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 ↴
(What, what, what?)
Like bad guys?
Hey yo boo, why do good girls like bad guys?
Knowin that bad guys tell mad lies?
And why do dog niggaz want a honey wit class?
Sometimes you want more than just a honey wit ass
Hey yo, who would ever think that the two would go good
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, 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? Hittin' it raw dogg 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 niggaz 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 niggaz 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, make me backflip
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 niggaz 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 niggaz 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, but 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 niggaz 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 niggaz 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?
c'mon, yeah, I like that
C'mon, wha-what?
Yeah yeah, DMX
Dyme, baby girl
Ruff ryder, uhh, yeah
Reply, reply all
In "Good Girls Bad Guys," DMX and Cam'ron contemplate why good girls are attracted to bad guys, even though they know these men are prone to telling lies. The song is structured as a conversation between the two rappers, where they discuss their experiences with women who are drawn to the danger associated with their lifestyles. Throughout the lyrics, they explore the dynamic of wanting more than just a physical connection, discussing the tension between class and sexuality.
The first verse sees Cam'ron questioning why women are interested in men who are known to tell lies. He theorizes that it's because sometimes they want more than just a man with a good body. The second verse is from DMX's perspective, where he is trying to attract a more "uptown" woman while being honest about his "hood" background. He expresses that he wants to treat her well, but also desires a sexual relationship with her. Throughout the song, the two rappers discuss the complex reasons behind why women are attracted to "bad" men, ultimately concluding that there is no universal answer.
Overall, "Good Girls Bad Guys" presents a nuanced discussion of the intersection of class, gender, and sexuality. DMX and Cam'ron highlight the complexity of romantic relationships and demonstrate empathy for both sides of the equation. The song's unique structure allows for a dialogue that is both engaging and thought-provoking.
Line by Line Meaning
Why do good girls
Questioning the attraction of good girls to bad guys
(What, what, what?)
Vocal expression of confusion or disbelief
Like bad guys?
Asking why good girls seem to be drawn to bad guys
Hey yo boo, why do good girls like bad guys?
Reiterating the question asked at the beginning of the song
Knowin that bad guys tell mad lies?
Pointing out that bad guys are known to be liars
And why do dog niggaz want a honey wit class?
Asking why guys from the hood want a girl with class
Sometimes you want more than just a honey wit ass
Expressing that sometimes guys want more than just a girl with a nice body
Hey yo, who would ever think that the two would go good
Expressing surprise at the compatibility of a good girl and a guy from the hood
Midtown honey, nigga from the hood
Describing the pairing of a girl from a more upscale area and a guy from the hood
But knock on wood, I got this bitch, what? Excuse me
Referring to the girl he's with, but correcting himself for using the derogatory term 'bitch'
She don't like to be called a bitch, try not to lose me
Apologizing for using the derogatory term and asking the listener to understand
The rules we go by, where I'm from, she don't know
Explaining that the girl he's with is not familiar with the rules of his environment
When I say I'm goin' around the way, she won't go
Noting that his girlfriend doesn't feel comfortable going to his neighborhood
Hell no! c'mon baby, you aight with me
Reassuring her that he's okay with her not wanting to go to his neighborhood
Tryin' to get you, to spend the whole night with me
Asking her to spend the night with him
But I'm a good girl, that's why I like her
Explaining that he likes her because she's a good girl
Couldn't treat her like a hoodrat, didn't bite her
Not wanting to treat her like a typical girl from the hood and being respectful to her
Turn a church girl to a straight ruff ryder
Bringing out a more adventurous and rebellious side in her
Take her to the Ramada make it an all nighter
Taking her to a hotel for a night of pleasure
Oh no, I only go to the Swiss Hotel
Refusing to go to a cheaper hotel and preferring a more upscale one
Fuckin' with me? I have you in the back of the Chevelle
Warning that if she cheats on him, he would punish her by having sex with her in the back of his car
Like what? Hittin' it raw dogg in the butt
Talking about having unprotected anal sex with her
You was good this mornin', but tonight you a slut
Insinuating that she might become promiscuous as the night goes on
Hey yo boo, why do good girls like bad guys
Reiterating the song's central question
Then why do dog niggaz want a honey wit class?
Asking why guys from the hood tend to want a girl with some level of sophistication
Hey yo boo, I'm diggin' you, 'cause you make me wanna do
Expressing that he likes and is attracted to her
All them things I was taught I wasn't supposed to
Admitting that he's tempted to do things he knows he shouldn't do
I'm secure, keep it tight while you on tour
Promising to be faithful while he's away on tour
You fuckin' wit a dog! That's why I'm feelin' you more
Admitting that he has some dog-like qualities and is therefore drawn to her
Attractive to me, wit yo' tactics, hit it like, make me backflip
Praising her sexual skills and saying that she makes him feel amazing
You been tryin' to act, rich, that's why I taxed you
Poking fun at her for trying to act wealthy and jokingly requesting money from her
And I just got married, hell but I ain't even ask you
Casually mentioning that he got married, but not caring about her opinion
I'm just tellin' you, 'cause nowadays, bitches be flippin'
Explaining that he's informing her of his marriage because some girls might react negatively
One more bitch, I'm skippin', damn girl, stop trippin'
Saying that he would leave her if she starts acting jealous or controlling
'Cause you be actin' like, listen, I ain't always talkin' money
Addressing the girl's perceived obsession with money
But I will keep you wit a smile, and walkin' funny
Promising to satisfy her sexually and make her happy
So what's it gon' be? Yo, what you mean? What to do?
Asking her to make a decision on whether she wants to stay with him or not
You want the nigga wit the slacks, or the jeans and the boots?
Asking her to choose between a guy wearing more formal attire or a more casual outfit
You wanna be safe or be laced, 'cause you can be replaced
Asking her whether she wants to play it safe and stay with him or take a risk with someone else
Yeah, you can be erased
Saying that he's willing to replace her if necessary
Don't get slapped, babyface
Warning her not to say or do anything that would make him angry
Man, I got shorty stayin' out late, well I keep him wit a cut
Boasting about another guy staying out late with him and that he's given him a haircut
And his nails stay clean, but at least I get a nut
Jokingly saying that he's only interested in sex with the guy he mentioned
And I got honey rebellin' and I stopped him from sellin'
Saying that he's influenced someone else to stop selling drugs
I be gettin' away with murder, right? Shit, I ain't tellin'
Admitting that he's doing some illegal or immoral activities but refusing to say more
Straight out the hood, yeah, nigga you get mushy
Admitting that even guys from the hood can have a soft side
I got honey suckin' dick and I got you eatin' pussy
Comparing the sexual activities of a girl he's with to that of someone else
I can be good in a bad way, I can be bad in a good way
Saying that he has the ability to be both good and bad depending on the situation
Girl, you ain't the same dog, that's what them rats in the hood say
Saying that the girl has changed or is different from her previous image
Or would say, if you was around them more often
Speculating on what people from her previous environment would say
I got honey smokin' weed, it be havin' me coughin'
Admitting that he smokes weed with someone who makes him cough
She keep the dog on the leash when we walk in the streets
Saying that the girl he's with is cautious and always keeps him in check
And if y'all think it's sweet, then the dog's off the leash
Saying that if anyone thinks they can take advantage of him, he would become aggressive
Now I don't want no drama, wit no baby's mama
Saying that he doesn't want any problems with a woman who has his child
I might be a good girl, but I keeps the armor
Saying that while he might be a good girl, he's not naive and always remains ready for anything
Girl, you off the hook, but at least now I know why
Saying that the girl is free to do whatever she wants, but he now understands why good girls like bad guys
Good girls like bad guys
Repeating the song's central idea
c'mon, yeah, I like that
Showing approval of the song's message
C'mon, wha-what?
Vocal expression of excitement or anticipation
Yeah yeah, DMX
Self-introduction
Dyme, baby girl
Introducing the featured artist Cam'ron
Ruff ryder, uhh, yeah
Representing his music collective Ruff Ryders
Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: EARL SIMMONS, ANTHONY FIELDS, AISHA DAIMAH HASSAN, IDRISSA NAIMAH HASSAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind