unfairness of life.
Overall, the lyrics of "Fire" are a powerful expression of DMX's life experiences and his skills as a rapper. The song talks about the power of music to help people cope with tough times and the importance of being true to oneself in a challenging industry.
Line by Line Meaning
I love music cause it's something special
Music holds a special place in my heart
I just have the words, when I'm done, I bet you
My lyrics have a powerful impact on listeners
It will make you easier to cope with the pressure
My music can help you deal with life's challenges
Dark, cause you think the light won't let you
Sometimes we feel trapped in darkness and unable to escape
Right now all I see is shapes and sounds
Music takes me to a place where only shapes and sounds matter
You snake, you crown, that's why I shake it down
I see through the fake and I'm not afraid to expose it
Got drop by one, I'ma take it now
If someone tries to knock me down, I'll come back even stronger
It is what it is, you crying like "I'ma make it now"
Stop complaining and work harder if you want to succeed
What the fuck off your knees, I don't swim like that
Don't beg for mercy, I won't spare you like that
Put them, let it go, let it go, I throw that thing right back man
Don't hold back, I'm ready to face whatever is coming my way
I can smell pussy from a mile away
I can spot a fake person easily
Nigga your style…so put the smile away
Your fake persona won't fool me
Nigga acting like I'm the only one with problems
Don't pretend like you're the only one struggling
You know something about em, let's solve em
If you have a solution, let's work together to solve our problems
And at my words, you're not even half of it
My lyrics are so powerful, you can't even comprehend their full meaning
And that's the reason why you'll always be
You'll never be as good as me
After me, faggot
I'm the top dog, you're beneath me
Oh my god, no matter how hard I try
Despite my efforts, I can't escape my inner fire
I can't get away from it
My passion for music consumes me
I got so much fire built up inside of me
I have a lot of talent and creativity waiting to be unleashed
But when it's time to let it go
When the moment comes to perform, I give it my all
I got one thing to give and one thing only
All I have to offer is my music
Hot bars is the only thing these motherfuckers getting
My lyrics are the only thing worth hearing in the rap game
It's time to show these niggas dog ain't raised a fucking kitten
I may be a dog but I'm not soft and weak like others
Eat 20 niggas like a twenty piece bucket of chicken
I'm so confident in my skills that I could take on multiple opponents at once
Ain't on my level, snowflake, who the fuck is you kidding?
No one can match my talent and ability
Now how this chicken you came is what I am still
My dominance in the rap game is unquestioned
Fire hard enough to burn your whole entire grill
My rhymes are so potent they will leave you stunned
And believe me them 3rd degree burns are hard to heal
My words will stay with you and leave a lasting impact
I have you wishing you listen to fire marshall bill
You'll regret not heeding my warnings
You can't take the fire that I'm bringing y'all
My passion and talent are too much for anyone to handle
I'll have your ass begging for a fire extinguisher
My rhymes will leave you speechless and overwhelmed
And all your mens looking at you like damn holmes
Even your friends will be impressed by my skills
I'm hot enough to burn the flesh off the dead bones
My rhymes are so powerful they could even affect the dead
So for you niggas that be claiming that you got heat
For those who think they can compete with me
And claiming that you the best and the next to eat
And think you're the next big thing in rap
I'll be next to x on x degrees, with bars that will hit you
I'm on another level and my lyrics will leave you stunned
Like a bottle of Texas Pete
My rhymes are as spicy and hot as hot sauce
Don't start what you can't deal with
Don't mess with me if you can't handle it
Cause I'm a nigga that still get thugged up baby, real shit
I'm a real gangster who won't back down from a fight
I'm a dog for real, I beast on niggas
I'm a fierce competitor who dominates the rap game
Then get back to the streets on niggas, fest on niggas
After I conquer the rap game, I'll go back to the streets and keep dominating
Open a bottle of liquor, pop a can of beer
I celebrate my success with alcohol
Pour the first sip but your homies, he ain't here
I drink alone because my friends can't keep up with me
You burn you know and your heart be still right there
I've been through tough times but I remain strong
It is what it is, at times life ain't fair
Life can be tough but we have to accept it
You ain't me, so what I'm bout to do to this rapshit
You can't match my skill and talent in the rap game
Well have some real nigga talk excuse my back shit
I speak my mind and don't hold back my thoughts and opinions
Wish a nigga would, wish a nigga could
I dare someone to step up to me and try to compete
Regardless what you think a nigga still good
Despite what others may say, I know I'm still a great rapper
So easy to kill a nigga, especially when you don't feel a nigga
It's easy to take down someone who doesn't have talent or passion
Can't see the real in a nigga
You can't recognize true talent and skills in others
You don't know about Gucci, you don't know about Prada
You're not on my level when it comes to fashion and style
We won't be do know, if we gonna do what we gotta, nigga!!
We have to put in the work if we want to achieve our dreams
Contributed by Audrey K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@esmo9728
cant believe they robbed my man kanye east for this beat
@damienfarron
whos here after they finessed our boy kanye east
@enigma2488
DMX and R-Truth for some reason should do a track together.
@nicodacher4294
Never forgot you #dmx
@stopid7667
wtf he stole a beat from my homie
@hassonian
Ima legit buy this album.
@TrendnTopiczVlog
Damn dis female can spit!
@m.m14433
dmx my fav rapper of all time. since i was 17
@phyajuju
thats the hottest line of the year
@bbukky3124
kashmere her and x should do a whole album together