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".
Thank You
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Start walk this
In the name of Jesus
I can have everything good of the earth be given to me by him
In the name of Jesus
There would be never be a time that I have to fight the devil and I cannot win
In the name of Jesus
In the name of Jesus
When I save a thousand two or save ten
So I thank the lord for my wife
In the name of Jesus
I want to thank you what you showed me what you told me
In the name of Jesus
I want to thank you for your love and watchin over me
In the name of Jesus
I don't have to, go through what I went through anymore
In the name of Jesus
I don't have to (what) now that I got you in my life ever more (come on)
I know it cannot happen without you, you you, without you, oh, oh oh oh
Without you
In the name of Jesus
You gave me the book, so now I just look when I need the word
In the name of Jesus
You took, a crook, gave him a new look now he speaks the word
In the name of Jesus
It don't matter what we did tell it to the Lord and he forgives
Whatever it was right or wrong
I'm a catch up with the herd then I'm comin' home
In the name of Jesus
I ran away for far too long starve too long
In the name of Jesus
Where people perish for lack of knowledge
They all too strong let's get it on
In the name of Jesus
I realize I'm a sinner
I repent my sins and right this moment am a beginner
Baby in the spirit, let me go
In the name of Jesus please let me go (come on)
I know it cannot happen without you, you you, without you, oh, oh oh oh
Without you
I gotta say what's on my mind (say what's on your mind)
You saved my life a thousand times (saved a thousand times)
Gave me a dream that came to be
Opened my eyes so I could see
I had my ups and had my downs
Until you turned my life around
And I want the whole world to see
They don't know what you mean to me
In the name of Jesus
All praises due to the shepherd watchin the flock of sheep
In the name of Jesus
Ain't even about where I'm steppin'
You watch in the dark when I'm sleep
I know it cannot happen without you, you you, without you, oh, oh oh oh
Without you
What you want, sing!
The song Thank You by DMX is a powerful Christian gospel track that praises Jesus and acknowledges his blessings in the artist's life. The lyrics express gratitude towards Jesus for everything he has done for the artist, including giving him strength to overcome the devil and forgiving his sins. The artist also thanks Jesus for his wife, his success, and for opening his eyes to the truth.
The opening lines of the song, which refer to the Lord's Prayer, set the tone for the overall message of the song. The artist acknowledges Jesus's role as the savior and protector of his life, and how he has been granted everything he needs through the power of Jesus's name. The artist also reflects on his past as a criminal and how Jesus has transformed his life by giving him a new purpose and identity.
The song then transitions to a powerful chorus which repeats the phrase "I know it cannot happen without you, without you, oh oh oh" repeatedly. This highlights the artist's understanding that everything he has accomplished and overcome is due to Jesus's grace and love, and that he could not have done any of it without him.
Overall, Thank You is a powerful and emotional song that showcases DMX's unique ability to blend gospel music with rap and hip hop. The lyrics are deeply personal and speak to the artist's journey of faith and redemption, while also being relatable to anyone who has experienced the transformative power of Jesus's love.
Line by Line Meaning
Uh (our Father) I'm a talk this (who art in heaven)
I'm about to speak my mind and address our father in heaven.
Start walk this
Let's begin this journey.
In the name of Jesus
It is through Jesus that I seek to express gratitude.
I can have everything good of the earth be given to me by him
Through Jesus, I am blessed with all the good things in my life.
There would be never be a time that I have to fight the devil and I cannot win
With Jesus on my side, I am confident that I can overcome any obstacles or challenges.
I lose all strong holds that the devil had over my life
The power of Jesus has broken any grip or control that the devil had on me.
When I save a thousand two or save ten
Whether I save just a few or a thousand, it is with Jesus that I give thanks.
So I thank the lord for my wife
I am grateful to God for the love and support of my wife.
I want to thank you what you showed me what you told me
I want to express my appreciation to Jesus for guiding and instructing me.
I want to thank you for your love and watchin over me
It is Jesus' unending love and protection that I thank for watching over me.
I don't have to, go through what I went through anymore
Through Jesus, I am freed from past struggles and hardships.
I don't have to (what) now that I got you in my life ever more (come on)
I am grateful for the lasting presence of Jesus in my life.
You gave me the book, so now I just look when I need the word
Jesus gave me the Bible as a guide and source of wisdom and support.
You took, a crook, gave him a new look now he speaks the word
Jesus has transformed me into a better person, who now shares his teachings with others.
It don't matter what we did tell it to the Lord and he forgives
No matter what sins we commit, Jesus is ever-forgiving and understanding.
Whatever it was right or wrong
I am thankful that Jesus accepts us and forgives us for our past mistakes.
I'm a catch up with the herd then I'm comin' home
I am ready to leave behind my past mistakes and reunite with my Lord.
Where people perish for lack of knowledge
Without understanding Jesus' teachings, people suffer and perish.
They all too strong let's get it on
With Jesus' help, we can overcome any and all obstacles and challenges.
I realize I'm a sinner
I acknowledge that I am not perfect and have made mistakes.
I repent my sins and right this moment am a beginner
With Jesus' forgiveness, I am reborn and can start anew.
Baby in the spirit, let me go
I am a new person in spirit, freed from my past self.
All praises due to the shepherd watchin the flock of sheep
Jesus is my shepherd, who looks after me and keeps me safe.
Ain't even about where I'm steppin'
It is not about where I go, but rather about the journey with Jesus.
You watch in the dark when I'm sleep
Even in my most vulnerable moments, Jesus is there protecting me.
You saved my life a thousand times (saved a thousand times)
Through Jesus' love and support, I have been saved from countless hardships and struggles.
Gave me a dream that came to be
Thank you Jesus, for making my dreams a reality.
Opened my eyes so I could see
Jesus has given me the gift of sight and understanding, allowing me to see the world and its possibilities.
Until you turned my life around
My life has been transformed for the better ever since I embraced Jesus in my heart.
And I want the whole world to see
I wish to share my faith in Jesus with the world and inspire others to follow his teachings.
They don't know what you mean to me
The depth of my love and appreciation for Jesus is beyond words.
What you want, sing!
Praise and sing in the name of Jesus, who has given us everything.
Lyrics © CAK MUSIC PUBLISHING, INC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Earl Simmons, Kevin McCord, Marcel Hall, Marlon Lu'ree Williams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind