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".
Gotti Style
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What
Niggaz don't want it
Yeah
Ja Rule
DMX
Def Jam niggaz hah
Mutherfuckers better stay the fuck out of our way
We doin this shit straight gangsta style, Gotti style nigga
Fuck y'all
Uh, uh, uh
Ja's the torture
The high class, toss to D
Grimy and gritty, outter limits in this inner city
Niggaz is definately assed-out, fuckin wit me
End up wit a gun in your mouth, straight cheese
I should bust em
Cuz see me killin you don't mean nothin
I'll put you through a lifetime of sufferin nigga
Then you'll learn that bridges ain't made to be burned
Drug money is rightfully earned, well deserved
Some rules just think, are fit for takes
And Ja's rules make em large, that you fatefully break
Unless you wanna get spanked, with the 9 fully loaded
We can murder each other, meet at the Crossroads
And if I die tonight, in the immortal words of Pac
My niggaz gonna hunt you till you drop, believe that
Niggaz is capable of all that, take your mom for ransom
Give little kids back, that's the way we do things
Never leave shells, never drop names
Roll with the game as it change
Ja's to blame, I'ma let this world share my pain
In my demise you can put it on my grave
"Here lies a lost soul of rage, seen brighter days
And outta darkness done graduated, may he lay"
And this I swear, here in Hell we don't play fair
Cross the line, with my nine I'll be bringin you here
Motherfuckers
Check it out y'all
Check it out, check it out
Check it out y'all
Check it out, check it out
Check it out y'all
Check it out, check it out
Check it out y'all
Uh, GRRRRRRRRRRRR
I make moves that get me where I'm goin
Break fools that act like they ain't knowin how it's goin
Dizown, with the dizark, cuz that's that kid
Unmask that kid, look at that bastard kid
That don't mind having to break shit or take shit
And motherfucker, if you ain't me you ain't shit
You fuckin faggot
You know I coulda been stuck it to you
Nigga I wasn't even think about fuckin wit you
But I bet now I know your man is thinkin twice bout who to fuck wit
Shit is gettin bad, I'm robbin niggaz I grew up with
And I know it's just a matter of time before I get shot
Or I'ma torture this niggaz little sister and make him watch
Give a nigga a little room, now he's tryin to house shit
But I bet you get back on some mouse shit
When I punch you in your mouth, bitch
Aaaah, a nigga broken off quick
Yelllckkk!(gagging sound), is the sound he makes chockin off dick
How you feel, eatin with a straw he has to suck through
Fuck me? No fuck you, now I gotta touch you
Fuckin bitch suckin dick like a jockstrap
Put them glocks back
Tryin to be the first punk motherfucker that shot back
Got that? Didn't Get? You know where you gonna be layin right?
I'm tellin you, hah, you know what the fuck I'm sayin right?
You will respect this, cuz it gets reckless when I cut the
Dun-nun-Dun-nun-Dun-nun-Dun-nun, you be like "What the--Nooo!"
But it's too late cuz the heat-seaker done found the heat
The concrete done found your meat
Cuz hittin the ground still hot from steam comin off
Eyes rolled back in his head, coughin up chunks of flesh
Then niggaz'll roll with his monstrous death, beatin punks to death
Ain't nuthin left but the memory of what used to be your life
Funeral payments, and dried up blood on my knife
Y'all motherfuckers don't understand, when it's on it's on
You up in the casket with some shades, cuz your eyes is gone
I know I'm wrong, that's why I did my dirt and slid
But you made it happen, with that bullshit you did
Now you want peace? Well take a piece of this ammunition
And get your ass drug out the Hudson by some old man fishin
My mission is almost complete
This message will self distruct in two seconds
Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeep
In DMX's track "Gotti Style," he and Ja Rule teamed up to deliver a gangsta-style song that presents an intimidating lyrical flow. The lyrics depict their ability to handle any threat that poses danger to their rise to the top of the hip-hop world. The opening verse introduces Ja Rule and his menacing presence, referring to himself as the "torture" and "high class," making it clear that he is in control. He encourages anyone who tries to cross him to understand that "drug money is rightfully earned, well-deserved," and that his rivals should not think about burning bridges. Ja Rule goes ahead to note that the rules he adheres to should not be taken lightly, and anyone who breaks those rules could pay dearly.
