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 N*****
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 niggas"
(We here nigga)
You won′t take this from me baby!
You will not take this from me baby!Ya know grrrrr
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 It's God my niggas we′ll 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 & get ill
My niggas give it straight to the bank when we kill
My niggas put niggas on ice til they chill
My niggas is still my niggas is dogs my niggas
In DMX's song "My N*****," the rapper talks about his loyalty to his crew, the Ruff Ryders, who he affectionately calls his n*****. DMX starts off by emphasizing that he would go to great lengths for his crew, even shedding blood for them. He then calls out for his n***** and wants to hear them respond "right here my n*****," to show that they are always there for each other. The chorus is a powerful declaration of love and loyalty for his crew and how no one can take it away from him.
The second verse continues this theme of loyalty and warns others not to mess with his n*****. DMX says that his n***** are not to be messed with as they are do or die and will have their enemies ready to cry. He goes on to say that his n***** know how to handle tough situations and keep their enemies in check. DMX also talks about how his crew is no longer living a life of crime and is doing well, but can still take it back to the streets if needed. The overall message of the song is about the strong bond and loyalty between DMX and his n*****.
Line by Line Meaning
Just cause I love my niggas, (Ruff Ryders)
I have a deep affection for my group of people, the Ruff Ryders.
I shed blood for my niggas. (Ryde or die)
I am willing to sacrifice myself for my group, whether it's in the context of going on rides together or being prepared to die for one another.
Let a nigga holla, "Where my niggas?" (Get down or lay down)
I allow others to shout out for my group, as a way of displaying our powerful presence and a demand to be reckoned with. Our anthem is to either submit to being part of the Ruff Ryders or face the consequences.
All I wanna hear is, "Right here my niggas" (We here nigga)
I am proud of the fact that my group is always present and accountable, and that there are no missing members.
My niggas some niggas that you don't wanna try
My group is not to be challenged lightly, as we are formidable and can pose a significant threat.
My niggas some niggas that′s really do or die
The bond between my group is so strong that we are willing to risk everything for each other, including death.
My niggas will have you cowards ready to cry
My group has the ability to intimidate and make our opponents feel afraid or vulnerable.
My niggas will fry my niggas will rob
My group is not afraid to engage in illegal or violent activities to get what we want, and we take pride in doing so.
My niggas keep niggas on they fuckin' job
My group has the power to motivate and enforce productivity in others, regardless of the work they're doing.
My niggas know what it's like when shit gettin′ hard
My group has faced many difficult situations and struggles, and we have come out on top. We know how to persevere through adversity.
My niggas stay pullin′ you other niggas cards
My group has a talent for exposing the weaknesses and true intentions of others, often in aggressive or confrontational ways.
My niggas It's God my niggas we′ll shine
My group has a divinely guided destiny and a bright future, and we will not let anyone stand in the way of our success.
My niggas just knew it was a matter of time
My group always had faith in our eventual triumph, and knew that if we kept pushing, we would eventually reach our goals.
My niggas let me know to keep fuckin' with the rhymes
My group has encouraged me to keep pursuing music and honing my craft, even in the face of doubt or criticism.
My niggas ain′t no longer livin' with crime
My group has moved on from a life of crime and is now focused on legal and productive pursuits, but we still maintain our strength and determination.
My niggas is fine my niggas is good
My group is doing well and thriving, and we have no doubts about our abilities and worth.
My niggas keep you niggas knocking on wood
My group has a way of making others feel lucky or grateful, as if they have dodged a bullet or narrowly escaped harm.
My niggas know how to take it back to the hood
My group is familiar with our roots and experiences in an impoverished or dangerous environment, and we can still easily navigate and understand that world.
My niggas will put you down right where you stood
My group will quickly and efficiently dispatch those who oppose us, leaving them no room for doubt or second chances.
My niggas they could my niggas they will
My group has the power and capability to achieve whatever we desire, and we will not hesitate to take action.
My niggas take you straight to the back & get ill
My group has a talent for provoking and inciting others, often leading to extreme or violent reactions.
My niggas give it straight to the bank when we kill
My group is successful in all our endeavors, including those that involve causing harm to others.
My niggas put niggas on ice til they chill
My group has the ability to cool down or neutralize our opponents, whether it's through intimidation, harm, or other means.
My niggas is still my niggas is dogs my niggas
My group has remained close-knit and loyal, and we are still fiercely protective and aggressive towards anyone who crosses us.
Writer(s): Anthony Fields, Dmx, Earl Simmons, Kasseem Dean
Contributed by Hunter D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.