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".
Look Thru My Eyes
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Do as I do, be what I be
Walk in my shoes, hurt your feet
Then know why I do dirt in the street
Burning in hell, but don't deserve to be
Got niggas I don't even know that wanna murder me
Just because they've heard of me
The bark is for real, when you see that spark it'll kill
Be popping, robbing and chill, take it over there bark wit' it
From YO to Cali to Baltimore back to New York wit' it
Come through flying, up 129
Up the school street 'cause I come through mine
Bark at my dogs, get at me nigga
Get at me nigga
What the deal is, never forget what real is
The cats that used to say X is the best know he still is
Can't help but feel this, putting goosebumps on your arms
Take you there if you want but I lose chunks with the bomb
The calm before the storm
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and it's getting warm
Feel me yo
Look thru my eyes, see what I see
Do as I do, be what I be
Walk in my shoes, hurt your feet
Then know why I do dirt in the street
Look thru my eyes, see what I see
Do as I do, be what I be
Walk in my shoes, hurt your feet
Then know why I do dirt in the street
I can understand why y'all niggas is scared of me
And why the big dogs never wanted to play fair with me
'Cause I leave blood wherever I go, wherever I flow
Wherever I blow niggas who know I can go, feel me yo
What is it about the Dark that gets niggas where they about to spark
About to bark, take it to the heart 'cause it's real like that
Give him chills, but do I make him feel like that
Shit is real, what you don't know is gon' get ya
With the steel, what you don't know is gon' split ya
I can blaze tracks, make niggas play rats and raise stacks
Payback's a bitch, didn't you used to say that?
Play around in dirt, you get mud
'Cause you know, I can either spread love or shed blood
And bloodshed turns the mud red and real sticky
Or I can hit you from roof, make it a quicky
For real
Look thru my eyes, see what I see
Do as I do, be what I be
Walk in my shoes, hurt your feet
Then know why I do dirt in the street
Look thru my eyes, see what I see
Do as I do, be what I be
Walk in my shoes, hurt your feet
Then know why I do dirt in the street
I bear my soul, niggas wouldn't dare, my role
Give to nigga a heart of gold but with a hole
Lost all control, my shoulders hold a lot of weight
Just like first I'm sold an eight, then told it's not an eight
But then it's out of state, and it's too late for changes to be made
That's what I get for fucking with strangers in the shade
This is it, y'all niggas got to give me a plate
For the same reason that fate, chose to give me the way
Take away hate, now I'm supposed to love the one that cursed me
The one that wouldn't give me a cup of water when I was thirsty
It was always him versus me, but now I gotta teach him
Personal feelings put aside, 'cause now I gotta reach him
What I'd like to do is turn my head, like I don't know him
But it seems like I've been called on to show him
So I'ma show him
And if you never met me, then you've no right to judge me
I've got a good heart but this heart can get ugly
Look thru my eyes, see what I see
Do as I do, be what I be
Walk in my shoes, hurt your feet
Then know why I do dirt in the street
Look thru my eyes, see what I see
Do as I do, be what I be
Walk in my shoes, hurt your feet
Then know why I do dirt in the street
Feel the pain, feel the joy, of a man who was never a boy
For real
The song "Look Thru My Eyes" by DMX is a powerful and introspective look into the life of the rapper. The lyrics express his desire for others to see the world from his perspective, to understand the hardships that have led him to do "dirt" in the streets. He describes the constant threat of violence and the feeling of being hunted by strangers who have heard of him, making him burn in hell without deserving it. Despite this, he asserts that he is the best and still has the support of his fans. The final verse shows the struggle between hate and love, as DMX acknowledges his own faults while also wanting to teach and reach others.
The lyrics of "Look Thru My Eyes" show DMX's vulnerability, as he opens up about the pain and difficulty of his life. This is reflected in the beat, which is slow and somber, adding to the weight of the lyrics. The repetition of the chorus reinforces his desire for understanding and empathy, as he encourages listeners to walk in his shoes and feel the hurt that he has experienced. Overall, the song is a testament to the power of music and the importance of using it to communicate deeply personal emotions and experiences.
