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. SisqΓ³ 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 Gonna Crawl
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Life is a lesson
And I'm gonna teach it
First I'm gonna crawl, then I'm gonna walk
Then I'm gonna stand, then I'm gonna talk
But I gotta learn in order to teach
Then I gotta burn in order to reach
Yo, I see what I see day by day
Hoping that the Lord will pave my way (What!)
Have I been forgotten? Have I forsaken?
Or maybe I'm just wrong with the moves that I've been makin'
Hatin' others 'cause they hate me over envy
They want to send me, when we use to be friendly
Think I started off on top with two platinum albums?
Naw dog, I started off from the block
I just did shit to get shit (Ugh!)
Niggaz always knew I was down to hit shit that's why I stayed rich shit (What!)
Played with shit but it wasn't a game; first time locked down (Ugh!)
It wasn't the same, my whole world, nothing but clothes to steal
Niggaz getting split for real, miss a good meal (Damn)
Didn't called nobody cause don't nobody care
They got my back against the wall
Fuck it, I'm just here
First I'm gonna crawl, then I'm gonna walk
Then I'm gonna stand, then I'm gonna talk
But I gotta learn in order to teach
Then I gotta burn in order to reach
First I'm gonna crawl, then I'm gonna walk
Then I'm gonna stand, then I'm gonna talk
But I gotta learn in order to teach
Then I gotta burn in order to reach
My niggaz
Dog, it's like this: when the fog is type thick, a nigga might flip
And a nigga bite quick, but I stay focus to what's important (What's that?)
Supportin' my family, fucking with my dogs and recording
According to the man upstairs, we all got our own problems
So you, stop worrying about bail (Aight)
Learned a long time ago, to look away and niggaz will leave you
I hear no, speak no, see no evil
All I can do is teach you, what I know, how I flow
how I get down, where I go (What!)
Maybe what I been through will send you somewhere other than (Where?)
Dreams go out the window, I love my people, all of my people (Ugh)
And God gonna keep me callin' my people (Ugh)
You gots to live life to the fullest
Ain't always about the size of the gun sometime it's the bullet
First I'm gonna crawl, then I'm gonna walk
Then I'm gonna stand, then I'm gonna talk
But I gotta learn in order to teach
Then I gotta burn in order to reach
First I'm gonna crawl, then I'm gonna walk
Then I'm gonna stand, then I'm gonna talk
But I gotta learn in order to teach
Then I gotta burn in order to reach
My niggaz
Everyday we live and learn, take it step-by-step
We create our own path until there's no life left
I hold my death (Ugh) all for as long as I can
Knowing my man (What!) plottin' with the chrome in his hand
Holdin' me back, niggaz gettin' shady over money
MY NIGGA! Pull out the 380 over money (Damn)
Crazy over money, can't do without it
I got other shit to deal with, I'm like forget about it
It's when I don't know with much tease that comes first
because it comes with the thirst of a nigga that's had it the worst
It's like a curse that should be lifted
He was there but he drifted, got a call and he shifted
Once he felt that he was gifted
Got to kick it the hardest and I hope you got it
It was there from the start, I just hope you spot it
'cause it's my blood on paper, my soul on paper
Words to live by will leave a hole in the paper
First I'm gonna crawl, then I'm gonna walk
Then I'm gonna stand, then I'm gonna talk
But I gotta learn in order to teach
Then I gotta burn in order to reach
First I'm gonna crawl, then I'm gonna walk
Then I'm gonna stand, then I'm gonna talk
But I gotta learn in order to teach
Then I gotta burn in order to reach
My niggaz
Crawl, Walk
Stand, Talk
Learn, Teach
Burn, Reach
Crawl, Walk
Stand, Talk
Learn, Teach
Burn, Reach
My niggaz
The lines βLive and learn, life is a lesson, and I'm gonna teach itβ express the idea of using personal experiences as a means of teaching life lessons to others. The next lines convey a sense of progression and growth through learning, as the singer states that they will crawl, walk, stand and talk, to eventually become able to teach others. The repetition of βBut I gotta learn in order to teach, then I gotta burn in order to reach, my niggazβ emphasizes the importance of personal growth and development in order to be able to positively impact and influence others.
The verses that follow describe the struggles and challenges that the singer has faced, including feelings of isolation and betrayal, but also emphasize the importance of staying focused on things that matter, such as family, friends and music. The line βAin't always about the size of the gun sometime it's the bulletβ suggests that it is not always about force or power, but rather about precision and intention.
Overall, the lyrics describe a journey of growth and learning, and the importance of using personal experiences to teach and inspire others. The grim realities of life on the street and the struggles that come with it are also highlighted, but the focus is on overcoming those obstacles through self-discovery and self-improvement.
Line by Line Meaning
Live and learn
Life is a continuous lesson of growth.
Life is a lesson
Everything that happens teaches us something.
And I'm gonna teach it
I want to share my knowledge and experiences with others.
First I'm gonna crawl, then I'm gonna walk
My growth process starts with taking small steps.
Then I'm gonna stand, then I'm gonna talk
Eventually, I'll become confident enough to stand tall and use my voice.
But I gotta learn in order to teach
I have to acquire knowledge before I can impart it.
Then I gotta burn in order to reach
I need to push myself beyond my limits to achieve my goals.
Yo, I see what I see day by day
I observe and reflect on what I experience every day.
Hoping that the Lord will pave my way (What!)
I have faith that everything will fall into place according to a divine plan.
Have I been forgotten? Have I forsaken?
Do I feel neglected or abandoned by others or by God?
Or maybe I'm just wrong with the moves that I've been makin'
Perhaps I've made mistakes that have led me astray.
Hatin' others 'cause they hate me over envy
I resent those who feel envious of me and try to bring me down.
They want to send me, when we use to be friendly
People who used to be my friends now want to harm me.
Think I started off on top with two platinum albums?
People assume that I had an easy road to success.
Naw dog, I started off from the block
Actually, I came from humble beginnings.
I just did shit to get shit (Ugh!)
I worked hard and took risks to achieve my goals.
Niggaz always knew I was down to hit shit that's why I stayed rich shit (What!)
People knew I was willing to do whatever it takes to succeed.
Played with shit but it wasn't a game; first time locked down (Ugh!)
I made mistakes and faced consequences, including being incarcerated.
It wasn't the same, my whole world, nothing but clothes to steal
Prison was a difficult and stark contrast to my previous life.
Niggaz getting split for real, miss a good meal (Damn)
People in prison face real dangers and struggles, including lack of food.
Didn't called nobody cause don't nobody care
I felt alone and abandoned by those I thought were my friends.
They got my back against the wall/Fuck it, I'm just here
I feel trapped and helpless, but I'm trying to persevere.
Dog, it's like this: when the fog is type thick, a nigga might flip
In confusing or stressful situations, it's easy to lose control.
And a nigga bite quick, but I stay focus to what's important (What's that?)
I try to stay focused on my priorities despite adversity.
Supportin' my family, fucking with my dogs and recording
My family, friends, and music are what matter most to me.
According to the man upstairs, we all got our own problems
God has a plan for each of us but we all face our own challenges.
Learned a long time ago, to look away and niggaz will leave you/I hear no, speak no, see no evil
I've learned to ignore negativity and focus on positive things.
All I can do is teach you, what I know, how I flow/how I get down, where I go (What!)
I want to share my knowledge, style, and experiences with others.
Maybe what I been through will send you somewhere other than (Where?)
Perhaps my struggles can inspire others to reach new heights.
Dreams go out the window, I love my people, all of my people (Ugh)
Sometimes it's hard to pursue our dreams, but I still love and care for my community.
And God gonna keep me callin' my people (Ugh)
Despite hardships, I trust that God has a plan and will keep me connected with my loved ones.
You gots to live life to the fullest
We should live life with joy and purpose.
Ain't always about the size of the gun sometime it's the bullet
Success is not always about power or violence; sometimes it's about the impact we make.
Everyday we live and learn, take it step-by-step
We learn and grow every day through incremental progress.
We create our own path until there's no life left
Life is what we make of it, until our time on earth comes to an end.
I hold my death (Ugh) all for as long as I can
I try to avoid death and live as long as possible.
Knowing my man (What!) plottin' with the chrome in his hand
I'm aware that some people wish to do me harm.
Holdin' me back, niggaz gettin' shady over money
People sometimes betray me over money or personal gain.
MY NIGGA! Pull out the 380 over money (Damn)
It's sad that people resort to violence and weapons over material possessions.
Crazy over money, can't do without it
Money drives people to do crazy and harmful things.
I got other shit to deal with, I'm like forget about it
I have more important things to worry about than petty squabbles.
It's when I don't know with much tease that comes first/because it comes with the thirst of a nigga that's had it the worst
When faced with uncertainty, I try to stay motivated because I've experienced hardships in the past.
It's like a curse that should be lifted/He was there but he drifted, got a call and he shifted
Sometimes it feels like life is against us and we're not in control.
Once he felt that he was gifted/Got to kick it the hardest and I hope you got it
When we realize our own potential, we work even harder to succeed.
It was there from the start, I just hope you spot it/'cause it's my blood on paper, my soul on paper
I hope others can see my passion and hard work in my creative work.
Words to live by will leave a hole in the paper
Words can be powerful and impactful, beyond just ink on a page.
Crawl, Walk/Stand, Talk/Learn, Teach/Burn, Reach
The journey to success and growth involves crawling, walking, standing, talking, learning, teaching, burning trial-and-error, and ultimately, reaching our goals.
My niggaz
My friends, family, and community.
Lyrics Β© Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: EARL SIMMONS, ANTHONY FIELDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@milansinkowski6465
Epic songs from DMX(R.I.P) in Romeo Must Die.Who's still listening on 2024?
@solo_bvrber9357
Right here
@MrTomthom21
Forever DMβ π₯π₯π₯
@terrymoore511
Don't forget Aliyah π’R.I.P.
@nathanxr
Crawlin, walkin, standin, talkin... this very second
@Sicario-Gamer
Still remember when that movie came out. βGuns dont kill peopleβ¦people kill peopleβ RIP DMX
@Jon_8
I remember bumpin' this in my '83 Mustang GL. Life was good then and I didn't even know it! 1 to all
@voodoo4323
All dogs go to heaven.
RIP King
@seabookfarno8656
RIP DMX... right up there with AALIYAH and the greats. *Rewatches Romeo Must Die movie and Cradle 2 the Grave*
@kenyattatucker1279
R.I.P. DMX FROM MOVIE BELLY and his Video game Def Jam Vendetta