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 Personal
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We all gon' make that trip to the morgue
We all find it harder to see through the fog
We all know the difference between right and wrong
We should all live life by one fact
Before you doin dirt, the dirt gon' come right back
I seen cats go out like suckers
I seen cats get down like, "Yo, them some bad motherfuckers"
Aiyyo, I deal with that bullshit e'ry day
But that ain't gon' stop me from doin what I'm doin
I got things beside bullshit to be pursuing
It's that craft for me, the half of me
Let through niggas in the door after me
Yo, somebody stop me; please, somebody come and get me
If I go, I'm taking niggas with me!
Dog nigga, Ghost nigga
Hop the bar with the toast nigga
It's like the Lord getting close nigga
It's personal, now we gotta smoke niggas
It's personal, now we gotta host niggas
Dog nigga, Ghost nigga
Hop the bar with the toast nigga
It's like the Lord getting close nigga
It's personal, now we gotta smoke niggas
It's personal, now we gotta host niggas
(Dog nigga, what up!) Nigga fuck the cop and the warrant
You get a chance, pop an informant
All I need is a Glock and I'm touring
Hit every hole in the wall, have me a ball
And then slide the fuck out in the top of the morning
If you hear me cockin it on 'em, I'm poppin it on 'em
I don't fuck around nigga, better stop it and mourn 'em
And who the fuck asked you to rhyme?
I'm the Ghost, when I come around, they throwing up the hazardous sign
And you ain't around chemicals, just around generals
Who spend, passing they time, blasting they nine
Rather die with my man then the five for ya livewire
Spend half of ya time, smashing ya spine
Other half we getting money and more money
You think about cars, I got "goin to war" money
That P and that dog money, we still in the front of the store, money
And if anybody slip, they getting sent to the morgue, money
Dog nigga, Ghost nigga
Hop the bar with the toast nigga
It's like the Lord getting close nigga
It's personal, now we gotta smoke niggas
It's personal, now we gotta host niggas
Dog nigga, Ghost nigga
Hop the bar with the toast nigga
It's like the Lord getting close nigga
It's personal, now we gotta smoke niggas
It's personal, now we gotta host niggas
It's like lately I've been feeling so weak at the knees
And speaking to niggas is just like speaking to thieves
So I keep the hawk ready to eat 'em
Guess already? Then meet 'em
I'm fair game, but I'm ready to cheat 'em
The streets ain't right now, the Colgate White is light brown
These niggas ain't nice, they nice clowns
That's why I'mma start layin them right down
And have 'em there layin in the casket, ice down
Jacob watch on 'em, mortician must've been hazed up
Cause you can see the makeup spots on 'em
This is way beyond ya Avion
The Golden King, more like Polo Spring
And what makes it even worse, aiyyo it's that it's personal
Maybe even ya Earth can go
I'll make it where they can never find the bitch
Right outta the bar, with all kind of shit
Dog nigga, Ghost nigga
Hop the bar with the toast nigga
It's like the Lord getting close nigga
It's personal, now we gotta smoke niggas
It's personal, now we gotta host niggas
Dog nigga, Ghost nigga
Hop the bar with the toast nigga
It's like the Lord getting close nigga
It's personal, now we gotta smoke niggas
It's personal, now we gotta host niggas
Yeah, y'all niggas can get caught up in the hype if you want
Bodies drop over here, this is not a game man
You wanna get caught up in the hype again? Then you can fall in the hype again
This is a movement, Double R, nigga you know what's up
And if you don't, you gon' get to know what's up
Yeah, we ain't playin wit' y'all niggas this year
'06, '07, and on, nigga what's up?
Pop off! You know how I work!
DMX's song It's Personal is a hard-hitting, aggressive track that highlights violence and vengeance within the streets. The first verse establishes the sense of camaraderie among those living in this environment, sharing guns and dogs, but also the inevitability of death. The lyrics also speak to the difficulty of distinguishing right from wrong and the importance of living by the principle of karma. DMX admits to encountering both strong and weak characters, real and fake, but asserts that he won't be deterred from what he is doing.
The next verse is delivered by a guest artist and is more explicitly focused on violence. This verse speaks to the camaraderie between two men who share violent tendencies and are willing to kill anyone who gets in their way. They are willing to die for each other, as long as they are making money and doing damage together. The third verse goes back to DMX's perspective and articulates his distrust for those around him. He describes the streets as a place where speaking to people is similar to speaking to thieves. DMX declares that he is always ready to take matters into his own hands, and he is not afraid to make enemies.
The chorus repeats the phrase "It's personal, now we gotta smoke niggas, it's personal, now we gotta host niggas," which seems to be a call to arms. DMX is fighting back against anyone who steps to him. The final line of the song is "Pop off! You know how I work!" which is a declaration that DMX is not afraid to fight back and do whatever it takes to defend himself.
Line by Line Meaning
We all got guns, we all got dogs
Everyone in this game is armed and dangerous
We all gon' make that trip to the morgue
Violence is the norm here and death is the likely outcome
We all find it harder to see through the fog
It's hard to keep a clear head when you're surrounded by chaos and danger
We all know the difference between right and wrong
Despite our criminal activities, we still have a basic sense of morality
We should all live life by one fact
There's a golden rule to this life we lead
Before you doin dirt, the dirt gon' come right back
What goes around comes around, so be careful what you do
I seen cats go out like suckers
I've witnessed many people die foolishly
I seen cats get down like, "Yo, them some bad motherfuckers"
Some people handle themselves like real killers
I see fake niggas and the games they play
I recognize when people are being dishonest and manipulative
Aiyyo, I deal with that bullshit e'ry day
It's a constant struggle to avoid the deception and lies of others
But that ain't gon' stop me from doin what I'm doin
I won't let the deceit of others bring me down
I got things beside bullshit to be pursuing
I have other goals and ambitions besides this life of crime
It's that craft for me, the half of me
This is more than a lifestyle, it's a part of my identity
Let through niggas in the door after me
I'm always looking out for others in this game
Yo, somebody stop me; please, somebody come and get me
I'm struggling to maintain control and need someone to intervene
If I go, I'm taking niggas with me!
If I go down, I'm not going down alone
Dog nigga, Ghost nigga
We're both fierce and dangerous individuals in this game
Hop the bar with the toast nigga
We're ready to draw our weapons at a moment's notice
It's like the Lord getting close nigga
The threat of death is always present in this life
It's personal, now we gotta smoke niggas
When someone crosses us, it becomes personal and we'll take them out
It's personal, now we gotta host niggas
We'll show no mercy to those who disrespect us
(Dog nigga, what up!) Nigga fuck the cop and the warrant
We have no respect for authority and will do whatever it takes to avoid getting caught
You get a chance, pop an informant
Snitches get stitches, and we won't hesitate to take them out
All I need is a Glock and I'm touring
We're always ready for war and have the weapons to prove it
Hit every hole in the wall, have me a ball
We'll hit every spot in the area and make it our playground
And then slide the fuck out in the top of the morning
We'll disappear quickly after causing chaos
If you hear me cockin it on 'em, I'm poppin it on 'em
When you hear me preparing to draw my weapon, someone is about to die
I don't fuck around nigga, better stop it and mourn 'em
I'm not playing games with anyone and will make sure they regret crossing me
And who the fuck asked you to rhyme?
I'm not interested in anyone else's story, I'm only focused on myself
I'm the Ghost, when I come around, they throwing up the hazardous sign
My reputation precedes me and people know to be afraid when I'm around
And you ain't around chemicals, just around generals
I'm not surrounded by drugs, just other dangerous individuals like myself
Who spend, passing they time, blasting they nine
We spend our time making money and taking care of business by whatever means necessary
Rather die with my man then the five for ya livewire
I'll protect my friends and allies no matter what, even if it puts me in danger
Spend half of ya time, smashing ya spine
We spend a significant amount of time physically attacking and harming our enemies
Other half we getting money and more money
The other half of our time is spent building our wealth and empire
You think about cars, I got "goin to war" money
While others are focused on material possessions, I'm focused on building my power and influence
That P and that dog money, we still in the front of the store, money
We're still at the top of this game, despite any obstacles or competitors
And if anybody slip, they getting sent to the morgue, money
Anyone who crosses us or gets in our way will meet a violent end
It's like lately I've been feeling so weak at the knees
I'm starting to feel overwhelmed and vulnerable in this dangerous lifestyle
And speaking to niggas is just like speaking to thieves
Everyone is only interested in themselves and their own self-interest
So I keep the hawk ready to eat 'em
I'm always ready to take out anyone who threatens me or my allies
Guess already? Then meet 'em
If you think you can take me on, go ahead and try
I'm fair game, but I'm ready to cheat 'em
I'm playing by the rules of this game, but I'll use any means necessary to win
The streets ain't right now, the Colgate White is light brown
Things are getting worse and more dangerous in this life
These niggas ain't nice, they nice clowns
People in this game may act friendly, but they're really just faking it
That's why I'mma start layin them right down
I'm done playing games and will start taking out my enemies
And have 'em there layin in the casket, ice down
I'll kill them in such a brutal manner that they won't be recognizable in the casket
Jacob watch on 'em, mortician must've been hazed up
I'll take their jewelry and valuables as trophies and leave their bodies in disarray
Cause you can see the makeup spots on 'em
The mortician wasn't even able to completely hide the damage done to their bodies
This is way beyond ya Avion
This is a level of violence and brutality that most people can't even imagine
The Golden King, more like Polo Spring
My nickname may be grandiose, but the reality of my life is far less glamorous
And what makes it even worse, aiyyo it's that it's personal
The violence and brutality in this life is made even more intense by the personal grudges and rivalries involved
Maybe even ya Earth can go
I'm even willing to take out innocent people who get in my way
I'll make it where they can never find the bitch
I'll be so brutal and thorough in my revenge that there won't be any evidence left
Right outta the bar, with all kind of shit
I'll be so bold and brazen in my violence that I'll even attack someone in a crowded bar or public place
Yeah, y'all niggas can get caught up in the hype if you want
Other people may be drawn in by the flashy lifestyle and glamor of this life, but I know the reality of it
Bodies drop over here, this is not a game man
People are dying constantly in this life, and it's not a glamorous or exciting thing
You wanna get caught up in the hype again? Then you can fall in the hype again
If you want to ignore the reality of this life, then you'll be just another victim of it
This is a movement, Double R, nigga you know what's up
This isn't just a group of individuals, it's a larger movement with a goal and purpose
And if you don't, you gon' get to know what's up
If you don't understand what we're about, you'll be forced to learn the hard way
Yeah, we ain't playin wit' y'all niggas this year
This year is going to be more intense and violent than ever before
'06, '07, and on, nigga what's up?
This violence and brutality will continue into the future, and we're not slowing down
Pop off! You know how I work!
I'm always ready for a fight and won't hesitate to take someone out if necessary
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Franklin Crum, Jason T Phillips, Edwin Serrano, Earl Simmons, David Styles
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@davidd972
Hidden gem on this album. Should've been dropped as a single.
@marlopaniro4447
Facto
@NYRyder1983
💯
@mariusjacobsen5164
this beat is so DARK
@deezy81
Tuneheadz!!!!
@deontemerritt91
I use to have this DMX CD back in 2006 good album.
@TheSleepingSenatoroftheIslands
IGrewup StillDeontefrombladensburg100 the last good hiphop album, after that shit became gay as fuck.
@natedoghd7026
Yeah rap died when Soulja Boy came out
@deontemerritt91
+NatedogHD yeah that is messed up I never thought one day I grew up from that child to see rap die bring back real rap from Kurtis Blow Afrika and more Souljia Boy Talking shit saying how he was the first one said that he got in the Internet how got famous piece of shit ass rapper.
@afk7144
Doctors advocate was the last good album