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. Sisqรณ 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 Ni**as
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'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 (echoes)
DMX's song "My Ni**as" is a song about loyalty and brotherhood. He expresses his deep love for his "niggas" (Ruff Ryders) and how he is willing to shed blood for them. Throughout the song, DMX explains that his niggas are not the ones to mess with, as they are warriors who would do anything for their crew. He also highlights the struggles that his niggas have experienced, including living a life of crime, but they have come out on top.
In the first few lines of the song, DMX states his love for his niggas and also mentions that he is willing to shed blood for them. This shows the depth of his loyalty and commitment. He then goes on to say that his niggas are people that others do not want to mess with as they are fierce and would not think twice about defending themselves. DMX acknowledges that his niggas have lived a life of crime, but he highlights the fact that they have still come out on top, showing their resilience and tenacity. Lastly, he mentions that his niggas know how to take it back to the hood, and they are the real dogs who will not hesitate to defend themselves and their crew until the end.
Overall, the song is a tribute to the bond between DMX and his niggas, showcasing the importance of loyalty, brotherhood, and standing up for what is right.
Line by Line Meaning
Just cause i love my niggas (ruff ryders)
I am expressing my love and loyalty towards my fellow members of the Ruff Ryders.
I shed blood for my niggas. (ryde or die)
I am willing to go to great lengths, even risking my own life, for my brothers of the Ryde or Die movement.
Let a nigga holla "where my niggas?" (get down or lay down)
If anyone wants to challenge the loyalty and unity of my crew, they better be prepared for the consequences, as we are ready to defend ourselves.
All i wanna hear is "right here my niggas." (we here nigga)
I want to be reassured that my brothers are by my side, and that we are always present and prepared for anything that comes our way.
You won't take this from me baby!
I am fiercely protective of my loyalty and brotherhood, and will not allow anyone to come between me and my crew.
You will not take this from me baby!
I am reiterating my determination to defend the unity and loyalty of my crew, and will not allow anyone to come between us or try to break us apart.
Ya know grrrrr
I am expressing my fierce and unyielding determination to protect my brothers and maintain our unity.
My niggas some niggas that you don't wanna try
My brothers are not to be underestimated or challenged, as they are tough and always ready to defend themselves.
My niggas some niggas that's really do or die
My brothers are extremely loyal and committed to each other, and are willing to go to great lengths, even risking their own lives, to protect one another.
My niggas will have you cowards ready to cry
My brothers are so fierce and intimidating that they can make even the bravest individuals tremble in fear.
My niggas will fry my niggas will rob
My brothers are not to be messed with, as they are capable of both physical violence and criminal activity if necessary to defend themselves and their crew.
My niggas keep niggas on they fuckin' job
My brothers are extremely dedicated and hardworking, and always make sure to keep each other focused and motivated to achieve their goals.
My niggas know what it's like when shit gettin' hard
My brothers have been through tough times together, and know how to support each other and stay strong even when faced with adversity.
My niggas stay pullin' you other niggas cards
My brothers are experts at exposing the weaknesses and flaws of their enemies or competitors, and are always ready to show them who's boss.
My niggas it's god my niggas we'll shine
My brothers are destined for greatness, and will always stand out and excel no matter what challenges come their way.
My niggas just knew it was a matter of time
My brothers have always been confident in their abilities and potential, and knew that it was only a matter of time before they achieved their goals and rose to the top.
My niggas let me know to keep fuckin' with the rhymes
My brothers are supportive and encouraging of my career and talents, and have always pushed me to keep honing my skills and pursuing my passion for music.
My niggas ain't no longer livin' with crime
My brothers have worked hard to leave their criminal past behind them, and are now focused on creating a better future for themselves and their loved ones.
My niggas is fine my niggas is good
My brothers are doing well and thriving, both individually and as a crew.
My niggas keep you niggas knocking on wood
My brothers are so successful and talented that they make their competitors feel lucky just to have the chance to compete against them.
My niggas know how to take it back to the hood
My brothers are never too far removed from their roots and always know how to stay connected to their community and where they come from.
My niggas will put you down right where you stood
My brothers are not to be messed with, and have the ability and willingness to take out their enemies and anyone who threatens them right where they stand.
My niggas they could my niggas they will
My brothers are capable and determined to achieve their goals and defend themselves and their crew no matter what challenges come their way.
My niggas take you straight to the back & get ill
My brothers are not afraid to handle their business and take out their enemies behind closed doors if necessary.
My niggas give it straight to the bank when we kill
My brothers are so successful and talented that they can make a fortune even when they take out their enemies or face tough challenges.
My niggas put niggas on ice til they chill
My brothers have the ability to neutralize their enemies and make them back off or leave them alone for good.
My niggas is still my niggas is dogs my niggas (echoes)
My brothers are still as loyal, fierce, and committed as ever, and will always stick together and support each other through thick and thin.
Contributed by Julian S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@servant141
Lyrics
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 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 x 3
@janetabene7362
Rest In Peace DMX thank you for the great music you brought to this world.
@Meskauskas21
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@Meskauskas21
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@Rickvaughnn
I remember teammates playing this before football games in HS. This song always got rid of some of nerves knowing we were in it together. RIP DMX
@gtplumbing2004
The DMX song of all songs. RIP
@andreashinrichsen7212
What a fucking legend. RIP
@adamjohn8975
The GOAT.
@danbott81
Always the one I think of right off the bat when anyone mentions DMX...