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".
Pump Ya Fist
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Pump ya fists like this, c'mon
Pump ya fists like this, c'mon
Pump ya fists like this, c'mon
Pump ya fists like this, c'mon
You're rockin' with the
Dog, diggie, dog a dang, a dang, diggie, diggie
Dog, diggie, dog a dang, a dang, diggie, diggie
Dog, diggie, dog a dang, a dang, diggie, diggie
Check it, I don't walk, I stalk, livin' foul like pork
Shuttin' down underground streets of New York
Hawk is what them niggaz call me, 'cause they all be
Suckin' my dick and on my motherfuckin' balls, G
I know the half, so I laugh with 'em
A blood bath went I let the fuckin' raps hit 'em
Full clip, but only half did 'em
That's all it took, another crook, taking out over a dirty look
I bag niggaz but niggaz that try and shot dead
You're only takin' a fuckin' thing from me with hot led
You know my style fagot, 'cause I'm always schemin'
In jail, niggaz holdin' a sink screamin'
Police, but you got no peace
Yo, was that you big man, and a lot mo' grease
All I gets is that, 'cause niggaz want none of this
Back streets are like track meets 'cause I'll be runnin' this
Pump ya fists like this, c'mon
Pump ya fists like this, c'mon
Pump ya fists like this, c'mon
Pump ya fists like this, c'mon
You're rockin' with the
Dog, diggie, dog a dang, a dang, diggie, diggie
Dog, diggie, dog a dang, a dang, diggie, diggie
Dog, diggie, dog a dang, a dang, diggie, diggie
Dog, diggie, dog a dang, a dang, diggie, diggie
I got a ball type of ill flow that still go for days
Don't you know I could kill yo' ass in many ways
Watch you die slow like as much as you blink
Leave you in yo' crib till the neighbors know this'll stink
You's a blood link inc, write my name on the wall
Dog men X, def till the ball
Jump niggaz call, beggin' for their life
And I just fucked that bitch that you call your wife
She life in strife and that's just how I want ?em
In this fuckin' me see my man get upon ?em
That's why I creep 'em, lay ?em, slide
Takin' mad motherfuckin' holes on the ride
Like the skin fly, like the Ferrari merkin', urchin
Blast your ass 'cause, you're jerkin'
My dick my reck, most buss the teck
I'll fuck in yo' back, blast through your neck
Pump ya fists like this, c'mon
Pump ya fists like this, c'mon
Pump ya fists like this, c'mon
Pump ya fists like this, c'mon
You're rockin' with the
Dog, diggie, dog a dang, a dang, diggie, diggie
Dog, diggie, dog a dang, a dang, diggie, diggie
Dog, diggie, dog a dang, a dang, diggie, diggie
Dog, diggie, dog a dang, a dang, diggie, diggie
The way that I'll be flippin' niggaz can't understand
Niggaz be like, ?Dog, I thought I was your man??
You shouldn't have thought and that's what you get for thinkin'
Think because I'm near you I wouldn't get you niggaz stinkin'
I'm the only all spring of a bad beam
Motivated by mad greed, I make the pad bleed
A bad seed from a rotten apple
Preacher talk shit get popped in the chapel
Flavour like Snapple, you can all get some
'cause it's all good in that hood that I'm from
I be the nigga dumb, and do ?em real dirty
Me and my peeps, oh my peeps is 7.30
Out to lunch for ever, won't be back
Don't know how to act, so we attack in the back
Mutherfucker, that's how that do
That's how that do, that's how that do baby
Pump ya fists like this, c'mon
Pump ya fists like this, c'mon
Pump ya fists like this, c'mon
Pump ya fists like this, c'mon
You're rockin' with the
Dog, diggie, dog a dang, a dang, diggie, diggie
Dog, diggie, dog a dang, a dang, diggie, diggie
Dog, diggie, dog a dang, a dang, diggie, diggie
Dog, diggie, dog a dang, a dang, diggie, diggie
Pump ya fists like this, c'mon
Pump ya fists like this, c'mon
Pump ya fists like this, c'mon
Pump ya fists like this, c'mon
You're rockin' with the
Dog, diggie, dog a dang, a dang, diggie, diggie
Dog, diggie, dog a dang, a dang, diggie, diggie
Dog, diggie, dog a dang, a dang, diggie, diggie
Dog, diggie, dog a dang, a dang, diggie, diggie
Pump ya fists like this, c'mon
Pump ya fists like this, c'mon
Pump ya fists like this, c'mon
Pump ya fists like this, c'mon
You're rockin' with the
Dog, diggie, dog a dang, a dang, diggie, diggie
Dog, diggie, dog a dang, a dang, diggie, diggie
Dog, diggie, dog a dang, a dang, diggie, diggie
Dog, diggie, dog a dang, a dang, diggie, diggie
Go, go, go, yeah
The song "Pump Ya Fist" by DMX feat. Swizz Beats is an energetic and upbeat track that encourages the audience to participate and get excited. The song's lyrics are assertive and egotistical; DMX speaks of himself as being a dominant figure in the underworld of the streets of New York. He refers to himself as "the Hawk" and claims that everyone is "sucking my dick and on my motherfuckin' balls." This language is aggressive and shows that DMX is not someone to be challenged.
As the song continues, DMX reinforces his tough image by claiming that he has a "ball type of ill flow that still go for days." He states that he could kill someone in many ways, and they wouldn't even know it was coming. This language is violent and disturbing, but it also illustrates the intensity of the rapper and his desire to be seen as someone who is in control.
Overall, the lyrics to "Pump Ya Fist" are meant to inspire confidence in the listener and make them feel like they are part of a group that is taking control. The song is all about asserting dominance and making a statement, and it is a powerful example of DMX's music.
Line by Line Meaning
Uh, ha, ha
DMX starts the song off with an ad-lib to grab the listener's attention.
Pump ya fists like this, c'mon
DMX is encouraging the listener to pump their fists in the air.
You're rockin' with the
DMX is letting the listener know that they are listening to him and Swizz Beatz on the track.
Dog, diggie, dog a dang, a dang, diggie, diggie
DMX is using his signature ad-lib to add some character to the song.
Check it, I don't walk, I stalk, livin' foul like pork
DMX is saying that he doesn't just walk around, he moves stealthily like a predator. He's also saying that he lives his life recklessly, like an animal that eats anything it can find.
Shuttin' down underground streets of New York
DMX is saying that he's a force to be reckoned with in the underground rap scene in New York City.
Hawk is what them niggaz call me, 'cause they all be
DMX is saying that people call him Hawk because he's always watching, waiting, and ready to strike.
Suckin' my dick and on my motherfuckin' balls, G
DMX is saying that his haters are constantly trying to bring him down, but he doesn't let it bother him.
I know the half, so I laugh with 'em
DMX is saying that he knows what his haters are up to, but he doesn't let it get him down. Instead, he laughs it off.
A blood bath went I let the fuckin' raps hit 'em
DMX is saying that his raps are aggressive and can hit hard like a violent attack.
Full clip, but only half did 'em
DMX is saying that even though he didn't use his full potential, he was still able to defeat his opponent.
That's all it took, another crook, taking out over a dirty look
DMX is saying that he's able to take out his enemies just by looking at them the wrong way. He's always ready for a fight.
I bag niggaz but niggaz that try and shot dead
DMX is saying that he takes out his enemies, even those who try to shoot him.
You're only takin' a fuckin' thing from me with hot led
DMX is saying that his enemies can only take his life by shooting him with a gun.
You know my style fagot, 'cause I'm always schemin'
DMX is saying that his enemies know what he's capable of and how he operates.
In jail, niggaz holdin' a sink screamin'
DMX is saying that even when he's locked up in jail, other inmates are afraid of him and he commands respect.
Police, but you got no peace
DMX is saying that even though the police are always watching him, he still has no peace. He's constantly on guard.
Yo, was that you big man, and a lot mo' grease
DMX is taunting his enemies, asking if they were the ones who tried to come after him with more backup than they needed.
All I gets is that, 'cause niggaz want none of this
DMX is saying that his haters are too intimidated to challenge him and that's all he ever hears from them.
Back streets are like track meets 'cause I'll be runnin' this
DMX is saying that he dominates the streets just like he would dominate a running track. He's always in control.
I got a ball type of ill flow that still go for days
DMX is saying that his rapping style is unique and he's able to keep it going effortlessly.
Don't you know I could kill yo' ass in many ways
DMX is saying that he's so skilled in combat that he could take out his enemies in various ways.
Watch you die slow like as much as you blink
DMX is saying that he's able to make his victims suffer before they die, so much so that they'll be blinking in pain.
Leave you in yo' crib till the neighbors know this'll stink
DMX is saying that he's capable of killing someone and leaving their body in their home for so long that it would start to smell and attract attention from their neighbors.
You's a blood link inc, write my name on the wall
DMX is saying that he's associated with a violent gang and that he wants people to recognize him as a dangerous individual. He wants his name to be remembered.
Dog men X, def till the ball
DMX is saying that he's a member of the Ruff Ryders crew and that he's dedicated to making music until the end of his career.
Jump niggaz call, beggin' for their life
DMX is saying that his enemies are so afraid of him that they'll do anything to avoid being killed by him.
And I just fucked that bitch that you call your wife
DMX is bragging about sleeping with someone else's wife and rubbing it in their face as another way to assert his dominance.
She life in strife and that's just how I want ?em
DMX is saying that he likes to cause problems in other people's relationships. He wants to be the cause of people's misery.
In this fuckin' me see my man get upon ?em
DMX is saying that he's willing to protect anyone who's loyal to him and go after his enemies.
That's why I creep 'em, lay ?em, slide
DMX is saying that he sneaks up on his enemies and attacks them when they least expect it.
Takin' mad motherfuckin' holes on the ride
DMX is saying that he and his crew take out anyone who poses a threat to them while they're on the move.
Like the skin fly, like the Ferrari merkin', urchin
DMX is saying that he's as fast as a fly, as luxurious as a Ferrari, and as dangerous as a porcupine.
Blast your ass 'cause, you're jerkin'
DMX is saying that he's willing to shoot anyone who hesitates or makes a sudden movement.
My dick my reck, most buss the teck
DMX is saying that he's in control and he's not afraid to use violence to get what he wants.
I'll fuck in yo' back, blast through your neck
DMX is saying that he's able to attack someone from behind and shoot them in the neck.
The way that I'll be flippin' niggaz can't understand
DMX is saying that his enemies are unable to keep up with his tactics and strategies.
Niggaz be like, ?Dog, I thought I was your man??
DMX is saying that his enemies are often confused by his actions and don't know where they stand with him.
You shouldn't have thought and that's what you get for thinkin'
DMX is saying that his enemies shouldn't have underestimated him and they're paying the price for it now.
Think because I'm near you I wouldn't get you niggaz stinkin'
DMX is saying that his enemies shouldn't think that they're safe just because he's nearby. They still stink like cowards.
I'm the only all spring of a bad beam
DMX is saying that he's the only one who comes from a difficult background and has risen to success in the music industry.
Motivated by mad greed, I make the pad bleed
DMX is saying that he's driven by his desire for money and success and he's constantly creating new music to satisfy his fans.
A bad seed from a rotten apple
DMX is saying that he comes from a place that's filled with corruption and violence.
Preacher talk shit get popped in the chapel
DMX is saying that even religious figures like preachers aren't safe from his wrath if they disrespect him.
Flavour like Snapple, you can all get some
DMX is saying that his style and flavor is unique like a Snapple drink. He's daring anyone to try and take him on.
'cause it's all good in that hood that I'm from
DMX is saying that he's proud of the neighborhood he grew up in and he'll always represent where he came from.
I be the nigga dumb, and do ?em real dirty
DMX is saying that he might come across as dumb or foolish, but he's actually capable of being cunning and getting revenge on his enemies.
Me and my peeps, oh my peeps is 7.30
DMX is saying that he and his crew are always ready to fight and they're known for their violent tendencies.
Out to lunch for ever, won't be back
DMX is saying that he's unpredictable and he'll never be the same as he was before. He's always changing and evolving.
Don't know how to act, so we attack in the back
DMX is saying that he and his crew don't follow any rules or moral code. They'll attack anyone, anywhere, at any time.
Mutherfucker, that's how that do
DMX is saying that this is just how he and his crew operate. They won't change for anyone.
That's how that do, that's how that do baby
DMX is repeating that this is just how he and his crew operate and there's no changing it.
Go, go, go, yeah
DMX is hyping up the listener and urging them to keep going and not give up.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, REACH MUSIC PUBLISHING, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KASSEEM DEAN, EARL SIMMONS, CARLTON RIDENHOUR, HANK SHOCKLEE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
LK Toni
Rest In Peace And Harmony Earl "DMX" Simmons Love You 4 Life Dog...🙏🏿🐾
PS I've rocked to this unreleased gem 4 yrs smh 🙏🏿🐾
REAL J-CORRY KINGMURDAHRECORDS ♪
Its a bonus track to Year of the Dog again album, and it's also ft by that bomb Mixtape Murderous heat vol 27,... Pump ya fist was produced 2005-2006, real swizz beatz & DMX masterpiece! Rest in peace King X
Henry Perry
Still rock this at the club
REAL J-CORRY KINGMURDAHRECORDS ♪
Pump the whole Murderous Heat vol 27 mixtape ina Club!
dragon flame
this was my shit
제비꽃
My favorite
Buzzard 1860
Remember when rap was good!! :( besides A few rappers (basically everyone that has worked with Eminem and a few people that have worked with tech-9 are good but besides that every thing new is SHIT!!) but dis stuff is FIRE!!!
WU-TANG FAMILIA ♪
Murderous Heat vol 27 = One of the hardest rap mixtape to come out ina last decade, real talk
Greatest Ever
X 4 Life Baby!
Michelle Savarese
Okay with the PE sample took me a minute to figure it out….X nasty and Swizz, both genius