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".
For My Dogs Feat. Drag-On Big
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Uh, uh, uh
I will rob and steal witcha, dog nigga what
Ride 'til we die, on 'til it's up
Thick like blood, where's my dogs
Uh, there's my dogs
Ride 'til we die, on 'til it's up
Thick like blood, where's my dogs
Uh, there's my dogs
Now who I am is who I'll be until I die
Either accept it or don't fuck with it
But if we gon' be dogs then you stuck with it
Let me go my way but walk with me
See what I see, watch me then, talk with me
Share my pain, make it a little easier to deal with it
'Cause despite all the fame you I'm a keep it real with it (true)
Rob and steal withcha' dog nigga what
Ride 'til we die, on 'til it's up
Love is love and I enjoy the love
But when it's conflict then it destroys the love
You can't toy with love, niggas take to the heart
You ain't gon' find too many niggas willing to, bark in the dark (Come on!)
We been here from the start, don't fuck it up now
Later on didn't even hit me like, fuck it up how?
You my dog and I die for you, let's keep it like that
Give me unconditional love, and I give it right back
I will rob and steal witcha, dog nigga what
Ride 'til we die, on 'til it's up
Thick like blood, where's my dogs
Uh, there's my dogs
I will rob and steal witcha, dog nigga what
Ride 'til we die, on 'til it's up
Thick like blood, where's my dogs
Uh, there's my dogs
Most niggas make movies, but niggas like us make it happen'
The shit we used to do never thought we would make it rappin'
But now we here, at the same place at the same time
And got jokes 'cause now niggas get it, with the same rhyme
Yeah niggas is living comfortable, 'cause life is all good
But one thing we must remember, is that life is all hood
And the casket's all wood and we all take there one day (shit)
Shit today is Sunday we both can be there on Monday
Life is funny like that, what bug the fuck out
Sometimes I take it to the church in terms of thug the fuck out
Niggas get dropped the fuck out they boots, violatin' families rules
Motherfucker stay in your shoes!
Now see what you need to do, is chill shorty
'Body please come and get him before I, kill shorty
I will do for my niggas as they would do for me
Bust a faggot like you for free, wanna see?
Come on
I will rob and steal witcha, dog nigga what
Ride 'til we die, on 'til it's up
Thick like blood, where's my dogs
Uh, there's my dogs
I will rob and steal witcha, dog nigga what
Ride 'til we die, on 'til it's up
Thick like blood, where's my dogs
Uh, there's my dogs
I'm always surrounded by dogs, for the love
Only niggas I fuck wit is thugs nigga what
Blood in blood out, vatos locos homes, so there's no chocos homes
When we smoke them chromes, and how we broke them bones
While the last niggas is ass niggas
The skimask niggas to trash niggas they ass niggas pussy
And half you cats can't even flow
And when I hear y'all niggas around my head, well you know
But that's a whole 'nother issuse, right now we own this
We keep spittin' like this, how the fuck we gon' miss?
'Cause the camp is strong, and the stamp is strong
Double R motherfucker, keep the caskets flowing
You done got yourself, caught up in some shit you can't handle
And you know I can't stand you, you're man too
This one time I'ma letta dog be a dog
But I'ma see you in the ring and when it's on then it's on
I will rob and steal witcha, dog nigga what
Ride 'til we die, on 'til it's up
Thick like blood, where's my dogs
Uh, there's my dogs
I will rob and steal witcha, dog nigga what
Ride 'til we die, on 'til it's up
Thick like blood, where's my dogs
Uh, there's my dogs
Dog nigga what? On 'til it's up
Where's my dog?
Uh, huh there's my dog
Dog nigga what? On 'til it's up
Where's my dog?
Uh, huh there's my dog
In DMX's song "For My Dogs," he speaks about his loyalty and love for his friends and associates, who he refers to as his dogs. The opening line, "Gotta have that," sets the tone for the song, emphasizing the importance of having a strong support system. He then goes on to express that he is willing to rob and steal with these people, signifying that he is willing to go to great lengths to protect them. The chorus is repeated throughout the song and reinforces the idea that his dogs and him are inseparable.
The second verse discusses the idea that even though DMX has gained fame over the years, he has remained true to his roots and his friends. He speaks about how he wants these people to walk with him, share his pain, and make the journey a little easier. He also notes that conflicts can destroy even the strongest bonds of love, but unconditional love is important in any relationship. The third verse seems to address those who may doubt his loyalty or be jealous of his success, warning them that those who cross him or his dogs will face severe consequences.
Line by Line Meaning
Gotta have that
I need to have it.
Uh, uh, uh
Expressing excitement or anticipation.
I will rob and steal witcha, dog nigga what
I am so loyal to you that I would even commit crimes with you without hesitation.
Ride 'til we die, on 'til it's up
We will stick together until the very end, no matter what obstacles come our way.
Thick like blood, where's my dogs
We have a bond that runs deeper than just friendship, we are like family.
Uh, there's my dogs
There are my friends.
Now who I am is who I'll be until I die
I am true to myself and will never change.
Either accept it or don't fuck with it
You can either accept me for who I am or leave me alone.
But if we gon' be dogs then you stuck with it
If we are friends, then you have to accept me for who I am and what I stand for.
Let me go my way but walk with me
I may take a different path in life, but I still want you to be by my side.
See what I see, watch me then, talk with me
I want you to understand my perspective and be able to discuss it with me.
Share my pain, make it a little easier to deal with it
I want you to help me through difficult times and provide support when needed.
'Cause despite all the fame you I'm a keep it real with it (true)
Regardless of my success, I will always remain true to myself and my values.
Love is love and I enjoy the love
I appreciate the love and support that my friends give me.
But when it's conflict then it destroys the love
Conflict can ruin even the strongest relationships, including those between friends.
You can't toy with love, niggas take to the heart
Love is not something that should be played with, as it can deeply affect people.
You ain't gon' find too many niggas willing to, bark in the dark (Come on!)
Not everyone has the courage to stand up for their friends in dangerous or difficult situations.
We been here from the start, don't fuck it up now
We have been friends for a long time, so don't ruin our relationship now.
Later on didn't even hit me like, fuck it up how?
I didn't even realize how much our friendship had changed until it was already different.
You my dog and I die for you, let's keep it like that
I am loyal to you and would even die for you, so let's maintain our strong friendship.
Give me unconditional love, and I give it right back
If you love me unconditionally, I will return that love and loyalty in full.
Most niggas make movies, but niggas like us make it happen'
We don't just talk about making things happen, we actually follow through and make them a reality.
The shit we used to do never thought we would make it rappin'
Even though we never thought we would become successful rappers, we still achieved our goals.
But now we here, at the same place at the same time
We have both achieved success and are able to celebrate it together.
And got jokes 'cause now niggas get it, with the same rhyme
We can now laugh about how people didn't take us seriously when we started rapping with the same rhymes.
Yeah niggas is living comfortable, 'cause life is all good
We are now living comfortably because we have achieved success.
But one thing we must remember, is that life is all hood
Despite our success, we must never forget where we came from and the struggles we faced in the past.
And the casket's all wood and we all take there one day (shit)
No matter how successful we become, we will all eventually die and be buried in a wooden casket.
Shit today is Sunday we both can be there on Monday
Even though we are successful now, we could still die at any moment and be buried an any day of the week.
Life is funny like that, what bug the fuck out
Life can be unpredictable and strange, which can be both amusing and frustrating.
Sometimes I take it to the church in terms of thug the fuck out
Sometimes I have to rely on my strength and toughness to get through difficult situations.
Niggas get dropped the fuck out they boots, violatin' families rules
People who violate the rules of our friends and family will be punished severely.
Motherfucker stay in your shoes!
Stay true to yourself and don't try to be something you're not.
Now see what you need to do, is chill shorty
You need to calm down and relax.
'Body please come and get him before I, kill shorty
Someone needs to come and take this person away before I become violent.
I will do for my niggas as they would do for me
I am loyal to my friends and will do anything for them, just as they would do for me.
Bust a faggot like you for free, wanna see?
I am willing to fight and defeat anyone who goes against my friends, regardless of the cost.
Only niggas I fuck wit is thugs nigga what
I only associate with tough and loyal people, just like myself.
Blood in blood out, vatos locos homes, so there's no chocos homes
Our friendship is so strong and deep that we consider each other family, with no room for outsiders.
When we smoke them chromes, and how we broke them bones
We have been through a lot together, including fights and violence.
While the last niggas is ass niggas
Anyone who doesn't live up to our standards of loyalty and toughness is weak and insignificant.
The skimask niggas to trash niggas they ass niggas pussy
People who hide their identity or talk behind others' backs are weak and cowardly.
And half you cats can't even flow
Many people who try to rap are not even good at it.
And when I hear y'all niggas around my head, well you know
I don't even listen to people who try to bring me down or talk negatively about me.
But that's a whole 'nother issuse, right now we own this
We are currently successful and in control of our own lives and careers.
We keep spittin' like this, how the fuck we gon' miss?
We are so talented and dedicated that we cannot fail in the music industry.
'Cause the camp is strong, and the stamp is strong
Our team is strong and our reputation is solid, which gives us an advantage in the music industry.
Double R motherfucker, keep the caskets flowing
We are part of the Ruff Ryders music label and will continue to achieve success and make a lot of money.
You done got yourself, caught up in some shit you can't handle
You have gotten yourself into a difficult situation that you cannot handle alone.
And you know I can't stand you, you're man too
I don't like you and I won't be able to help you, even if I wanted to.
This one time I'ma letta dog be a dog
I will let you handle this situation on your own, like a dog would.
But I'ma see you in the ring and when it's on then it's on
We will have to face each other in a difficult or competitive situation, and when that time comes, we will be opponents.
Dog nigga what? On 'til it's up
We are loyal to each other and will stick together until the end, no matter what.
Where's my dog?
Where is my friend?
Uh, huh there's my dog
There is my friend.
Uh, huh there's my dog
There is my friend.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DAMON J BLACKMAN, EARL SIMMONS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind