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".
Get Wild
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All my niggaz all my bitches
Get high get drunk get wild buck fool
You know my style get crunk
Bitches bounce niggaz bounce
Let me give you that funk shit blunt shit
While I make you bang it out your trunk
You cats, talk slick but walk quick when the dog hit
The dog hits coming back to the raw shit
Aww shit they done let me back out the gate
Back out to tape back out to rape
Back off the chains so please back out the way
Before I blow ya back out with this fuckin AK
Don't give a fuck what a nigga say no matter who he sound like
Make sure you know what the rain is but its gonna be coming down like
Cats and dogs hold up it is cats and dogs
Keep fucking with the dog its gonna be cats in the morgue
Twenty- two million sold lets keep it real
Most y'all killers ain't even twenty- two years old
Ain't never felt the cold wet behind the ears
Know what real pain is cried real tears
I go hard bogard and stand my ground
Fuck y'all niggaz it's how its goin down baby
[Hook]
[Verse 2 - Jadakiss]
It just don't look right
Bullshit coke don't cook right
The judge ain't throwin the book right
Should thank the lord that you blew up softy
Don't talk greasy you grew up off me
I ain't letting go of the block
And if I get a good enough grip I ain't lettin go of the lock
If I happen to pinched I ain't goin to shock
I'm gonna to get aquatinted with niggaz in general pop
Stop but don't hate 'cause everybody got a lil blood to donate
Thugs'll go ape the women'll come around
Shortly after that is when the jealousy sets in then they'll shut it down
It's just raspy nothin on the neck wrist ware just classy
No way I'm letting this money just get past me
When all I had to do in the first place from the beginning was get nasty
[Hook]
[Verse 3 - Kartoon]
Niggaz been waitin' for that west coast shit I tell them to go fish
Blowin purple in a purple Laker jersey wit the gold kicks
Bitches be like Toon you a mutha fuckin trip
Hop in the whip and lean til that mutha fucka flip
And every club in Cali crackin' its gangsta town
Keep a couple of niggaz with me that'll bang you down
Now lil mama put switches on and make it jump
Before me you needed Lil Jon to make it crunk
Naw for real come to Cali player take ya pump
My New York niggaz leave y'all wit razor bumps
Now pappa raised a rolling stone I feel like pops
In the absence of Makaveli I feel like Pac
Even though I got the deal I still might pop
Right in front of the po-po you could feel my shots
Man all my niggaz carry bangers we feel like SWAT
And that's the reason why Rialto feel like Watts
[Hook]
In "Get Wild," DMX creates an energetic and explosive atmosphere that encourages his listeners to let go and have a good time. He acknowledges that some people talk tough but can't back it up and that he has achieved success in the rap industry while remaining true to his roots. Jadakiss raps about not letting go of his power and fighting to stay on top in the industry. Kartoon adds his own take on the song, rapping about his experience living and working on the West Coast.
In the opening verse, DMX boasts that he's back in the game and ready to dominate. He warns his enemies to step aside before he unleashes his fury on them with his AK-47. He also takes a shot at younger rappers who claim to be hardcore but lack the experience to back it up. Jadakiss raps about fighting to maintain his status as a top rapper and sticking to his principles despite pressure to conform. Finally, Kartoon boasts about his own toughness and the success he has achieved through hard work.
Line by Line Meaning
All my niggaz all my bitches
DMX is addressing all his friends and acquaintances - both men and women
Get high get drunk get wild buck fool
DMX wants everyone to enjoy themselves and let loose by consuming drugs and alcohol and acting crazy
You know my style get crunk
DMX has a distinct way of getting hyped up and he wants everyone to follow his lead
Bitches bounce niggaz bounce
The women and men in the group should jump around and dance to the music
Let me give you that funk shit blunt shit
DMX is going to provide the crowd with some great music and marijuana
While I make you bang it out your trunk
DMX's music is so good that it will make listeners blast it loudly from their car speakers
You cats, talk slick but walk quick when the dog hit
DMX is calling out the fake people who try to talk tough but back down when confronted
The dog hits coming back to the raw shit
DMX is returning to his roots of raw, hard-hitting rap music
Aww shit they done let me back out the gate
DMX is back on the scene after a brief hiatus and ready to take over again
Back out to tape back out to rape
DMX is releasing a new album and plans to dominate the music industry
Back off the chains so please back out the way
DMX is free and ready to make his comeback heard, so everyone else should make way
Before I blow ya back out with this fuckin AK
DMX is warning people not to mess with him, or he will use his weapon against them
Don't give a fuck what a nigga say no matter who he sound like
DMX doesn't care about anyone's opinion or what their voice sounds like - he's going to do his own thing
Make sure you know what the rain is but its gonna be coming down like
DMX is warning people to prepare for hard times, but he knows his music will still be popular
Cats and dogs hold up it is cats and dogs
DMX is using a metaphor to describe the tough rap industry, highlighting the intense competition
Keep fucking with the dog its gonna be cats in the morgue
DMX is asserting his dominance and warning other rappers that they will be defeated if they keep challenging him
Twenty- two million sold lets keep it real
DMX is celebrating having sold 22 million records and wants to acknowledge his success
Most y'all killers ain't even twenty- two years old
DMX is pointing out that many of his rivals and competitors are much younger and less experienced than he is
Ain't never felt the cold wet behind the ears
DMX is saying that he's been through tough times and has the scars to prove it, while his young rivals have not yet experienced hardship
Know what real pain is cried real tears
DMX has gone through personal pain and hardship, and his music reflects that
I go hard bogard and stand my ground
DMX doesn't back down from any fight and stays true to himself
Fuck y'all niggaz it's how its goin down baby
DMX doesn't care about anyone else's opinions and will do what he wants to do regardless of the consequences
It just don't look right
Jadakiss is saying that something seems off or suspicious
Bullshit coke don't cook right
Jadakiss is criticizing drug dealers for not providing quality cocaine
The judge ain't throwin the book right
Jadakiss is saying that the legal system is corrupt and not serving justice properly
Should thank the lord that you blew up softy
Jadakiss thinks that some rappers didn't face enough opposition and struggle to earn their success
Don't talk greasy you grew up off me
Jadakiss is telling other rappers not to talk badly about him because he paved the way for their success
I ain't letting go of the block
Jadakiss isn't abandoning his hometown or the people who live there
And if I get a good enough grip I ain't lettin go of the lock
Jadakiss is determined to keep control of his life and career
If I happen to pinched I ain't goin to shock
Jadakiss won't be surprised or rattled if he gets into legal trouble
I'm gonna to get aquatinted with niggaz in general pop
Jadakiss is saying that he won't be intimidated by life in jail and will make friends with other inmates
Stop but don't hate 'cause everybody got a lil blood to donate
Jadakiss is saying that everyone has something to give, so don't be jealous and hateful if someone else is successful
Thugs'll go ape the women'll come around
Jadakiss is saying that when men act tough, women are drawn to them
Shortly after that is when the jealousy sets in then they'll shut it down
Jadakiss is saying that other people get jealous and resentful when someone else is successful
It's just raspy nothin on the neck wrist ware just classy
Jadakiss is saying that he doesn't need flashy jewelry to show his success, and his signature raspy voice is enough
No way I'm letting this money just get past me
Jadakiss is determined to hold onto his wealth and not let it slip away
When all I had to do in the first place from the beginning was get nasty
Jadakiss is saying that he only needed to focus on his own strengths and abilities to be successful from the start
Niggaz been waitin' for that west coast shit I tell them to go fish
Kartoon is saying that he doesn't care about other people's expectations or desires, he'll do what he wants
Blowin purple in a purple Laker jersey wit the gold kicks
Kartoon is describing his look and the fact that he's smoking marijuana while wearing a Lakers jersey and gold shoes
Bitches be like Toon you a mutha fuckin trip
Kartoon is saying that women find him attractive and interesting
Hop in the whip and lean til that mutha fucka flip
Kartoon is bragging about his driving skills and saying that he can make the car lean and flip over
And every club in Cali crackin' its gangsta town
Kartoon is saying that California's clubs are really exciting and full of tough people
Keep a couple of niggaz with me that'll bang you down
Kartoon is saying that he has bodyguards who will protect him and fight for him if necessary
Now lil mama put switches on and make it jump
Kartoon is telling women to dance and make their cars' hydraulics jump up and down
Before me you needed Lil Jon to make it crunk
Kartoon is saying that he's so good that people used to need Lil Jon to make a party lively, but now they only need him
Naw for real come to Cali player take ya pump
Kartoon is challenging other rappers to come to California and face him and his friends without their weapons
My New York niggaz leave y'all wit razor bumps
Kartoon is saying that his friends from New York will beat up and intimidate their rivals
Now pappa raised a rolling stone I feel like pops
Kartoon is saying that he is like his father, who was a successful musician, and feels like a legend
In the absence of Makaveli I feel like Pac
Kartoon is saying that he is the best rapper alive, and that even Tupac, who was a legendary rapper, would approve
Even though I got the deal I still might pop
Kartoon is saying that even though he's famous and successful, he is still involved in violence and crime
Right in front of the po-po you could feel my shots
Kartoon is saying that he doesn't care if the police are watching, he'll still shoot his gun
Man all my niggaz carry bangers we feel like SWAT
Kartoon is saying that he and his friends all have guns and feel like the police SWAT team
And that's the reason why Rialto feel like Watts
Kartoon is saying that his hometown feels like a rough, violent area, like Watts in Los Angeles
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: T FRANKLIN, JASON PHILLIPS, JASON T PHILLIPS, EARL SIMMONS, TREVOR SMITH, SCOTT STORCH, SCOTT SPENCER STORCH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@awep
Rest in peace my childhood hero.. you will never be forgotten!
@CrazyLuch1
#ANDALLGODZCHILDRENSAID #AMEN
@salimsaindou9147
β@@CrazyLuch11qπ
@ferdinandchaupin1244
Really miss this Era. You are dope if you are listenning to this in 2023...Real hip hop never die
@emmanuelgomes8286
2024
@SouthCentralChannel
its 7 years ago ? this aint the golden days
@oldschoolhiphop8976
14 fucking years now !
@pietro0021
Now 15
@KRAWofficial
17 now...
@AERO_HDT
You don't see energy like this anymore. RIP Dark Man X