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".
How's It Going Down There (RMX
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What type of games are being played, how's it going down?
It's on till it's gone, then I gots to know now
Is you wit' me, or what? They gon' try to give me a nut
Just honeys want to give me the butt, what?
I'm politicking with this chicken, wondering if I'm a creep her
Little hood rat bitch from 25th named Tamika
Knew she was a thug 'cause when I met her, she had a scarf on
Fifty-four, eleven, size seven in girls
Baby face, would look like she was eleven with curls
Girlfriend, (what), remember me from way back; I'm the same cat
With the wave cap, the motherfucker that TNT used to blaze at
Still here, so it's all good
Oh, you know my niggas Rich and them doing they thing on 35th Ave.
It's a small hood, and it's all wood, so let me get that number, hook it up, a'ight
Hit you on the jack later on, see wassup
Talking to shorty made me want to do something nice
Looking at that ass made me want to do something tonight
And I know right when I see right; shorty lookin' like she tight
She bite, better give a nigga the green light; we might...
[Chorus x 2]
I'm getting at shorty, like what you need, what you want?
Offer nothing 'cause I got you, but you frontin'
I see you with your baby father but it don't matter
Since you gave me the pussy, that ass is getting fatter
Let that nigga play daddy, make moves with me
I done kept it more than real, Boo, can't lose with me
Heard he smacked you 'cause you said my name while y'all was sexin'
Ran up on this cat he thought was me and started flexin'
You know I ain't even with that
So he gon' have to get that just on TV
Try to creep me? (What?) Leave that nigga sleepy
On the strength of you, and that's your kid's daddy
I ain't gon' send him on his way, put him up in that big caddy
But let him know, never mind, yo, I need you to go, take this snow up to one-five-oh, see Joe
Get that, come back with that, and we can split that, sit back, fuck, puff a L, forget that
You wit' that?
[Chorus x 2]
Hey yo, this chicken got me digging her moves 'cause she smooth
Win to lose, whoever she choose gets the dues
Respect is not expected but it's given 'cause it's real
Being neglected's the norm, expected, the deal
Lie, cheat, and steal for me
Putting something in a nigga's wig if you squeal for me, kill for me
You still with me 'cause we get down like what
Told you it's from the dog, it ain't all about a nut
I'm gon' be fair, try to be there; we gon' see then
Hit me with the question, Boo, that answer gon' be "yeah"
See there, something can go wrong, it does
Loved it, let it go; but it came back, that's how strong it was
But she belonged to cuz, couldn't belong to me
Had two kids by this nigga, it was wrong for me
But we gon' always be, best of friends (Ha ha)
Mad love, Boo, to the end (Ha ha)
[Chorus x 2]
DMX's "How's It Going Down" talks about his relationship with a girl named Tamika whom he met on the streets. The song reflects on the struggles faced by DMX to maintain his reputation as a respected rapper while juggling a secret affair with Tamika. It's a significant divergence from the rapper's usual intense and angry songs, offering a softer side to DMX's music.
Throughout the song, DMX tries to understand the motives behind Tamika's behavior towards him. The chorus highlights the complexity of their relationship as DMX questions Tamika's true intentions. The song also includes DMX's struggle to come to terms with his feelings towards her and how it's affecting his other relationships. The lyrics portray the difficulties he faces in his life and show the impact that his choices have on his future.
Line by Line Meaning
What type of games are being played, how's it going down?
I'm curious about the situation we're in and want to know how things are progressing.
It's on till it's gone, then I gots to know now
Things are serious and I need to know what's happening before it's too late.
Is you wit' me, or what? They gon' try to give me a nut
Are you on my side or not? Others might try to manipulate or deceive me.
Just honeys want to give me the butt, what?
Women might try to seduce me, but I need to stay focused on the situation at hand.
I'm politicking with this chicken, wondering if I'm a creep her
I'm talking to this woman and wondering if she'll be interested in me.
Little hood rat bitch from 25th named Tamika
This woman is from a rough area and goes by the name of Tamika.
Coming through, like I do, you know, getting my bark on
I'm acting confident and showing off my personality.
Knew she was a thug 'cause when I met her, she had a scarf on
I could tell she was tough and streetwise from the way she dressed.
Fifty-four, eleven, size seven in girls
She's petite and small, at 4'11 and size 7 in girls' clothing.
Baby face, would look like she was eleven with curls
Her youthful appearance makes her look like she's only eleven years old.
Girlfriend, (what), remember me from way back; I'm the same cat
I'm reminding her that we've met before and I haven't changed as a person.
With the wave cap, the motherfucker that TNT used to blaze at
I used to wear a particular style of cap and people used to make fun of me for it.
Still here, so it's all good
I'm still alive and kicking, so everything must be okay.
Oh, you know my niggas Rich and them doing they thing on 35th Ave.
I have friends named Rich who are successful in their endeavors on 35th Ave.
It's a small hood, and it's all wood, so let me get that number, hook it up, a'ight
We live in a small neighborhood and everyone knows each other, so can I get her phone number?
Hit you on the jack later on, see wassup
I'll give her a call later and see how things are going.
Talking to shorty made me want to do something nice
Our conversation was enjoyable and made me want to do something kind for her.
Looking at that ass made me want to do something tonight
Her physical appearance is attractive and makes me want to take some action.
And I know right when I see right; shorty lookin' like she tight
I have good intuition and can tell that she's feeling a certain way.
She bite, better give a nigga the green light; we might...
She seems interested in me, so I should take the chance and see where things go.
I'm getting at shorty, like what you need, what you want?
I'm asking her what she needs or wants from me.
Offer nothing 'cause I got you, but you frontin'
I'm willing to help her without expecting anything in return, but she's not being honest with me.
I see you with your baby father but it don't matter
I know she's in a relationship with the father of her child, but I'm still interested.
Since you gave me the pussy, that ass is getting fatter
Because we had sex, her body has changed and become more attractive to me.
Let that nigga play daddy, make moves with me
She can still be with her child's father, but she should pursue a relationship with me too.
I done kept it more than real, Boo, can't lose with me
I've been honest and genuine with her, and she won't regret being with me.
Heard he smacked you 'cause you said my name while y'all was sexin'
I heard that her partner hit her because she mentioned me while they were having sex.
Ran up on this cat he thought was me and started flexin'
He confronted someone who he thought was me and started acting tough.
You know I ain't even with that
I don't want any trouble or violence.
So he gon' have to get that just on TV
If he wants to fight me, he'll have to do it on television or in some other public forum.
Try to creep me? (What?) Leave that nigga sleepy
If he tries to sneak up on me, I'll knock him out and make him fall asleep.
On the strength of you, and that's your kid's daddy
I won't harm her partner because he's the father of her child and she cares about him.
I ain't gon' send him on his way, put him up in that big caddy
I won't kick him out, instead I'll let him borrow my nice car.
But let him know, never mind, yo, I need you to go, take this snow up to one-five-oh, see Joe
But tell him that I need him to leave for a while, and take this illegal substance to a certain location and see someone named Joe.
Get that, come back with that, and we can split that, sit back, fuck, puff a L, forget that
Get the money from selling the illegal substance, come back and we'll share it, relax, have sex, smoke marijuana, and forget about our problems.
You wit' that?
Are you okay with that plan?
Hey yo, this chicken got me digging her moves 'cause she smooth
I'm impressed with this woman's actions because she's confident and stylish.
Win to lose, whoever she choose gets the dues
She's free to choose whoever she wants and they will be rewarded accordingly.
Respect is not expected but it's given 'cause it's real
I don't demand respect, but I give it because it's genuine and deserved.
Being neglected's the norm, expected, the deal
In this world, it's common to be ignored and undervalued.
Lie, cheat, and steal for me
I want her to be loyal and do whatever it takes to show her love for me.
Putting something in a nigga's wig if you squeal for me, kill for me
I want her to be willing to harm others if they betray or snitch on me.
You still with me 'cause we get down like what
You're still with me because we share a certain lifestyle and attitude.
Told you it's from the dog, it ain't all about a nut
I've warned you that my behavior is typical of a 'dog' or playboy, but it's not all about sex.
I'm gon' be fair, try to be there; we gon' see then
I'll try to be just and dependable, but we'll have to wait and see.
Hit me with the question, Boo, that answer gon' be 'yeah'
Ask me anything, and I'll say yes because I want to please you and stay together.
See there, something can go wrong, it does
Things can always go wrong, and they often do in this world.
Loved it, let it go; but it came back, that's how strong it was
I had something I loved, let it go, but it came back because our bond was so strong.
But she belonged to cuz, couldn't belong to me
I couldn't be with her because she had a relationship with someone else.
Had two kids by this nigga, it was wrong for me
She had children with her partner, so it wouldn't have been right for me to pursue her.
But we gon' always be, best of friends (Ha ha)
Even though we can't be together romantically, we'll always be good friends and have a strong connection (laughs).
Mad love, Boo, to the end (Ha ha)
I have a lot of love and affection for her, and it will continue until the end (laughs).
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group, BEHIND THE ROPES ENTERTAINMENT
Written by: EARL SIMMONS, ANTHONY FIELDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@JaymSpear5283
Who’s here in 2024
@samuelmorris8638
Who's not is the real question
@MeyonJones808
Me❤
@mazzaleene3460
Who ain’t \😂
@latifahjohnson8475
R.I. Heavenly Peace DMX
@lovey_charm
Girl, right! This will always be a hit!
@taymatthews6108
I'm going back to the 90's...who coming with me?
@taymatthews6108
@AlphaWolf Afrika Let's go!!!!! Lmao! I didn't appreciate it the 1st go round I need a do over 😂😂
@Centralislip631
@@taymatthews6108 same here we out #80sBaby
@hp22078
I'm already there.