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".
Make A Move )
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Mm
I gots to make a move and make it soon, uh
I gots to take a block and make it boom
I take the car and hit it with this boom
Now come on, let's get that money
It's two o'clock and I'm just about to hit the street
'Til I knock off this rock I don't get to eat
Sometimes that's like that's the only reason why I hustle
Step on toes, strongarm and show a lil' muscle
Ain't no real dough, that's why a nigga feel so frustrated
I hate it, seein' crab niggas that made it
And I'm robbin' cats just as broke as myself
Livin' foul and ain't lookin' out for my health, where's the wealth?
Not in New York, 'cause niggas talk about goin out of state
Money got an eighth, comin' back, coppin' a lot of weight
Where's my plate nigga? I'm hungry too
So I'ma do like hungry do, and get a hungry crew
Niggas that ain't never had, and doin' bad
Will be glad to get up off that stoop lookin' sad
Grab your bags, it's about to go down
We goin' to this hicktown, let's get the lowdown, on how they get down
I gots to make a move and make it soon
I gots to take a block and make it boom
I take the car and hit it with this boom
Now come on, let's get that money
I gots to make a move and make it soon
I gots to take a block and make it boom
I take the car and hit it with this boom
Now come on, let's get that money
I gots to make a move and make it soon
Gots to take a block and make it boom
We comin' through so make some room
Found somethin' that could be somethin' if I pump it up
This kid Black is the only thing that could fuck it up
The purple top thirty-five smalls is ringin' bells
But I'ma crush him with the black 40 double-L's
I send two niggas back up top, and come back
We chop up rock, by midnight, we open up shop
It's four in the mornin', we on the block creepin'
Killin' the cash, while yo' ass is sleepin'
Look here, I'm what they call a true hustler
'Cause, nigga, if I ain't know you since I was like six
Then I don't trust ya
And we'll bust ya over somethin' petty like a few dollars
Put somethin' hot up in that ass and watch you holla (ahh)
You think I'm here for the ho flow? I want the dough flow
And fuck the po'-po', nigga keep a fo'-fo'
I gots to make a move and make it soon
I gots to take a block and make it boom
I take the car and hit it with this boom
Now come on, let's get that money
I gots to make a move and make it soon
I gots to take a block and make it boom
I take the car and hit it with this boom
Now come on, let's get that money
I spend my money on niggas 'cause niggas get me rich
And a bitch ain't doin' shit but suckin' my dick
Niggas is family now, and we stand strong
Thirty niggas on six blocks, makin' the cash long
Shit is good, because niggas gettin' what they been wantin'
And we see the same shit, other New York niggas frontin'
Stick up kids huntin', but I ain't got no love for 'em
I keep the burner and the dumpster with the glove for 'em
Them motherfuckin' knockers come at us and chop us
And I know they, really tryin' to stop us and wanna drop us
So we pump, from the alley and the last house we use as a cash house
It's holdin up strong as a stash house
I got runners that work for twelve hour shifts
And when them niggas keep they count correct, I don't riff
But I ain't tryin' to hear that nigga took your pack shit
Ain't tryin' to hear jack shit, fuck the black bitch
I ain't a greedy nigga, all I want is a five year run
If I don't make it, then fuck it, let me die near a gun
Got bitches to transport without an escort
I'm makin' moves from D.C. up to Westport
Local police ain't a problem 'cause they don't even stress us
It be them ATF niggas that have you under pressure
Just so you know, ain't gon' never put my Glock down (why nigga?)
'Cause I'm a hustlin' motherfucker, and I'm holdin' my block down
I gots to make a move and make it soon
I gots to take a block and make it boom
I take the car and hit it with this boom
Now come on, let's get that money
I gots to make a move and make it soon
I gots to take a block and make it boom
I take the car and hit it with this boom
Now come on, let's get that money
In DMX's song "Make A Move," he speaks about his struggle to make money in New York. He talks about how he has to hustle and step on toes just to get by, and how frustrating it is to see others who have made it in life. DMX talks about robbing people who are just as broke as himself, and how he is not looking out for his health. He goes on to describe how he has to take a chance on moving to a "hicktown" to make some real money. Throughout the song, DMX is focused on making a move and getting that money.
The lyrics of "Make A Move" are a reflection of a life that many people have had to live. DMX is speaking about the hardships of poverty and the lengths that he had to go to make ends meet. The song is a testament to how strong one can be in the face of adversity. It speaks to the struggle that many people face every day and how it can be a challenge to overcome.
Line by Line Meaning
Grrr
DMX expresses his menacing demeanor through a growl
Mm
DMX makes a brief sound effect indicating seriousness and readiness
I gots to make a move and make it soon, uh
DMX is aware that he has to act fast and make a move that counts
I gots to take a block and make it boom
DMX must turn a specific area into a money-making haven
I take the car and hit it with this boom
DMX uses his car as a weapon to show his force and impact
Now come on, let's get that money
DMX encourages his crew to focus on the goal: getting money
It's two o'clock and I'm just about to hit the street
DMX acknowledges the time and prepares to start his hustle
'Til I knock off this rock I don't get to eat
DMX has to sell drugs to make money and fulfill his basic needs
Sometimes that's like that's the only reason why I hustle
DMX admits that his primary motivation is survival
Step on toes, strongarm and show a lil' muscle
DMX is willing to be confrontational and use force to get what he wants
Ain't no real dough, that's why a nigga feel so frustrated
DMX is dissatisfied with his current financial situation
I hate it, seein' crab niggas that made it
DMX is angry at successful people who he perceives as dishonest or fake
And I'm robbin' cats just as broke as myself
DMX steals from people in the same desperate situation as him
Livin' foul and ain't lookin' out for my health, where's the wealth?
DMX says he's not living well, and questions where the riches are
Not in New York, 'cause niggas talk about goin out of state
DMX thinks he may have to leave his current city to make more money
Money got an eighth, comin' back, coppin' a lot of weight
DMX references drug deals, where he can buy a small amount of drugs then come back for a bigger quantity
Where's my plate nigga? I'm hungry too
DMX acknowledges his hunger and reminds his crew that they all want money
So I'ma do like hungry do, and get a hungry crew
DMX recruits people who are also in desperate need of money to join his crew
Niggas that ain't never had, and doin' bad
DMX is looking for people who have never had much money and are struggling
Will be glad to get up off that stoop lookin' sad
DMX wants to help people who are down on their luck and end their suffering
Grab your bags, it's about to go down
DMX urges his crew to prepare for what's about to happen
We goin' to this hicktown, let's get the lowdown, on how they get down
DMX and his crew are traveling to a small town to study the area and learn how business is done there
Gots to take a block and make it boom
DMX reminds his crew of their goal to turn an area into a lucrative business place
We comin' through so make some room
DMX tells people in the area to move aside and let them pass
Found somethin' that could be somethin' if I pump it up
DMX has discovered a new business idea that he thinks could be successful if he works hard on it
This kid Black is the only thing that could fuck it up
DMX identifies someone who could potentially threaten his business idea
The purple top thirty-five smalls is ringin' bells
DMX references a popular drug being sold in the area
But I'ma crush him with the black 40 double-L's
DMX intends to use more powerful weapons to defeat Black and take control of the drug market
I send two niggas back up top, and come back
DMX dispatches two people to take care of business, then return when it's done
We chop up rock, by midnight, we open up shop
DMX and his crew prepare the drugs to be sold that night when the business opens
It's four in the mornin', we on the block creepin'
DMX and his crew are up early, selling drugs while trying to avoid being noticed by the police
Killin' the cash, while yo' ass is sleepin'
DMX and his crew are making money while others are sleeping
Look here, I'm what they call a true hustler
DMX sees himself as a genuine hustler
'Cause, nigga, if I ain't know you since I was like six, Then I don't trust ya
DMX only trusts people he has known for a long time
And we'll bust ya over somethin' petty like a few dollars
DMX warns that even small amounts of missing money can have severe consequences
Put somethin' hot up in that ass and watch you holla (ahh)
DMX threatens to hurt someone with a weapon, and enjoys the idea of them screaming in pain
You think I'm here for the ho flow? I want the dough flow
DMX denies that he's only interested in women and asserts that he's solely focused on making money
And fuck the po'-po', nigga keep a fo'-fo'
DMX shows his disdain for police and the law, and prefers to carry a gun for protection
I spend my money on niggas 'cause niggas get me rich
DMX invests his money into his crew since they help him make more money
And a bitch ain't doin' shit but suckin' my dick
DMX degrades women and views them as inferior to men
Niggas is family now, and we stand strong
DMX considers his crew to be like a family, and praises their unity
Thirty niggas on six blocks, makin' the cash long
DMX has many people working for him on multiple blocks, all helping to make large amounts of money
Shit is good, because niggas gettin' what they been wantin'
DMX is pleased with the success of his business and how it's helping people
And we see the same shit, other New York niggas frontin'
DMX sees other people in New York trying to act tough and showing off
Stick up kids huntin', but I ain't got no love for 'em
DMX acknowledges that people are trying to rob him, but he doesn't have sympathy for them
I keep the burner and the dumpster with the glove for 'em
DMX keeps his gun and gloves in a safe place to avoid trouble
Them motherfuckin' knockers come at us and chop us
DMX recognizes that he and his crew are at risk of being caught and arrested by law enforcement
And I know they, really tryin' to stop us and wanna drop us
DMX says that the police are actively working to deter his business and arrest him
So we pump, from the alley and the last house we use as a cash house
DMX and his crew sell drugs secretly, from a house which is also used to hide and store money
It's holdin up strong as a stash house
DMX is confident in the strength and security of his hiding spot for money
I got runners that work for twelve hour shifts
DMX has people working for him around the clock, in shifts
And when them niggas keep they count correct, I don't riff
DMX expects accurate accounting from his workers, and doesn't tolerate mistakes
But I ain't tryin' to hear that nigga took your pack shit
DMX says he doesn't want to hear excuses from his crew about lost or stolen drugs
Ain't tryin' to hear jack shit, fuck the black bitch
DMX dismisses any complaints and profanely insults a black woman
I ain't a greedy nigga, all I want is a five year run
DMX insists that he's not greedy, and that he only wants to run his business for five years
If I don't make it, then fuck it, let me die near a gun
DMX says that if he doesn't succeed in his business, he'd rather die with a gun than live without one
Got bitches to transport without an escort
DMX is confident enough to move women without anyone protecting them
I'm makin' moves from D.C. up to Westport
DMX is expanding his business and moving drugs further away from his home base
Local police ain't a problem 'cause they don't even stress us
DMX isn't worried about local police catching him and his crew
It be them ATF niggas that have you under pressure
DMX is scared of being caught by the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives), which has more power than local authorities
Just so you know, ain't gon' never put my Glock down (why nigga?)
DMX states that he won't stop carrying his gun, and his crew asks him why
'Cause I'm a hustlin' motherfucker, and I'm holdin' my block down
DMX says he's a determined hustler, and he's protecting his territory and business
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Anthony Fields, Earl Simmons
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Kresimir Vrcic
[DMX]
Grrrrrrrrrrrrr..
Mm..
Chorus: DMX
I gots to make a move and make it soon, uhh
I gots to take a block and make it boom {*BOOM*}
I take the car and hit it with this boom
Now come on, let's get that money!
[DMX]
It's two o'clock and I'm just about to hit the street
Til I knock off this rock I don't get to eat
Sometimes that's like that's the only reason why I hustle
Step on toes, strongarm and show a lil' muscle
Ain't no real dough, that's why a nigga feel so frustrated
I hate it, seein crab niggas that made it
And I'm robbin cats just as broke as myself
Livin foul and ain't lookin out for my health, where's the wealth?
Not in New York, cause niggas talk about goin out of state
Money got an eighth, comin back, hot with a lot of weight
Where's my plate nigga? I'm hungry too
So I'mma do like hungry do, and get a hungry crew
Niggas that ain't never had, and doin bad
Will be glad to get up off that stoop lookin' sad
Grab your bags, it's about to go down
We goin to this hicktown, let's get the lowdown, on how they get down
Chorus 2X
[DMX]
I gots to make a move and make it soon
Gots to take a block and make it boom
We comin through so make some room
Found somethin that could be somethin if I pump it up
This kid Black is the only thing that could fuck it up
The purple top thirty-five smalls is ringin' bells
But I'mma crush him with the black 40 double-L's
I send two niggas back up top, and come back
We chop up rock, by midnight, we open up shop
It's four in the mornin, we on the block creepin
Killin the cash, while yo' ass is sleepin
Look here, I'm what they call a true hustler
Cause, nigga, if I ain't know you since I was like six
Then I don't trust ya
And we'll bust ya over somethin petty like a few dollars
Put somethin hot up in that ass and watch you holla ("Ahhhhh!")
You think I'm here for the ho flow? I want the dough flow
And fuck the po'-po', nigga keep a fo'-fo'
Chorus 2X
[DMX]
I spend my money on niggas cause niggas get me rich
And a bitch ain't doin shit but suckin my dick
Niggas is family now, and we stand strong
Thirty niggas on six blocks, makin the cash long
Shit is good, because niggas gettin what they been wantin
And we see the same shit, other New York niggas frontin
Stick up kids huntin, but I ain't got no love for em
I keep the burner and the duster with the glove for em
Them motherfuckin knockers come at us and chop us
And I know they, really tryin to stop us and wanna drop us
So we pump, from the alley and the last house we use as a cash house
It's holdin em strong, it's a stash house
I got runners that work for twelve hour shifts
And when them niggas keep they count correct, I don't riff
But I ain't tryin to hear that nigga took your pack shit
Ain't tryin to hear jack shit, fuck the black bitch
I ain't a greedy nigga, all I want is a five year run
If I don't make it, then fuck it, let me die near a gun
Got bitches to transport without an escort
I'm makin moves from D.C. up to Westport
Local police ain't a problem cause they don't even stress us
It be them ATF niggas that have you under pressure
Just so you know, ain't gon' never put my Glock down (why nigga?)
Cause I'm a hustlin motherfucker, and I'm holdin my block down
wu bonkald
Life isn't fair,i really hate that X is gone,he was a huge part of my youth
Spiconstruction
R.I.P. X. Thank you for blessing us with timeless classics
VIDE0GAMERFORLIFE 1992
Still feeling just as blessed now he will always be with us X
Willie Brown
A era when you can understand what a rapper is saying and when the beat sounds different.
Supreme El
Love this one and the original! Rest in Praise DMX
Robert Inda
Still one of the dopest rap albums to date, every song go HARD AF!!!
Eb Bunny
Donβt take this the wrong way but finally I see someone with good taste in music lol
truth told
Word is born πͺ
Chanc' Register
" if I haven't known u since I was like 6, I don't trust you "
Musical artist Tim Joel
I still like his debut album the best.