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. Sisqรณ 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".
Prayer
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You give me food, let me sleep
I come to you weak
You give me strength, and that's deep
You call me a sheep, and lead me to green pastures
Only askin' that I keep the focus in between the chapters
You give me the word and only ask that I interpret
And give me the eyes that I may recognize the serpent
Unlike the devil who just wants me to lie 'til I die
Lord, why is it that I go through so much pain?
All I saw was black, all I felt was rain
I come to you because it's you who knows
You showed me that everything was black because my eyes were closed
You gave me the light and let me bask in your glory
So it was only right that when you ask for this story
I put it together to do our dogs some good
Our dogs being brothers and sisters of the hood
Plenty of times you should help my way, but I hid
And I remember once you held me close, but I slid
It was somethin' that I just had to see
That you wanted me to see so I could be what you wanted me to be
And I think I've seen it 'cause I don't feel the same
Matter of fact I know I've seen it, I can feel the change
It's strange, but it's got me beatin' down your door
But I've never known love like this before
It's a wonderful feelin' to get away from the pain
And up under the ceiling I get away from the rain
And the strain that I feel when I'm here is gone
I know real, so I wipe away the tear, it's on
And I almost lost faith when you took my man
Monte, Paso, and Jay's brother Dan
And I fear that what I'm sayin' won't be heard until I'm gone
But it's all good 'cause I really didn't expect to live long
So if it takes for me to suffer for my brother to see the light
Give me pain 'til I die, but, please, Lord, treat him right
DMX's song "Prayer" is a heartfelt plea to God for guidance, strength, and understanding. The song starts with DMX acknowledging his own weakness and hunger before thanking God for providing him food and a place to sleep. He speaks of feeling lost and confused, but God provides him with clarity and the ability to interpret his word. DMX references the imagery of a sheep being led to green pastures, and God being the only one he can trust to guide him in the right direction.
The chorus of the song focuses on pain, confusion, and fear, with DMX asking for God's love and support. He speaks of his own imperfections and weakness but recognizes that God wants him to try, unlike the devil who only wants him to lie until he dies. DMX is truthful with God about his struggles and pain, but ultimately, he puts his trust in God's love and guidance, recognizing that he has seen the light and his life has changed for the better since he began following God.
One interesting fact about the song is that it was not originally planned to be included on DMX's album "It's Dark and Hell Is Hot." Instead, it was added after the album had already been recorded as a tribute to a friend who had passed away. The song went on to become one of DMX's most popular tracks and a fan favorite. Another fact is that the prayer at the beginning of the song is spoken by DMX's grandmother.
Line by Line Meaning
I come to you hungry and tired
I am in a state of desperation, in need of food and rest
You give me food, let me sleep
You provide me with sustenance and a place to rest, fulfilling my physical needs
I come to you weak
I am vulnerable and helpless, lacking in strength
You give me strength, and that's deep
You empower and fortify me, a profound act of kindness
You call me a sheep, and lead me to green pastures
You guide me like a shepherd, towards nourishing and peaceful surroundings
Only askin' that I keep the focus in between the chapters
You request that I stay present in the present moment, not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future
You give me the word and only ask that I interpret
You provide me with guidance and teachings, but allow me to understand and apply them in my own way
And give me the eyes that I may recognize the serpent
You grant me wisdom and perception to identify danger and temptation
You know I ain't perfect, but you'd like me to try
You acknowledge my flaws, yet encourage me to strive for improvement
Unlike the devil who just wants me to lie 'til I die
You contrast your intentions with those of evil forces, who seek to corrupt and deceive me
Lord, why is it that I go through so much pain?
You express your suffering and confusion, questioning the reasons for your hardships
All I saw was black, all I felt was rain
You experienced a period of darkness and despair, overwhelmed by negative emotions
You showed me that everything was black because my eyes were closed
You revealed to me that my perception was limited by my own ignorance and narrow-mindedness
You gave me the light and let me bask in your glory
You provided me with enlightenment and the opportunity to experience your greatness
So it was only right that when you ask for this story
You feel compelled to share your spiritual journey, as a way of honoring and thanking God
I put it together to do our dogs some good
You use your storytelling as a means of inspiring and helping others in your community
Our dogs being brothers and sisters of the hood
You refer to your peers and neighbors as part of a shared bond and identity
Plenty of times you should help my way, but I hid
You admit to avoiding divine assistance in the past
And I remember once you held me close, but I slid
You recall a moment of intimate connection with God, but regret losing it
It was somethin' that I just had to see
You acknowledge the necessity of experiencing a certain truth or lesson, despite the difficulties involved
That you wanted me to see so I could be what you wanted me to be
You recognize that God has a certain vision or purpose for you, and that there are important steps you must take to fulfill it
And I think I've seen it 'cause I don't feel the same
You believe that you have gained a new perspective or insight, which has led to personal transformation
Matter of fact I know I've seen it, I can feel the change
You are certain that you have undergone a significant inner shift or growth
It's strange, but it's got me beatin' down your door
You express a profound desire for spiritual connection and guidance
But I've never known love like this before
You reflect on the unconditional and transformative love that you have experienced through your faith
It's a wonderful feelin' to get away from the pain
You describe the relief and joy of finding solace and comfort in God
And up under the ceiling I get away from the rain
You use imagery of shelter and protection to convey a sense of security and peace
And the strain that I feel when I'm here is gone
You describe a release from stress and anxiety when immersed in spiritual connection
I know real, so I wipe away the tear, it's on
You express the authenticity and sincerity of your faith, feeling empowered and ready to face challenges
And I almost lost faith when you took my man
You confess to struggling with your faith after experiencing loss and tragedy
Monte, Paso, and Jay's brother Dan
You mourn the death of close friends and loved ones
And I fear that what I'm sayin' won't be heard until I'm gone
You worry about the impact and reception of your message, and the fleeting nature of life
But it's all good 'cause I really didn't expect to live long
You express a sense of acceptance and understanding of mortality
So if it takes for me to suffer for my brother to see the light
You express a willingness to endure hardship in order to help others find their own spirituality
Give me pain 'til I die, but, please, Lord, treat him right
You ask for divine protection and guidance for yourself and others, even in the face of suffering
Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Earl Simmons
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Seeing
โIโm afraid this wonโt be heard until Iโm gone...โ but your spirit lives on. I still see you , I still hear you, and I still feel you. Live on big dog
bluebell2hell
DMX was never afraid to get real or be made fun of like he's a bitch or something for praying on his records. There is nobody else like him! TOTAL RESPECT!!
biggest pac fan alive
Yeah maaan. Respect to you to. DMX is smiling upon you man.
judah57
I saw Bro Earl Simmons 5 yrs Ago in Tacoma WA Sports Bar AkA DMX I can Vouched for him he didn't know me had hoodie over his head ! I said God give me a Sign ! I heard voice said hey Brotha do I know You ? I said to him John the Baptist is Jesus 1st Cousin ! He said to Me ? My By Blood ! He said We Family then ! Let pray together Lion Tribe of Judah family! We Took 2 Real Prophetical Spiritual photo together as Testimony Glory to God in Christ Yeshua hamachiach ๐ โจ๐ฆโจ๐ฏ
Cuz
I see you commented 5 years ago. Sadly today he passed and your 100% correct
jdfmoon
โAnd I fear that what Iโm saying wonโt be heard until Iโm gone, but itโs all good, because I really didnโt expect to live long.
So if it takes me to suffer for my brother to see the light, give me pain till I die, but please Lord, treat him right.โ Rest in POWER!!!
Man Bear Pig
First time hearing this album in about 20 years and this skit broke me rappers where on a whole other level back then
Eternally Destined
Tears!!!
antoinec822
Deep.
Dr Veda Safi
" So if it takes for me to suffer , for my brother to see light, give me pain til' i die , but please lord treat him right" ... near 15 years i first heard this line.. shit still gives me goosebumps