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".
Ruff Ryders' Anthem
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Somethin' new
Stop, drop, shut 'em down, open up shop
Oh, no
That's how Ruff Ryders roll
Stop, drop, shut 'em down, open up shop
Oh, no
Niggas wanna try (what?)
Niggas wanna lie (what?)
Then niggas wonder why (what?)
Niggas wanna die (what?)
All I know is pain (what?)
All I feel is rain (what?)
How can I maintain (what?)
With mad shit on my brain? (What?)
I resort to violence (what?)
My niggas move in silence (what?)
Like you don't know what our style is (what?)
New York niggas the wildest (what?)
My niggas is wit' it (what?)
You want it? Come and get it (what?)
Took it, then we split it (what?)
You fuckin' right, we did it (what?)
What the fuck you gon' do (what?)
When we run up on you? (What?)
Fuckin' wit' the wrong crew (what?)
Don't know what we goin' through (what?)
I'ma have to show niggas (what?)
How easily we blow niggas (what?)
Lemme find out there's some more niggas (what?)
That's runnin' with your niggas (what?)
Nothin' we can't handle (what?)
Break it up and dismantle (what?)
Light it up like a candle (what?)
Just 'cause I can't stand you (what?)
Put my shit on tapes (what?)
Like you bussin' grapes (what?)
Think you holdin' weight? (What?)
Then you haven't met the apes (what?)
Stop, drop, shut 'em down, open up shop
Oh, no
That's how Ruff Ryders roll
Stop, drop, shut 'em down, open up shop
Oh, no
That's how Ruff Ryders roll
Is y'all niggas crazy? (What?)
I'll bust you and be Swayze (what?)
Stop actin' like a baby (what?)
Mind your business, lady (what?)
Nosy people get it too (what?)
When you see me spit at you (what?)
You know I'm tryin' to get rid of you (what?)
Yeah, I know it's pitiful (what?)
That's how niggas get down (what?)
Watch my niggas split rounds (what?)
Make y'all niggas kiss ground (what?)
Just for talkin' shit, clown (what?)
Oh, you think it's funny (what?)
Then you don't know me, money (what?)
It's about to get ugly (what?)
Fuck it, dog, I'm hungry (what?)
I guess you know what that mean (what?)
Come up off that green (what?)
Rob niggas on Ravine (what?)
Don't make it a murder scene (what?)
Give a dog a bone (what?)
Leave a dog alone (what?)
Let a dog roam (what?)
And he'll find his way home (what?)
Home of the brave (what?)
My home is a cage (what?)
And yo, I'm a slave (what?)
'Til my home is the grave (what?)
I'ma pull capers (what?)
It's all about the papers (what?)
Bitches caught the vapors (what?)
And how they wanna rape us (what?)
Stop, drop, shut 'em down, open up shop
Oh, no
That's how Ruff Ryders roll
Stop, drop, shut 'em down, open up shop
Oh, no
That's how Ruff Ryders roll
Look what you done started? (What?)
Asked for it, you got it (what?)
Had it, should have shot it (what?)
Now you're dearly departed (what?)
Get at me, dog, did I rip shit? (What?)
With this one here, I flip shit (what?)
Niggas know when I kick shit (what?)
It's gonna be some slick shit (what?)
What was that look for (what?)
When I walked in the door? (What?)
Oh, you thought you was raw? (What?)
Boom, not anymore (what?)
'Cause now you on the floor (what?)
Wishin' you'd never saw (what?)
Me walk through that door (what?)
With that four-four (what?)
Now it's time for bed (what?)
Two more to the head (what?)
Got the floor red (what?)
Yeah, that nigga's dead (what?)
Another unsolved mystery (what?)
Is goin' down in history (what?)
Niggas ain't never did shit to me (what?)
Bitch ass niggas can't get to me (what?)
Gots to make a move (what?)
Got a point to prove (what?)
Gotta make 'em groove (what?)
Got 'em all like "ooh" (what?)
So 'til the next time (what?)
You hear this nigga rhyme (what?)
Try to keep your mind (what?)
On gettin' pussy and crime (what?)
Stop, drop, shut 'em down, open up shop
Talk is cheap, motherfucker
The song Ruff Ryders' Anthem by DMX is an aggressive and powerful anthem that embodies the essence of the Ruff Ryders crew. The lyrics are characterized by a strong and unapologetic attitude, reflecting the life on the streets and the harsh reality faced by DMX and his crew in New York. The song starts with the infamous line "Stop, drop, shut 'em down, open up shop", which is a call to attention and a warning to the enemies of the Ruff Ryders gang. The line that follows further emphasizes this theme, as DMX raps "All I know is pain, all I feel is rain, how can I maintain, with mad shit on my brain?", highlighting the struggle and violence that he and his crew face daily.
The lyrics of Ruff Ryders' Anthem also convey a sense of pride and unity among its members, as shown in verses such as "New York niggas the wildest" and "My niggas is wit' it, You want it? Come and get it". These lines are a manifestation of the loyalty and brotherhood that the Ruff Ryders crew share with each other. Additionally, the lyrics contain a message of defiance towards those who try to bring them down, as seen in the lines "Is y'all niggas crazy? I'll bust you and be Swayze, stop actin' like a baby, mind your business, lady", which is a warning to anyone who dares to confront the Ruff Ryders crew.
Overall, Ruff Ryders' Anthem is a song that represents the attitude of the Ruff Ryders gang, a crew that values loyalty, brotherhood, and toughness, and that is not afraid to confront its enemies.
Line by Line Meaning
Stop, drop, shut 'em down, open up shop
Cease what you're doing, take action and defeat your enemies, establish a new enterprise
Oh, no
Expressing surprise or disbelief
That's how Ruff Ryders roll
This is the way the Ruff Ryders group operates
Niggas wanna try (what?)
People want to challenge me or my crew
Niggas wanna lie (what?)
People want to deceive or deceive us
Then niggas wonder why (what?)
And then they wonder why they face consequences
Niggas wanna die (what?)
They're putting their lives in danger
All I know is pain (what?)
I'm familiar with nothing but suffering
All I feel is rain (what?)
I experience constant disappointment and sadness
How can I maintain (what?)
How can I sustain myself or stay mentally stable
With mad shit on my brain? (What?)
When my mind is filled with anger and resentment
I resort to violence (what?)
I turn to aggression as a solution
My niggas move in silence (what?)
My associates operate discreetly
Like you don't know what our style is (what?)
As if you're unaware of our distinctive approach
New York niggas the wildest (what?)
Individuals from New York are known for being the most unrestrained
My niggas is wit' it (what?)
My associates are prepared and willing
You want it? Come and get it (what?)
If you desire a confrontation, then approach us
Took it, then we split it (what?)
We claimed what we wanted and divided it amongst ourselves
You fuckin' right, we did it (what?)
Indeed, we successfully accomplished our objectives
What the fuck you gon' do (what?)
What actions are you going to take
When we run up on you? (What?)
When we confront you unexpectedly
Fuckin' wit' the wrong crew (what?)
Engaging with the incorrect group of individuals
Don't know what we goin' through (what?)
Unaware of the challenges we face
I'ma have to show niggas (what?)
I will be compelled to demonstrate to others
How easily we blow niggas (what?)
How effortlessly we eliminate our enemies
Lemme find out there's some more niggas (what?)
If I discover that there are additional individuals
That's runnin' with your niggas (what?)
Who are associating with your group
Nothin' we can't handle (what?)
There are no challenges we cannot overcome
Break it up and dismantle (what?)
Disrupt and dismantle your operations
Light it up like a candle (what?)
Ignite chaos and destruction
Just 'cause I can't stand you (what?)
Simply because I have an intense dislike for you
Put my shit on tapes (what?)
Record my experiences and emotions on audio recordings
Like you bussin' grapes (what?)
Like you're crushing grapes
Think you holdin' weight? (What?)
Believing you possess influence or power
Then you haven't met the apes (what?)
You haven't encountered us, who are aggressive and formidable
Is y'all niggas crazy? (What?)
Are you all insane?
I'll bust you and be Swayze (what?)
I will attack and defeat you, just like Patrick Swayze
Stop actin' like a baby (what?)
Cease behaving immaturely
Mind your business, lady (what?)
Concern yourself with your own affairs, woman
Nosy people get it too (what?)
Intrusive individuals will also face consequences
When you see me spit at you (what?)
When I express my disdain or disrespect towards you
You know I'm tryin' to get rid of you (what?)
You're aware that I'm attempting to eliminate you
Yeah, I know it's pitiful (what?)
Yes, I acknowledge that it's pathetic
That's how niggas get down (what?)
That's the way people like me behave
Watch my niggas split rounds (what?)
Observe my associates disperse ammunition
Make y'all niggas kiss ground (what?)
Force you all to touch the ground with your lips
Just for talkin' shit, clown (what?)
Merely for speaking disrespectfully, you clown
Oh, you think it's funny (what?)
Oh, you find it amusing
Then you don't know me, money (what?)
Then you're not familiar with who I am, my friend
It's about to get ugly (what?)
The situation is about to become unpleasant
Fuck it, dog, I'm hungry (what?)
Forget it, my friend, I'm eager and determined
I guess you know what that mean (what?)
I suppose you understand the implication
Come up off that green (what?)
Give up or surrender your money
Rob niggas on Ravine (what?)
Steal from individuals in the neighborhood of Ravine
Don't make it a murder scene (what?)
Avoid turning it into a crime scene involving murder
Give a dog a bone (what?)
Provide a favor or reward to someone
Leave a dog alone (what?)
Allow someone to be independent or undisturbed
Let a dog roam (what?)
Permit a person to freely explore or wander
And he'll find his way home (what?)
And eventually, he'll return to his familiar surroundings
Home of the brave (what?)
America, a country known for courage and bravery
My home is a cage (what?)
But for me, my home is a prison
And yo, I'm a slave (what?)
And I am enslaved or trapped
'Til my home is the grave (what?)
Until death becomes my final resting place
I'ma pull capers (what?)
I will engage in illicit activities
It's all about the papers (what?)
It's solely about acquiring wealth
Bitches caught the vapors (what?)
Women have become enamored or obsessed
And how they wanna rape us (what?)
And how they desire to exploit or take advantage of us
Look what you done started? (What?)
Observe the consequences of your actions
Asked for it, you got it (what?)
You requested it, now you've received it
Had it, should have shot it (what?)
You possessed something, but you should have taken action
Now you're dearly departed (what?)
Now you're dead and have left this world
Get at me, dog, did I rip shit? (What?)
Challenge me, friend, did I perform impressively?
With this one here, I flip shit (what?)
With this particular track, I deliver powerful lyrics
Niggas know when I kick shit (what?)
People are aware that when I rap
It's gonna be some slick shit (what?)
It's going to be clever or skillful
What was that look for (what?)
Why did you give me that expression
When I walked in the door? (What?)
As I entered the room
Oh, you thought you was raw? (What?)
Oh, you believed you were superior or unbeatable
Boom, not anymore (what?)
Suddenly, that's no longer the case
'Cause now you on the floor (what?)
Because now you're lying on the ground
Wishin' you'd never saw (what?)
Regretting the moment you encountered
Me walk through that door (what?)
Me entering through that entrance
With that four-four (what?)
Carrying a .44 caliber weapon
Now it's time for bed (what?)
Now it's time for you to die
Two more to the head (what?)
Two additional bullets to your skull
Got the floor red (what?)
The ground is now stained with blood
Yeah, that nigga's dead (what?)
Yes, that individual is deceased
Another unsolved mystery (what?)
Yet another crime with no resolution
Is goin' down in history (what?)
Is becoming part of the past that is remembered
Niggas ain't never did shit to me (what?)
People have never done anything to harm or offend me
Bitch ass niggas can't get to me (what?)
Weak individuals cannot affect me
Gots to make a move (what?)
I must take action
Got a point to prove (what?)
I have a message or statement to demonstrate
Gotta make 'em groove (what?)
I need to make them dance or enjoy themselves
Got 'em all like "ooh" (what?)
I've captured their attention or impressed them
So 'til the next time (what?)
Until the next occasion
You hear this nigga rhyme (what?)
You listen to me rap
Try to keep your mind (what?)
Attempt to stay focused
On gettin' pussy and crime (what?)
On pursuing sexual encounters and engaging in illegal activities
Talk is cheap, motherfucker
Words hold little value, you insignificant individual
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Earl Simmons, Kasseem Dean
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@DrBeauHightower
1998 all I did was bump Dmx. He was my dude in def jam fight game too. True legend ππ
@cjfrm6164
he still alive
@1.jus00
He not dead u too fast with itππ
@TSJ99
Dummies he never said he was dead^^
@asapvtrill9775
clout chasin
@chacesimpson2856
hes dead, you will hear it tmr..
@cruztube23
Why don't they make hits like this anymore? This is a classic, the energy is insane
@Gardenstategreat1225
Being a skilled Emcee isnt valued. Its hard. Takes years of battling and sharpen your sword by wins and losses. These lames now are looking for a quick buck. Thats why what they do is easy and plain. Also we have to be real, Hip Hop started in nyc. Point being theres a level of legitimacy you need to be hot in the city. Its by far the largest city/metro in the country. Every major southern can be combined and still not touch the numbers of people. You cant be fake and make it big. They wont let it happen. But that leads to other regions who dont have those standards to raise up.
@fw_cj
Real
@bastianpate-uc5hd
All sellouts nowdays they gotta listen to their industry masters