Earl Simmons (December 18, 1970 - April 9, 2021), better known by his stage… Read Full Bio ↴Earl Simmons (December 18, 1970 - April 9, 2021), better known by his stage name DMX (Dark Man X), was an American rapper from Yonkers, New York and actor signed to Ruff Ryders Entertainment. In 1998 he released his debut solo album, It's Dark and Hell Is Hot, and has since released 1998's Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood, 1999's ...And Then There Was X, 2001's The Great Depression, 2003's Grand Champ and 2006's Year of the Dog...Again.

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".

I'm Back
DMX Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'm back
Let 'em know
I'm back
Let 'em know
I'm back
And give it to me like

I flipped to the tracks to get to the wax

And these fucking cowards know I ain't stepped through the cracks
Dog reck on the C making a bunch of noise
You're grown man, bring the brave boys
Man these niggas is toyin' with us I don't play with 'em
So if you like rats with guns stay with 'em
Motherfucking with bank for all we don't keep the bangs in us
Cold blooded killers the murders essence-less
I ain't even need forensics or a dentist
Fuck with D-O-G and you will be
Straight up, DIE so RIP
Real niggas slip but bounce right back
Paid from my ounce to a grip like that
Camera's always on so nigga might act
Like they wanna fight 'til I fight back

I'm back
Let 'em know
I'm back
Let 'em know
I'm back
And give it to me like

Scratch you to death I'm a go getter
The mail's gone, download more on twitter
Stuff picking my finger collect point no vest
And will still be able to play connect point to chest
Or I could hit 'em in the mouth and make 'em bash the taste
Nothing, I told you I'm a bastard case
They call acid face
I spit lava, you better off stacking your barber, don't bother
We're real criminals, we rob niggas
Double R for life, we mob niggas
Niggas do what you do suck a dick
Fuckin' faggot better of some suck a shit
Back up in your face up in your grill
Getting back up in that lab with a license to kill
Tell your mans they better chill
They don't want but you got me
Thought you was fucking with a gangsta but you not!

I'm back
Let 'em know
I'm back
Let 'em know

I'm back
And give it to me like

Overall Meaning

In "I'm Back," DMX is announcing his return to the rap game, and he's doing it without any apologies. From the opening lines, it's clear that DMX is coming back with a vengeance. He raps about flipping through tracks to get to the music he wants to listen to and how he's not going to let any "cowards" stop him from being successful. DMX also addresses his haters, telling them that if they like "rats with guns," they should stay with them. He also makes it clear that if someone messes with him, they will die. Towards the end of the song, DMX threatens those who have opposed him, declaring his dominance and warning them not to mess with him. The overall tone of the song is one of aggression and bravado.

The song's lyrics reflect DMX's past experiences, which informed much of his music. DMX has had a difficult life, with a history of drug addiction and arrests, and his music often reflects those struggles. In "I'm Back," he's telling the world that he's overcome those challenges and is ready to reclaim his place as one of the best rappers in the game.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm back
DMX has returned, and he wants people to know it

Let 'em know
He wants his presence to be made known to his audience

And give it to me like
He wants his fans to give him their full attention and energy

I flipped to the tracks to get to the wax
DMX is eager to get back into music production and recording

And these fucking cowards know I ain't stepped through the cracks
DMX wants to make it clear that he hasn't lost any of his edge or power, and his enemies know it

Dog reck on the C making a bunch of noise
DMX is making waves and causing a commotion in the rap and hip-hop scene

You're grown man, bring the brave boys
He is challenging his opponents to come at him with their best, most courageous efforts

Man these niggas is toyin' with us I don't play with 'em
DMX is refusing to tolerate disrespect or subpar performance from his peers

So if you like rats with guns stay with 'em
He is telling anyone who is not up to his standards to go find someone else to work with

Motherfucking with bank for all we don't keep the bangs in us
DMX is confident in his ability to create hits and sell albums without resorting to weapons or violence

Cold blooded killers the murders essence-less
He is drawing a comparison between himself and other rappers, implying that he is the true master of the craft

I ain't even need forensics or a dentist
DMX is so intimidating and powerful that he doesn't even need to leave any physical evidence behind

Fuck with D-O-G and you will be, Straight up, DIE so RIP
He is making it clear that anyone who opposes him or disrespects him will suffer severe consequences

Real niggas slip but bounce right back
DMX acknowledges that everyone makes mistakes or experiences setbacks, but he believes he is stronger than most and can recover quickly

Paid from my ounce to a grip like that
He is referencing his success as a rapper, from his humble beginnings all the way to his current level of fame and fortune

Camera's always on so nigga might act
DMX is aware that he is constantly in the public eye and must always be on his best behavior

Like they wanna fight 'til I fight back
He warns anyone who might think of challenging him that he is always ready and willing to defend himself

Scratch you to death I'm a go getter
DMX is a fierce competitor who will stop at nothing to win

The mail's gone, download more on twitter
He is suggesting that he is so popular and in demand that his albums are always sold out, and fans must resort to downloading them illegally

Stuff picking my finger collect point no vest
DMX is so tough that even if he were to be stabbed or shot, he wouldn't even need a vest to protect himself

And will still be able to play connect point to chest
He is so confident in his fighting and survival skills that he could even turn an attack into a game

Or I could hit 'em in the mouth and make 'em bash the taste
DMX has a brutal and effective fighting style, and could easily overpower and humiliate any opponent

Nothing, I told you I'm a bastard case
He is admitting that he is a rough and unconventional person, but this is what gives him his strength and edge

They call acid face
DMX's reputation is so fearsome that people even come up with nicknames for him based on his intimidating appearance

I spit lava, you better off stacking your barber, don't bother
He is suggesting that his rhymes and flow are so hot and intense that his opponents don't stand a chance

We're real criminals, we rob niggas, Double R for life, we mob niggas
DMX associates himself with a life of crime and toughness, and surrounds himself with like-minded people

Niggas do what you do suck a dick, Fuckin' faggot better of some suck a shit
He is using homophobic slurs to insult and belittle anyone who opposes him or doesn't live up to his standards

Back up in your face up in your grill
He is not afraid to confront his enemies directly and intimidate them with his physical presence

Getting back up in that lab with a license to kill
DMX is returning to the studio with a renewed sense of purpose and a desire to create music that is just as powerful as he is

Tell your mans they better chill
He is sending a message to anyone who might try to provoke him or start a fight

They don't want but you got me
DMX knows that some of his enemies are afraid of him, but he is ready and willing to take them all on

Thought you was fucking with a gangsta but you not!
He is warning anyone who crosses him that they will quickly realize how powerful and dangerous he truly is

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ANTHONY BEST, LEONARD CASTON, ANTHONY S CRUZ, PAMELA JOAN SAWYER, TERRANCE SEAN WILFORD, FRANK EDWARD WILSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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