Earl Simmons (December 18, 1970 - April 9, 2021), better known by his stage… Read Full Bio ↴Earl Simmons (December 18, 1970 - April 9, 2021), better known by his stage name DMX (Dark Man X), was an American rapper from Yonkers, New York and actor signed to Ruff Ryders Entertainment. In 1998 he released his debut solo album, It's Dark and Hell Is Hot, and has since released 1998's Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood, 1999's ...And Then There Was X, 2001's The Great Depression, 2003's Grand Champ and 2006's Year of the Dog...Again.
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".
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".
More 2 A Song )
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
Uhh, c'mon!
It's more to a song than, jewelry and clothes
More to a nigga's life than, money and hoes
The game is a lot bigger than you, think you know
And if you think you know, then I don't think you know
Niggas, walk around frontin' (frontin') talkin' 'bout jewels (jewels)
How much you bust tools, y'all niggas sounds like fools (woo)
Who you really think give a fuck how much your watch cost? (mm-hmm)
How much your watch cost? You 'bout to get your watch lost (aight)
If you flashin' it, you must not want it
See I fuck with real niggas that done it
You know what time it is, run it!
Niggas got more important shit to deal with
Talkin' about some 4 wheel shit
But my man here is about to kill shit (Uh!)
Keep playin' niggas pussy, and you will get fucked
Why don't you cop some more ice dog
Then you will get stuck, fucked
Bitch ass nigga, hit my street
And see what happens to that Iceberg when it's hit by heat (woo)
It won't be a pretty sight, you and your pretty wife
Oh you must have forgot dog, this is the city life (aight?)
Ain't a fuckin' thing sweet, and ain't nothing fair
Just another nigga dead, don't a motherfucker care
(Dog) It's more to a song than, jewelry and clothes
More to a niggas life than, money and hoes
The game is a lot bigger than you, think you know
And if you think you know, then I don't think you know
(Dog) It's more to a song than, jewelry and clothes
More to a niggas life than, money and hoes
The game is a lot bigger than you, think you know
And if you think you know, then I don't think you know
Born and raised in the projects and can't forget it
And all that grimy shit niggas do, I done did it (uhh)
And I'm still with it, nigga I stay in the hood
But when the cats is out, bet the dog, play in the hood
You keep bringin' them fake bitches through
You gon' fuck around and make bitches do (What)
We take bitches too (aight?)
And if you comin through my block, it's gon' be the last stop
We blast tops, faggot couldn't make it to the stash box (c'mon!)
Big ass rocks, I want that! Fuck the blood
All that shit washes off, the next day I'm like, "What?"
Flossin' yo' shit, what I want for yo' shit? (uhh, uhh)
Give a nigga like three bricks to feed the dogs with
'Cause I ain't really gots to shine (Why?) When they do, I do
For me them niggas'll hide you, where nobody'll find you
If you eatin' motherfucker, then your dogs should be eatin' too
Not just four or five niggas
'Cause you know what the streets'll do
It's more to a song than, jewelry and clothes
More to a niggas life than, money and hoes
The game is a lot bigger than you, think you know
And if you think you know, then I don't think you know
(Dog) It's more to a song than, jewelry and clothes
More to a niggas life than, money and hoes
The game is a lot bigger than you, think you know
And if you think you know, then I don't think you know
I will be the voice of the street 'til I die (die)
'Cause I know if I keep my heart real, I'm gon' fly (fly)
Either let me fly or give me death, if you didn't catch it then
Get it now, 'cause it's all that's left
And this will be the last breath (uh) provokin' my niggas (uh)
To start choking y'all niggas (WHAT?) and smokin' y'all niggas
A nigga would never have to say, "X feed me!"
You'll never hear a nigga say, "X is greedy!"
Only, "X believe me! I didn't know it was a setup!"
Get up, cocksuckin' motherfucker, shut up
Shut up, blat blat, fuck you nigga
From the hood to the wood, fuck you nigga
This is for my dogs, 'til death do us part
I'm still here, 'cause I been here from the start (aight?)
If I'm ever anywhere, anytime it gets ugly (What?)
The dog is aight, 'cause I know the streets love me (grr)
It's more to a song than jewelry and clothes
More to a niggas life than money and hoes
The game is a lot bigger than you think you know
And if you think you know, then I don't think you know
(Dog) It's more to a song than, jewelry and clothes
More to a niggas life than, money and hoes
The game is a lot bigger than you, think you know
And if you think you know, then I don't think you know
Dog
Jewelry and clothes
Money and hoes
Think you know?
I don't think you know
It's more to a song than, jewelry and clothes
More to a nigga's life than, money and hoes
The game is a lot bigger than you, think you know
And if you think you know, then I don't think you know
Niggas, walk around frontin' (frontin') talkin' 'bout jewels (jewels)
Who you really think give a fuck how much your watch cost? (mm-hmm)
How much your watch cost? You 'bout to get your watch lost (aight)
If you flashin' it, you must not want it
See I fuck with real niggas that done it
You know what time it is, run it!
Niggas got more important shit to deal with
Talkin' about some 4 wheel shit
But my man here is about to kill shit (Uh!)
Keep playin' niggas pussy, and you will get fucked
Why don't you cop some more ice dog
Then you will get stuck, fucked
Bitch ass nigga, hit my street
And see what happens to that Iceberg when it's hit by heat (woo)
It won't be a pretty sight, you and your pretty wife
Oh you must have forgot dog, this is the city life (aight?)
Ain't a fuckin' thing sweet, and ain't nothing fair
Just another nigga dead, don't a motherfucker care
(Dog) It's more to a song than, jewelry and clothes
More to a niggas life than, money and hoes
The game is a lot bigger than you, think you know
And if you think you know, then I don't think you know
(Dog) It's more to a song than, jewelry and clothes
More to a niggas life than, money and hoes
The game is a lot bigger than you, think you know
And if you think you know, then I don't think you know
Born and raised in the projects and can't forget it
And all that grimy shit niggas do, I done did it (uhh)
And I'm still with it, nigga I stay in the hood
But when the cats is out, bet the dog, play in the hood
You keep bringin' them fake bitches through
You gon' fuck around and make bitches do (What)
We take bitches too (aight?)
And if you comin through my block, it's gon' be the last stop
We blast tops, faggot couldn't make it to the stash box (c'mon!)
Big ass rocks, I want that! Fuck the blood
All that shit washes off, the next day I'm like, "What?"
Flossin' yo' shit, what I want for yo' shit? (uhh, uhh)
Give a nigga like three bricks to feed the dogs with
'Cause I ain't really gots to shine (Why?) When they do, I do
For me them niggas'll hide you, where nobody'll find you
If you eatin' motherfucker, then your dogs should be eatin' too
Not just four or five niggas
'Cause you know what the streets'll do
It's more to a song than, jewelry and clothes
More to a niggas life than, money and hoes
The game is a lot bigger than you, think you know
And if you think you know, then I don't think you know
(Dog) It's more to a song than, jewelry and clothes
More to a niggas life than, money and hoes
The game is a lot bigger than you, think you know
And if you think you know, then I don't think you know
I will be the voice of the street 'til I die (die)
'Cause I know if I keep my heart real, I'm gon' fly (fly)
Either let me fly or give me death, if you didn't catch it then
Get it now, 'cause it's all that's left
And this will be the last breath (uh) provokin' my niggas (uh)
To start choking y'all niggas (WHAT?) and smokin' y'all niggas
A nigga would never have to say, "X feed me!"
You'll never hear a nigga say, "X is greedy!"
Only, "X believe me! I didn't know it was a setup!"
Get up, cocksuckin' motherfucker, shut up
Shut up, blat blat, fuck you nigga
From the hood to the wood, fuck you nigga
This is for my dogs, 'til death do us part
I'm still here, 'cause I been here from the start (aight?)
If I'm ever anywhere, anytime it gets ugly (What?)
The dog is aight, 'cause I know the streets love me (grr)
It's more to a song than jewelry and clothes
More to a niggas life than money and hoes
The game is a lot bigger than you think you know
And if you think you know, then I don't think you know
(Dog) It's more to a song than, jewelry and clothes
More to a niggas life than, money and hoes
The game is a lot bigger than you, think you know
And if you think you know, then I don't think you know
Dog
Jewelry and clothes
Money and hoes
Think you know?
I don't think you know
In DMX's song "More 2 A Song," the rapper highlights a number of issues that he deems more important than material wealth. First, he emphasizes that there is more to a song than "jewelry and clothes," indicating his distaste for the emphasis that many musicians place on material possessions. He also asserts that there is more to a person's life than "money and hoes," suggesting that people should focus on more meaningful aspects of their lives. Finally, DMX argues that the "game" - likely referring to the music industry - is "a lot bigger than you think you know," indicating that many artists are unaware of the true nature of the industry.
Throughout the song, DMX adopts a confrontational tone, which is characteristic of his music. He suggests that some people are "frontin'" and "sound like fools" when they talk excessively about their wealth, and he warns others that they should not underestimate the streets. Overall, the song can be seen as a call for authenticity and a rejection of superficiality in both music and life.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: EARL SIMMONS, ANTHONY FIELDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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@stack_wright
this album is everything to me.
@justinhunt4767
stack wright classic
@1trl2
Word, still knock 20 years later!
@awc6007
RIP DMX 😔
@johanmassy5290
Well said.
@stack_wright
@justin hunt indeed Justin. Timeless. It bring me back to who I was at the time, makes you think about how much the world has changed. X was & still is the greatest to ever do it. My only top favorite mc was X wasn't no number 2 or 3. Its crazy to be even typing all this. Angered me when it was confirmed he was gone, he and I are both not from this world so I get it. Nevertheless. My deepest condolences go out to all the true supporters, & ofcourse his loving family. Be blessed. Continue to knock his music and keep his memory alive. Peace
@blackman3496
That 2nd verse like a full moon to a werewolf 💯💯💯
Rip big homie ✊🏾💯🥲
@ninjanizzle
"how much ur watch cost? u bout to get ur watch lost!"
classic DMX
@mv0921_
Lol
@stateofhoustonemohdot2936
Favorite line real *****'s feel this if you don't prolly cuz you lost that watch