Line by Line Meaning
Look thru my eyes, see what I see
Understand my perspective and what I have been through
Do as I do, be what I be
Follow my actions and be like me
Walk in my shoes, hurt your feet
Experience my struggles and hardships
Then know why I do dirt in the street
Understand why I am involved in criminal activities
Burning in hell, but don't deserve to be
Feeling punished unfairly or excessively
Got niggas I don't even know that wanna murder me
Strangers have the intention to kill me
Just because they've heard of me
Being targeted due to my reputation
And they know that the Dark is for real
Being recognized for being associated with a dangerous lifestyle
The bark is for real, when you see that spark it'll kill
The threats are serious, and the consequences are deadly
Be popping, robbing and chill, take it over there bark wit' it
Being involved in drug and robbery activities
From YO to Cali to Baltimore back to New York wit' it
Engaging in these criminal activities in different states
Come through flying, up 129
Driving fast, reckless and dangerously in a specific area
Up the school street 'cause I come through mine
Making an aggressive power move in the territory of a perceived rival
Bark at my dogs, get at me nigga
Defending myself and my associates against attackers
What the deal is, never forget what real is
Remembering my roots and background
The cats that used to say X is the best know he still is
Acknowledging my ongoing abilities and success
Can't help but feel this, putting goosebumps on your arms
Inspiring intense emotion and reactions from others
Take you there if you want but I lose chunks with the bomb
Being willing to involve others in dangerous situations, which comes with its own risks
The calm before the storm
The moment before a dangerous event or situation
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and it's getting warm
Reference to unpredictable and violent behavior
I can understand why y'all niggas is scared of me
Recognizing why others may fear me
And why the big dogs never wanted to play fair with me
The greater power players may have used unfair tactics against me in the past
'Cause I leave blood wherever I go, wherever I flow
My influence results in violent acts and consequences
Wherever I blow niggas who know I can go, feel me yo
Gaining respect through intimidation and force
What is it about the Dark that gets niggas where they about to spark
Exploring the appeal and attraction of a dangerous lifestyle
About to bark, take it to the heart 'cause it's real like that
The street life is serious, and the consequences are lifelong
Give him chills, but do I make him feel like that
Making an impression on others through my behavior and reputation
Shit is real, what you don't know is gon' get ya
The reality of the situation can be fatal if you are not aware
With the steel, what you don't know is gon' split ya
Facing violent consequences without knowing the full extent of the situation
I can blaze tracks, make niggas play rats and raise stacks
Making profits through illegal activities like drug dealing and gambling
Payback's a bitch, didn't you used to say that?
Not forgetting past wrongdoings and needing revenge
Play around in dirt, you get mud
Engaging in criminal activities has its own set of consequences
'Cause you know, I can either spread love or shed blood
Being aware of my power to either help or harm others
And bloodshed turns the mud red and real sticky
Acknowledging the violent and messy outcomes of criminal activity
Or I can hit you from roof, make it a quicky
Acting swiftly and decisively to achieve my goals
I bear my soul, niggas wouldn't dare, my role
Sharing my innermost thoughts and feelings, which others may be afraid to do
Give to nigga a heart of gold but with a hole
Being a good person with flaws and dark tendencies
Lost all control, my shoulders hold a lot of weight
Feeling overwhelmed by my responsibilities and the consequences of my actions
Just like first I'm sold an eight, then told it's not an eight
Being deceived and taken advantage of in illegal activities
But then it's out of state, and it's too late for changes to be made
Not being able to escape the consequences of my actions
That's what I get for fucking with strangers in the shade
Acknowledging the risks of working with unfamiliar people in criminal activities
This is it, y'all niggas got to give me a plate
Demanding respect and rewards for my work and influence
For the same reason that fate, chose to give me the way
Believing that my destiny and success are predetermined
Take away hate, now I'm supposed to love the one that cursed me
Struggling with forgiving and moving past past wrongs
The one that wouldn't give me a cup of water when I was thirsty
Reflecting on past grievances and mistreatment
It was always him versus me, but now I gotta teach him
Making the decision to take revenge or to teach a lesson
Personal feelings put aside, 'cause now I gotta reach him
Putting aside personal emotions and focusing on the goal
What I'd like to do is turn my head, like I don't know him
Preferring to ignore and avoid confrontation
But it seems like I've been called on to show him
Feeling obligated to face the situation and take action
Feel the pain, feel the joy, of a man who was never a boy
Experiencing the life and emotions of someone who had to mature too quickly
For real
Truthfully and honestly
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAMON J BLACKMAN, ANTHONY FIELDS, EARL SIMMONS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind