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".
Never Gonna Lie
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Uh-huh (Y'KNOW?)
..
ARF!
Uhh..
Take it for what it's worth, my birth was a blessing
Sent to live and die, on earth as a lesson
Once you do, everyone who sees it will be blinded (WHAT?)
They'll tell you that you're bright, and say you have a future
When you turn your back, same cats'll try to shoot ya
Niggaz ain't shit, I can live on both sides of the fence
Forget what you do, when you talk, see what you really meant (aight?)
That's what I thought, them niggaz was bluffin (uh)
They talk all day but say, nothin (uh)
It gets so dark (WHAT?) haze so intense
Since this first rain it's like it's rained ever since (WHAT?)
Never got paid for a rhyme but I flow (whoo)
Never got a plate on time but I grow (whoo)
Live your life, STAY on the line but I go (UHH)
Went from doin crime to bein kind cause I know
I'm gon' live forever, I'm never gon' die
Only thing I fear is that I'm never gon' fly
Carry my weight but I'm never gon' cry
Shit I tell y'all niggaz straight cause I'm never gon' lie
I'm gon' live forever, I'm never gon' die
Only thing I fear is that I'm never gon' fly
Carry my weight but I'm never gon' cry
Shit I tell y'all niggaz straight cause I'm never gon' lie
What is about who I am that makes me unforgettable (HMM)
What it is about what I've done that makes it so incredible (uhh)
"More money, more problems" -- well the fame was worse (uh-huh)
I reached out for love and what came back was thirst (WHAT?)
Blessed with the curse (uh) niggaz don't hear me
Niggaz don't hear me, Y'ALL NIGGAZ, don't hear me (uh)
What'd I just say? "Nigga g'head" - you see that?
You gots to FEEL ME to catch what I'm sayin, BELIEVE THAT (UHH!)
But leave that, alone (WHAT?)
We gon' make a nigga wanna be at, your home (WHAT?)
Oh you kinda quiet with the heat at, your dome (UHH!)
If the dog got he's gonna bring back a bone
cause we got the chrome (C'MON!)
This is what I live for, or die for
I'm the nigga with the high score, you try for
What you niggaz wanna lie for? It changes nothin
I'm true for cats, yet some strangers bluffin
I'm gon' live forever, I'm never gon' die
Only thing I fear is that I'm never gon' fly
Carry my weight but I'm never gon' cry
Shit I tell y'all niggaz straight cause I'm never gon' lie
Now if I take what he gave me and I, use it right (uh-huh)
In other words if I listen and, use the light (uh-huh)
Then what I say will remain here, after I'm gone
Still here, on the strength of a song, I live on (HMM)
No second-guessin on what I stood for, I was good for
stoppin niggaz from killin each other in the hood war (UHH)
Comin through showin love, throwin up (UHH)
Them cats not throwin love, you know whassup (WHAT?)
Dark Man baby, that's my name
and I gots to be the realest nigga (UHH) up in this game
Cause ain't no shame, they don't make em like, this no more
Real to the core, big heart but built for war
I stand for what I believe in
Even if what I believe in stops me from breathin
Relatives grievin, but I ain't went nowhere
Listen to the song (C'MON) I'm right there
I'm gon' live forever, I'm never gon' die
Only thing I fear is that I'm never gon' fly
Carry my weight but I'm never gon' cry
Shit I tell y'all niggaz straight cause I'm never gon' lie
In DMX's song Never Gonna Lie, he reflects on his life and legacy, contemplating what makes him unforgettable and incredible. He believes that each person has a star within them that they must find and shine to the world. Once you do, everyone who sees it will be blinded by it. However, DMX also warns that people are often not what they seem, and talk can be cheap. He advises to forget what people do and to listen to what they really mean.
DMX then asserts that he will live forever, and his only fear is that he will never fly. He is not afraid to carry his weight and take responsibility for his actions, but he will not cry. He makes it clear that he will always be honest with people and never lie to them. DMX concludes by saying that he stands for what he believes in, even if it means stopping him from breathing. He knows he will always be remembered through his music, and he wants to make sure that it reflects his true self.
The song Never Gonna Lie is essentially an ode to DMX's authenticity. He has always been known for his honesty and vulnerability in his music, and this track is no different. DMX gives advice on how to navigate the world while urging people to be true to themselves. Ultimately, he wants to leave a lasting legacy that reflects who he truly is, and he is not afraid to die if it means staying true to himself.
Line by Line Meaning
Take it for what it's worth, my birth was a blessing
Although I know that I was born for a specific purpose, I acknowledge that it is up to everyone to figure out their own destiny.
Sent to live and die, on earth as a lesson
I know that my time on this earth is limited and that each moment is an opportunity to learn something new.
We each have a star, all we have to do is find it
Each of us has unique talents and abilities, and it is our responsibility to discover and cultivate them.
Once you do, everyone who sees it will be blinded (WHAT?)
When we are truly in touch with our talents, we radiate a kind of energy that can be overwhelming to others.
They'll tell you that you're bright, and say you have a future
People will flock to you once they recognize your talents, and they will commend you for your potential.
When you turn your back, same cats'll try to shoot ya
Unfortunately, some people are just envious and will try to bring you down, even after they have praised you.
N---az ain't s--t, I can live on both sides of the fence
I have learned that people are unpredictable and can switch their loyalties at any time, so I am always prepared to defend myself.
Forget what you do, when you talk, see what you really meant (aight?)
Actions speak louder than words, so focus on the intent behind your words and deeds if you want to earn true respect.
That's what I thought, them niggaz was bluffin (uh)
I can tell when someone is being insincere or disingenuous, and I don't waste my time with them.
They talk all day but say, nothin (uh)
Some people are all talk but no action, so it's important to judge them by their deeds rather than their words.
It gets so dark (WHAT?) haze so intense
Life can be difficult and overwhelming at times, and it can be hard to see through the fog of uncertainty.
Since this first rain it's like it's rained ever since (WHAT?)
It feels like ever since I faced my first challenge, life has been a continuous series of obstacles to overcome.
Never got paid for a rhyme but I flow (whoo)
I have devoted my life to my craft, even though there is no guarantee that I will ever be rewarded for it monetarily.
Never got a plate on time but I grow (whoo)
I have learned to make do with what I have and to grow and improve despite adversity.
Live your life, STAY on the line but I go (UHH)
It's important to have a clear direction in life and to stick to your path, even if others try to pull you off it.
Went from doin crime to bein kind cause I know
Although I was once involved in criminal activities, I have changed my ways and am now focused on spreading positivity and kindness.
What it is about what I've done that makes it so incredible (uhh)
I'm aware that my accomplishments have been noteworthy, but I'm not sure why they're considered so extraordinary.
"More money, more problems" -- well the fame was worse (uh-huh)
The saying that money brings problems is true, but in my experience, fame has brought even more challenges.
I reached out for love and what came back was thirst (WHAT?)
I have tried to find genuine love, but often people have only been interested in what they can gain from me.
Blessed with the curse (uh) niggaz don't hear me
Although I am grateful for my talents, fame has made it difficult to be heard and understood by others.
What'd I just say? "Nigga g'head" - you see that?
Even people who claim to be listening to me and understanding what I'm saying are often just going through the motions without truly comprehending.
You gots to FEEL ME to catch what I'm sayin, BELIEVE THAT (UHH!)
To truly understand me, you have to be able to empathize with my experience and perspective.
We gon' make a nigga wanna be at, your home (WHAT?)
My presence and reputation are strong enough to make people wish they were part of my inner circle.
Oh you kinda quiet with the heat at, your dome (UHH!)
If someone threatens me, I won't hesitate to defend myself or those close to me.
If the dog got he's gonna bring back a bone
I will always follow through on my word and bring back whatever I have promised, even if it is just a small token.
cause we got the chrome (C'MON!)
My associates and I are well-prepared and equipped to handle any situation that comes our way.
In other words if I listen and, use the light (uh-huh)
If I am receptive to guidance and stay true to my values, my legacy will endure long after I am gone.
Then what I say will remain here, after I'm gone
If I make an impact and truly touch people's lives, my legacy will live on even after I have passed away.
Still here, on the strength of a song, I live on (HMM)
My music and lyrics will continue to resonate with people long after I am gone, and I will still be remembered for my contributions.
No second-guessin on what I stood for, I was good for
I have always been true to my beliefs and values, and I have always made an effort to do good for others.
stoppin niggaz from killin each other in the hood war (UHH)
I have used my influence and platform to try to prevent violence and promote peace in my community.
Comin through showin love, throwin up (UHH)
I demonstrate my love and loyalty to my community and those close to me by lifting them up and showing support.
Them cats not throwin love, you know whassup (WHAT?)
I can tell when someone is not genuine or sincere in their words or actions, and I don't give them my time or energy.
Dark Man baby, that's my name
I am proud of who I am and where I come from, and I am not afraid to assert my identity or values.
and I gots to be the realest nigga (UHH) up in this game
I believe in being authentic and genuine, and I won't compromise my values or character just to fit in or succeed.
Cause ain't no shame, they don't make em like, this no more
I am one of a kind and embrace my uniqueness, and I know that there are fewer and fewer people like me in the world.
Real to the core, big heart but built for war
I am compassionate and caring but also fierce and strong when it comes to defending myself and those I care about.
I stand for what I believe in
I will always stand up for my values and principles, even if it means going against the popular opinion.
Even if what I believe in stops me from breathin
I am willing to fight and sacrifice for what I believe in, even if it means putting my own life on the line.
Relatives grievin, but I ain't went nowhere
Although my loved ones may worry about my safety or well-being, I am still alive and kicking and pursuing my goals.
Listen to the song (C'MON) I'm right there
If you want to truly understand me and my perspective, just listen to my music and lyrics and see for yourself.
Contributed by Julia Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Fiona Ubisse
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Never Gonna Lie
DMX
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Never Gonna Lie Lyrics
[DMX]
Uh-huh (Y'KNOW?)
..
ARF!
Uhh..
Take it for what it's worth, my birth was a blessing
Sent to live and die, on earth as a lesson
We each have a star, all we have to do is find it
Once you do, everyone who sees it will be blinded (WHAT?)
They'll tell you that you're bright, and say you have a future
When you turn your back, same cats'll try to shoot ya
Niggas ain't shit, I can live on both sides of the fence
Forget what you do, when you talk, see what you really meant (aight?)
That's what I thought, them niggas was bluffin (uh)
They talk all day but say, nothin (uh)
It gets so dark (WHAT?) haze so intense
Since this first rain it's like it's rained ever since (WHAT?)
Never got paid for a rhyme but I flow (whoo)
Never got a plate on time but I grow (whoo)
Nigga life STAY on the line but I go (UHH)
Went from doin crime to bein kind cause I know
I'm gon' live forever, I'm never gon' die
Only thing I fear is that I'm never gon' fly
Carry my weight but I'm never gon' cry
Shit I tell y'all niggas straight cause I'm never gon' lie
I'm gon' live forever, I'm never gon' die
Only thing I fear is that I'm never gon' fly
Carry my weight but I'm never gon' cry
Shit I tell y'all niggas straight cause I'm never gon' lie
What is about who I am that makes me unforgettable (HMM)
What it is about what I've done that makes it so incredible (uhh)
"More money, more problems" -- well the fame was worse (uh-huh)
I reached out for love and what came back was thirst (WHAT?)
Blessed with the curse (uh) niggas don't hear me
Niggas don't hear me, Y'ALL NIGGAZ, don't hear me (uh)
What'd I just say? "Nigga g'head" - you see that?
You gots to FEEL ME to catch what I'm sayin, BELIEVE THAT (UHH!)
But leave that, alone (WHAT?)
We gon' make a nigga wanna be at, your home (WHAT?)
Oh you kinda quiet with the heat at, your dome (UHH!)
If the dog got he's gonna bring back a bone
Cause we got the chrome (C'MON!)
This is what I live for, or die for
I'm the nigga with the high score, you try for
What you niggas wanna lie for? It changes nothin
I'm true for cats, yet some strangers bluffin
I'm gon' live forever, I'm never gon' die
Only thing I fear is that I'm never gon' fly
Carry my weight but I'm never gon' cry
Shit I tell y'all niggas straight cause I'm never gon' lie
Now if I take what he gave me and I, use it right (uh-huh)
In other words if I listen and, use the light (uh-huh)
Then what I say will remain here, after I'm gone
Still here, on the strength of a song, I live on (HMM)
No second-guessin on what I stood for, I was good for
Stoppin niggas from killin each other in the hood war (UHH)
Comin through showin love, throwin up (UHH)
Them cats not throwin love, you know whassup (WHAT?)
Dark Man baby, that's my name
And I gots to be the realest nigga (UHH) up in this game
Cause ain't no shame, they don't make em like, this no more
Real to the core, big heart but built for war
I stand for what I believe in
Even if what I believe in stops me from breathin
Relatives grievin, but I ain't went nowhere
Listen to the song (C'MON) I'm right there
I'm gon' live forever, I'm never gon' die
Only thing I fear is that I'm never gon' fly
Carry my weight but I'm never gon' cry
Shit I tell y'all niggas straight cause I'm never gon' lie
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Skorp-Eon
this song was always one of my favorites. i went from discovering hip hop with Mase and Will smith and got this album censored. Rest in Power Dark Man X
Dave C
Amazing not many know this expect the greats. Amen
Giov Porto
Ilisten to this everyday just to breather properly.RIP ✌🏽
1mic1life 420
Rip brother you will be deeply missed !!!!
MeAndJohnLennon
I miss u so much and your lyrics kill me, you knew what was coming, you’re an Angel. Your lyrics raised me. Thank you DMX. Will always be in my heart 💔💔💔
Dave Pearson
RIP.
Big Jay
Rip
The Observer
RIP DMX!!🙏🏾🙏🏾 You will live on!!
Big Jay
Rest easy! One of my fav song.... You got ya wings now X!
Michael Boone
Yes....he got dem WINGS.. NO RED BULL