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".
Storm
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I think that nigga bullshit, man, word up (yeah)
I been hearin' mad shit like he be robbin' niggas and shit
Yeah, what you know about that?
I'm sayin' man, I just know what people be sayin'
You know what I'm sayin'?
What people, who?
All types of people
Crack heads or what? Drug addicts?
Naw, naw niggas be sayin' he robbin' niggas and stuff like that
That's, that's wack yo, that's bullshit yo
You rob niggas, what the fuck you talkin' 'bout?
I'm sayin' I, I do mine, you know what I'm sayin', but he rich
He a rich nigga, he don't need to rob nobody
Come on man, nigga
You ain't never rich in this world, the fuck you talkin' 'bout?
You know, I know your pops
He told me you's a little knucklehead mothafucker
You need to raise, you need to stop
You need to go to the mosque or sumthin'
You need to get your shit together, man
You out here listening to all these niggas on the corner
Smokin' blunts and 40's, and all that shit
That shit look cool and all that? That shit ain't cool, man
The lyrics of "The Storm" by DMX start with a conversation between two individuals where one of them expresses his doubts and concerns about DMX, stating that he has heard a lot of negative things about him, such as robbing people. The other individual challenges his claims and asks who are the people who make such allegations, to which the first individual replies that "All types of people" have told him about DMX's behavior. The other individual, who seems to have known DMX for a long time, disagrees with his negative portrayal and advises the first individual to get his act together and avoid listening to negative influences.
Interpreting this song, one can decipher that the lyrics signify the negative influence of people around an individual and how it can affect one's perception of others. The first individual's doubts and preconceived notions about DMX are likely influenced by the negativity around him, while the second individual advises him not to believe everything he hears and to concentrate on his own goals and values. The song's underlying message focuses on individual motivation and self-realization, urging people to maintain their composure and not fall prey to their surroundings' negative influences.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm sayin' though yo, I been hearin' shit about this kid X, man
I've been hearing rumors about this person named X
I think that nigga bullshit, man, word up (yeah)
I think those rumors are untrue
I been hearin' mad shit like he be robbin' niggas and shit
I've heard a lot of rumors that X is involved in robbing people
Yeah, what you know about that?
What do you know about X's alleged activities?
I'm sayin' man, I just know what people be sayin'
I've only heard what others are saying about X
You know what I'm sayin'?
Do you understand what I'm getting at?
All types of people
Various individuals from different walks of life
Naw, naw niggas be sayin' he robbin' niggas and stuff like that
It's not just drug addicts or unreliable sources, but actual people accusing X of robbery
That's, that's wack yo, that's bullshit yo
That behavior is not acceptable nor encouraged
You rob niggas, what the fuck you talkin' 'bout?
You can't talk about X's behavior when you yourself have been involved in robberies
I'm sayin' I, I do mine, you know what I'm sayin', but he rich
While I have participated in illegal activities, I believe X has enough money to not resort to robbery
He a rich nigga, he don't need to rob nobody
X is financially stable and does not need to engage in illegal activity to get by
You ain't never rich in this world, the fuck you talkin' 'bout?
It's difficult to achieve financial stability, even for those who have worked hard and made money
You know, I know your pops
I'm familiar with your father
He told me you's a little knucklehead mothafucker
Your father informed me that you have a tendency to make bad decisions
You need to raise, you need to stop
You need to grow up and become more responsible
You need to go to the mosque or sumthin'
Perhaps finding religion or a sense of purpose could help steer you in the right direction
You need to get your shit together, man
You need to get your life in order and make better choices
You out here listening to all these niggas on the corner
You're being influenced by the negative behaviors and attitudes of people on the street
Smokin' blunts and 40's, and all that shit
You're partaking in unhealthy and illegal activities
That shit look cool and all that? That shit ain't cool, man
Don't be fooled by the appearance of these behaviors, they are not admirable or desirable
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Damon J Blackmon, Joaquin Dean, Anthony Fields
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind