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".
Good Girls Bad Guys
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hey yo boo, why do (good girls) like bad guys?
Knowin' that bad guys tell mad lies?
(And why do) Dog niggas (want a honey wit class?)
(Sometimes you want more than just a honey wit ass)
Uh, uh
Midtown honey, nigga from the hood
But knock on wood, I got this bitch (what?) excuse me
She don't like to be called a bitch, try not to lose me
The rules we go by, where I'm from, she don't know
When I say I'm goin' around the way, she won't go
(Hell no) C'mon baby, you aight with me
Tryin' to get you, to spend the whole night with me
(But I'm a good girl) Uhh, that's why I like her
Couldn't treat her like a hoodrat, didn't bite her
Turn a church girl to a straight Ruff Ryder
Take her to the Ramada make it an all nighter
(Oh no, I only go to the Swiss hotel)
Fuckin' with me? I have you in the back of the Chevelle
Like what (what) hittin' it raw dog in the butt
You was good this mornin, but tonight you a slut
Why do (good girls) like bad guys
Knowin' that bad guys tell mad lies?
(And why do) Dog niggas (want a honey wit class?)
(Sometimes you want more than just a honey wit ass)
Hey yo boo, why do (good girls) like bad guys
Knowin' that bad guys tell mad lies?
(Then why do) Dog niggas (want a honey wit class?)
(Sometimes you want more than just a honey wit ass)
Hey yo boo, I'm diggin' you, 'cause you make me wanna do
All them things I was taught I wasn't supposed to
I'm secure, keep it tight while you on tour
(You fuckin' wit a dog!) That's why I'm feelin' you more
Attractive to me, wit yo' tactics
Hit it like ah! Make me back flip
(You been tryin' to act, rich, that's why I taxed you and I just got married)
Hell, but I ain't even ask you
(I'm just tellin' you, 'cause nowadays, bitches be flippin')
One more bitch, I'm skippin' (Damn girl, stop trippin')
'Cause you be actin' like
(Listen, I ain't always talkin' money
But I will keep you wit a smile, and walkin' funny
So what's it gon' be?) Yo, what you mean? (What to do?
You want the nigga wit the slacks, or the jeans and the boots?
You wanna be safe or be laced, 'cause you can be replaced)
Yeah, you can be erased
(Don't get slapped, babyface)
Why do (good girls) like bad guys
Knowin' that bad guys tell mad lies?
(And why do) Dog niggas (want a honey wit class?)
(Sometimes you want more than just a honey wit ass)
Hey yo boo, why do (good girls) like bad guys
Knowin' that bad guys tell mad lies?
(Then why do) Dog niggas (want a honey wit class?)
(Sometimes you want more than just a honey wit ass)
Man, I got shorty stayin' out late (Well I keep him wit a cut
And his nails stay clean) At least I get a nut
And I got honey rebellin' (And I stopped him from sellin')
I be gettin' away with murder, right? (shit, I ain't tellin')
Straight out the hood (yeah, nigga you get mushy)
I got honey suckin' dick (and I got you eatin' pussy)
I can be good in a bad way (I can be bad in a good way)
Girl, you ain't the same dog (that's what them rats in the hood say
Or would say, if you was around them more often)
I got honey smokin' weed (it be havin' me coughin')
She keep the dog on the leash (when we walk in the streets)
And if y'all think it's sweet (then the dog's off the leash
Now I don't want no drama, wit no baby's mama
I might be a good girl, but I keeps the armor)
Girl, you off the hook, but at least now I know why
Good girls like bad guys
Why do (good girls) like bad guys
Knowin' that bad guys tell mad lies?
(And why do) Dog niggas (want a honey wit class?)
(Sometimes you want more than just a honey wit ass)
Hey yo boo, why do (good girls) like bad guys
Knowin' that bad guys tell mad lies?
(Then why do) Dog niggas (want a honey wit class?)
(Sometimes you want more than just a honey wit ass)
Why do good girls (what what what) like bad guys?
Why do good girls (what what what) like bad guys?
Why do good girls (what what what) like bad guys?
Why do good girls (what what what) like bad guys?
Uhh, uhh
C'mon, yeah, I like that
C'mon, wha wha what
Yeah yeah, DMX
Dyme, baby girl
Ruff Ryder, uhh, yeah
The song "Good Girls Bad Guys" by DMX is a commentary on the perplexing phenomenon of good girls being attracted to bad guys. The lyrics suggest that even though they know bad guys tell lies and can't be trusted, these girls still choose to be with them. DMX raps about his own experience with a good girl from midtown who he is attracted to, but who doesn't know the rules he lives by in his neighborhood. He resists turning her into a hoodrat and instead makes her a Ruff Ryder. The song also touches on issues such as class and money, as well as the different ways good girls can be bad in their attraction to bad guys.
The songs' lyrics are a reflection of DMX's own life experiences. Growing up in the rough neighborhoods of Yonkers, NY, DMX became involved in drug sales and robbery. He struggled with addiction for much of his life and had several run-ins with the law. The lyrics in "Good Girls Bad Guys" reflect the complexity of relationships between men and women in the context of a harsh inner-city environment.
Line by Line Meaning
Why do good girls (what what what) like bad guys?
DMX wonders why good girls are often attracted to bad guys.
Hey yo boo, why do (good girls) like bad guys?
DMX asks this question to his lover.
Knowin' that bad guys tell mad lies?
DMX is aware that bad guys are liars.
(And why do) Dog niggas (want a honey wit class?)
DMX questions why guys from the streets are interested in classy women.
(Sometimes you want more than just a honey wit ass)
DMX suggests that sometimes guys want more than just a pretty face or body.
Hey yo, who would ever think that the two would go good
DMX muses on the unlikely pairing of a Midtown honey and a street guy.
Midtown honey, nigga from the hood
DMX describes the two people in the unlikely couple.
But knock on wood, I got this bitch (what?) excuse me
DMX talks about his girlfriend and corrects himself for calling her a bitch.
She don't like to be called a bitch, try not to lose me
DMX notes that his girlfriend is not comfortable being called a derogatory term.
The rules we go by, where I'm from, she don't know
DMX acknowledges that his girlfriend is not familiar with the street rules.
When I say I'm goin' around the way, she won't go
DMX's girlfriend refuses to go to the street area with him.
(Hell no) C'mon baby, you aight with me
DMX reassures his girlfriend that he still likes her despite their differences.
Tryin' to get you, to spend the whole night with me
DMX wants to spend more time with his girlfriend.
(But I'm a good girl) Uhh, that's why I like her
DMX is attracted to his girlfriend because she is a good girl.
Couldn't treat her like a hoodrat, didn't bite her
DMX treats his girlfriend with respect and didn't mistreat her.
Turn a church girl to a straight Ruff Ryder
DMX can transform a good girl into something tougher.
Take her to the Ramada make it an all nighter
DMX wants to spend the whole night with his girlfriend at a hotel.
(Oh no, I only go to the Swiss hotel)
DMX's girlfriend refuses to go to low-end hotels and only goes to nicer ones.
Fuckin' with me? I have you in the back of the Chevelle
DMX can be aggressive in bed.
Like what (what) hittin' it raw dog in the butt
DMX describes a sexual act that could be painful.
You was good this mornin, but tonight you a slut
DMX comments on his girlfriend's change in behavior.
Hey yo boo, I'm diggin' you, 'cause you make me wanna do
DMX is attracted to his girlfriend.
All them things I was taught I wasn't supposed to
DMX is doing things he wouldn't normally do for his girlfriend.
I'm secure, keep it tight while you on tour
DMX feels secure in his relationship and trusts his girlfriend.
(You fuckin' wit a dog!) That's why I'm feelin' you more
DMX is proud of his street status and likes his girlfriend more because she accepts him for who he is.
Attractive to me, wit yo' tactics
DMX finds his girlfriend's actions attractive.
Hit it like ah! Make me back flip
DMX enjoys having sex with his girlfriend.
(You been tryin' to act, rich, that's why I taxed you and I just got married)
DMX accuses his girlfriend of trying to act rich and reveals that he recently got married.
Hell, but I ain't even ask you
DMX admits to not asking his girlfriend's opinion about his marriage.
(I'm just tellin' you, 'cause nowadays, bitches be flippin')
DMX justifies his behavior because he thinks women are being unfaithful nowadays.
One more bitch, I'm skippin' (Damn girl, stop trippin')
DMX plans to leave his girlfriend if she acts up more.
('Cause you be actin' like)
DMX explains his reasoning for thinking that his girlfriend is acting up.
(Listen, I ain't always talkin' money
DMX wants his girlfriend to know that he's not always talking about money.
But I will keep you wit a smile, and walkin' funny
DMX brags about his skills in bed.
So what's it gon' be?) Yo, what you mean? (What to do?
DMX is asking his girlfriend to make a decision regarding their relationship.
You want the nigga wit the slacks, or the jeans and the boots?
DMX is asking his girlfriend to decide what type of man she wants.
You wanna be safe or be laced, 'cause you can be replaced
DMX warns his girlfriend that she can be replaced if she doesn't comply.
Yeah, you can be erased
DMX reiterates that his girlfriend is expendable.
(Don't get slapped, babyface)
DMX warns his girlfriend to not get hit.
Man, I got shorty stayin' out late (Well I keep him wit a cut
DMX boasts about keeping a man out late and making him feel good.
And his nails stay clean) At least I get a nut
DMX brags about satisfying his partner.
And I got honey rebellin' (And I stopped him from sellin')
DMX convinces his girlfriend that he has control over his peers.
I be gettin' away with murder, right? (shit, I ain't tellin')
DMX brags about getting away with bad behavior.
Straight out the hood (yeah, nigga you get mushy)
DMX is from a bad area, but he can be romantic.
I got honey suckin' dick (and I got you eatin' pussy)
DMX boasts about his sexual conquests.
I can be good in a bad way (I can be bad in a good way)
DMX can be good or bad depending on the situation.
Girl, you ain't the same dog (that's what them rats in the hood say
DMX thinks his girlfriend isn't like the other girls in the hood.
Or would say, if you was around them more often)
DMX thinks his girlfriend can't relate to the other girls from the hood.
I got honey smokin' weed (it be havin' me coughin')
DMX brags about his girlfriend smoking weed with him.
She keep the dog on the leash (when we walk in the streets)
DMX's girlfriend keeps him under control when they are walking in the streets.
And if y'all think it's sweet (then the dog's off the leash
DMX warns other people that he will get aggressive if they mess with him or his girlfriend.
Now I don't want no drama, wit no baby's mama
DMX wants to avoid any issues with a previous girlfriend.
I might be a good girl, but I keeps the armor)
DMX wants his girlfriend to know that he can protect her despite his rough exterior.
Girl, you off the hook, but at least now I know why
DMX has interpreted his girlfriend's behavior and now understands why she is acting the way she is.
Good girls like bad guys
DMX concludes that good girls are often attracted to bad guys.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Aisha Sparks, Anthony Fields, Earl Simmons, Idrissa Naimah Hassan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind