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. SisqΓ³ 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".
One More Road To Cross
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This is what I know (this what I know)
So to me (so to me) this is life (this is life)
One more road to cross
One more risk to take
Gotta live my life
Like there's one more move to make
One more road to cross
One more risk to take
Gotta live my life
Like there's one more move to make
I'm up at like 6 AM to check this nigga
We work the night shift, and I gots to check them figures
I knock on his door, people talkin' 'bout "He ain't there"
But the house is packed, shit, I know he here somewhere
See, money get high, I don't knock what a nigga do to get by
Just make sure you gettin' by don't fuck with me gettin' mine
Ain't the first time he ran off, shoulda split his shit then
Hate to think of what he's did, and if I catch him slippin'
Won't be an ass-whippin, I can tell you that
I keep it real with this cat, he go and sell two packs
And run off (damn), tell me he was locked down up North
And you out a week later? That's bullshit! I bust off
I need this dough, fuck you think, I'm here for my health?
I need this wealth because I feed myself
You play with my life when you play with my money
Playin' around but this'll be the last time you think somethin's funny
One more road to cross
One more risk to take
Gotta live my life
Like there's one more move to make
One more road to cross
One more risk to take
Gotta live my life
Like there's one more move to make
Yo, I've been casin' the liquor store for a month now
With me and two other niggas is about to run up in there and shut it down
They got four people on the inside, one stay in the back
Two stock boys, one at the register, but he count the stacks
Aight, bitch, put on the ski mask, make sure that when we ask
For the dough, they know that we takin' all three bags
See that? We got a hero, shoot that nigga
Matter of fact, you hit the back, I'll put two in that nigga
Hard headed motherfuckers always get it
I told him what would happen if he moved, the nigga moved, so I did it
Did you get it? I asked my man as he was comin' from the back
Nigga opened his mouth, said nothin', and fell out flat
This cat come out spittin', hittin' my mans, his mans
Couldn't control what was in his hands
I'm hit, damn! I bust back and got the fuck up out of there
Didn't get a dime, but at least I got up out of there
One more road to cross
One more risk to take
Gotta live my life
Like there's one more move to make
One more road to cross
One more risk to take
Gotta live my life
Like there's one more move to make
Ayo, I see it, try to avoid it, but it comes
That's how it's goin' in the slums over crumbs
Somethin' little becomes somethin' major
Niggas gettin' blown up like a pager, ear to ear with the razor
Pour out my soul, took control of hurt
Why must Earl Simmons swim in dirt?
I'm gon' make it work, twenty-eight and tryin' to get baptized
Priest scared to touch me 'cause he said I gave him bad vibes
Ride when I die, straight down, but I'm plottin'
We all gots to go but who wants to be forgotten?
I'm a leave a mark, and it won't be the mark of the devil
Throw dirt and may your hands burn when you touch the shovel
The level of animosity is stoppin' me from thrivin'
Fuck what them niggas is talkin' about, I'm survivin'
Alive and goin' through it, but I made my bed
So now it's in these flames that I lay my head
One more road to cross
One more risk to take
Gotta live my life
Like there's one more move to make
One more road to cross
One more risk to take
Gotta live my life
Like there's one more move to make
One more road to cross
One more risk to take
Gotta live my life
Like there's one more move to make
One more road to cross
One more risk to take
Gotta live my life
Like there's one more move to make
In "One More Road To Cross" DMX reflects on his struggle for survival in the gritty streets of America as an African-American male. He opens the song with a statement about life; that it is what he knows and what he has lived. The repetition of the phrase "this is life" emphasizes the fact that the life he leads is not a choice; it's a necessity. The chorus then speaks to the constant need to take risks, to make moves, and to keep pushing forward in order to achieve success.
The first verse describes DMX's pursuit of a man who owes him money. He talks about getting up at 6 AM, working the night shift, and going to check on the guy who has been avoiding him. There's a sense of urgency and frustration as DMX speaks on the man's repeated behavior of running off with his money. The second verse recounts a failed robbery attempt at a liquor store where DMX and his crew came away empty-handed after being shot at by one of the employees. DMX wraps up the song by speaking to the struggle of survival and the importance of marking one's life with something significant, so as not to be forgotten when they die.
Line by Line Meaning
Uh, this is life
Life is unpredictable and difficult, and this is the reality I face every day.
This is what I know
I have experienced enough hardship to know that life is not easy.
So to me, this is life
Given my experiences, this is what life means to me.
One more road to cross
I have faced numerous challenges in my life, but there is always one more obstacle in my path.
One more risk to take
In order to overcome my obstacles, I need to take risks.
Gotta live my life
I have to make the most of my life and not take anything for granted.
Like there's one more move to make
I need to approach every situation as if there is one more move to make in order to succeed.
I'm up at like 6 AM to check this nigga
I wake up early to confront this person.
We work the night shift, and I gots to check them figures
I work night shift and need to make sure everything adds up.
I knock on his door, people talkin' 'bout 'He ain't there'
When I knock on his door, people say he is not there.
But the house is packed, shit, I know he here somewhere
I know he is lying because the house is full of people.
See, money get high, I don't knock what a nigga do to get by
I understand that some people do what they need to do to survive.
Just make sure you gettin' by don't fuck with me gettin' mine
I don't care what you do as long as it doesn't interfere with me.
Ain't the first time he ran off, shoulda split his shit then
He has run off before and I should have split his belongings at that point.
Hate to think of what he's did, and if I catch him slippin'
I am not sure what he has done, but if I catch him slipping I will confront him.
Won't be an ass-whippin', I can tell you that
If I do confront him, it won't be just a beating.
I keep it real with this cat, he go and sell two packs
I am honest with this person, but he still goes and sells drugs.
And run off (damn), tell me he was locked down up North
He said he was locked up in the North, but he just ran away.
'And you out a week later? That's bullshit! I bust off
I don't believe he was really locked up, so I confront him.
I need this dough, fuck you think, I'm here for my health?
I need this money to survive, not for fun.
I need this wealth because I feed myself
I need money to buy food and survive.
You play with my life when you play with my money
If you mess with my money, you are messing with my livelihood.
Playin' around but this'll be the last time you think somethin's funny
Stop playing games with me because there will be serious consequences.
Yo, I've been casin' the liquor store for a month now
I have been watching the liquor store for a month.
With me and two other niggas is about to run up in there and shut it down
Me and two others are planning to rob the liquor store.
They got four people on the inside, one stayin' in the back
There are four employees in the liquor store, one in the back.
Two stock boys, one at the register, but he count the stacks
There are two stock boys and one person at the cash register.
Aight, bitch, put on the ski mask, make sure that when we ask
Put on the ski mask and make sure we get all the money when we demand it.
For the dough, they know that we takin' all three bags
Make sure they know we are taking all three bags of money.
See that? We got a hero, shoot that nigga
There is a hero in the store, so shoot them if necessary.
Matter of fact, you hit the back, I'll put two in that nigga
You go to the back and I will shoot the other person.
Hard headed motherfuckers always get it
People who don't listen always get into trouble.
I told him what would happen if he moved, the nigga moved, so I did it
I warned him not to move, but he did, so I shot him.
Did you get it? I asked my man as he was comin' from the back
I asked my friend if he got any money as he came out of the back.
Nigga opened his mouth, said nothin', and fell out flat
My friend didn't say anything and fell to the ground.
This cat come out spittin', hittin' my mans, his mans
Someone shot at us and hit my friend and his friend.
Couldn't control what was in his hands
The person shooting couldn't control what they were doing.
I'm hit, damn! I bust back and got the fuck up out of there
I got shot and then fired back before leaving the scene.
Didn't get a dime, but at least I got up out of there
I didn't get any money, but at least I escaped with my life.
Pour out my soul, took control of hurt
I expressed my emotions about this situation.
Why must Earl Simmons swim in dirt?
Why do I have to deal with all these difficult situations?
'I'm gon' make it work, twenty-eight and tryin' to get baptized
I will continue to struggle and make it work, despite my difficult circumstances.
Priest scared to touch me 'cause he said I gave him bad vibes
The priest is scared to perform the baptism on me because he thinks I am a bad person.
Ride when I die, straight down, but I'm plottin'
I know that I will die someday, but I am still planning for the future.
We all gots to go but who wants to be forgotten?
We all have to die someday, but nobody wants to be forgotten.
I'm a leave a mark, and it won't be the mark of the devil
I want to leave a positive mark on the world.
Throw dirt and may your hands burn when you touch the shovel
If you talk badly about me, you will pay the consequences.
The level of animosity is stoppin' me from thrivin'
The amount of hatred towards me is preventing me from succeeding.
Fuck what them niggas is talkin' about, I'm survivin'
I will not let other people's opinions affect my survival.
Alive and goin' through it, but I made my bed
I am alive and struggling, but I realize that my choices got me here.
So now it's in these flames that I lay my head
I acknowledge my mistakes and will face the consequences.
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Kasseem Dean, Earl Simmons
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Gotwired
RIP DMX. I must have listened to this song hundreds of times on repeat back in high school.
damellman damellman
Mee 2. That and here we go again...
Sam W.
I did 2. Rise in peace Earl π πΏββοΈ
Amanda Burkhalter
Me too! All of 'em.
Guy Young
Most definitely.
TheRenaissanceMan
i listened to this whole album on repeat in 8th grade.
James Larson III
The tears will never stop falling lyrical genius R I P legend
- 21
π π
OrygunChainsawMassacre
Genius. π
Fabian Graham
So fucking true π ππͺπ€§ππππππππππππ