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".
Pull Up
DMX Lyrics
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(You made your choice)
Let's get this money, man
Let's do it
Come on
(Now it's up to me)
The lyrics of DMX's song "Pull Up" tell the story of a relationship at its end. It is at a point where there seems to be no hope for reconciliation, and the singer is faced with the realization that the final decision has been made. The first verse establishes the two paths the relationship could take - either continuing together or ending with heartbreak. However, it seems that the latter has already been chosen. The chorus of the song is the singer's promise to the other person to always be there, no matter what decisions they make or how much distance may be between them. The second verse shows that the singer understands there may be a chance for things to rekindle, though they acknowledge that much has been lost. Regardless, they are unwavering in their dedication to the other person.
Overall, "Pull Up" is a song about the complexities and challenges of relationships. It acknowledges that sometimes, things don't work out as we want them to, but also that love can be resurrected from even the smallest of sparks.
Line by Line Meaning
This, is our fork in the road
We have come to a point where decisions must be made and choices must be taken.
Love's last episode
Our love has reached its final chapter and has come to its inevitable end.
There's nowhere to go, oh no
We have reached a dead-end and there is no possible way to continue this love story.
You made your choice, now it's up to me
You have already made a decision, now it's my turn to decide how to proceed from here.
To bow out gracefully
I will back away from this situation with dignity and poise.
Though you hold the key, but baby
Although you have the power to change things, you have already made your choice.
Whenever you call me, I'll be there
I will always be there for you, no matter what.
Whenever you want me, I'll be there
I will be by your side whenever you need me, even if it's just to talk.
Whenever you need me, I'll be there
If you ever find yourself in trouble or in need of someone to lean on, I will be there for you.
I'll be around
I am not going anywhere, I will always be available for you.
I, knew just what to say
I thought I had everything under control and knew how to handle this situation.
Now I found out today
Today, I realized that things are not as simple as they seemed and that I might have been wrong.
That all the words had slipped away, but I know
I lost my ability to communicate effectively, but I am aware of that now.
There's always a chance
Even though things seem hopeless, there is still a glimmer of hope and possibility.
A tiny spark remains, yeah
There might be something left between us, even if it's just a small flame.
And sparks turn into flames
If we nurture that spark, it could grow into something bigger and brighter.
And love can burn once again, but I know you know
Our love can be reignited, but I know that you also have to be willing to put in the effort to make it work.
Even if I have to call, I'll be there
I will always be there for you, even if I have to take the initiative to reach out.
Just call me at home, I'll be there
Whenever you need me, you can call me at home and I will be there for you.
I'll never leave you alone, I'll be there
You will never be alone, I will always be there to support and comfort you.
Just call out your name you know I know you know
You don't even have to say a word, I can sense your call for help and I will come to your aid.
I'll be around
No matter what happens, I will always be there for you.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Phil Hurtt, Thom Randolph Bell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind