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 Rain
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's such a long, long train ride
Such a long lonely ride back home
Now I know only I can stop the rain
Uh, uh, uh, uh, uh
Now I know only I can stop the rain
It's not that we gotta do what we do
So to me it ain't nothing but being true, but
Now I know only I can stop the rain
It doesn't have to be the way it is
You say it is
Just because for the past twenty years everyday it is (what)
Now I know only I can stop the rain
I wanna be able to walk out my front door
Without worrying about comin' in conflict with the law, 'cause
Now I know only I can stop the rain
If I follow him, they'll follow me (uh, uh, uh, uh, uh, what)
And I'll speak life into the words that you can see, 'cause
Now I know only I can stop the rain (come on)
We get away with everyday shit (uh)
But everyday shit catches up to you
And when it does, you can't say shit
Now I know only I can stop the rain
If I don't, you will
What I won't, you still
What makes us feel like we gots to kill, when
Now I know only I can stop the rain
How many more lives must we lose?
How many more times must we choose
To trust these fools?
Now I know only I can stop the rain
If it ain't broke, don't fix it
I gave it to you straight, don't mix it
Twist it up for some slick shit (what, what, uh)
Now I know only I can stop the rain
I don't have to talk to it anymore
I don't have to walk to it anymore
I'm out the door (what)
Now I know only I can stop the rain
I wanna find peace with the Lord (uh, uh, uh, uh, uh)
I don't wanna find a beast with the sword
I can't afford to
Now I know only I can stop the rain
When everyday of my life is a constant fight between wrong and right (what)
Now I know only I can stop the rain
I thank you Lord for my life
Thank you Lord for keeping it loose when things got tight
Now I know only I can stop the rain
Only I can stop the rain
Only I can stop the pain, yeah
Now I know only I can stop the rain
Only I can stop the rain, stop the rain (what)
Only I can stop the rain
Only I can stop the rain because the rain falls on me
Now I know only I can stop the rain
Only I can stop the rain
I'm out
In DMX's song "The Rain," the artist talks about his struggles and the constant fight between right and wrong that he experiences in his life. He mentions a long train ride to Chicago, which could be a metaphor for his life journey. DMX realizes that only he can stop the rain, meaning that only he can change his circumstances and overcome his struggles. He emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself, despite societal pressures and expectations. DMX talks about wanting to be able to walk outside without worrying about conflict with the law and the need for peace with the Lord.
The lyrics of "The Rain" paint a picture of DMX's inner battles and his desire for change. The song's emotional depth and personal nature make it relatable to many listeners. DMX's use of metaphor and repetition in the lyrics adds to the song's powerful message of self-reflection and personal responsibility.
Line by Line Meaning
Next stop, Chicago
Starting a new journey towards someplace.
It's such a long, long train ride
Such a long lonely ride back home
Journey is long and lonely. Feeling disconnected from home.
Now I know only I can stop the rain
Uh, uh, uh, uh, uh
Now I know only I can stop the rain
Realization that only the individual can make a change towards stopping negativity/hurdles.
It's not that we gotta do what we do
It's what we know
So to me it ain't nothing but being true, but
Now I know only I can stop the rain
Our actions are often based on what we know, but realizing that only we have the power to change our situation.
It doesn't have to be the way it is
You say it is
Just because for the past twenty years everyday it is (what)
Now I know only I can stop the rain
Challenging the status quo and understanding that change is possible.
I wanna be able to walk out my front door
Without worrying about comin' in conflict with the law, 'cause
Now I know only I can stop the rain
Feeling oppressed by the law/system and acknowledging individual responsibility to make a change.
If I follow him, they'll follow me (uh, uh, uh, uh, uh, what)
And I'll speak life into the words that you can see, 'cause
Now I know only I can stop the rain (come on)
Leading by example and creating a positive impact.
We get away with everyday shit (uh)
But everyday shit catches up to you
And when it does, you can't say shit
Now I know only I can stop the rain
Acknowledging consequences of one's actions over time.
If I don't, you will
What I won't, you still
What makes us feel like we gots to kill, when
Now I know only I can stop the rain
Recognizing the cycle of violence and taking control to end it.
How many more lives must we lose?
How many more times must we choose
To trust these fools?
Now I know only I can stop the rain
Questioning the value of trusting those in power and realizing individual power to effect change.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it
I gave it to you straight, don't mix it
Twist it up for some slick shit (what, what, uh)
Now I know only I can stop the rain
Staying true to oneself and not falling for manipulative tactics by others.
I don't have to talk to it anymore
I don't have to walk to it anymore
I'm out the door (what)
Now I know only I can stop the rain
Walking away from negativity and taking ownership of one's life.
I wanna find peace with the Lord (uh, uh, uh, uh, uh)
I don't wanna find a beast with the sword
I can't afford to
Now I know only I can stop the rain
Striving for inner peace and avoiding conflict.
When everyday of my life is a constant fight between wrong and right (what)
Now I know only I can stop the rain
Struggling to make the right choices, but realizing individual power to change.
I thank you Lord for my life
Thank you Lord for keeping it loose when things got tight
Now I know only I can stop the rain
Gratefulness for life and acknowledging individual power to overcome challenges.
Only I can stop the rain
Only I can stop the pain, yeah
Now I know only I can stop the rain
Individual power to make a change towards positivity.
Only I can stop the rain, stop the rain (what)
Only I can stop the rain
Only I can stop the rain because the rain falls on me
Now I know only I can stop the rain
Accepting responsibility for one's life and acknowledging individual power to change.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing, Integrity Music, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Maldrige Cowart, Katherine K Davis, Leonard Perry, Earl Simmons
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind