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".
Trina Moe
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Uhh
What
C'mon
Ayo
Bounce to that Trina Moe
Niggas about to blowBouncin' straight out the door
Here we go, here we go
Bloodline, scratch all day, match all weight
Only dogs eatin is us we snatch all plates
Err, err err get him boy
Click, click, pop the leash, hit him boy
Niggas brag about waggin', we stop the tails
X drop an album, niggas droppin' sales
Niggas can't fuck with the dog, forget about it
Money went up against the dog, read about it
Man listen, you cats better walk easy
I'm on some positive shit but I still walk greasy
Ain't nothin changed, still ain't sweet
Stand on one block, but I own the whole street
And on the whole street is dirty niggas with funny moves
Leavin' your house with bloody boots, we cruddy dudes
Rest of them ass kissers, is sensitive ass niggas
Fourth album, and I still get in that ass nigga
Ayo
Bounce to that Trina Moe
Niggas about to blow
Bouncin' straight out the door
Here we go, here we go
Ayo
Bounce to that Trina Moe
Niggas about to blow
Bouncin' straight out the door
Here we go, here we go
It's dark and hell is hot, flesh of my flesh, blood of my blood
And then there was x
Got niggas like what's next and then
Hit 'em again, you cats ain't never gon' win
I was here before most of y'all careers were born
I'll be here when y'all careers are gone, still strong
Difference between right and wrong is me
Niggas talk shit, but you can't MC
We already know how much your watch is worth
Talk about, helpin' the hurt, savin' the church
Won't you brag about helpin' out where you come from
And give brothers a job that really want one
Gotta think about that shit you said, you don't mean it
I done listened to that shit you said, but I done seen it
Most of you cats is type funny
But when it comes time to feed the hungry, gon' get type ugly
Ayo
Bounce to that Trina Moe
Niggas about to blow
Bouncin' straight out the door
Here we go, here we go
Ayo
Bounce to that Trina Moe
Niggas about to blow
Bouncin' straight out the door
Here we go, here we go
Man I'm already knowin', like y'all niggas is knowin'
You can't fuck with dog, bust a cap, scrap or flowin', what
Seein' is believin' and well, let's just see
I ain't even gon' speak, one million the first week
Aight, let's ask the streets, how many sold?
What? Three niggas, three months to go gold?
C'mon esse, keep it real holmes
You fuckin with the dog, you already know
This ain't nothin new, fuck is you mad at
15 million, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah
Rest assured, I'm best abroad
You can test billboard, 'cause the, rest are frauds
I got 18 years under my belt, rappin
Let me see, you was three, I was, makin it happen
Next time we bump heads don't be hard headed
Show some motherfuckin respect bitch, or you'll all get it
Ayo
Bounce to that Trina Moe
Niggas about to blow
Bouncin' straight out the door
Here we go, here we go
Ayo
Bounce to that Trina Moe
Niggas about to blow
Bouncin' straight out the door
Here we go, here we go
Ayo
Ayo
Bounce to that Trina Moe
Niggas about to blow
Bouncin' straight out the door
Here we go, here we go
Ayo
Bounce to that Trina Moe
Niggas about to blow
Bouncin' straight out the door
Here we go, here we go
Ayo
Ayo
In DMX's song Trina Moe, the rapper boasts about his success in the music industry, reminds his competition that they can't touch him, and challenges them to show some respect. In the first verse, he claims that he and his crew are the only ones who are "eating" and they also "snatch all plates." He calls out those who try to brag about their success, because ultimately they can't compare to him. He also warns that he may appear to be on a positive track, but will not hesitate to be ruthless if necessary. In the second verse, DMX reflects on his long career and how he has already achieved so much, and is confident he will continue to do so while others come and go. He confronts his competition and encourages them to be more considerate of others in order to earn respect.
Line by Line Meaning
AYO!
Attention everyone, listen up!
Bounce to that Trina Moe
Let's move to the rhythm and vibe of this song
Niggas about to blow
We, the artists, are about to become hugely successful
Bouncin straight out the door
We are coming out strong and fierce
Here we go, here we go
We are ready to take on the world
Bloodline, scratch all day, match all weight
My crew is fierce, we are fighters and won't back down from any challenge
Only dogs eatin is us we snatch all plates
We are the only ones thriving in this industry and we'll take everything we can get
Err, ERR! ERR! Get him boy
We are aggressive and always ready to attack our enemies
Click, click, pop the leash, hit him boy
We are unleashed and ready to strike
Niggas brag about waggin, we stop the tails
Others might boast about their success, but we put an end to it and rise above them
X drop an album, niggas droppin sales
When DMX releases an album, other artists struggle to compete and their sales drop
Niggas can't fuck with the dog, forget about it
No one can beat or compete with DMX
Money went up against the dog, read about it
Even wealthy people try to challenge DMX but they fail miserably
Man listen, you cats better walk easy
You should watch your step and not mess with us
I'm on some positive shit but I still walk greasy
Despite trying to stay positive, I still stay tough and ready to fight
ain't nothin changed, still ain't sweet
I am still who I am, and I haven't changed one bit
stand on one block, but I own the whole street
I might not physically own the whole street, but my presence and influence dominates it
and on the whole street is dirty niggas wit funny moves
There are others trying to imitate and compete with us, but they are not genuine
leavin your house with bloody boots, we cruddy dudes
We are not afraid to get dirty and face challenges head-on
rest of them ass kissers, is sensitive ass niggas
There are others who try to please everyone and are overly sensitive
fourth album, and I still get in that ass nigga
Even after releasing four albums, I still dominate the music industry and continue to impress my audience
It's Dark and Hell is Hot, Flesh of my Flesh, Blood of my Blood
These are the titles of my successful albums
And Then There Was X
This is the name of another successful album of mine
Got niggas like what's next and then
People are always eager to know what I'll come up with next
Hit 'em again, you cats ain't never gon' win
We will keep making great music and winning, others cannot compete with us
I was here before most of y'all careers were born
I have been in this industry for a long time and have more experience than most people
I'll be here when y'all careers are gone, still strong
I will continue to thrive and succeed even when other artists fade away
Difference between right and wrong is me
I am able to make the right decisions when others aren't
Niggas talk shit, but you can't MC
Others might trash-talk, but they can't rap as well as me
we already know how much your watch is worth
We know that others might showcase their wealth and possessions, but it doesn't impress us
talk about, helpin the hurt, savin the church
Others might try to help those in need, but it's not our focus
won't you brag about helpin out where you come from
Instead, we focus on helping our community and making a positive impact where we grew up
and give brothers a job that really want one
We are committed to creating job opportunities and supporting our own people
gotta think about that shit you said, you don't mean it
Others might say things they don't truly believe in
I done listened to that shit you said, but I done seen it
We might listen to what others say, but ultimately we judge their actions
most of you cats is type funny
Others might seem quirky or odd to us
but when it comes time to feed the hungry, gon get type ugly
However, when it's time to face real challenges and struggles, they will reveal their true nature and turn aggressive
seein is believin and well, let's just see
Actions speak louder than words, let's wait and watch
I ain't even gon' speak, one million the first week
I won't need to say anything, my success speaks for itself - I sold one million copies in the first week of sales
aight, let's ask the streets, how many sold?
Let's ask the audience and people who truly matter how many copies were sold
WHAT? Three niggas, three months to go gold?
Others might struggle to sell even just three copies in three months, while we can easily go gold
c'mon esse, keep it real holmes
Drop the act and be honest
you fuckin with the dog, you already know
Don't mess with us, you should already know that
this ain't nothin new, fuck is you mad at
Our success has been consistent and not something to be angry about
15 million, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah
We sold 15 million copies (implying that others cannot begin to compete with us)
rest assured, I'm best abroad
You can be sure that I'm at the top of my game worldwide
you can test Billboard, 'cause the, rest are frauds
Even Billboard will confirm that I'm the real deal, while others are fake or pretentious
I got 18 years under my belt, rappin
I have been rapping for 18 years now
let me see, you was three, I was, makin it happen
When I was already making music, you were probably just three years old
next time we bump heads don't be hard headed
In the future, let's try to work together instead of being stubborn or difficult
show some motherfuckin respect bitch, or you'll all get it
You should show a certain level of respect or face the consequences
HOOK 2X
Repeating the chorus
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Damon J Blackman, Earl Simmons
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind