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 Miss You )
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And at the end, he will stand on this earth
My flesh may be destroyed, yet from this body, I will see God
Yes, I will see him for myself and I long for that moment
Grandma, I really miss you and it ain't been the same
I drop a tear when I, hear yo' name
Mariella Holloway, why you gotta be so far away?
But it ain't it's like when you left, you took the Lord wit' you
Why couldn't I come when he came to get you?
Damn, I really miss you, I had to say it again
I remember the time when I was like ten
Crept up in the neighbor's yard, yeah, bein' hard-headed
You told me I would get it, you said it
And boy did I get it but after you spanked me, you hugged me (uh-huh)
Kissed me on my forehead, told me that you love me
And I saw, that it hurt you, more than it hurt me
I thought how bad could this hurt be? I know now
That's why it's only done out of love
What I wouldn't give for one mo' hug, from grandma
Baby it's gon' be okay (oh yes it will)
(She used to tell me that)
Baby it's gon' be okay, now (everything is gonna be)
(I really miss hearin')
Baby it's gon' be okay (baby you will be okay)
(She used to tell me that)
Baby it's gon' be okay, now (it's gonna be alright, yeah)
(I really miss hearin')
What I'm about to say a couple of family members is gon' hate me
But I'ma let you know what's been goin' on lately (aight)
Now you know since you left, a lot of things wit' yo' kids done changed (uh-huh)
Yeah, Jackie's still crazy, don't know what's up with James
Ain't seen Jerry in a while, you know he walk like you (uh-huh)
And Renee's back in jail, you know she talk like you (uh)
Riculah's doin' real good now, she workin'
Rhonda's still runnin' around, trickin', jerkin' (uh, uh, uh)
Buckeye's buggin', he done lost his mind
And Jarvis? Back out of jail, doin' fine (good)
Kylie? He done changed, it ain't all about self
As for my father, well, that's somethin' else
Bob that's my dawg, he hold his grandmother down
My great grandmother, makin' a lot of trips out of town
But that's a good thing and if I could only hear you sing
Once more, oh Lord, the comfort it would bring (oh baby, everything)
Baby it's gon' be okay (yes it will)
(She used to tell me that)
Baby it's gon' be okay, now (everything will be okay)
(I really miss hearin')
Baby it's gon' be okay (baby it's gon' be okay)
(She used to tell me that)
Baby it's gon' be okay, now (baby it's gon' be alright)
(I really miss hearin')
You left behind a mother (and) eleven kids (and) eleven grandkids
And since then, two of yo' grandkids done had kids (what?)
I had a boy named Tacoma, Xavier's brother, that's right (uh-huh)
Xavier made you a great grandmother (uh)
I thank you for the best times of my life (uh-huh)
I thank you for when you first met her, accepted and lovin' my wife (uh)
I thank you for those Sunday dinners, they were vital (aight?)
I thank you for my life, I thank you for the bible (what? uh)
I thank you for the songs that you sing in the mornin'
(Amazing Grace) While I'm yawnin'
I thank you for the two beatings you gave me, 'cause
'Cause I know somewhere along the line
The lesson I learned from the two beatings saved me
And when you died I cried like a baby, I begged the Lord to take me (uh)
'Cause no one else could give me what you gave me
But life like everything comes to an end
I pray I go to Heaven to see you again, Amen (it will be)
Baby it's gon' be okay (don't you know it's gonna be?)
(She used to tell me that)
Baby it's gon' be okay, now (everything will be okay)
(I really miss hearin')
Baby it's gon' be okay (baby it's gon' be okay)
(She used to tell me that)
Baby it's gon' be okay, now (ohh)
(I really miss hearin')
Baby it's gon' be okay (I remember when she said)
(She used to tell me that)
Baby it's gon' be okay, now (everything will be okay)
(I really miss hearin')
Baby it's gon' be okay (listen to me, listen baby)
(She used to tell me that)
Baby it's gon' be okay, now (everything will be okay)
(I really miss hearin')
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see, yeah
The song "I Miss You" by DMX is an emotional tribute to his grandmother. The opening lines express his faith in an afterlife, with the hope of a reunion with his beloved grandmother. DMX misses his grandma every day, and he gets emotional at the mere mention of her name. The lyrics of the song talk about the impact his grandmother had on his life, the lessons she taught him, and how much he longs for her to hug him one more time.
The song then moves on to DMX updating his grandmother on the current status of her family members. He informs her about the changes that have happened since her passing and how her legacy has continued. The song ends with DMX singing "Amazing Grace," a hymn that his grandmother sang every morning while he was growing up.
"I Miss You" showcases DMX's vulnerable side and his deep love for his grandmother. It's an emotional tribute that many people can relate to, as we all have someone we miss dearly. The song is a testament to the powerful bond between a grandchild and a grandparent.
Line by Line Meaning
I know that my savior lives
I believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ
And at the end, he will stand on this earth
I believe in the second coming of Christ
My flesh may be destroyed, yet from this body, I will see God
My physical body may perish, but my soul will live on and return to God
Yes, I will see him for myself and I long for that moment
I eagerly anticipate the day when I will see God face to face
Grandma, I really miss you and it ain't been the same
I deeply feel the absence of my grandmother and my life has changed as a result
I drop a tear when I, hear yo' name
I feel emotional and sad when I hear my grandmother's name mentioned
Mariella Holloway, why you gotta be so far away?
I wish my grandmother was still alive and close to me
Used to say, "Don't worry, it's gon' be okay" (yeah)
My grandmother used to comfort me with these words when I was feeling upset or anxious
But it ain't it's like when you left, you took the Lord wit' you
It feels like the presence of God left with my grandmother when she passed away
Why couldn't I come when he came to get you?
I wish I could have gone with my grandmother when she was taken by God
Damn, I really miss you, I had to say it again
I feel a strong sense of loss and I need to express it again
I remember the time when I was like ten
I have fond memories of spending time with my grandmother when I was younger
Crept up in the neighbor's yard, yeah, bein' hard-headed
I was misbehaving and not listening to my grandmother's warnings
You told me I would get it, you said it
My grandmother warned me that my bad behavior would have negative consequences
And boy did I get it but after you spanked me, you hugged me (uh-huh)
My grandmother disciplined me, but then showed me love and compassion afterwards
Kissed me on my forehead, told me that you love me
My grandmother showed me affection and reassured me of her love
And I saw, that it hurt you, more than it hurt me
I realized that my grandmother hated having to discipline me, but did it out of love
I thought how bad could this hurt be? I know now
As a child, I didn't fully understand the pain my grandmother was feeling, but I do now
That's why it's only done out of love
Discipline is only effective when it comes from a place of love and concern
What I wouldn't give for one mo' hug, from grandma
I deeply miss my grandmother's physical presence and wish I could hug her again
Baby it's gon' be okay (oh yes it will)
My grandmother used to reassure me that everything would be alright
(She used to tell me that)
My grandmother was the one who comforted and encouraged me in difficult times
What I'm about to say a couple of family members is gon' hate me
I am about to share some uncomfortable truths that may upset certain family members
But I'ma let you know what's been goin' on lately (aight)
I want to keep my grandmother updated on the current state of our family
Now you know since you left, a lot of things wit' yo' kids done changed (uh-huh)
A lot has changed in the family since my grandmother passed away
Yeah, Jackie's still crazy, don't know what's up with James
Some family members are still struggling and others are hard to understand
Ain't seen Jerry in a while, you know he walk like you (uh-huh)
I haven't seen some relatives in a long time, but I still remember and miss certain things about them
And Renee's back in jail, you know she talk like you (uh)
One family member is currently incarcerated and reminds me of my grandmother in certain ways
Riculah's doin' real good now, she workin'
One relative is doing well and has a job
Rhonda's still runnin' around, trickin', jerkin' (uh, uh, uh)
Another relative is still struggling with certain issues
Buckeye's buggin', he done lost his mind
One family member is not doing well mentally
And Jarvis? Back out of jail, doin' fine (good)
One family member has recently gotten out of jail and is doing okay
Kylie? He done changed, it ain't all about self
One relative has undergone a positive change and is less selfish now
As for my father, well, that's somethin' else
I have complicated feelings about my own father and our relationship
Bob that's my dawg, he hold his grandmother down
One relative is loyal and supportive of our grandmother's memory
My great grandmother, makin' a lot of trips out of town
Our great grandmother is still healthy and active, traveling frequently
But that's a good thing and if I could only hear you sing
I am grateful for the good things happening in our family, but I still miss my grandmother
Once more, oh Lord, the comfort it would bring (oh baby, everything)
I would give anything to hear my grandmother's voice again and feel her comfort
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
I am reflecting on the hymn 'Amazing Grace'
That saved a wretch like me
The song reminds me of the grace and mercy of God
I once was lost, but now I'm found
The song speaks to my experience of finding hope and purpose through faith
Was blind, but now I see, yeah
I used to be spiritually blind, but now I have clarity and understanding
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Earl Simmons, Brian Collins
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@wilfredmasondo242
25For I know that my Redeemer lives,
and at the last he will stand upon the earth.b
26And after my skin has been thus destroyed,
yet inc my flesh I shall see God,
27whom I shall see for myself,
and my eyes shall behold, and not another.
My heart faints within me!
Job 19: 25-27
@krystal7382
Everybody is crying over this man. He was the real deal ❤️.
@HENNESSEYLOVEORNOTHING
Just wait the love is unmeasurable so is the pain 💙💙🙏🏿
@jcbanbury
I am crying, I actually feel pain from his passing
@hellenmabena366
😭😭😭
@lonewolf3828
Trust me!!!!
@BriaBarrows
🙏
@mdnnamartin
His grandmother received him with open arms. RIP DMX
@calyrexcolress2088
As did Aaliyah
@jamecahoward3195
Amen he was met at the gate and all that pain his earth life caused him was no longer.
@nitamartin9699
DMX is now in heaven with his grandmother and heavenly father and now he has his wings and smiling and shining his heavenly love on all of us. He suffers no more. Rest in peace to the legendary rapper -DMX ❤️