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".
No Love For Me
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I know it ain't fair, but we just don't care
Uh-huh, uh, what
Ain't no other cats got love for me
Ain't no cats gon' bust slugs for me
Ain't no cats gon' shed blood for me
But my dogs, is gon' be a thug for me
Ain't no other cats got love for me
Ain't no cats gon' bust slugs for me
Ain't no cats gon' shed blood for me
But my dogs, is gon' be a thug for me
Uh, uh
If I'm gonna rob, I'ma rob all night
If I'm lookin' for somethin' it's probably a fight
If I'm goin' fuck bitches then they better be tight
If that's dead, then the head better be right
If I gots to play I'ma play 'til I win
Since I gots to be here can't wait to begin
Wanna fuck shorty can't stand shorty friend
'Cause honey friend fuck many many men
Stay wit the rats 'cause the rats is real
Wanna fuck, then we fuck, already know the deal
Shit, fuck what you look like, just show the real
And I keep spot that we can go to chill
I love my, get down for the hoes
Only reason I come around is for the hoes
Pipework, I lay it down for the hoes
Hit 'em off with that dark brown, you know?
Ain't no other cats got love for me
Ain't no cats gon' bust slugs for me
Ain't no cats gon' shed blood for me
But my dogs, is gon' be a thug for me
Ain't no other cats got love for me
Ain't no cats gon' bust slugs for me
Ain't no cats gon' shed blood for me
But my dogs, is gon' be a thug for me
You fuckin' wit' me, ain't keepin' your health right
'Cause me and my Rolls, we keep it jail tie
The shit I pack is heavy, but the shells live
When they drop the same time, you drop without a fight
Burnin' anything that I'm puttin' my name on
You might take a 'Drag', but you can't flame 'On'
I know y'all niggas don't know me, wit a chain on
When it come to the fire I'm the kid they blame it on
When you see like eight cars then y'all know who we are
Niggas spittin' mean bars off the green jar
Never drunk but you see me leaned at the bar
Spittin' fire that'll melt the ice on your arm
You had that but for now dog give me that
'Cause dog you don't wanna see how my semi act
Fake hustlin' niggas you'll pump any pack
When it come to this shit, I done laid plenty flat (C'mon)
Ain't no other cats got love for me
Ain't no cats gon' bust slugs for me
Ain't no cats gon' shed blood for me
But my dogs, is gon' be a thug for me
Ain't no other cats got love for me
Ain't no cats gon' bust slugs for me
Ain't no cats gon' shed blood for me
But my dogs, is gon' be a thug for me
Do you hear what I tell you? Understand what you hear
Don't let nobody tell you, what to hope and to fear
Do you hear what I tell you? Understand what you hear
Don't let nobody tell you, what to hope and to fear
Uh, uh
What you niggas want? 'Cause I got it right here
Y'all niggas front, then I hit you right there
Not really impressed by what niggas wear
Faggots talk shit but I really don't care
I'm the type of nigga that'll die for the cause
Fuck what you heard, I will die for my dogs
Ain't scared of shit, will ride in the fog
Same thing but a bigger size than yours
I fuck with Drag-On, 'cause he spits the flame
Drag-On motherfucker don't forget the name
And we all takin' over ain't shit the same
If you ain't out that mob nigga quit the game
And ain't no other cats got love for me
Ain't no other cats gon' bust slugs for me
Ain't no other cats gon' shed blood for me
But my dogs, is gon' be a thug wit me, c'mon
Ain't no other cats got love for me
Ain't no cats gon' bust slugs for me
Ain't no cats gon' shed blood for me
But my dogs, is gon' be a thug for me
Ain't no other cats got love for me
Ain't no cats gon' bust slugs for me
Ain't no cats gon' shed blood for me
But my dogs, is gon' be a thug for me
Do you hear what I tell you? Understand what you hear
Don't let nobody tell you, what to hope and to fear
Do you hear what I tell you? Understand what you hear
Don't let nobody tell you, what to hope and to fear
The lyrics of DMX's "No Love 4 Me" reflect the rapper's tough exterior and his loyalty to his close associates. He is unafraid to engage in violent activities such as robbery and fighting, and he is only loyal to those who have his back. For DMX, 'cats' or other people, won't do anything for him, but his 'dogs' or his inner circle will do anything to support him as he navigates through life. He also touches on his desire for sexual pleasures, with a specific mention of the importance of good head, and his disdain for fake and untrustworthy individuals.
The theme of loyalty is central to DMX's music, and it's evident in this song. Although he may participate in activities that society demeans and criminalizes, he values the relationships with his core supporters, who he can count on for support no matter what. He is confident in his abilities, and he'll take whatever he wants by force, but he does not trust those who put on a facade and are not true to their identities.
Line by Line Meaning
Keep yo hands in the air, 'cause we gon' take it there
Get ready for something big and dangerous.
And I know it ain't fair, but we just don't care
We don't care about fairness or justice; we do whatever it takes to win.
Ain't no other cats got love for me
No one else supports me or cares about me.
Ain't no cats gon' bust slugs for me
No one else is willing to fight or risk their life for me.
Ain't no cats gon' shed blood for me
No one else is willing to spill their own blood for me.
But my dogs, is gon' be a thug for me
Only my closest friends and allies will stand by me and fight with me.
If I'm gonna rob, I'ma rob all night
If I'm going to commit a crime, I'm going to do it all night long.
If I'm lookin' for somethin' it's probably a fight
I enjoy violence and conflict; if I'm searching for something, it's likely to involve a fight.
If I'm goin' fuck bitches then they better be tight
If I'm going to have sex with women, they better be attractive and skilled.
If that's dead, then the head better be right
If the woman is not physically attractive, then she better be able to perform oral sex extremely well.
If I gots to play I'ma play 'til I win
I'm determined to win, no matter what the cost or consequences.
Since I gots to be here can't wait to begin
I'm eager to get started and excited about what's to come.
Wanna fuck shorty can't stand shorty friend
I'm only interested in having sex with women, not their friends who I dislike or find unattractive.
'Cause honey friend fuck many many men
The woman's friend has a reputation for promiscuity and has had sex with many men.
Stay wit the rats 'cause the rats is real
I associate with and trust dangerous and untrustworthy people because they are more loyal than others.
Wanna fuck, then we fuck, already know the deal
If we're going to have sex, we know what we're getting into and there are no expectations beyond that.
Shit, fuck what you look like, just show the real
I don't care about your appearance, just be honest and real with me.
And I keep spot that we can go to chill
I have a safe place where we can relax and hang out.
I love my, get down for the hoes
I'm only interested in women for sexual pleasure and will do anything to get it.
Only reason I come around is for the hoes
I only associate with certain people because they can provide sexual partners for me.
Pipework, I lay it down for the hoes
I'm skilled at performing sexually and will do whatever it takes to satisfy a woman.
Hit 'em off with that dark brown, you know?
I'm referring to oral sex with a slang term for a certain sexual act.
You fuckin' wit' me, ain't keepin' your health right
If you cross me or are in my way, you're putting yourself in danger.
'Cause me and my Rolls, we keep it jail tie
I'm prepared for violence and have weapons and allies to support me.
The shit I pack is heavy, but the shells live
My weapons are strong and deadly, but I keep them in good condition and ready to use.
When they drop the same time, you drop without a fight
If I attack you, I will definitely win and you won't be able to fight back.
Burnin' anything that I'm puttin' my name on
I'm willing to destroy anything and everything associated with me to protect my reputation or interests.
You might take a 'Drag', but you can't flame 'On'
You might try to attack me (a reference to the rapper Drag-On), but you won't succeed.
I know y'all niggas don't know me, wit a chain on
I know I'm intimidating and dangerous, even if you don't know me personally.
When it come to the fire I'm the kid they blame it on
If something violent or illegal happens, I will be blamed for it.
When you see like eight cars then y'all know who we are
I travel with a large group of people and we are powerful and intimidating when we show up.
Niggas spittin' mean bars off the green jar
We're rapping with intensity and skill, fueled by drugs or alcohol.
Never drunk but you see me leaned at the bar
I'm not actually drunk, but I like to appear relaxed or careless.
Spittin' fire that'll melt the ice on your arm
I'm rapping with skill and intensity so powerful that it could melt ice.
You had that but for now dog give me that
You might have something that I want or need, and I'm demanding that you give it to me.
'Cause dog you don't wanna see how my semi act
If you resist me, I will use my gun and it will be dangerous.
Fake hustlin' niggas you'll pump any pack
I see through your lies and I know that you're not actually a successful hustler or dealer.
When it come to this shit, I done laid plenty flat (C'mon)
I've been in dangerous situations and fights before, and I've come out on top.
Do you hear what I tell you? Understand what you hear
Pay attention to my words and take them seriously.
Don't let nobody tell you, what to hope and to fear
Don't let anyone control your emotions or desires.
What you niggas want? 'Cause I got it right here
I am powerful and can provide whatever you might need or want.
Y'all niggas front, then I hit you right there
If you act tough or lie to me, I will respond violently and aggressively.
Not really impressed by what niggas wear
I don't care about fashion or material possessions; I judge people based on their actions and words.
Faggots talk shit but I really don't care
I don't care about what people say or think about me, even if they insult me or use slurs.
I'm the type of nigga that'll die for the cause
I am fiercely committed to my beliefs and principles and am willing to sacrifice myself for them.
Fuck what you heard, I will die for my dogs
I am loyal to my closest friends and allies and will do anything to protect them, even if it means risking my life.
Ain't scared of shit, will ride in the fog
I am not afraid of anything and will face danger and adversity without hesitation.
Same thing but a bigger size than yours
I have the same qualities and traits as you, but in a more intense or powerful way.
I fuck with Drag-On, 'cause he spits the flame
I admire the rapper Drag-On for his intense and skillful rapping style.
Drag-On motherfucker don't forget the name
Remember the name Drag-On, because he is important and powerful.
And we all takin' over ain't shit the same
We are a powerful group and we're going to dominate and change things.
If you ain't out that mob nigga quit the game
If you're not on our side, you're not worth anything and should stop trying to play in this game.
And ain't no other cats got love for me
No one else truly cares about me or supports me.
Ain't no other cats gon' bust slugs for me
No one else is willing to fight or use violence to support me.
Ain't no other cats gon' shed blood for me
No one else is willing to risk their own life or safety to support me.
But my dogs, is gon' be a thug wit me, c'mon
Only my closest friends and allies will stand by me and fight with me, no matter what.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Earl Simmons, Kasseem Dean, Mel Smalls
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bustakitayancey7261
RIP DARK MAN X...this song and album spoke volumes always has and always will.
@slkrck4890
Facts
@geminilove8323
Indeed.
@thesweetki5836
🗣🗣 Do you hear what I tell you? Understand what you hear! Louder for the ppl in the back!!!
@kiral9668
Forever X
@DarrenWaters75
We can already feel the space you left. Rest in power DMX
@tyronegreen6165
💯💯💯💯💯
@chanelhp2889
This is the track that made me fall in love with Xs style... already miss you dude. RIP King!
@michaelrivera2080
Word up! Rip to dmx
@420PEST4girls
Same. It was this cut that spoke to me and still does. RIP X.