DMX takes over the second verse, adopting the same tone as Ja Rule. He claims that he's not afraid to unleash violence if someone tries to cross him. He says that if he dies, his fellow gangsta rappers would be on a mission to hunt down those who orchestrated his death. DMX also states that he is in excruciating pain and will lay in his grave as a lost soul of rage. The chorus is repeated multiple times to emphasize that they will not let anyone stand in their way.
Line by Line Meaning
Ja's the torture
Ja Rule is ruthless and will torture his enemies.
The high class, toss to D
Ja Rule is arrogant and thinks he's above everyone else, particularly DMX.
Grimy and gritty, outter limits in this inner city
The inner city is a tough place to live and the people who survive there are rough around the edges.
Niggaz is definately assed-out, fuckin wit me
If you mess with Ja Rule, you will regret it.
End up wit a gun in your mouth, straight cheese
Ja Rule will kill his enemies, no questions asked.
I should bust em
Ja Rule is contemplating killing his enemies.
Drug money is rightfully earned, well deserved
Ja Rule believes that earning money through drug deals is justified.
We can murder each other, meet at the Crossroads
Ja Rule is willing to murder his enemies if necessary.
And if I die tonight, in the immortal words of Pac
If Ja Rule dies tonight, his friends will avenge him.
My niggaz gonna hunt you till you drop, believe that
Ja Rule's friends will not stop until they have avenged his death.
Take your mom for ransom
Ja Rule is willing to kidnap his enemies' family members.
Give little kids back, that's the way we do things
Ja Rule has a code of honor and will not harm innocent children.
Never leave shells, never drop names
Ja Rule is careful to leave no evidence that can be traced back to him.
Roll with the game as it change
Ja Rule adapts to the changing criminal landscape.
I'ma let this world share my pain
Ja Rule wants others to know about the struggles he's been through.
In my demise you can put it on my grave
Ja Rule is accepting of the fact that he may die soon.
I make moves that get me where I'm goin
DMX is always on the move, looking to make progress in life.
Break fools that act like they ain't knowin how it's goin
DMX doesn't suffer fools who pretend to be ignorant of the way things are.
That don't mind having to break shit or take shit
DMX is willing to resort to violence to get what he wants.
You know I coulda been stuck it to you
DMX could have killed his enemies, but chose not to.
Nigga I wasn't even think about fuckin wit you
DMX wasn't planning on messing with his enemies.
I'm robbin niggaz I grew up with
DMX has resorted to stealing from people he used to know.
And I know it's just a matter of time before I get shot
DMX is aware that he's putting his life in danger by engaging in criminal activities.
Give a nigga a little room, now he's tryin to house shit
DMX is frustrated with his enemies' attempts to take advantage of him.
But I bet you get back on some mouse shit
DMX is confident that his enemies will back down once they realize he's not afraid of them.
How you feel, eatin with a straw he has to suck through
DMX will hurt his enemies' loved ones to get back at them.
But you made it happen, with that bullshit you did
DMX blames his enemies for forcing him to retaliate.
My mission is almost complete
DMX is close to achieving his goals.
This message will self distruct in two seconds
DMX is warning his enemies that they don't have much time left.
Contributed by Aria C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
B3ND0G
DMX is one of the greastest
The Miscellaneous Lyric
If these guys were a duo it would have been history in the making, unique combination
Dean Hyrapiet
X KILLED IT!
willisweede1
"...and i know, it's just a matter of time before i get shot..." lol X rips it!
toprule
classic shit...hope the dream team get back together "ja-X-jay" dat team was great but they splited up
Paulos Kidane
ja was on fire!!
96ws6lsx
Very first rap tune I listened to when I came to the states... Got me hooked!
Kafkaesque
"You'll be in the casket with shades... cuz yo eyes is gone!"
johnsmarkland
THIS IS A TIGHT RHYME. What x man got over alotta rappers he can rip any track! Whether its bland or hotsauce.
Stefan Georgiev
Rip Legend