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".
Top Shotter
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Here comes the boom
Here comes the boom
Here comes the boom
Here comes the boom
Here comes the boom
Here comes the boom
Here comes the boom
Here comes the boom, boomin', bouncin'
Stalkin', must walk in, hawk get to pouncin'
Get 'em where it counts and, hit 'em like a mountain
Spit 'em have 'em spittin' out, blood like a fountain
Don't look at me like that, we just might fight black
And that fight, might end up in me takin' your life
I don't, go for the bullshit, 'cause I've been down
And time is, just too important to be fuckin' around
Chump nigga, I stomp a mudhole in your face
Motherfucker, rip your butthole out of place
Cock the Glock to your head, let off about two in it
Yeah it's a dirty job, but I just love doin' in
Here comes the boom
Here comes the boom
Here comes the boom
Here comes the boom
Here comes the boom
Here comes the boom
Here comes the boom
Here comes the boom
All gangsta yout' me waan you hold ya guns high
Now get off ya fassy
'Cause a fassy nah try
Make dem skins cry
Marrow affi fly
Tottin' out inna di sky
Gangsta yout' me waan you hold ya guns high
Now get off ya fassy
'Cause a fassy nah try
Make dem skins cry
Marrow affi fly
Tottin' out inna di sky
From di dutty know dem, dem a totta
Man a shotta
Anna got a lot a power well
Jus' tell me fi gwaan
Marrow fly like storm
Make dem affi get flatta
Seh dese are di sweetest times
Nuff punk a get murda
A only dutty cup di DMX an die do
Enjoy the killing times
Shot hotta dan peppa
Mr. Cleva an mi Glock it a guh talk fi mi crew
All gangsta yout' me waan you hold ya guns high
Now get off ya fassy
'Cause a fassy nah try
Make dem skins cry
Marrow affi fly
Tottin' out inna di sky
Gangsta yout' me waan you hold ya guns high
Now get off ya fassy
'Cause a fassy nah try
Make dem skins cry
Marrow affi fly
Tottin' out inna di sky
Here comes the boom
Here comes the boom
Here comes the boom
Here comes the boom
Here comes the boom
Here comes the boom
Here comes the boom
Here comes the boom
Wha do da claffi dey
And da bait ya
Like a scared wretch wi leff dem fi later
Wi keep goin' on an on an on fill di body a ole juss like straina
Suh make dem know wi have a shootin' gallery
Killin' is fun an wi nuh need not a salary
Full up a di hamma suh nuhbody cyaan falla we
An wi nuh owe nuh apology, yo, well
I did more kinds of war crimes more times
Than in war times, went way before times
You know what's sad man, that I'm such a mad man
Bad man, with that boom you never had man
Here comes the boom
Here comes the boom
Here comes the boom
Here comes the boom
Here comes the boom
Here comes the boom
Here comes the boom
Here comes the boom
All gangsta yout' me waan you hold ya guns high
Now get off ya fassy
'Cause a fassy nah try
Make dem skins cry
Marrow affi fly
Tottin' out inna di sky
Gangsta yout' me waan you hold ya guns high
Now get off ya fassy
'Cause a fassy nah try
Make dem skins cry
Marrow affi fly
Tottin' out inna di sky
Here comes the boom
Here comes the boom
Here comes the boom
Here comes the boom
Here comes the boom
Here comes the boom
Here comes the boom
Here comes the boom
Here comes the boom
The lyrics to DMX's "Top Shotter" are a testament to his confidence and bravado as a rapper. The song starts with the repetition of the phrase, "Here comes the boom," which serves as an introduction to the high-energy and aggressive rhyming to follow. DMX talks about his ability to "hit 'em like a mountain" and "rip your butthole out of place" - violent imagery that reinforces his reputation as a tough rapper. He warns those who get in his way that he's not afraid to fight or take a life if necessary, and that he doesn't have time to waste on nonsense.
Line by Line Meaning
Here comes the boom
The singer is anticipating or initiating a violent outburst, possibly through physical assault or gunfire.
Here comes the boom, boomin', bouncin'
The singer is describing the energy or force of the impending violent outburst.
Stalkin', must walk in, hawk get to pouncin'
The singer is describing the process of sneaking up on someone, to then quickly attack them.
Get 'em where it counts and, hit 'em like a mountain
The artist is aiming to cause maximum damage with their attack.
Spit 'em have 'em spittin' out, blood like a fountain
The artist's attack will be so severe that the victim will bleed profusely.
Don't look at me like that, we just might fight black
The singer is warning someone not to challenge them, as it may result in physical altercation.
And that fight, might end up in me takin' your life
The singer is willing to fatally harm someone if they feel their life is threatened.
I don't, go for the bullshit, 'cause I've been down
The artist won't tolerate any foolishness, because they have been in tough situations before.
And time is, just too important to be fuckin' around
The artist values their time and won't waste it on nonproductive activities.
Chump nigga, I stomp a mudhole in your face
The artist is threatening to physically harm someone and use excessive force.
Motherfucker, rip your butthole out of place
The singer is making a crude threat to cause extreme physical pain to someone.
Cock the Glock to your head, let off about two in it
The artist is describing the act of pointing a gun at someone's head and firing twice.
Yeah it's a dirty job, but I just love doin' in
The singer enjoys causing harm to others and views it as a job.
All gangsta yout' me waan you hold ya guns high
The singer is addressing a group of gangsters to prepare their weapons.
Now get off ya fassy, 'Cause a fassy nah try
The singer is telling someone to stop being a coward, and that they're not going to back down.
Make dem skins cry, Marrow affi fly
The artist is describing the extreme physical damage they will cause to their victims.
Tottin' out inna di sky
The artist is describing their readiness to engage in violent activities.
From di dutty know dem, dem a totta
The singer knows those who engage in dirty work, and they carry deadly weapons.
Man a shotta, Anna got a lot a power well
The singer has power and is willing to use it to cause harm.
Jus' tell me fi gwaan, Marrow fly like storm
The artist is ready to take action and inflict violence.
Seh dese are di sweetest times
The artist is expressing their enjoyment of times when violence occurs.
Nuff punk a get murda, A only dutty cup di DMX an die do
The artist is claiming they are the only one capable of carrying out deadly acts.
Enjoy the killing times
The singer is directly stating their enjoyment of violent acts.
Shot hotta dan peppa, Mr. Cleva an mi Glock it a guh talk fi mi crew
The artist is declaring that they and their crew are well-armed and dangerous.
Wha do da claffi dey, And da bait ya
The singer is asking why someone is pretending or acting foolishly.
Like a scared wretch wi leff dem fi later
The singer is dismissing someone who is acting cowardly.
Wi keep goin' on an on an on fill di body a ole juss like straina
The singer is describing their determination to continue engaging in violent activities and causing significant harm.
Suh make dem know wi have a shootin' gallery, Killin' is fun
The artist finds killing enjoyable and wants others to know that they are capable and willing to do so.
An wi nuh need not a salary, Full up a di hamma suh nuhbody cyaan falla we
The artist and their crew are well-armed and dangerous, and they do not need compensation to carry out their actions.
An wi nuh owe nuh apology, yo, well
The singer and their crew feel no remorse for their violent actions.
I did more kinds of war crimes more times, Than in war times, went way before times
The singer has committed violent and criminal acts more than in times of war and has been doing so for a long time.
You know what's sad man, that I'm such a mad man
The artist recognizes that their violent tendencies are not normal and may cause others to view them as crazy.
Bad man, with that boom you never had man
The artist is confident in their ability to cause harm and believes others cannot match their level of violence.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Clifford Ray Smith, Sean Henriques, Earl Simmons, Anthony Kelly
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind