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 Prayer IV
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let us pray
Father God I am just learning how to pray, so bear with me
First I thank you for the life of everyone that's here with me
Then I thank you for the love you give me, why?
I don't know; I don't deserve it, and it hurts inside
Many a nights I cried, and called your name out loud
But didn't call you when I was doin good, I was too proudAnd STILL you gave me love, I wasn't used to that
Most of the people that gave me love, they ended up takin it back
That's somethin new to me, so I'm askin you for time to adjust
Let me make it there, I will be one you can trust
What I stand for, I put my life on, I DO!
I guess what I'm askin is - show me how to stand for you
And I will RAP for you, SING for you, PREACH for you, TEACH for you
REACH for you - I will love you like you love me, unconditionally
And I will ALWAYS be prepared, for whatever the mission'll be
GIVE THE NUTRITION TO ME, and I'll properly digest it
And when I give it back, I'll show you word well invested
And whenever I go, BEFORE I GO, let me give
Thanks to you Lord, my birth, for every day that I've lived
You gave me a love most of my life I didn't know was there
IN THE NAME OF JESUS! I give you my life, cause you care
The Prayer IV by DMX is a deeply personal and introspective song that represents a conversation between the rapper and God. The opening lines showcase DMX's vulnerability as he comes to God for help while hungry, tired, and weak. He acknowledges that he's not perfect, but he wants to try and follow God's word. He also talks about how God has helped him before, but he hid and didn't pay attention. The song is ultimately a plea for God to treat DMX's brother right and lead him toward the light.
The lyrics of The Prayer IV are more significant when we consider DMX's history. He had previously stated in interviews that he was addicted to drugs and had been in and out of rehab. He was also known for his troubled past, including arrests, assault charges, and animal cruelty incidents. Hence, the song is seen as DMX's way of asking God for guidance and redemption. The lyrics highlight DMX's inner struggles and pain, and it is clear that he needs God's help to overcome them.
Line by Line Meaning
I come to you hungry and tired
I approach you in need of sustenance and rest
You give food and let me sleep
You provide me with nourishment and a place to rest
I come to you weak
I come to you in a state of vulnerability
You give strength and that's deep
You provide me with the inner strength that I need
You called me a sheep
You see me as a follower of your teachings
And led me to green pastures
You guide me to places of peace and abundance
Only asking that I keep the focus
You only require that I remain dedicated to your teachings
Between the chapters
Amidst the lessons and scriptures that you have provided
You give me the word and only acts I interpret
You provide me with your teachings and allow me to apply them as I see fit
And give me the eyes so I can recognize the serpent
You grant me the ability to see through deceit and deception
You know I ain't perfect, but you'll like me to try
You acknowledge my imperfections but urge me to make an effort to live up to your teachings
And just like the devil who wants me to lie
Similar to the devil who wishes to lead me astray and deceive me
Till I die
Until my final breath
Lord why is it that, that I go through so much pain
Why is it that I must endure so much suffering?
All I saw was black and all I felt was rain
I was surrounded by darkness and despair
I come to you because it's you that knows
I seek your guidance because only you truly understand
To show me that everything is black
To reveal the depth of my pain and despair
Because me eyes were closed
Due to my own blindness and ignorance
You give me the light and let me bask in your glory
You offer me illumination and allow me to experience your greatness
So it was only right that when you ask for this story
It was appropriate when you requested this testimony
I put together to do all dogs some good
I compiled this testimony for the betterment of all my fellow people
All dogs being all the brothers and sisters in the hood
All people who reside in my community
Plenty of times you sent help my way but I hid
There were numerous instances when you offered me assistance, but I rejected it
I remember once you held me close but I slid
I recall a moment when you comforted me but I disregarded your embrace
There was something that I just had to see
There was a lesson that I needed to learn
That you wanted me to see so I can be what you wanted me to be
You hoped to guide me to become the person you intended me to be
And I think I am seeing it but I don't feel the same
I believe that I have understood your message but do not experience any change
Matter of fact I know I have seen it I can feel the change
In reality, I have fully grasped your teachings and can feel transformation taking place within me
And it's strange almost got me beating down your door
It is unusual that I am almost overcome with a desire to seek out your presence and guidance
But I have never known love like this before
However, I have never experienced a love as pure and powerful as yours
It's a wonderful feeling to get away from the pain
It is a comforting sensation to escape the agony and suffering of the world
And up under the ceiling I get away from the rain
In your presence, I can escape the burdens and afflictions of the world
And the strain that I feel when I'm here is gone
The stress and strain that I encounter in my daily life fade away when I am close to you
I know real so I wipe away the tears son
I recognize the authenticity of your love and truth, so I wipe away my tears in gratitude
And I almost lost faith in you when you took my man Monty
I almost lost my belief in your teachings when you allowed my friend Monty to die
Pass over chase a brother down
You allowed Monty to be killed, and I feel as though you pursued and punished him
And I fear that what I saying won't be heard until I'm gone
I am worried that my words will not be taken to heart until after I have died
But it's all good, Cause I didn't expect to live long
Despite my concerns, I am content because I never believed that I would live for long
So if it takes for me to suffer for me brother to see the light
If it requires me to experience pain and hardship for my fellow people to understand your teachings
Give me pain till I die but please lord treat him right
Then I am willing to endure suffering for the remainder of my life, but I implore you to offer my brother guidance and protection
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Earl Simmons
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind