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".
Professional
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
'Cause you know fuckin' with these streets'll be
Make you wanna, then I'm gonna
'Cause I gotta, pop, pop, pop, pop
I look through the 11th floor window
Take one last puff of the indo (what?)
Look through the scope, and let like ten go
Wipe the sweat off my face so I can leave safe
Outside I breathe safe
Nigga never saw it coming, that's how he got it (what?)
Never even thought of running, 'cause a nigga plotted (what?)
Smart niggas get niggas killed for real
I know, they make a deal? I'm comin with the steel (aight)
It's goin' be that cat you don't see that's gon' pop you
Stop you in your motherfucking tracks nigga and drop you
Get rid of all the clothes (uh-huh) dump the gun
I hate to be the type of nigga to leave you, slumped and run
But I'm on the job and right now there's more niggas that need to be
Left with a head full of lead, resting easily
And that twenty G's a fee, put to a good use
The only excuse I have for what I do is, love of abuse (c'mon!)
Niggas won't creep these streets with me
'Cause you know fuckin' with these streets'll be
Make you wanna, then I'm gonna
'Cause I gotta, pop, pop, pop, pop (nigga)
Niggas won't creep these streets with me
'Cause you know fuckin' with these streets'll be
Make you wanna, then I'm gonna
'Cause I gotta, pop, pop, pop, pop
I can catch you in the very building that you live in
Wait until you get right at your door then start spitting (aight?)
Now they got a ribbon tied to the rail at the top of the steps (what?)
I was there, you ain't die at the top of the steps (alright?)
I can do that walk behind you shit and follow you home
Make a noise, you turn around and I put one in your dome (boom!)
Last thing you saw was chrome and a, flash of light
I blast him right, nigga, that's yo' ass tonight (c'mon!)
I could put a bomb in your car and watch it explode (boom!)
Then make a call, tell 'em all they found was a piece of your clothes
And a small piece of your nose and, bone from your arm
Which they really couldn't tell apart, because of the bomb
I could be waiting, camped out in yo' car, in the backseat
With some fucking chicken wire, soon as you hit the backstreet
I jump up like Jack-in-the-Box, strangle the shit out yo' ass
Clean up the mess and, get away from the cops
Niggas won't creep these streets with me
'Cause you know fuckin' with these streets'll be
Make you wanna, then I'm gonna
'Cause I gotta, pop, pop, pop, pop (nigga)
Niggas won't creep these streets with me
'Cause you know fuckin' with these streets'll be
Make you wanna, then I'm gonna
'Cause I gotta, pop, pop, pop, pop
I could be the UPS delivery boy (uh-huh) or the man
Working at Toys'are'Us handing yo' kid a brand new toy (true)
I could be the one serving your food wherever you go to eat at
Or that nigga on the corner that you ask, 'Yo, where the weed at?'
I could be the one driving the school bus that yo' kids in
Except that, I don't like to involve, women and children (aight)
A nigga got feelings, I just put 'em aside
And when it's time for me to do my job, I just ride
I don't get much sleep (uh) my soul's tormented (uh)
I wish it was a lie but everything I said I meant it
I know I'm doing wrong and everyday I beg the Lord
To forgive me for fucking with the, double-edged sword
Shit ain't going too well, but that's my life
I know I'm going to hell, but that's my life
Sometimes I think what will I do, with my life
Kill nigga kill this is my life
Niggas won't creep these streets with me
'Cause you know fuckin' with these streets'll be
Make you wanna, then I'm gonna
'Cause I gotta, pop, pop, pop, pop (nigga)
Niggas won't creep these streets with me
'Cause you know fuckin' with these streets'll be
Make you wanna, then I'm gonna
'Cause I gotta, pop, pop, pop, pop (nigga)
Niggas won't creep these streets with me
'Cause you know fuckin' with these streets
The lyrics of DMX's song The Professional depict a character who is a paid hitman, and the violence he inflicts on people with no moral remorse. The song describes the hitman's commitment to his job, how he prepares and executes his targets, and how he is always on the lookout for potential victims. The hitman shows no fear or emotion as he carries out his killings, and the lyrics also reveal his awareness of the consequences of his actions. The song hints at the possible sense of dissatisfaction or regret that the hitman feels about his life choices, but he is unable to escape his violent lifestyle.
Line by Line Meaning
Niggas won't creep these streets with me
People are afraid to walk down these dangerous streets with me.
'Cause you know fuckin' with these streets'll be
Everyone knows that getting involved in these streets is always dangerous.
Make you wanna, then I'm gonna
I'm going to make you want to do something and then I'll do it.
'Cause I gotta, pop, pop, pop, pop
I will shoot you multiple times because I have to.
I look through the 11th floor window
I am observing my target from the 11th floor window.
Take one last puff of the indo (what?)
I take one last hit of marijuana before executing the plan.
Look through the scope, and let like ten go
I aim through the scope and shoot around ten times.
Break it down, back in the briefcase
I break down the gun and put it back in the briefcase.
Wipe the sweat off my face so I can leave safe
I wipe the sweat off my face before leaving to ensure I won't be caught.
Outside I breathe safe
I can breathe safely now that I've left the building.
Nigga never saw it coming, that's how he got it (what?)
My target never expected to be attacked, so he was caught off guard and killed.
Never even thought of running, 'cause a nigga plotted (what?)
My target didn't run because he didn't know I was after him.
Smart niggas get niggas killed for real
Intelligent people can inadvertently put their peers in danger.
I know, they make a deal? I'm comin with the steel (aight)
If someone makes a deal and it goes wrong, I'll be there with a gun.
It's goin' be that cat you don't see that's gon' pop you
My target won't expect to be shot by a hidden person.
Stop you in your motherfucking tracks nigga and drop you
I'll immediately halt my target and shoot until they're dead.
Get rid of all the clothes (uh-huh) dump the gun
I dispose of all evidence by getting rid of my clothes and dumping the gun.
I hate to be the type of nigga to leave you, slumped and run
I dislike leaving my target dead and running away, but it's necessary to avoid getting caught.
But I'm on the job and right now there's more niggas that need to be
Although I don't like what I do, there are other people who need to be eliminated.
Left with a head full of lead, resting easily
I leave my target with a head full of bullet wounds, but they're now at peace because they're dead.
And that twenty G's a fee, put to a good use
I receive $20,000 in compensation for my job and put it to good use.
The only excuse I have for what I do is, love of abuse (c'mon!)
The only justification I have for killing people is my love of violence and causing harm on others.
I can catch you in the very building that you live in
I can find and attack you in the very building where you live.
Wait until you get right at your door then start spitting (aight?)
I wait until you reach your doorway and start shooting at you then.
Now they got a ribbon tied to the rail at the top of the steps (what?)
People have left a ribbon tied to the railing of the staircase where my target was killed.
I was there, you ain't die at the top of the steps (alright?)
I was the one who killed my target, but I did it somewhere else besides the top of the steps.
I can do that walk behind you shit and follow you home
I can follow you home while walking behind you.
Make a noise, you turn around and I put one in your dome (boom!)
I make a noise, which causes you to turn around, and then I shoot you in the head.
Last thing you saw was chrome and a, flash of light
The last thing you'll see is the light reflecting off the gun before you're shot.
I blast him right, nigga, that's yo' ass tonight (c'mon!)
I shoot you and you're dead instantly, and there's no way to avoid it.
I could put a bomb in your car and watch it explode (boom!)
I could place a bomb in your car and detonate it, causing an explosion.
Then make a call, tell 'em all they found was a piece of your clothes
I report the explosion and tell people that the only thing left of you was a piece of clothing.
And a small piece of your nose and, bone from your arm
In reality, there's a small piece of your nose and some bone fragments left from your body.
Which they really couldn't tell apart, because of the bomb
The bomb caused so much damage that it's difficult to distinguish different body parts.
I could be waiting, camped out in yo' car, in the backseat
I could be waiting for you in the backseat of your car.
With some fucking chicken wire, soon as you hit the backstreet
As soon as you turn onto a less busy street, I'll use chicken wire to strangle you.
I jump up like Jack-in-the-Box, strangle the shit out yo' ass
I'll suddenly jump up and use the chicken wire to strangle you.
Clean up the mess and, get away from the cops
I'll clean up the evidence and flee before the police arrive.
I could be the UPS delivery boy (uh-huh) or the man
I could disguise myself as a UPS delivery man or any other person.
Working at Toys'are'Us handing yo' kid a brand new toy (true)
I could work at a toy store and hand your child a new toy while secretly planning to kill you.
I could be the one serving your food wherever you go to eat at
I could be the one serving you food wherever you go to eat, and you wouldn't even know it.
Or that nigga on the corner that you ask, 'Yo, where the weed at?'
I could be the person you ask for weed on the street corner.
I could be the one driving the school bus that yo' kids in
I could be the driver of your child's school bus.
Except that, I don't like to involve, women and children (aight)
I don't target women and children because it's not necessary and too cruel.
A nigga got feelings, I just put 'em aside
I have emotions, but I have to suppress them to do my job.
And when it's time for me to do my job, I just ride
When it's time for me to execute a plan, I don't hesitate and just go through with it.
I don't get much sleep (uh) my soul's tormented (uh)
I don't get much sleep because my soul is tormented by the things I do.
I wish it was a lie but everything I said I meant it
I wish I didn't have to do these things, but everything I said I meant and have to follow through with.
I know I'm doing wrong and everyday I beg the Lord
I know what I'm doing is wrong, and every day I pray to God for forgiveness.
To forgive me for fucking with the, double-edged sword
I pray for God to forgive me for living a double life and committing deadly acts.
Shit ain't going too well, but that's my life
Things aren't going well for me, but I have to accept it because this is my life.
I know I'm going to hell, but that's my life
I know I'll go to hell for what I do, but this is just the way my life is.
Sometimes I think what will I do, with my life
Sometimes I wonder what my life would be like if I weren't involved in this type of deadly work.
Kill nigga kill this is my life
Killing people is what I do, and this is just the way my life is.
Lyrics © BEHIND THE ROPES ENTERTAINMENT, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Earl Simmons, Anthony Fields
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind