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".
On Top
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Uh, uh, uh, uh, what
We gon' make these cats (what!) Stop!
Why they waitin' to (what!) Go!
We gon' keep it (on top!) On top!
Why these cats is like (yo!) Ayo!
Why they waitin' to (what!) Go!
We gon' keep it (on top!) On top!
Why these cats is like (yo!) Ayo!
Song ain't a song without X and the B.S.
Earl, Stan, initials E.S.
About to shut it down, y'all don't see this?
Oh my God (what!) Y'all don't see this?
Started with a little, raising the pups
Now I'm a home-run hitter, we raising our cups
Toastin', to all the roastin' we done
Bite hard, done bit hard but don't run
My dogs is dogs with official bloodlines
Cats want, mine? X blood-line?
Oh you tryna get hit in the HEAD one time
Straight to the body with the whole .29 (what!)
It's gon' be whatever it's gon' be (uh!)
And I'm gon' see whatever I'm gon' see (uh!)
And I'm gon' do whatever I'm gon' do
So if it's fuck me nigga, then fuck you too! (Come on)
We gon' make these cats (what!) Stop!
Why they waitin' to (what!) Go!
We gon' keep it (on top!) On top!
Why these cats is like (yo!) Ayo!
We gon' make these cats (what!) Stop!
Why they waitin' to (what!) Go!
We gon' keep it (on top!) On top!
Why these cats is like (yo!) Ayo!
Off the chain I'ma run through, walk through, gun do haunt you
A gun puts a spark through, no tellin what the hawk do (what!)
Only speak for me, no tellin what the Dog do
(Dog do what the fuck Dog do, shit!)
Yo' crew leave it alone (uh-uh!)
You got your eyes on the bone? (Uh-uh!)
Can't keep your eyes of the throne? (Go on now)
With that shit you did (man, come on now!)
I'm gettin' sick of niggas fuckin with D
You fuckin' with D? You fuckin' with me
You fuckin' with me? You fuckin' with X
Fuckin' with X? You fuckin' with a softball-sized hole up in your vest
And the rest? (What!) Ain't nothin to rap about
Ain't no ("I ain't mean it!") When the strap is out
Ain't no ("Yo, sorry!") When the rats is out
'Cause the rats don't know shit but point money out! (Uh!)
We gon' make these cats (what!) Stop!
Why they waitin' to (what!) Go!
We gon' keep it (on top!) On top!
Why these cats is like (yo!) Ayo!
We gon' make these cats (what!) Stop!
Why they waitin' to (what!) Go!
We gon' keep it (on top!) On top!
Why these cats is like (yo!) Ayo!
School Street, Moulfred, Whitney Young
Been there, lived there, now it's become
A place where the face I'm not familiar with
These new cats done got me on some "I'ma kill you shit!"
And I remember when you came through flyin', a 1-2-9
Scooped ya man up and he signed to the 'Line
I got a deal, shit I'm still in the grind (what!)
Got the steal, 'cause shit is still on my mind
You gots to watch niggas that you talk to
'Cause sometimes they talk to you funny, what's up with you money?
Oh you think it's sweet? My name must be Honey
Funny, 'til you leave with your head bloody
And what he gon' do when a 6-foot-3
430 pound motherfucker come through? (What?)
Nothin'! (come on!) Breathe easy!
When cats talk slick dogs get greasy!
We gon' make these cats (what!) Stop!
Why they waitin' to (what!) Go!
We gon' keep it (on top!) On top!
Why these cats is like (yo!) Ayo!
We gon' make these cats (what!) Stop!
Why they waitin' to (what!) Go!
We gon' keep it (on top!) On top!
Why these cats is like (yo!) Ayo!
What!
Why these cats is like (yo!) Ayo
Why these cats is like (yo!) Ayo
DMX's song "On Top" features heavy use of repetition and strong, aggressive language to convey his dominance and power in the rap game. He boasts about his success and accomplishments, from starting small and raising his pups to becoming a home-run hitter, raising his cup in toast to all the roastin' he's done. He warns those who might attempt to challenge him, threatening to hit them "in the head one time" or "straight to the body with the whole .29." DMX makes it clear that he is not to be messed with and that he is always on top.
DMX also addresses the changes in his hometown, starting with the neighborhoods he grew up in like School Street, Moulfred, and Whitney Young, that have become unfamiliar to him due to new faces and shady characters. He sends a warning to those who might try to cross him, saying "You gots to watch niggas that you talk to / 'Cause sometimes they talk to you funny, what's up with you money?" Overall, DMX speaks directly and with urgency, commanding his listeners to recognize his dominance and respect his place in the rap game.
Line by Line Meaning
Uh, yeah, uh
Introduction to the song
Uh, uh, uh, uh, what
Expressing excitement, anticipation and readiness
We gon' make these cats (what!) Stop!
We're going to stop these other rappers and take over the game
Why they waitin' to (what!) Go!
Questioning why other rappers are waiting to make moves
We gon' keep it (on top!) On top!
We're determined to stay at the top of the game
Why these cats is like (yo!) Ayo!
Questioning why other rappers are acting strange
Song ain't a song without X and the B.S.
Stating that his presence and energy is necessary to make a good song
Earl, Stan, initials E.S.
Referring to himself and someone else with the initials E.S.
About to shut it down, y'all don't see this?
Confident that he's about to dominate the game, questioning why others don't see it
Oh my God (what!) Y'all don't see this?
Expressing disbelief that others don't see his talent and potential
Started with a little, raising the pups
Started from humble beginnings and raised others to be successful
Now I'm a home-run hitter, we raising our cups
Now he's a successful artist with a team of successful people around him
Toastin', to all the roastin' we done
Celebrating their success and achievements
Bite hard, done bit hard but don't run
Asserting that they are tough and won't back down from a challenge
My dogs is dogs with official bloodlines
Referring to his loyal team members who have successful backgrounds
Cats want, mine? X blood-line?
Asking if other rappers want to be a part of his team because of their success
Oh you tryna get hit in the HEAD one time
Warning other rappers that they will get hurt if they try to come for him
Straight to the body with the whole .29 (what!)
Referring to using a gun to harm other rappers
It's gon' be whatever it's gon' be (uh!)
Whatever happens will happen, he's ready for it
And I'm gon' see whatever I'm gon' see (uh!)
He's confident that he'll be able to see through any situation
And I'm gon' do whatever I'm gon' do
He's going to make his own moves and decisions
So if it's fuck me nigga, then fuck you too! (Come on)
If you don't like him, he doesn't care and he'll act accordingly
Off the chain I'ma run through, walk through, gun do haunt you
He's untouchable and unstoppable
A gun puts a spark through, no tellin what the hawk do (what!)
Guns bring fire and destruction, and it's unpredictable
Only speak for me, no tellin what the Dog do
He's the only one who can speak for his team, and their actions are unpredictable
(Dog do what the fuck Dog do, shit!)
His team is going to do what they want and don't care about others' opinions
Yo' crew leave it alone (uh-uh!)
Don't mess with his team
You got your eyes on the bone? (Uh-uh!)
Don't try to take anything from him
Can't keep your eyes of the throne? (Go on now)
Others are trying to be as successful as he is, but they won't succeed
With that shit you did (man, come on now!)
Addressing someone's negative behavior and asking them to stop
I'm gettin' sick of niggas fuckin with D
He's tired of people trying to disrespect him
You fuckin' with D? You fuckin' with me
If you mess with DMX, you're also messing with his team
You fuckin' with me? You fuckin' with X
If you disrespect him, you'll also disrespect his alter ego X
Fuckin' with X? You fuckin' with a softball-sized hole up in your vest
He's threatening harm on anyone who disrespects him or his team
And the rest? (What!) Ain't nothin to rap about
There's nothing else to say about the situation other than he's not to be messed with
Ain't no ("I ain't mean it!") When the strap is out
Gun violence doesn't come with apologies
Ain't no ("Yo, sorry!") When the rats is out
Snitches don't get apologies or forgiveness
'Cause the rats don't know shit but point money out! (Uh!)
Snitches only care about money, and they don't know anything else
School Street, Moulfred, Whitney Young
Referring to his hometown and high schools
Been there, lived there, now it's become
He's proud of his roots but has moved on to bigger things
A place where the face I'm not familiar with
Referring to changes in his hometown since he left
These new cats done got me on some "I'ma kill you shit!"
He feels threatened by new rappers who are trying to make a name for themselves
And I remember when you came through flyin', a 1-2-9
Remembering someone who was once successful but is no longer relevant
Scooped ya man up and he signed to the 'Line
He helped someone else become successful and sign a record deal
I got a deal, shit I'm still in the grind (what!)
He's still working hard despite his success
Got the steal, 'cause shit is still on my mind
He's always looking for new opportunities and ways to make money
You gots to watch niggas that you talk to
Be careful who you trust and talk to
'Cause sometimes they talk to you funny, what's up with you money?
They might be trying to scam or rob you
Oh you think it's sweet? My name must be Honey
If you underestimate him, you'll regret it
Funny, 'til you leave with your head bloody
It might seem like a joke until someone gets hurt
And what he gon' do when a 6-foot-3
Asking what someone will do when confronted by him
430 pound motherfucker come through? (What?)
He's intimidating and threatening
Nothin'! (come on!) Breathe easy!
He's saying that people who don't want confrontation should back off
When cats talk slick dogs get greasy!
If someone talks bad about him or his team, they will suffer the consequences
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Dennis Joyner, J Russ, Earl Simmons
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind