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".
My_Niggas
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I shed blood for my niggas (Ryde or die)
Let a nigga holla, "where my niggas?" (get down or lay down)
All I wanna hear is "right here, my nigga"
(We here, nigga)
You won't take this from me, baby
You will not take this from me, baby
My niggas some niggas that you don't wanna try
My niggas some niggas that's really do or die
My niggas will have you cowards ready to cry
My niggas will fry
My niggas will rob
My niggas keep niggas on they fuckin' job
My niggas know what it's like when shit gettin' hard
My niggas stay pullin' you other niggas' cards
My niggas is God
My niggas will shine
My niggas just knew it was a matter of time
My niggas let me know to keep fuckin' with the rhymes
My niggas ain't no longer livin' with crime
My niggas is fine
My niggas is good
My niggas keep you niggas knocking on wood
My niggas know how to take it back to the hood
My niggas will put you down right where you stood
My niggas, they could
My niggas, they will
My niggas take you straight to the back and get ill
My niggas give it straight to the back when we kill
My niggas put niggas on ice, so they chill
My niggas is still, my niggas, is dogs, my niggas
The lyrics to DMX's song "My Niggas" are a testament to the love and loyalty that the rapper has for his friends and fellow Ruff Ryders. The first four lines of the song emphasize this love and loyalty, with DMX saying that he would shed blood for his friends and that all he wants is to know they are there when he needs them. He also states that his niggas are not to be tested or messed with lightly, and that they are willing to do whatever it takes to defend each other.
The latter half of the song goes into more detail about what it means to be one of DMX's niggas. He describes them as fierce and unrelenting, willing to fight and rob if need be. They also know how to handle tough situations, having grown up in difficult circumstances, and are not afraid to confront other people when they cross them. Despite their rough exterior, DMX still considers them to be his brothers, and will always have their back no matter what.
Overall, the lyrics to "My Niggas" paint a picture of brotherhood and loyalty, with DMX treating his friends like family and looking out for them as best he can.
Line by Line Meaning
Just 'cause I love my niggas (Ruff Ryders)
I have an intense love and loyalty for my Ruff Ryders companions
I shed blood for my niggas (Ryde or die)
I am willing to fight and sacrifice for my Ryde or Die companions
Let a nigga holla, "where my niggas?" (get down or lay down)
If anyone dares to question the loyalty of my crew, they better be ready to fight us
All I wanna hear is "right here, my nigga"
My crew is always ready and present, and reaffirming this loyalty means everything to me
My niggas some niggas that you don't wanna try
My crew is not to be messed with or challenged
My niggas some niggas that's really do or die
My crew is willing to go to extreme lengths to defend each other and our values
My niggas will have you cowards ready to cry
My crew will intimidate and defeat anyone who opposes us
My niggas will fry
My crew will destroy anyone who tries to cross us
My niggas will rob
My crew will take what we want, by any means necessary
My niggas keep niggas on they fuckin' job
My crew motivates and pushes each other to stay focused and productive
My niggas know what it's like when shit gettin' hard
My crew has been through tough times and knows how to handle difficult situations
My niggas stay pullin' you other niggas' cards
My crew exposes and calls out other people's weaknesses and lies
My niggas is God
My crew feels powerful and godlike in our abilities and status
My niggas will shine
My crew will rise to the top and stand out among others
My niggas just knew it was a matter of time
My crew always knew we were destined for greatness
My niggas let me know to keep fuckin' with the rhymes
My crew encourages and supports my career as a rapper
My niggas ain't no longer livin' with crime
My crew has left our criminal past behind us and moved on to success and prosperity
My niggas is fine
My crew is doing well and living comfortably
My niggas is good
My crew is happy and content with our lives
My niggas keep you niggas knocking on wood
My crew makes other people nervous and superstitious about their own safety
My niggas know how to take it back to the hood
My crew knows how to reconnect with our roots and stay true to our origins
My niggas will put you down right where you stood
My crew can easily defeat and humiliate anyone who opposes us
My niggas, they could
My crew has the ability and power to do anything we want
My niggas, they will
My crew will always follow through on our promises and threats
My niggas take you straight to the back and get ill
My crew will physically attack and harm anyone who stands in our way
My niggas give it straight to the back when we kill
My crew goes all out when fighting and defeating our enemies
My niggas put niggas on ice, so they chill
My crew can intimidate and silence anyone who opposes us, making them back down and be quiet
My niggas is still, my niggas, is dogs, my niggas
My crew is still as powerful and intimidating as ever. We are the top dogs in any situation.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Kasseem Dean, Earl Simmons
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind