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".
Hold Me Down
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah, bounce
Oh, oh (come on)
Oh, oh (yeah, come on)
Oh, oh (y'all know you gon' find out)
Yeah ('bout to find out)
Hold me down
Even when the rain falls (yeah)
Hold me down, oh (yeah)
Hold me down
I'm just so thankful (uh, yeah, err)
Everyday it gets darker (err), the road gets longer (err)
My body gets weaker (err), my faith gets stronger (err)
The devil's working on me hard, because God loves me (yeah)
As long as I'm in his graces, it's gon' get ugly (hey)
But, only he can judge me so
What another motherfucker say don't matter (uh-huh)
So I avoid the chatter (uh-huh)
That way I ain't gotta splatter with the rat-tat-tattas (woo)
Watch what you say or you gon' wish you had'a (yeah)
Check a nigga data (what?)
Ain't nan' nigga badder with the mic than the dog (uh)
From the right to the wrong (uh)
Still bite and go hard (yeah)
Smash to the left (yeah)
And with the last of my breath (yeah)
I'll beat that ass to death (c'mon!)
Hold me down (uh, uh, uh, yo)
Hold me down
Even when the rain falls (hey, hey, yeah)
Hold me down (uh, a nigga don't need much)
Hold me down
I'm just so thankful (uh c'mon, get it)
I pull in opposite directions, my life's in conflict (uh huh)
That's why I spit words that depict the convict (okay, ooh)
Man, if you not able to see
What I'm saying to you, then you not able to be (c'mon, ooh, yeah)
Just like reading the bible to a baby (uh-huh)
Some of y'all will get it (uh)
But most of y'all gon' think I'm crazy (oh no, no, no)
I ain't never gave a fuck about what you think (okay)
What you think don't matter if you think yo' shit don't stink (baby)
Man, it hurts when people that I love don't want me (oh)
Want it all from me, then think they can judge me (yeah)
Treat me like I'm ugly
I done dumb some shit but I never been a dummy
'Cause I know God love me
Hold me down (even when the rain falls)
Hold me down (hey)
Hold me down, oh (I'm just so grateful)
Hold me down (hey, hey)
Hold me down (a nigga don't need much)
Hold me down (I'm just so thankful)
Hold me down (even when the rain falls)
I'm just so grateful
Nobody, nobody gonna take me down (hold me down)
'Cause I been through it all (hold me down)
Woah (hold me down)
(Hold me down)
Nobody, nobody gonna take me down (hold me down)
Oh Lord
You wanna know how I survive
And it's all because of you, yeah
And I'm just so grateful
In "Hold You Down," DMX reflects on his struggles and the obstacles that he has faced on his path to success. The song bears a slightly somber tone, but DMX doesn't let that discourage him, and he acknowledges that as long as he has God's love, he will rise above whatever life may throw at him. The lyrics are indicative of his determination to succeed and his refusal to be held down.
DMX starts by announcing his return to the music scene confidently, and the song then transitions into a call and response between him and the chorus. He acknowledges the hardships that he's encountered; however, he states that his faith is unwavering, making him resilient. Although the devil is constantly trying to bring him down, DMX's trust in God is what gives him the strength to thrive in a cutthroat industry. The lyrics demonstrate his unwavering will and determination to succeed and make the most out of his life, regardless of how difficult it may be.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, the king's back (back-back-ba-back-back)
DMX is back and ready to dominate the rap game once again.
Hold me down
DMX is asking his fans for their support, to stick with him through thick and thin.
Even when the rain falls (yeah)
Even when things get tough and life gets difficult, DMX wants his fans to stay dedicated to him.
I'm just so thankful
DMX is expressing his gratitude for the support his fans have shown him throughout his career.
Everyday it gets darker (err), the road gets longer (err)
Despite facing challenges every day, DMX is determined to forge ahead in his career and personal life.
My body gets weaker (err), my faith gets stronger (err)
Although DMX may be physically struggling, he is finding strength in his faith and spirituality.
The devil's working on me hard, because God loves me (yeah)
DMX believes that the devil is constantly trying to bring him down, but he is confident that God will protect him.
But, only he can judge me so / What another motherfucker say don't matter (uh-huh)
DMX is aware that only God has the right to judge him and is not concerned with the opinions of others.
So I avoid the chatter (uh-huh) / That way I ain't gotta splatter with the rat-tat-tattas (woo)
DMX chooses to avoid drama and violence, knowing that it won't lead to a positive outcome.
Watch what you say or you gon' wish you had'a (yeah) / Check a nigga data (what?)
DMX warns others to watch what they say and do around him, as he is not to be messed with.
Ain't nan' nigga badder with the mic than the dog (uh) / From the right to the wrong (uh)
DMX is confident in his skills as a rapper, able to deliver his message whether he is on the right side or wrong side of things.
Still bite and go hard (yeah) / Smash to the left (yeah) / And with the last of my breath (yeah) / I'll beat that ass to death (c'mon!)
DMX is determined to keep rapping until his final breath, never losing his passion or intensity.
I pull in opposite directions, my life's in conflict (uh huh) / That's why I spit words that depict the convict (okay, ooh)
DMX feels conflicted in his personal life, which is why he uses his lyrics to paint a picture of the struggles he faces every day.
Man, if you not able to see / What I'm saying to you, then you not able to be (c'mon, ooh, yeah)
DMX is expressing that if someone can't understand his lyrics and message, they may not be able to relate to his experiences.
Just like reading the bible to a baby (uh-huh) / Some of y'all will get it (uh) / But most of y'all gon' think I'm crazy (oh no, no, no)
DMX recognizes that some listeners will understand his lyrics and message, but others may dismiss them as nonsense or crazy.
I ain't never gave a fuck about what you think (okay) / What you think don't matter if you think yo' shit don't stink (baby)
DMX doesn't care about the opinions of others unless they are willing to stay humble and admit to their own flaws.
Man, it hurts when people that I love don't want me (oh) / Want it all from me, then think they can judge me (yeah) / Treat me like I'm ugly / I done dumb some shit but I never been a dummy / 'Cause I know God love me
DMX is hurt when people he cares about turn their backs on him and judge him, but he never loses sight of the fact that God loves him unconditionally.
Nobody, nobody gonna take me down (hold me down) / 'Cause I been through it all (hold me down) / Woah (hold me down) / (Hold me down)
DMX is confident that he can overcome any obstacle in his path, as he has already faced numerous challenges throughout his life.
You wanna know how I survive / And it's all because of you, yeah / And I'm just so grateful
DMX attributes his survival and success to his fans, who have supported him throughout his career.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Alicia Augello-Cook, Earl Simmons, Kasseem Dean
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@aveg.3677
I Remember being 20 years old homeless, sleeping in my car, listening to "slipping "as the snow was my burying my hooptie, Thinking how I just wanted it all to end and that song, THIS MAN, pulled me through that cold winter. I'll forever be greatful, Rest easy King🥂 🥺😔💯🙏🏾
@erikarroyo4470
Yes!
@BruceWayne760
✊🏾
@0116batmansdad
Bless up my G. I hope you're doing ok now 👊🏾 Remember like X said, to live is to suffer, but to survive, that's to find meaning in the suffering. It is known that life has its lessons that are given to us, and I believe these are to humble us, make us appreciate and value the good times because of the bad times that we have gone through. And the lessons are to teach us to help get us back to God. If you're not a person who believes in God then that's fine, but I do believe people like X have been brought here to show us that even though we go through pain, we can still love and give, still bow our head, still appreciate the beauty that has been given to us, even if it's just beauty in the pain 🙏🏽 Keep your head up, good and bad times are all temporary and let's take what we can from both. Bless you and yours Brother.
@godstomahawk9396
"Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Eph. 6:11-17🕊✝️🙏 bless you brother
@threelyv3
Soulja 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾
@nemoprimo4828
This shit hit different now that he's gone. Give people their roses while theyre still alive. Long Live the GOAT
@jenique12
Perfectly said
@sincerelydavillian5851
Fuck callin people goats that's the devil animal symbol jus call them the greatist
@tydangles13
@@sincerelydavillian5851 ahhh thank you.