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".
Spellbound
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Need to get at me with dat dumb shit.
Hit me dawg. Hey Wood, what's up dawg.
Ohh, Uhh. Check it out yall. Big vees on the muthf**king tables.
This how it's goin dizzee
Spell Bound,
It ain't hard to tell
You won't catch it or match it
But ounce you how much it,
Heats up the crowd,
Yo beats but won't touch it
As long as I'm the D-M-X
The rhymes are D-O-B-E cold
D-A-M-E-G-E-N- E-M-C-E-E
I K-I-L-L the K-I-L-L to W-O-R-K U-N-T-I-L
I hit the fest and up the best of them all
S-P-E-L-L-I-N-G until they fall
Dropping like an F-L-Y the T-R-Y to get built
The D-M-X will allways die
Another body in the M-O-R-G-U-E
You will be trying to battle and can't emcee
S-P-E-L-L-B-O-U-N-D this the S-T-Y-L-E I like the to U-S-E
When I am rhyming I R-I-P-P-I-N-G
Get picked on timing I'm in my P-R-I-M-E
The D-M-X E-L-I-M-I-N-A-T-S C-O-M-P-E-T-I-T-I-O-N and the rest
My hoe in K-R-E-S the dub B-R-O-N-X
Mahnhattan, Brooklyn or G-U-E-E-N-S
S ment I ment for O-M
And I'm gone have to show them
But if they R-P-I-T-E or S I do not they them
How can I S-P-E-L-L
W-E-L-L
Raising some H-E-L-L
Weighting to be L-L
Staying after T-O-P
I'm R-U-G-G-E-D
And if you went to Do B-E-T-T-L-E then see me
But you will L-O-S-E-H-E-I-N-S-T
Me the D-M-X cause I'm the D-O-P-E-S-T
I'll allways be a A-T- and A E-M-C-E-E
There hasen't been a part to S-T-E-P -T-O- M-E
S-T-Y-L-E that is W-I-L-D
It's Spellbound
Thats a N-A-M-E
Pumpin' lyrics that are based on my abillity to spell
That I just f**k it up it ain't hard to tell
DMX: Yeah. Keep that goin' babe. Cause I'm 'gon show 'em somthin' real on the spellbound tip. Imma show 'em somthin', You know what I'm sayin'? Imma show 'em some real shit, right here.
Uh, check it out yall, check it, check it, check it out yall. Now tell me if you catch what I'm sayin, baby. I'm on some shit like, umm...
I am T-H-E- O-R-I-G-I-N-A-L- A-U-T-H-O-R- O-F- S-P-E-L-L-P-O-U-N-D cause X
M-A-R-X- T-H-E- S-P-O-T
Now,
D-I-D-N-Apostrophe-T- U- T-R-Y T-O- B-I-T-E And R-H-Y-M-E U-S-I-N-G an S-T-Y-L-E that was made by me?
O-F- CO-U-R-S-E Y-O-U- D-I-D so D-O-N-T L-I-E
B-E-C-A-U-S-E Y-O-U-R-E C-A-U-G-H-T
All you T-T-H-E-R-E hatin' D S-T-R-A-I-G-H-T U-P
B-U-S-T-E-D- C-H-U-M-P- N-O-W- W-H-A-T.
(DMX explains what he spelled out):
Now what the f**k I spelled was...
"Didn't you try to bite the rhyme, using the style that was made by me?
Of course you did, So don't lie, because you could out there and straight bust it chump.
Now what?"
You know what I'm sayin. Now thats what mutherf**kers that have to rewind on they tapedeck.
Yah mean. Catch it if you can baby. Spellbound.
In the song Spellbound, DMX delivers a lyrical display of his spelling and rhyming abilities while taunting other emcees who are trying to imitate him. The chorus goes, "Spellbound, it ain't hard to tell. You go crazy, when the S-P-E-L-L. You won't catch it or match it. But once you hear how much it heats up the crowd, your beats won't touch it." DMX declares himself as the original creator of the style, and other emcees who are trying to bite his flow will get caught. He calls out anyone who doubts his skills to come to battle him, and he promises to eliminate them as competition.
DMX's Spellbound represents the early '90s era of hardcore hip-hop, where rappers were primarily judged by their lyrical prowess. The song showcases DMX's technical skills and creativity in a way that would appeal to hardcore hip-hop fans. He delivers his rhymes at different tempos and emphasizes each letter in the spells, which adds to the song's intensity. Because of the song's unique style, it became one of the most popular tracks on DMX's debut album, It's Dark and Hell Is Hot.
Line by Line Meaning
Solo don't spell like this one, Know what I'm sayin'?
This song is unlike any other, don't you agree?
Need to get at me with dat dumb shit.
If you want to challenge me, bring your best.
Hit me dawg. Hey Wood, what's up dawg.
Let's get started. What's going on, Wood?
Ohh, Uhh. Check it out yall. Big vees on the muthf**king tables.
Listen up, everyone. I've got some serious beats for you to hear.
This how it's goin dizzee
This is how we're going to do it, let's get started.
Spell Bound,
This song is called Spellbound.
It ain't hard to tell
It's easy to see.
You go crazy, when the S-P-E-L-L
You get excited when I spell.
You won't catch it or match it
You can't copy it or top it.
But ounce you how much it,
Once you hear it, you'll understand.
Heats up the crowd,
It gets the audience hyped up.
Yo beats but won't touch it
Your beats are good, but they don't compare.
As long as I'm the D-M-X
As long as I'm here, DMX will reign supreme.
The rhymes are D-O-B-E cold
My rhymes are smooth and icy.
D-A-M-E-G-E-N- E-M-C-E-E
I'm the dangerous MC who can cause havoc.
I K-I-L-L the K-I-L-L to W-O-R-K U-N-T-I-L
I'm relentless and will keep killing it until it's done.
I hit the fest and up the best of them all
I perform at festivals and outdo everyone else.
S-P-E-L-L-I-N-G until they fall
I'll keep spelling until everyone's exhausted.
Dropping like an F-L-Y the T-R-Y to get built
They'll fall like a fly when they try to match me.
The D-M-X will allways die
DMX's legacy will live on.
Another body in the M-O-R-G-U-E
Another rapper defeated and gone.
You will be trying to battle and can't emcee
You'll try to challenge me, but you won't succeed.
S-P-E-L-L-B-O-U-N-D this the S-T-Y-L-E I like the to U-S-E
Spellbound is the style I like to use.
When I am rhyming I R-I-P-P-I-N-G
I'm killing it when I rhyme.
Get picked on timing I'm in my P-R-I-M-E
My timing is impeccable, I'm at my best.
The D-M-X E-L-I-M-I-N-A-T-S C-O-M-P-E-T-I-T-I-O-N and the rest
DMX eliminates all competition.
My hoe in K-R-E-S the dub B-R-O-N-X
My home is in Kresson Avenue in the Bronx.
Mahnhattan, Brooklyn or G-U-E-E-N-S
Whether I'm in Manhattan, Brooklyn or Queens.
S ment I ment for O-M
I represent for all of them.
And I'm gone have to show them
I'll have to prove it to them.
But if they R-P-I-T-E or S I do not they them
But if they don't respect me, I won't respect them.
How can I S-P-E-L-L
How else can I spell it out for you?
W-E-L-L
Well.
Raising some H-E-L-L
I'm causing some trouble.
Weighting to be L-L
Waiting to chill out.
Staying after T-O-P
I'm staying on top.
I'm R-U-G-G-E-D
I'm tough and rugged.
And if you went to Do B-E-T-T-L-E then see me
If you want to battle, come see me.
But you will L-O-S-EH-E-I-N-S-T
But you'll lose against me.
Me the D-M-X cause I'm the D-O-P-E-S-T
I'm the dopest artist, DMX.
I'll allways be a A-T- and A E-M-C-E-E
I'll always be an authentic MC.
There hasen't been a part to S-T-E-P -T-O- M-E
No one has been able to step up to me yet.
S-T-Y-L-E that is W-I-L-D
My style is wild and unique.
It's Spellbound
It's the spellbound style.
Thats a N-A-M-E
That's its name.
Pumpin' lyrics that are based on my abillity to spell
I'm rapping about my ability to spell.
That I just f**k it up it ain't hard to tell
It's clear that I do it well.
DMX: Yeah. Keep that goin' babe. Cause I'm 'gon show 'em somthin' real on the spellbound tip. Imma show 'em somthin', You know what I'm sayin'? Imma show 'em some real shit, right here.
DMX is excited to show everyone his skills.
Uh, check it out yall, check it, check it, check it out yall. Now tell me if you catch what I'm sayin, baby. I'm on some shit like, umm...
DMX is hyping up the audience and asking if they're ready.
I am T-H-E- O-R-I-G-I-N-A-L- A-U-T-H-O-R- O-F- S-P-E-L-L-P-O-U-N-D cause X
DMX is the original creator of the spellbound style.
M-A-R-X- T-H-E- S-P-O-T
DMX is the king, and his spot cannot be replaced.
Now, D-I-D-N-Apostrophe-T- U- T-R-Y T-O- B-I-T-E And R-H-Y-M-E U-S-I-N-G an S-T-Y-L-E that was made by me?
DMX challenges other rappers who try to copy his style.
O-F- CO-U-R-S-E Y-O-U- D-I-D so D-O-N-T L-I-E B-E-C-A-U-S-E Y-O-U-R-E C-A-U-G-H-T
DMX knows that other rappers have copied him before and warns them not to lie.
All you T-T-H-E-R-E hatin' D S-T-R-A-I-G-H-T U-P B-U-S-T-E-D- C-H-U-M-P- N-O-W- W-H-A-T.
If you're out there hating on him, then you're just a busted chump.
You know what I'm sayin. Now thats what mutherf**kers that have to rewind on they tapedeck. Yah mean. Catch it if you can baby. Spellbound.
DMX is confident in his skills and challenges listeners to catch up if they can.
Contributed by Jack F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Tephlon Dandada
Rip DMX. Your music lives forever. 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿
matthew mann
This is one of the reasons why X is top five dead or alive of Hip Hop Slash Rap he mastered the Spellbound style in a way not even Solo did
DeliciousDallas
Because he invented it, then Solo stole it. They were in the same group home, he spit the original Spellbound and when Solo got out he took the bag with him.
KvngLxo
Also its hard to af to use the style, try spit this shit it's hard fr. Especially if you have a stutter like me
OG Habesha😎
Omg how awesome his spellbound was the way his speed and rhyming blows our mind!!! 😎📀🔥
AIR JAVI' TUBE🕸
Crazy!!! Long Live X.
SALAAM AKBAR
ONE THING FOR SURE IS THAT HE WASN'T ON DRUGS OR DRUNK
D.I.G.I.T.A.L.
Just some blunts wit a weeeeeeee bit of crack in it in 👍🏿
SDS Overfiend
X created this Spellbound shit and i won’t be convinced otherwise… wow.🔥🔥🔥🔥💪🏾🙌🏾🙏🏾 R.I.P. X-Man
jimmynickelz
Being from L.I. I really wanted to believe Solo, but.....this makes it kinda obvious who created this style. X