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".
It's Gonna Be
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah, yeah, yeah
(Grr)
Uh, yeah don't get it twisted
This rap shit, is mine
Motherfucker, it's not a fucking game
Fuck what you heard
It's what you hearin'
(Listen)
It's what you hearin'
(Listen)
It's what you hearin'
(Listen)
X gonna give it to ya
Fuck wait for you to get it on your own
X gonna deliver to ya
Knock knock, open up the door, it's real
Wit the non-stop, pop pop and stainless steel
Go hard gettin' busy wit it, but I got such a good heart
I'll make a motherfucker wonder if he did it
Damn right and I'll do it again
'cause I am right so I gots to win
Break break wit the enemy
But no matter how many cats I break bread wit
I'll break who you sendin' me
You motherfucker never wanted nothin'
But your wife said, that's for the light day
I'm gettin' down, down, make it say freeze
But won't be the one endin' up on his knees
(Who)
Please, If the only thing you cats did is come out to play
Get out my way
First we gonna are O see K, then we gonna are O L L
Then we let it P O P, G O L E T I T G O
X gonna give it to ya
He gonna give it to ya
X gonna give it to ya
He gonna give it to ya
First we gonna are O see K, then we gonna are O L L
Then we let it P O P, G O L E T I T G O
X gonna give it to ya
He gonna give it to ya
X gonna give it to ya
He gonna give it to ya
Ain't never gave nothin' to me
But every time I turn around
Cats got they hands out wantin' something from me
I ain't got it so you can't get it
Lets leave it at that 'cause I ain't wit it
Hit it wit full strength, I'm a jail nigga
So I face the world like it's Earl in the bullpen
You against me, me against you
Whatever, whenever
What the fuck you gon do?
I'm a wool fin sheep clothing
Only nigga that you know that can chill
Come back and get the streets open
I've been doing this for nineteen years
Wanna fight me? Fight these tears
I put in work and it's all for the kids
But these cats done forgot what work is
(Uh-huh!)
They don't know who we be
Lookin', but they don't know who they see
First we gonna are O see K, then we gonna are O L L
Then we let it P O P, G O L E T I T G O
X gonna give it to ya
He gonna give it to ya
X gonna give it to ya
He gonna give it to ya
First we gonna are O see K, then we gonna are O L L
Then we let it P O P, G O L E T I T G O
X gonna give it to ya
He gonna give it to ya
X gonna give it to ya
He gonna give it to ya
Aiiyo where my niggaz at?
I know I got them down in the game
Give em love and they give it back
Talk to much for to long
Don't give up your to strong
(What?)
A dog to bow bow hug it
Shoutout to niggaz that done it
And it ain't even about the dough
It's about gettin' down for what you stand for yo
First we gonna are O see K, then we gonna are O L L
Then we let it P O P, G O L E T I T G O
X gonna give it to ya
He gonna give it to ya
X gonna give it to ya
He gonna give it to ya
First we gonna are O see K, then we gonna are O L L
Then we let it P O P, G O L E T I T G O
X gonna give it to ya
He gonna give it to ya
X gonna give it to ya
He gonna give it to ya
First we gonna are O see K, then we gonna are O L L
Then we let it P O P, G O L E T I T G O
X gonna give it to ya
He gonna give it to ya
X gonna give it to ya
He gonna give it to ya
The lyrics to DMX's song X Gonna Give It to Ya are a declaration of the rapper's attitude of strength and perseverance. The opening lines declare that DMX's craft is his own, and he is not playing a game. The repetition of the phrase, "It's what you hearin'", suggests that people should pay attention to his message. The refrain, "X gonna give it to ya," is a statement of this determination to succeed.
The lyrics refer to DMX's tough persona and his readiness to face any challenge. He is not one to wait for someone to offer him an opportunity; he's going to create his own. He will knock down doors and use his skills to deliver the goods. He boasts of his ability to break bread with any enemy, but warns that they better not cross him, or they will face the consequences.
Throughout the song, he repeats the refrain "X gonna give it to ya," a statement of his intent to take no prisoners and to succeed. He warns people not to mess with him, and makes it clear that he has been doing this "for nineteen years". DMX is reminding his audience that he has been in the game for a long time and has honed his craft. Overall, the song is a message of strength, determination, and persevering against any obstacle.
Line by Line Meaning
Arf, arf
Sound effect of a dog barking
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Vocalization of agreement or enthusiasm
(Grr)
Sound effect of a growling animal
Uh, yeah don't get it twisted
Don't misunderstand what I'm saying
This rap shit, is mine
I am the owner and creator of this music genre
Motherfucker, it's not a fucking game
This is not just fun or entertainment, take it seriously
Fuck what you heard
Disregard any information you heard from anyone else
It's what you hearin'
Pay attention to what you're listening to
It's what you hearin'
Listen carefully and attentively
(Listen)
Emphasizing the need to pay attention
X gonna give it to ya
I am going to deliver what you need or want
Fuck wait for you to get it on your own
I'm not going to make you work for it
X gonna deliver to ya
I am going to bring it to you
Knock knock, open up the door, it's real
I'm here and I mean business
Wit the non-stop, pop pop and stainless steel
I am well-equipped and prepared for any situation
Go hard gettin' busy wit it, but I got such a good heart
I am determined and working hard, but I am also empathetic and compassionate
I'll make a motherfucker wonder if he did it
My skills and talent are going to leave a lasting impression
Damn right and I'll do it again
I am confident in my abilities and willing to repeat my success
'cause I am right so I gots to win
I know I am correct and therefore I must come out on top
Break break wit the enemy
I am ready to face my opposition
But no matter how many cats I break bread wit
Regardless of who I associate with
I'll break who you sendin' me
I am capable of defeating anyone you send my way
You motherfucker never wanted nothin'
You never had good intentions
But your wife said, that's for the light day
Your spouse is too weak to handle the situation
I'm gettin' down, down, make it say freeze
I'm taking action and getting results
But won't be the one endin' up on his knees
I am strong-willed and won't be broken down
(Who)
Asking for more information on a subject or person
Please, If the only thing you cats did is come out to play
If your only goal is to have fun and not take things seriously
Get out my way
Move aside and let me handle this
I've been doing this for nineteen years
I have been working and perfecting my craft for a long time
Wanna fight me? Fight these tears
I am not afraid to show my emotions and will not back down from a challenge
I put in work and it's all for the kids
I work hard for the benefit of others
But these cats done forgot what work is
Others have lost sight of the value of hard work
(Uh-huh!)
Expressing agreement or enthusiasm
They don't know who we be
Others do not understand or recognize our identity
Lookin', but they don't know who they see
Others may observe us, but they do not truly understand us
Aiiyo where my niggaz at?
Asking for the whereabouts of a group of people
I know I got them down in the game
I know some people who are involved in this situation
Give em love and they give it back
If you show them respect, they will reciprocate that respect
Talk to much for to long
Don't waste your breath for too long
Don't give up your to strong
Don't let anyone break your spirit
(What?)
Asking for clarification or repetition
A dog to bow bow hug it
Sound effect of a dog barking and growling
Shoutout to niggaz that done it
Acknowledging those who have accomplished something
And it ain't even about the dough
It's not just about money or fame
It's about gettin' down for what you stand for yo
It's important to support what you believe in and stand up for your beliefs
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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.