Earl Simmons (December 18, 1970 - April 9, 2021), better known by his stage… Read Full Bio ↴Earl Simmons (December 18, 1970 - April 9, 2021), better known by his stage name DMX (Dark Man X), was an American rapper from Yonkers, New York and actor signed to Ruff Ryders Entertainment. In 1998 he released his debut solo album, It's Dark and Hell Is Hot, and has since released 1998's Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood, 1999's ...And Then There Was X, 2001's The Great Depression, 2003's Grand Champ and 2006's Year of the Dog...Again.

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".

Get Your Money Up
DMX Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Fuck if you want nigga, I gots to let you know
I got them things that will get you going nigga
When it's on nigga, they call a backfire
The air nigga south, it's like a flat tire
We some grown men with some close shit
With something that's best to leave the fuck a lone shit
We get it all quick, you know what type of shit this is
'Cause we ain't getting crunk 'cause we don't leave no witnesses

Fuck you to the judge fuck you to the police,
Fuck a snitch in the fucking ass with no grease
We don't want no peace, war till we die
And we gon' get it in till we fall and fly

Get your money up, get your paper right
Get your money up, get your paper right
Get your money up, get your paper right
Or watch these niggas do their things for real, alright?
Get your money up, get your paper right
Get your money up, get your paper right
Get your money up, get your paper right
Or watch these niggas do their things for real, alright?

Back on the grind, back on the clock,
Coming back for mine, back on the block
The killers are back with the glock, stick niggas up
Hear that meat wagon,come and pick niggas up
What nigga, what, the people digging your mouth
I'm from New York but I'm still the shit in the south
Motherfuckas don't wantuh bother dog,and I ain't no-for all of y'all
Look shit now here gonna change nigga for real
Red dot on your brain nigga for real
I ain't got time for the bullshit, niggas is muts I'm a full pit an original

Get your money up, get your paper right
Get your money up, get your paper right
Get your money up, get your paper right
Or watch these niggas do their things for real, alright?
Get your money up, get your paper right
Get your money up, get your paper right

Get your money up, get your paper right
Or watch these niggas do their things for real, alright?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of DMX's song, Get Money freestyle, depict the life of a rapper who has made it big and is now advising others to do the same. DMX begins by telling the listeners that he has the means to get them going, but also warns them that things can backfire, leaving them stranded without any means to move forward. He then shifts the focus to the life of a grown man who has moved past the childish things of his youth, and advises that it's best for others to steer clear of such behaviour. Instead, they should work hard to get what they want quickly, and they need to be prepared to fight to get it.

The chorus of the song reinforces the idea that the only way to succeed is to get your money up and your paper right. In other words, you need to work hard, stay focused, and be determined to succeed. If you don't, you'll be left behind and forced to watch others do their thing while you remain stagnant. He repeats the verse, "get your money up, get your paper right," to emphasize the importance of this message.

Throughout the song, DMX uses language and metaphors that speak to his life experiences as a rapper, and the realities of his environment. He mentions the police and judges, as well as having a red dot on someone's brain, which is a reference to the laser sight on a gun. The lyrics paint a picture of a man who has been through a lot and is offering advice to others so they can avoid some of the same pitfalls.

Line by Line Meaning

Fuck if you want nigga, I gots to let you know
I don't care what you think, but I have to tell you that I have what you need

I got them things that will get you going nigga
I have what you need to get started and succeed

When it's on nigga, they call a backfire
When things get intense, there can be consequences

The air nigga south, it's like a flat tire
The environment is tough and can bring you down

We some grown men with some close shit
We are mature individuals with important things to deal with

With something that's best to leave the fuck a lone shit
We have something valuable that is best to keep to ourselves

We get it all quick, you know what type of shit this is
We are efficient and we know how to get what we want

'Cause we ain't getting crunk 'cause we don't leave no witnesses
We don't need to be hyped up to get work done because we do it quietly and without drawing attention

Fuck you to the judge fuck you to the police,
We have no respect for the criminal justice system

Fuck a snitch in the fucking ass with no grease
We have zero tolerance for snitches and they will be punished severely

We don't want no peace, war till we die
We are not interested in peace, we want to fight until the end

And we gon' get it in till we fall and fly
We will keep pushing until we succeed, even if it means falling or rising to new heights

Back on the grind, back on the clock,
We are working hard and putting in the hours

Coming back for mine, back on the block
We are going to reclaim what's ours and get back to business

The killers are back with the glock, stick niggas up
We are powerful and will use our weapons to get what we want

Hear that meat wagon,come and pick niggas up
We are not afraid to use violence and will not hesitate to dispose of our enemies

What nigga, what, the people digging your mouth
We will shut up anyone who tries to interfere with us

I'm from New York but I'm still the shit in the south
I am respected and powerful no matter where I go

Motherfuckas don't wantuh bother dog,and I ain't no-for all of y'all
People know not to mess with us, and we are not afraid to take on anyone who crosses us

Look shit now here gonna change nigga for real
Things are about to change and they will change drastically

Red dot on your brain nigga for real
You are in serious danger and we will not hesitate to harm you

I ain't got time for the bullshit, niggas is muts I'm a full pit an original
I don't have time for nonsense, I am strong and unique while others are weak and unoriginal

Get your money up, get your paper right
Focus on making money and getting your financial situation in order

Or watch these niggas do their things for real, alright?
Otherwise, be prepared to witness and feel the power of those who have their finances figured out

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: EARL SIMMONS, NAKI LEVY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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