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".
Head Up
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Keep your head to the sky
Keep your head to the sky
When I think I don’t deserve it, I think about Jesus
And the fact that he was perfect and he thinks that I’m worth it
I know I got a purpose
So when I don’t like what I see in the mirror
Believe me God heard this,
'Cause these words came from my heart
I was in pain, it was dark
Then came the spark to light down the road
To let me know that he would lighten up my load
And it’s gon’ get greater, later
God only wants the best for me
But the devil’s a hater
I can see his eyes through the smiles of fake friends
If yall think hate wins just keep waitin'
At the end of the day who’s will will you think will prevail
Or will you live to tell
Miracle after miracle it comes true
The spiritual individual within you
[Chorus]
Keep your head to the sky
Keep your head to the sky
Lord if you hear me,
You know that I’m coming to you sincerely
I need you near me, please feel me
I’m sick and I need for you to heal me
I’m lost and looking for the real me
I’m tired and weary
Haven’t been able to see things clearly
And even though I know you love me dearly
I still get leery
So where does that leave me?
Lost and alone
I wanna call God but it’s like I lost my phone
Every day is a struggle cause I juggle my problems
Need to let go and let God
'Cause only he could solve them
I’m tired of lying to myself
Thinking I could do it on my own
When I get left alone
When the devil sneaks in and creeps in
Knocks on the door lightly than peeks in
And it’s usually around the weekend
Then I get reckless and jump off the deep end
Come on
[Chorus: x4]
Keep your head to the sky
Keep your head to the sky
You didn't bring me this far to let me go
[Chorus: x2]
Keep your head to the sky
Keep your head to the sky
In the song Head Up, DMX explores themes of faith, perseverance and a struggle with inner demons. The chorus “Keep your head to the sky” serves as an encouraging mantra to remain strong and to not let negative feelings consume one's thoughts. The opening lines of the verse suggest a deep-seated belief in Jesus and the idea that no matter how unworthy one may feel, they are worth something because of Him. This sentiment is echoed in the line “I know I got a purpose” which implies a belief in the idea that everyone has their own journey and unique destiny.
The song takes a more confessional turn as DMX opens up about his own struggles, both external and internal. He talks about how he battles with the negative voice inside his head that leaves him lost, alone and uncertain about his own identity. He pleads for God to heal him and to make him feel whole again. In the second verse, DMX acknowledges that he cannot do everything on his own and that he needs to let God take control. He writes about his journey as a spiritual individual and acknowledges that he is not perfect- but he is trying to be better.
Overall, Head Up is a powerful and introspective song that speaks to DMX's faith, his struggles and his journey towards inner peace.
Line by Line Meaning
Keep your head to the sky
Reminding oneself to stay positive and hopeful
When I think I don’t deserve it, I think about Jesus
Reflecting on one's self-worth and finding inspiration in faith
And the fact that he was perfect and he thinks that I’m worth it
Recognizing the unconditional love and acceptance from a higher power
I know I got a purpose
Having confidence in one's own destiny and role in life
So when I don’t like what I see in the mirror
Acknowledging personal insecurities and self-doubt
I learn to look passed the surface
Choosing to see beyond physical appearance and focus on inner qualities
Believe me God heard this,
Trusting in divine guidance and support
'Cause these words came from my heart
Speaking honestly and sincerely about one's feelings and struggles
I was in pain, it was dark
Suffering emotionally and feeling lost
Then came the spark to light down the road
Finding hope and direction through a spiritual experience
God only wants the best for me
Believing in a benevolent higher power who desires good things for one's life
But the devil’s a hater
Acknowledging the presence of negativity and temptation
I can see his eyes through the smiles of fake friends
Recognizing that some people may not have one's best interests at heart
If yall think hate wins just keep waitin'
Rejecting the notion that negativity ultimately prevails in life
At the end of the day who’s will will you think will prevail
Questioning whether one's actions and choices align with a greater purpose
Or will you live to tell
Considering the impact of one's life story and legacy
Miracle after miracle it comes true
Experiencing positive outcomes and blessings in life
The spiritual individual within you
Embracing inner spirituality and connecting with a deeper sense of self
Lord if you hear me,
Addressing a higher power and seeking divine guidance and support
You know that I’m coming to you sincerely
Requesting help with authenticity and honesty
I need you near me, please feel me
Expressing a desire for a tangible sense of divine presence
I’m sick and I need for you to heal me
Acknowledging physical or emotional pain and seeking healing
I’m lost and looking for the real me
Feeling disconnected from one's identity and searching for meaning
Haven’t been able to see things clearly
Experiencing confusion or lack of clarity in life
And even though I know you love me dearly
Trusting in a divine love and care
I still get leery
Feeling hesitant or skeptical despite faith
So where does that leave me?
Questioning one's position or direction in life
Lost and alone
Feeling isolated and adrift
I wanna call God but it’s like I lost my phone
Desiring divine connection but feeling distant
Every day is a struggle cause I juggle my problems
Experiencing ongoing challenges and stress
Need to let go and let God
Allowing trust in a higher power to guide and support
'Cause only he could solve them
Recognizing limitations in one's own ability to handle problems
I’m tired of lying to myself
Confronting personal self-deception and denial
Thinking I could do it on my own
Believing in self-sufficiency and independence
When I get left alone
Feeling abandoned or unsupported
When the devil sneaks in and creeps in
Experiencing temptation and negativity
Knocks on the door lightly than peeks in
Feeling the intrusion of negative thoughts or influences
And it’s usually around the weekend
Noting patterns of negative behavior or thoughts
Then I get reckless and jump off the deep end
Acting impulsively or destructively in response to negativity
You didn't bring me this far to let me go
Believing in purpose and growth despite obstacles
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: EARL SIMMONS, MAURICE WHITE, TRON WHITEHEAD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind