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".
Nowhere To Run
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm a give a shout out to my niggas
I ain't givin' a shout to no-fuckin'-body, fuck that
Big Baby Jesus in the mother fucking house
Know what I'm sayin'?
Unh, come on
I don't walk, I stalk, livin' foul like pork
Hawk is what them niggas call me, 'cause they all be
Suckin' my dick and on my mother fucking balls, G
I know the half, so I laugh wit' 'em
Blood bath went I let the fuckin' rap hit 'em
Full clip, but only half did 'em
That's all it took, another crook
Taken out over a dirty look
I bag game with niggas I leave shot dead
You're only taken a piss from me with hot led
You know my style faggot, 'cause I'm always schemin'
In jail, niggas holdin' a sink screamin'
Police, but you got no peace
Yo, was that you big man, and alot mo' grease
All I gets is pounds, you ain't want none of this
Back streets are like track meets 'cause I be runnin' this
Ain't nowhere to run ('cause I be runnin' this)
Ain't nowhere to hide (come on)
Ain't nowhere to go ('cause I be runnin' this)
Reaper saved your soul (come on)
Surroned by the colors, I see crimson, black and blue (come on)
Locking open doors again, I'm still afraid of you
(straight up, mother fucker)
Light to dark, then light again, I always thought I knew (come on)
Young to old and young again, what's left for me to do? (straight up)
Center of the universe, collecting me in time (come on)
I'm falling down upon the earth, and singing truth in rhyme (come on)
If I was a rolling stone, I'd roll until I'm through (come on)
And if I was a garden I would bloom in black for you
(Dirt Dog in effect)
Ain't nowhere to run ('cause I be runnin' this)
Ain't nowhere to hide (come on)
Ain't nowhere to go ('cause I be runnin' this)
Reaper saved your soul (come on)
ahhhh, yi yi yi yi (come on)
Ain't nowhere to run ('cause I be runnin' this)
Ain't nowhere to hide (come on)
Ain't nowhere to go ('cause I be runnin' this)
Reaper saved your soul (come on)
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
What you mother fuckers invented
Is the craziest nigga that ever been invented
ha ha ha ha ha
Most know, don't front on Ol' Dity Bastard
ha ha ha ha
I call on Jesus
There's no obstacles that you have to jump
There's no walls that you have to climb
This is real, this is elementary dear
Elementary, Watson, Elementary
ahhhhh
I ain't no pictue on your fore wall, necklace wearin' beard
You don't want this money till it's rich
Buy my album, coded by Dirty, set you free
Go against the grain, I got the p
I know you don't recognize me now
I dunked your tongue
How many lightening bulbs do it take to light up a fuck mode?
Brothers, people, you'd better get the fuck off of me
We don't need it, it gets more ugly
Fools tryin' to bust their ass
Tryin' to get away from me when I said my real name
I call myself in the niggas butthole
All the same, all the same, all the same
Ain't nowhere to run
Ain't nowhere to hide
Ain't nowhere to go
Reaper saved your soul
ahhh yi yi yi yi
What, mother fucker?
Don't try to psychology my shit, mother fucker
'cause you'll never psychology it, mother fucker
Never, never, never, mother fucker, never
In the opening verse of DMX's song "Nowhere to Run," he declares his dominance in the game and his lack of respect for others. He declares that he walks with authority and pride, taking down anyone who stands in his way. DMX employs various metaphors to represent his mentality, such as living foul like pork and shutting down underground streets in New York. He also uses colorful language to describe his reputation, as some call him "Hawk" while others suck his dick and balls. He is aware of his infamy, and he laughs in the face of his enemy as he pulls out his weapon to end their lives. He acknowledges that his crooked ways are what define him and dares anyone to challenge him.
In verse two of the song, DMX makes references to his surroundings and his mental state. He speaks of the colors around him, which mostly include red and black, which may represent his aggressive nature and his pain. He talks about opening doors again, which could mean that he's trying to escape his current situation or memories that haunt him. He refers to himself as the center of the universe, collecting himself in time, which indicates his self-importance and his willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve his desired outcome. He is aware that he's falling down, but he refuses to let go of his strength and his ability to tell the truth through song.
The chorus of the song repeats several times, indicating that there is no escape for the opponent, as DMX is in control, and his weapon will lead to their death. There are also several interjections during and after the chorus, where DMX reflects on his legacy, his power, and his willingness to do whatever it takes to maintain his position. In the end, he challenges anyone to try and beat him, but he knows that they will fail.
Line by Line Meaning
Fuck that shit, you know what I'm sayin'?
I don't want to give any shout-outs to anyone.
I don't walk, I stalk, livin' foul like pork
I walk the streets of New York like a predator, always following my prey.
Shuttin' down underground streets of New York
I control the illegal activities conducted in the underground streets of New York.
Hawk is what them niggas call me, 'cause they all be
I am nicknamed 'Hawk' because everyone fears me.
Suckin' my dick and on my mother fucking balls, G
People fear me and will do whatever I say because they know if they don't, there will be consequences.
Blood bath went I let the fuckin' rap hit 'em
Whenever I rap, people end up getting injured or dying.
Full clip, but only half did 'em
I didn't need to use my entire arsenal to take down my enemies.
That's all it took, another crook
It doesn't take much to take down another criminal.
Taken out over a dirty look
Even the slightest provocation can lead to violence and death in the criminal underworld.
Back streets are like track meets 'cause I be runnin' this
I run the criminal underground of New York, and nobody can escape me.
Ain't nowhere to run ('cause I be runnin' this)
There's no place in New York where you can escape me.
Ain't nowhere to hide (come on)
You can try to hide, but it won't do you any good with me on your tail.
Surroned by the colors, I see crimson, black and blue
I live in a world of violence and brutality, where blood, death, and pain are the norm (crimson, black and blue).
Locking open doors again, I'm still afraid of you
I am always on guard and paranoid, even when I try to relax and let my guard down.
Young to old and young again, what's left for me to do?
I have lived a long and violent life, and I wonder if there is anything left for me to do.
Center of the universe, collecting me in time
I am at the center of the violent and brutal universe of the New York criminal underworld.
I'm falling down upon the earth, and singing truth in rhyme
I am slowly descending towards my own death, and I am rapping about the harsh realities of life and death.
If I was a rolling stone, I'd roll until I'm through
If I were free to live my life without any ties or obligations, I would keep going until I had no more life left in me.
And if I was a garden I would bloom in black for you
Even in the midst of all the violence and darkness of my world, there is still some beauty to be found.
I ain't no pictue on your fore wall, necklace wearin' beard
I don't live a conventional life like that of most people. I don't want to be just another pretty face or a status symbol.
Brothers, people, you'd better get the fuck off of me
People should stay away from me because I am dangerous and violent.
We don't need it, it gets more ugly
The more we try to fix things in our world, the more violent and ugly it becomes.
Fools tryin' to bust their ass
People trying to oppose me are foolish and will end up injured or dead.
Never, never, never, mother fucker, never
I will never change my violent ways, no matter what anyone does or says.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JACK BLADES, RICK RUBIN, OL' DIRTY BASTARD, KEN JORDAN, SCOTT KIRKLAND, OZZY OSBOURNE, DMX
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@maloneybaloney7828
Rip DMX & ODB.
2 Legends of the Golden era
@ragingbill
In another upload of this song someone pointed out how crazy it is that Ozzy outlived them both. How the hell is that man still alive?
@Dhakadice
@@ragingbill I think he went sober.
@markpugh6808
@@ragingbill because he is the prince of darkness
@rustyrelicsfarm2406
It's crazy how Ozzy fits so perfectly in this song.
@LukeCagewalker
AMEN to that
@mister_not_nice_guy420
You're not wrong lol!!!
@jkoriyama
This song never got the proper respect it deserved. RIP X!
@rfcasler87
That ODB rant right at the end and then Issak Hayes "....Thank you very much."
@karenspencer5444
Sooooo glad Ozzy included this in his Prince Of the Darkness Box set<3