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".
Frankenstein
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Started off at the bark off and I'ma stay with it
Heaven got a dark side, call it a monster
'Cause it comes out in the walls and
If you had knew half of what I did then you would've bit your heart off
And nigga I'ma get you I want it
Run up for your life go on your life
Whether it's wrong or right it's on tonight
We gon' cash it out right,cash it out right,cash it out right, hit it
We gon' cash it out right,cash it out right,cash it out right, let's go
We gon' cash it out right,cash it out right,cash it out right, hit it
We gon' cash it out right,cash it out right,cash it out right, let's go
Hey yo cavy this 20 grand, been for niggas with bandanas
Cock a rock hammer, niggas gang bang, pull out and bang bang
Wipe it off lick it down, you ready for fame
We get to them from the club to the hood
After 2 drinks, you're up to no good
It's not a fucking game I sure hope you understood
Dead and you mad knocking on wood
We gon' cash it out right, cash it out right,cash it out right, hit it
We gon' cash it out right, cash it out right,cash it out right, let's go
We gon' cash it out right, cash it out right,cash it out right, hit it
We gon' cash it out right, cash it out right,cash it out right, let's go
You walk these dogs now they got leashes on
Before your man is a rapper, the pieces on 'em
Got 'em laid up in the casket the grease is on
Eventually you slow down, the sticks is on 'em
The way you talking to them 'cause we both grown men
Fuck if you want one, I want 10
And if we got a problem I'ma let you know then
I'm going in, I go in
We gon' cash it out right, cash it out right,cash it out right, hit it
We gon' cash it out right, cash it out right,cash it out right, let's go
We gon' cash it out right, cash it out right,cash it out right, hit it
We gon' cash it out right, cash it out right,cash it out right, let's go
We gon' cash it out right, cash it out right,cash it out right, hit it
We gon' cash it out right, cash it out right,cash it out right, let's go
We gon' cash it out right, cash it out right,cash it out right, hit it
We gon' cash it out right, cash it out right,cash it out right, let's go
In "Frankenstein," DMX delves into his dark side, comparing himself to the monster in Mary Shelley's classic novel. He starts off by acknowledging his rough beginnings and the fact that he is now wreaking havoc in the rap game like a monster. He warns his listeners that if they knew even half of the things he's done, they would be scared. DMX is not afraid to go after what he wants, insisting that he's going to get it no matter what.
In the second verse, DMX returns to his signature rough, aggressive flow, detailing the dangerous lifestyle of gangsters and drug dealers. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared for anything and living life to the fullest. In the final verse, DMX warns anyone who crosses him that they will face the consequences, emphasizing that he is a grown man and will not tolerate disrespect.
Overall, "Frankenstein" is a hard-hitting rap track that explores the darker side of life, with DMX using the monster as a metaphor for his own impact on the industry.
Line by Line Meaning
Started off in the dark and the child I'm playing with
I began in a dark place and now I'm messing around with someone dangerous
Started off at the bark off and I'ma stay with it
I started with the tough stuff and I'm not giving up
Heaven got a dark side, call it a monster
Even good things can have a bad side, and that's what is making me act like a monster
'Cause it comes out in the walls and
My inner monster emerges from within me and affects everything around me
If you had knew half of what I did then you would've bit your heart off
If you found out what I've done, you wouldn't be able to handle it emotionally
And nigga I'ma get you I want it
I'm going to take what I want, no matter what
Run up for your life go on your life
You better run for your life if you want to survive
Whether it's wrong or right it's on tonight
I don't care if what I'm doing is right or wrong, I'm doing it tonight
Hey yo cavy this 20 grand, been for niggas with bandanas
Hey partner, I've got 20 grand for the gangsters with bandanas
Cock a rock hammer, niggas gang bang, pull out and bang bang
I've got a hammer in case of trouble, and we'll shoot if we have to
Wipe it off lick it down, you ready for fame
Let's clean up and make ourselves presentable so we're ready for any opportunity that comes our way
We get to them from the club to the hood
We're able to navigate between the club scene and the rough neighborhood life
After 2 drinks, you're up to no good
After a few drinks, you're bound to get into trouble
It's not a fucking game I sure hope you understood
This isn't a joke, I really hope you understand the seriousness of what we're doing
Dead and you mad knocking on wood
If you end up dead, at least hope for good luck by knocking on wood
You walk these dogs now they got leashes on
You used to have authority over these people, but now they're controlling you
Before your man is a rapper, the pieces on 'em
Before your friend became famous, he was already violent
Got 'em laid up in the casket the grease is on
They ended up dead and now they're covered in funeral oil
Eventually you slow down, the sticks is on 'em
Eventually, you'll calm down and realize the situation you're in
The way you talking to them 'cause we both grown men
You need to speak to us respectfully because we're both adults
Fuck if you want one, I want 10
I don't care if you only want one, I want ten of what you have
And if we got a problem I'ma let you know then
If we have an issue, I'll make sure to confront you about it
I'm going in, I go in
I'm fully committed to this and I'm prepared to take action
We gon' cash it out right, cash it out right,cash it out right, hit it
We're going to get our money and we'll do it in the right way
We gon' cash it out right, cash it out right,cash it out right, let's go
Let's go get our money and make it happen
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: EARL SIMMONS, KANNON CROSS, GREGORY DEMONS FORD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
tarek18dt
Change your lyrics
The accurate ones
[Intro]
ARF, ARF, ARF, ARF (AIYYO!)
[Verse]
Started off in the dark cause a child'll play with it
Started off with the bark, I was wild, I stay with it
Now I got a dark side, they call it a monster
Cause it comes out when it wants ta
If you knew half of what I did the nightmares would haunt ya
And nigga I'ma get ya, I warned ya
AHHH! Run up on ya like I own ya life
Whether it's wrong or right it's on tonight!
[Hook]x2
WE GON' TEAR SHIT UP! (What!) TEAR SHIT UP! (What!)
TEAR SHIT UP! (What!) GET IT!
WE GON' TEAR SHIT UP! (What!) TEAR SHIT UP! (What!)
TEAR SHIT UP! LET'S GO!
[Verse]
Aiyyo Cavi' this joint is bananas
It made for niggaz with bandannas to cock and pop hammers
Niggaz'll gang bang, pull out and bang bang
Wipe it off, break it down, get rid of the thang thang
We gets it in from the club to the hood
And after a few drinks, up to no good
It's not a fuckin game, make sure it's understood
Forget and your man'll be knockin on wood
[Hook]x2
[Verse]
We walk these dogs like we got leashes on 'em
Before your mans is wrapped the police is on 'em
Got him laid up in a casket and the priest is on 'em
Y'all bitch niggaz go down when the streets is on 'em
I be talkin to them, just be bumpin old men
Give a FUCK if you on one, I'm on ten
And if we got a problem I'ma let you know then
And I'm gon' win, cause I go in!
[Hook]x4
credicle
RIP DMX! The realest!
Darrick Meek
Slept on track. This jawn is a banger!
Jill's Sandwiches
I like this track. It kinda has that "It's Dark & Hell Is Hot" sound to it.
cata flore
old school i like it....
tarek18dt
Change your lyrics
The accurate ones
[Intro]
ARF, ARF, ARF, ARF (AIYYO!)
[Verse]
Started off in the dark cause a child'll play with it
Started off with the bark, I was wild, I stay with it
Now I got a dark side, they call it a monster
Cause it comes out when it wants ta
If you knew half of what I did the nightmares would haunt ya
And nigga I'ma get ya, I warned ya
AHHH! Run up on ya like I own ya life
Whether it's wrong or right it's on tonight!
[Hook]x2
WE GON' TEAR SHIT UP! (What!) TEAR SHIT UP! (What!)
TEAR SHIT UP! (What!) GET IT!
WE GON' TEAR SHIT UP! (What!) TEAR SHIT UP! (What!)
TEAR SHIT UP! LET'S GO!
[Verse]
Aiyyo Cavi' this joint is bananas
It made for niggaz with bandannas to cock and pop hammers
Niggaz'll gang bang, pull out and bang bang
Wipe it off, break it down, get rid of the thang thang
We gets it in from the club to the hood
And after a few drinks, up to no good
It's not a fuckin game, make sure it's understood
Forget and your man'll be knockin on wood
[Hook]x2
[Verse]
We walk these dogs like we got leashes on 'em
Before your mans is wrapped the police is on 'em
Got him laid up in a casket and the priest is on 'em
Y'all bitch niggaz go down when the streets is on 'em
I be talkin to them, just be bumpin old men
Give a FUCK if you on one, I'm on ten
And if we got a problem I'ma let you know then
And I'm gon' win, cause I go in!
[Hook]x4
Onaje 10
💪🏾🔥🔥🎤
zachoey79
20% of the lyrics are accurate.
zachoey79
WE GON' TEAR SHIT UP! TEAR SHIT UP! TEAR SHIT UP! Git it! WE GON' TEAR SHIT UP! TEAR SHIT UP! TEAR SHIT UP! LET'S GOOOOOOOO!!!!
MrFreak0r
cash it out right ... am i right? HAHA
Lone Wolf
Better check yourself!!!! Man this 🔥 and my friend you can’t put it out!!!