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".
School Street
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Uhh! Fourth motherfuckin time baby (what?)
Out the gate! (uh-huh)
You motherfuckers can't be serious (you can't be serious)
You thought I'd let you have this shit (what?)
You thought this rap shit was yours? (uh-uh! uh-uh!)
You motherfuckers done lost your mind (uh-huh)
For real - get the fuck outta here with that bullshit
Uhh, uhh, uhh, uhh, uh!
School street, school street, home of the brave
Suckers actin like they want it, ends up in the grave (c'mon!)
I'm Dmx but my, name ain't Dave (uh)
Step to my title and I'll crash yo' wave
Buildin #80 (uh-huh) used to l-I-v-e (uh-huh)
Come through on the, late night tip and you could see me (uhh!)
Coolin' with D-nice and Box, my man (what?!)
M.r., my number one fan (what?!)
Small Paul, mike lou, native new yorkers
Chase a.k.a. kenny, and chuckie walters (uh!)
Black shawn, black tim and black darren (woo!)
Black tyrone, black al and black baron (woo!)
Rob and carlos, jersey and dink (uh!)
James weldon with the, cuban link (c'mon!)
Little nick, tony koch, and ollie (uh-huh)
Remember (?) when they used to fuck with holly? (yeah!)
Abby and blue, be -boyin shawn
Bill smith, nick bird, scoop and shawan (uh!)
Can't forget long, paris, tone and donny (what?!)
Adman to steve, fat reggie, and ronnie
Black lonnie, d-mack, and michael
{*blam*} ha ha! a.k.a. psycho (what?!)
Me and nick styles used to get piles of cash (c'mon!)
My man reg kept a jammy in the stash (c'mon!)
Aiyyo flocko, doug and jerome (uh-huh!)
It won't be long before ice comes home
Nate karasha, bin, buck
G's, bashir, don't give a fuck! (what?!)
Little joe, kickin like chuck norris (what?!)
Most of all I can't forget my man forrest (what?!)
Fourteen k alfie, bubbles bo (uh!)
Ralph (?), smooth and derenzo (what?!)
The old school with money mark and red mack (yeah!)
Cool breeze, dry cool, and kangol jack (uh-huh!)
David earl, jeff kato, and dylan
Peace to mike coleman (what?!) heard the brother's chillin (woo!)
Little niggaz, like big joe and nutty
Eighty-eight dave dan, the peanut gettin money
Tweety bird, big Monty and docky (uh!)
His brother chico red mask brother hockey (uh!)
Gots to give a shoutout, to the deceased (aight?)
Little Monty and Paso, rest in peace
Yo I remember all that, cause I was there
School street got shit sewn up all the way to the square (what?!)
No one would dare even, stop to stare (uh!)
'Cause they know we don't care and we don't play fair (uh-huh!)
Yeah, school street is schoolin (what?!)
Fuck what you heard, nigga school street duelin (what?!)
Who you think you foolin you'll end up in yo' grave (c'mon!)
Fuckin with school street, home of the brave (woo!)
Motherfucker, now you know
Where I'm from where it's at
What?! motherfucker get got!
Bitch-ass nigga.. home of the brave
DMX's song "School Street" is an ode to his upbringing in Yonkers, New York. The song begins with a declaration from DMX that he won't let anyone take away his success. He then launches into the chorus, singing about School Street, the place where he grew up. DMX describes how those who try to mess with him on School Street end up in the grave. He then lists various people he grew up with, including D-Nice and M.R., and highlights a sense of community that existed on School Street. He references multiple Black individuals he grew up with, showing how his upbringing influenced his worldview on race. DMX ends the song with hard-hitting rhymes reaffirming his pride in School Street and its inhabitants.
"School Street" is a significant song in DMX's discography, as it showcases the rapper's uncompromising lyrical style and his deep connection to his hometown. The song was included on DMX's debut album, "It's Dark and Hell Is Hot," which was released in 1998 and went on to achieve multi-platinum status. The album marked DMX's official arrival on the hip-hop scene and established him as one of the most formidable rappers of his era.
Line by Line Meaning
Grrrrrrr.. uh, uh, uh, yeah!
DMX is growling in anticipation before starting his rap.
Uhh! Fourth motherfuckin time baby (what?)
DMX is declaring that he is back and better than ever for the fourth time.
Out the gate! (uh-huh)
DMX is ready to start his rap right away.
You motherfuckers can't be serious (you can't be serious)
DMX cannot believe that anyone would try to take over his rap title.
You thought I'd let you have this shit (what?)
DMX is saying that he will not allow anyone to take control of his reputation as a rapper.
You thought this rap shit was yours? (uh-uh! uh-uh!)
DMX is making it clear that the rap game belongs to him and no one else.
You motherfuckers done lost your mind (uh-huh)
DMX cannot understand why anyone would dare to challenge him.
For real - get the fuck outta here with that bullshit
DMX does not want to hear any excuses from his competitors.
I'm about to let y'all niggaz know, how it's goin dizzy baby
DMX is confident that he will dominate the rap game.
School street, school street, home of the brave
School Street is a tough neighborhood where people do not back down from challenges.
Suckers actin like they want it, ends up in the grave (c'mon!)
People who try to challenge School Street end up getting hurt or killed.
I'm Dmx but my, name ain't Dave (uh)
DMX is making it clear that his name is not Dave - he is a unique and talented rapper in his own right.
Step to my title and I'll crash yo' wave
If anyone tries to take DMX's title as a great rapper, he will come down hard on them.
Buildin #80 (uh-huh) used to l-I-v-e (uh-huh)
DMX used to live in Building #80 on School Street.
Come through on the, late night tip and you could see me (uhh!)
If you wanted to see DMX, you could usually find him on School Street at night.
Coolin' with D-nice and Box, my man (what?!)
DMX spent time with his friends D-Nice and Box.
M.r., my number one fan (what?!)
DMX is acknowledging that M.R. is his greatest fan.
Small Paul, mike lou, native new yorkers
DMX is giving a shoutout to his friends Small Paul, Mike Lou, and other New Yorkers he knows.
Chase a.k.a. kenny, and chuckie walters (uh!)
DMX is acknowledging some more of his friends, including Chase (also known as Kenny) and Chuckie Walters.
Black shawn, black tim and black darren (woo!)
DMX is shouting out his friends Shawn, Tim, and Darren.
Black tyrone, black al and black baron (woo!)
DMX is acknowledging his friends Tyrone, Al, and Baron.
Rob and carlos, jersey and dink (uh!)
DMX is acknowledging several more of his friends, including Rob, Carlos, Jersey, and Dink.
James weldon with the, cuban link (c'mon!)
DMX is acknowledging his friend James Weldon, who loves Cuban links.
Little nick, tony koch, and ollie (uh-huh)
DMX is acknowledging some more of his friends, including Little Nick, Tony Koch, and Ollie.
Remember (?) when they used to fuck with holly? (yeah!)
DMX remembers a time when people used to mess with Holly.
Abby and blue, be boyin shawn
DMX is acknowledging his friends Abby, Blue, and Be Boyin Shawn.
Bill smith, nick bird, scoop and shawan (uh!)
DMX is acknowledging even more of his friends, including Bill Smith, Nick Bird, and Scoop.
Can't forget long, paris, tone and donny (what?!)
DMX is acknowledging several more of his friends, including Long, Paris, Tone, and Donny.
Adman to steve, fat reggie, and ronnie
DMX is acknowledging his friends Adman, Steve, Fat Reggie, and Ronnie.
Black lonnie, d-mack, and michael
DMX is acknowledging even more of his friends, including Black Lonnie, D-Mack, and Michael.
{*blam*} ha ha! a.k.a. psycho (what?!)
DMX is shouting out his friend Psycho, who is known for making gun sounds.
Me and nick styles used to get piles of cash (c'mon!)
DMX made a lot of money with his friend Nick Styles.
My man reg kept a jammy in the stash (c'mon!)
DMX's friend Reg kept a gun hidden away.
Aiyyo flocko, doug and jerome (uh-huh!)
DMX is acknowledging his friends Flocko, Doug, and Jerome.
It won't be long before ice comes home
DMX knows that his friend Ice will be getting out of jail soon.
Nate karasha, bin, buck
DMX is acknowledging his friends Nate Karasha, Bin, and Buck.
G's, bashir, don't give a fuck! (what?!)
DMX's friends G, Bashir, and others are known for being fearless and not caring about anything.
Little joe, kickin like chuck norris (what?!)
DMX is shouting out his friend Little Joe, who is a great fighter.
Most of all I can't forget my man forrest (what?!)
DMX cannot forget about his good friend Forrest.
Fourteen k alfie, bubbles bo (uh!)
DMX is acknowledging his friends Fourteen K Alfie and Bubbles Bo.
Ralph (?), smooth and derenzo (what?!)
DMX is acknowledging his friends Ralph, Smooth, and Derenzo.
The old school with money mark and red mack (yeah!)
DMX is shouting out the old school rappers Money Mark and Red Mack.
Cool breeze, dry cool, and kangol jack (uh-huh!)
DMX is acknowledging his friends Cool Breeze, Dry Cool, and Kangol Jack.
David earl, jeff kato, and dylan
DMX is acknowledging his friends David Earl, Jeff Kato, and Dylan.
Peace to mike coleman (what?!) heard the brother's chillin (woo!)
DMX is giving a shoutout to his friend Mike Coleman, who is doing well.
Little niggaz, like big joe and nutty
DMX is acknowledging some of the young guys he knows, including Big Joe and Nutty.
Eighty-eight dave dan, the peanut gettin money
DMX knows an 88-year-old man named Dave Dan who is still hustling to make money.
Tweety bird, big Monty and docky (uh!)
DMX is acknowledging his friends Tweety Bird, Big Monty, and Docky.
His brother chico red mask brother hockey (uh!)
DMX is acknowledging his friend Chico Red Mask Brother Hockey.
Gots to give a shoutout, to the deceased (aight?)
DMX wants to remember his friends who have passed away.
Little Monty and Paso, rest in peace
DMX remembers his friends Little Monty and Paso, who have passed away.
Yo I remember all that, cause I was there
DMX has seen all of these things and been a part of them because he was there.
School street got shit sewn up all the way to the square (what?!)
School Street is in control of its own area and extends its reach all the way to the nearby square.
No one would dare even, stop to stare (uh!)
People are too scared to even look in School Street's direction.
'Cause they know we don't care and we don't play fair (uh-huh!)
School Street does not care about others' opinions and does not play by the rules.
Yeah, school street is schoolin (what?!)
School Street is doing well and cannot be beaten.
Fuck what you heard, nigga school street duelin (what?!)
DMX is confident in School Street's ability to fight against anyone.
Who you think you foolin you'll end up in yo' grave (c'mon!)
If anyone tries to mess with School Street, they will end up getting hurt or killed.
Fuckin with school street, home of the brave (woo!)
School Street is a tough place, and DMX is proud of his neighborhood.
Motherfucker, now you know
DMX is warning his listeners that they should now understand the power of School Street.
Where I'm from where it's at
DMX is proud of his origins and the tough neighborhood in which he grew up.
What?! motherfucker get got!
DMX is warning anyone who tries to mess with him or his friends to be prepared to face the consequences.
Bitch-ass nigga.. home of the brave
DMX is making it clear that School Street is a tough place that cannot be beaten by anyone.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAMON J BLACKMAN, EARL SIMMONS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind