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".
Freestyle
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Niggaz gettin trampled on, what's all the fuss about?
Suckin my dick so hard, I'm bustin in they mouth
And then I snuff em out, four to the mid', f**k what I did
With no regard for a bid, ripped you up, while you wit your kid
Slid into the shadows, cause I'm dark like that
I bark like that, jet black, but I spark like that
Where are they at, when I get thirsty, shit
Bits, and pieces are all thats that left
Niggaz so scared to death, they hold they motherf**kin breath
Til I pass, cause they asked/assed, and I smelled em
The s-p-e-l-l-e-d t-h-e-m, I spelled em
To make me have to swell one, eye up, lump up one head
Catch a body with the shottie, pump up one dead
Red alert, niggaz is about to get hurt, do work
To skirts, like a jag on the merk, arf
Night time is the right time for creepin
Vandalize your crib, rape your wife while she's sleepin
I been off the deep end, since I was semen
That's why now, I'm such a motherf**kin demon!
Screamin, my bloody head off, shit on my mind I gotsta get off
Can't even hold a joint, lest I let off
A couple of rounds, from the big three pound, seven
That's about eleven hundred as of now
How-can-one-man-kill-so-many-and
The-sin-be-plenty-before-the-age-of-20 *sing-song like nice and smooth*
Life ain't worth a penny in, my book faggot
That's why I took faggot shit, I'm a crook faggot
Fat loops leather jackets, I bag it, along with
The jewels smackin tools out the hands of fools
On the strength that they don't know what they holdin
Niggaz caught me tail end cause the weight that I be sewin
Shit up cause I get up, off my ass and skate
Makin more moves than u-haul, from state to state
I speak the great, and if a nigga tells you different
You turn around you ask the nigga, "the f**k is you be sniffin? "
Cause when it come to riffin, I am the riff raffin
Gots to say nuttin, niggaz know they get had
Motherf**ker, funk flex, volume three, the final chapter
Ruff ryders, irv gotti, def jam..
Right here, where my dogs at?
Got them all for you baby I got them all
I gots them all..
The lyrics to DMX's "Freestyle" depict a violent and aggressive mentality towards those who oppose him. The first stanza is about his sexual prowess and how he can easily overpower and eliminate his enemies. He boasts about his power, lack of regret for his actions, and how he has the ability to go unnoticed. In the second stanza, DMX continues with his theme of violence, expressing his disregard for life and his criminal actions. He brags about his ability to steal from others and the fear he provokes them to feel. Furthermore, he talks about his personal troubles and how they fuel his destructive tendencies. The last few lines are a shoutout to his fellow rappers, promoters, and record labels.
While the lyrics of "Freestyle" are disturbing, they paint a picture of DMX's gritty and rebellious persona, which later became his trademark. His confrontational style and raw intensity resonated with audiences and contributed to his success as an artist. The song also gives insights into DMX's troubled upbringing, struggles with addiction and crime, and how he channeled his pain into his music.
Line by Line Meaning
Niggaz gettin trampled on, what's all the fuss about?
I don't care about stepping on other people or causing chaos, so why is anyone making a big deal out of it?
Suckin my dick so hard, I'm bustin in they mouth
Some people try so hard to please me that I can easily take advantage of them.
And then I snuff em out, four to the mid', f**k what I did
I'll take someone out without a second thought, even if it ends up causing harm to their family.
With no regard for a bid, ripped you up, while you wit your kid
I don't care if someone has a family or responsibilities, I'll still hurt them if they cross me.
Slid into the shadows, cause I'm dark like that
I like to remain hidden and maintain a dangerous reputation.
I bark like that, jet black, but I spark like that
I might seem like a brute, but I'm actually quite cunning and dangerous.
Where are they at, when I get thirsty, shit
People only pretend to be my friends when they want something from me, but disappear when I need them.
Ain't a nigga strong enough to stand the worst it gets
I'm so brutal that even the toughest people can't handle what I do.
Bits, and pieces are all thats that left
I don't leave any survivors or traces behind after an attack.
Niggaz so scared to death, they hold they motherf**kin breath
People are terrified of me and are always on edge around me.
Til I pass, cause they asked/assed, and I smelled em
People are so afraid of me that they hold their breath until I am far away, and I can sense their fear.
The s-p-e-l-l-e-d t-h-e-m, I spelled em
I spelled out the secrets of those who crossed me, revealing them for the world to see.
To make me have to swell one, eye up, lump up one head
If someone tries to challenge me, I'll violently beat them and make an example out of them.
Catch a body with the shottie, pump up one dead
I'm not afraid to use lethal force and kill someone if they cross me.
Red alert, niggaz is about to get hurt, do work
People should be on high alert when I'm around, because violence could break out at any time.
To skirts, like a jag on the merk, arf
I'm a predator and I'll use violence to intimidate and control others.
Night time is the right time for creepin
I'm most active and dangerous at night when I can blend into the shadows.
Vandalize your crib, rape your wife while she's sleepin
I'm capable of committing unspeakable crimes without any remorse or empathy.
I been off the deep end, since I was semen
I've been a violent and dangerous person since birth.
That's why now, I'm such a motherf**kin demon!
I'm so violent and dangerous that I might as well be considered a demon.
Screamin, my bloody head off, shit on my mind I gotsta get off
I'm constantly consumed by violent thoughts and emotions, and need to release them somehow.
Can't even hold a joint, lest I let off
I'm so unpredictable and violent that I can't even relax and smoke weed without risking hurting someone.
A couple of rounds, from the big three pound, seven
I have a powerful gun that I'm not afraid to use to kill anyone who crosses me.
That's about eleven hundred as of now
My gun is so powerful that each bullet is worth a lot of money in terms of the damage it can do.
How-can-one-man-kill-so-many-and
I'm capable of causing so much destruction and harm that it's unbelievable.
The-sin-be-plenty-before-the-age-of-20 *sing-song like nice and smooth*
I've committed countless sins and violent acts before the age of 20, and am proud of it.
Life ain't worth a penny in, my book faggot
I have no empathy or value for human life.
That's why I took faggot shit, I'm a crook faggot
I'm a criminal and will take whatever I want from whoever I want, regardless of their gender or identity.
Fat loops leather jackets, I bag it, along with
I'm a thief and will steal anything valuable I can get my hands on, like expensive clothing.
The jewels smackin tools out the hands of fools
I'll use violence to take valuable items from those who don't know how to protect themselves.
On the strength that they don't know what they holdin
I take advantage of people's ignorance or naivety to steal from them.
Niggaz caught me tail end cause the weight that I be sewin
People don't realize the full extent of what I'm capable of because I keep my violence hidden and under the radar.
Shit up cause I get up, off my ass and skate
I'm always on the move and ready to cause chaos, never letting my guard down.
Makin more moves than u-haul, from state to state
I'm always on the move and never stay in one place for too long in order to avoid being caught by the authorities or other rival gangs.
I speak the great, and if a nigga tells you different
I'm powerful and influential, and anyone who disagrees is foolish or ignorant.
You turn around you ask the nigga, "the f**k is you be sniffin? "
If someone disagrees with me, they must be on drugs or crazy.
Cause when it come to riffin, I am the riff raffin
I'm the best at being violent and causing chaos, and no one can match my skills in that regard.
Gots to say nuttin, niggaz know they get had
People know better than to cross me or speak out against me, because they'll suffer the consequences.
Motherf**ker, funk flex, volume three, the final chapter
This is my final message of violence and chaos.
Ruff ryders, irv gotti, def jam..
I'm affiliated with violent and dangerous groups and labels.
Right here, where my dogs at?
I'm asking where my crew is, so we can cause chaos and violence together.
Got them all for you baby I got them all
I have plenty of violent and dangerous people at my disposal who will do anything I say.
I gots them all..
I'm the leader and controller of a powerful and dangerous group of thugs and criminals.
Contributed by Kaelyn T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
John 14:6 Muay Thai
The true gospel is the good news of the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. In other words, it is concerning who Christ is and what He did to save His elect only. The gospel includes the how and why, which can only be seen by faith.
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It is a message that declares how the eternal Son of God came down, took on a body of sinless flesh (John 1:14) as He was born of a virgin (Mat 1:23). He was both God and man in one Person.
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He was born under the Law to keep and fulfill itΒ Β (Mat 5:18, Gal 4:4). He did that, not for Himself, but for all those He represented because they could not keep it themselves. The word of God calls these people the elect or His sheep, among several other names.
Β
His obedient life also included the part of dying. He took on the sin of His people as both a Substitute and Representative of those people. The Bible said He was "made to be sin" (II Cor 5:21) and the way that was done is by God imputing (legally reckoned or charged to the account of) sin to Christ. That means all the sin of all those people God chose was "laid on Him" (Isaiah 53:6). This sin was legally transferred to His account and He then owned it in such a way to be guilty of it all.
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God the Father poured out His wrath and hatred toward sin on His Son and had pleasure (Isaiah 53:10) in doing so, in that, He was completely satisfied in Christ as a Sacrifice that met all the demands of His strict Law and inflexible justice. Christ finished the work of paying the penalty of the Law and then said " It is finished" (John 19:30). He secured salvation for all Godβs chosen people that would even be born. His resurrection is evidence of the acceptance of His sacrifice to the Father.
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The combined work of His obedience to the Law and His obedience unto death on the cross was considered establishing righteousness. This is what one of the Old Testament prophets prophesied as "bringing in an everlasting righteousness" (Daniel 9:24) as Christ died effectually and exclusively for those chosen of God before the world began (Eph 1:4).
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This righteousness is what God imputes to His people in the context of giving the life to believe in Christ. This puts them in a state called "Justification" and as a result they are eternally secure, in Christ. This is the gospel (Rom 1:16-17).
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All this takes place in such a way to show God as both a God of justice and a Savior. This is how grace reigns through righteousness (Rom 5:21)
Stone Cold
So much passion in this dude.. He didn't miss a beat. He is real hip hop.
Charise Shelton
@Joshua Gumpert EAST & WEST COAST WNTIRE WORLDππ₯ΊβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈπ REST IN HEAVEN Dπππ
Lloyd Banks
@Jana L That is one thing that also told me he is living and breathing this shit man he let's his mind fully do the work and his voice
Jana L
He loves his music with a passion. Look how he keeps his eyes closed so much.
Gina Jones Channel
He's the shit. Idgaf what he smoke lol
RL Cross World
@wombatrol doesn't look like, let's also keep it real. π―
Jameson Whittier
I'm always impressed how legendary rappers remember all the words to their own songs.
D Mas
Me also
HAYLO TROUTMAN
@Shaneika J. EXACTLY! π
Joe Doe
Yep and that's the beauty of it allllll!!