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".
The Industry
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yea, (another gutter...) you know we had to do it this time baby! Nah-mean?
My nigga D, we walk through the motherfucking' doors
Of the industry together baby! Nah-mean? (Gots to tell the truth)
You gave that shit dog, Yanahmsayin?
Me like yo, go hard on these niggaz baby, Nah-mean? (Gots to tell the truth)
Go hard just let niggaz know
Now that's what the fuck I did! Aight!
Arf, Arf. What!
The industry; man its not the same
The industry; its not a fucking game
The industry; real niggaz is dying to get in
The industry; just define they don't fit in
The industry; ain't what it used to be
The industry; trying to control the way you MC
They want you to dress like that this and talk like that
But I'm gon' dress like this and talk with the gat
The industry; got y'all word meaning nothing
The industry; fuck what you heard cause he's bluffing
The industry; money, bitches, hate
But I dare you to try to take a fucking thing off my plate
The industry like "Wait!", but in the streets we like "Get 'em"
Set 'em teed up in that thing, catch 'em sleeping and hit 'em
And Ima pop whoever with 'em, the coroner is coming to get 'em
Industry niggaz, so that's how I did 'em
The industry; mad niggaz is full of shit
The industry; mad niggaz is sucking dick
The industry; bitches keep thinking its a game
The industry; don't mention my fucking name
The industry; mad niggaz is full of shit
The industry; mad niggaz is sucking dick
The industry; bitches keep thinking its a game
The industry; don't mention my fucking name, nigga
The Industry; if you ain't got a strong mind
The industry; you ain't get down its a matter of time
The industry; vultures with nothing to feast on
The industry; see me I'm getting my beast on
The industry; staying in the dirt, playing in the dirt
Touch the wrong one in the industry and you will get hurt
I'm not an industry artist, I'm an artist in the industry
That's why you what the fuck I want, cause nobody can finish me
The industry; wanted dead or alive
New artist to sell they souls, the way they survive
The industry don't give a fuck about you
But the industry couldn't make a dime without you
The industry; I'm sick of this industry shit
The industry; playing you like a industry bitch
They try to finish me quick but I am on, so I stand strong
Fuck the beat, listen to the words of the damn song
The industry; mad niggaz is full of shit
The industry; mad niggaz is sucking dick
The industry; bitches keep thinking its a game
The industry; don't mention my fucking name
The industry; mad niggaz is full of shit
The industry; mad niggaz is sucking dick
The industry; bitches keep thinking its a game
The industry; don't mention my fucking name, nigga
Uh huh, uh huh, uh huh
Uh huh, uh huh, uh huh
Shit is crazy yo
They loaning you money to make a album
You pay 'em back the money, they still on the album
What part of the game is that? (I tell you the truth, I don't lie)
You write your own shit, but they hold on to your shit
What part of the game is that?
(I don't try to hurt nobody, I mind my business)
You know what, the average nigga makes like
(All these industry niggaz could suck a fucking dick!!)
Twenty-six cents over a motherfucking record
We need a motherfucking union baby!!!
In DMX's song The Industry, he talks about the music industry and how it has changed. He starts off by saying that he and his friend D have made it to the industry and warns that it's not the same as before. He then criticizes the inauthenticity of the industry and how they try to control the way rappers dress, talk, and act. DMX is steadfast in his belief in staying true to himself, even if it means rapping with a gat (gun) and dressing differently from industry standards.
DMX also addresses the people in the industry who are "full of shit" and "sucking dick," hinting at the rampant exploitation and sexual harassment that goes on behind closed doors in the industry. He warns against mentioning his name and encourages new artists to be wary of the industry's vultures, who are always looking to profit off the work of others. It's clear that DMX is fed up with the industry trying to control him and other artists, and he won't back down.
Line by Line Meaning
The industry; man its not the same
DMX believes that the music industry has changed.
The industry; its not a fucking game
DMX views the music industry as serious business.
The industry; real niggaz is dying to get in
DMX observes that many aspiring artists want to break into the music industry.
The industry; just define they don't fit in
DMX suggests that some artists don't fit into the industry's established parameters.
The industry; ain't what it used to be
DMX sees the current music industry as different from what it was in the past.
The industry; trying to control the way you MC
DMX believes that the industry wants to dictate how artists create their music.
They want you to dress like that this and talk like that
DMX thinks the industry seeks to impose fashion and speech norms on artists.
But I'm gon' dress like this and talk with the gat
DMX intends to remain himself and talk about guns on his terms.
The industry; got y'all word meaning nothing
DMX thinks that the industry is undermining the credibility of artists.
The industry; fuck what you heard cause he's bluffing
DMX disbelieves industry rumors and media hype.
The industry; money, bitches, hate
DMX associates the music industry with money, promiscuity, and negativity.
But I dare you to try to take a fucking thing off my plate
DMX asserts his determination to protect his interests.
The industry like "Wait!", but in the streets we like "Get 'em"
DMX contrasts the industry's passive attitude with the street's assertive approach.
Set 'em teed up in that thing, catch 'em sleeping and hit 'em
DMX refers to violence as a valid means of settling scores.
And Ima pop whoever with 'em, the coroner is coming to get 'em
DMX warns that whoever associates with his enemies will also pay the price.
The industry; mad niggaz is full of shit
DMX complains that some industry people are not trustworthy.
The industry; mad niggaz is sucking dick
DMX asserts that some industry figures are unprincipled and immoral.
The industry; bitches keep thinking its a game
DMX believes that some female artists lack seriousness and commitment.
The industry; don't mention my fucking name
DMX insists that he should not be associated with the industry's negative aspects.
The industry; if you ain't got a strong mind
DMX cautions that weak-minded artists may not survive in the industry.
The industry; you ain't get down its a matter of time
DMX thinks that anyone who doesn't adapt to the industry's demands will fail.
The industry; vultures with nothing to feast on
DMX disparages the industry as populated by predators.
The industry; see me I'm getting my beast on
DMX presents himself as a tough animal who can withstand the industry's challenges.
The industry; staying in the dirt, playing in the dirt
DMX notes that the industry can be a rough and dirty environment.
Touch the wrong one in the industry and you will get hurt
DMX warns that the industry is a dangerous place.
I'm not an industry artist, I'm an artist in the industry
DMX asserts his artistic independence regardless of his relationship to the industry.
That's why you what the fuck I want, cause nobody can finish me
DMX believes that his uniqueness serves him well in the industry.
The industry; wanted dead or alive
DMX suggests that the industry is willing to exploit or crush an artist in any way possible.
New artist to sell they souls, the way they survive
DMX believes that new artists may sell their artistic integrity for recognition and success.
The industry don't give a fuck about you
DMX thinks that the industry only cares about artists as long as they're profitable.
But the industry couldn't make a dime without you
DMX acknowledges that artists are the industry's foundational resource.
The industry; I'm sick of this industry shit
DMX is weary of the industry's games and manipulation.
The industry; playing you like a industry bitch
DMX feels that the industry treats artists as subservient and easily controllable.
They try to finish me quick but I am on, so I stand strong
DMX proclaims his resilience to industry pressure.
Fuck the beat, listen to the words of the damn song
DMX suggests that the lyrics, not the music are the true message of the song.
Shit is crazy yo
DMX comments on the absurdity of the music industry.
They loaning you money to make a album
DMX remarks that the music industry lends artists money to produce albums.
You pay 'em back the money, they still on the album
DMX complains that the industry continues to assert control over an album after the artist has repaid the production costs.
What part of the game is that?
DMX questions the ethics and logic behind the industry's business practices.
You write your own shit, but they hold on to your shit
DMX lamenting the fact that the industry may own or control an artist's music even if the artist crafted the lyrics and beats.
What part of the game is that?
DMX reiterates his confusion about the industry's questionable practices.
You know what, the average nigga makes like
DMX notes that the average artist earns very little money from record sales.
Twenty-six cents over a motherfucking record
DMX cites a specific low royalty rate for music sales.
We need a motherfucking union baby!!!
DMX believes that artists need to organize into a union to fight for better wages and rights in the music industry.
Contributed by Riley R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@DeLenoy
The Industry; if you ain't got a strong mind
The industry; will break you down its a matter of time
The industry; vultures with nothing to feast on
The industry; see me I'm getting my beast on
The industry; staying in the dirt, playing in the dirt
Touch the wrong one in the industry and you will get hurt
I'm not an industry artist, I'm an artist in the industry
That's why I do what the fuck I want, cause nobody can finish me
The industry; wanted dead or alive
New artist to sell they souls, the way they survive
The industry don't give a fuck about you
But the industry couldn't make a dime without you
The industry; I'm sick of this industry shit
The industry; playing you like a industry bitch
They try to finish me quick but I am long, so I stand strong
Fuck a beat, listen to the words of the damn song
@x-x101
"I'm not an industry artist; I'm an artist in the industry". R.I.P. DMX.
@wladewilson1607
Absolutely fucking tragic, he’s definitely missed.
@StudiosTimeLine
When I heard i was like real ones go early guy said things u would not imagine legendary status took the baton from pac and ran with it Yonkas never saw it man tut tut
@SprayDay123
"fuck a beat, listen to the words in the song"
@Babythaiiz
I’m sorry that the industry took this beautiful person and made him a joke . He wasn’t struggling with addiction he beat it . He deserves happiness and peace in the afterlife and forever after that . I love you Dark Man X ❤️
@IbelieveinJesusAmen
You are gorgeous!
@krizmatthews874
@@IbelieveinJesusAmen what a Tryna hook up guy
@meti9230
DMX, the man with a voice so strong, He spoke out and exposed what was going on. The industry, he said, was full of lies, And the truth was something they tried to disguise.
He talked about the dark side of fame, How it could drive you insane. He spoke up for artists who were mistreated, And how the music business was really seeded.
He called out the executives and the powers that be, And said they were all about the money, not the artistry. DMX wasn't afraid to speak his mind, And that's why he was one of a kind.
He showed the world what the industry was really about, And how it could bring even the strongest to doubt. But he never backed down from what he knew was true, And that's why we'll always remember DMX for what he knew
@marymoon5020
DMX will never be a joke. So the jokes on them!
@mikeymiiiike9880
Look I LOVE DMX. But DMX was struggling with addiction to the very end