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".
Un-Hunh!
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
[DMX]
Yeah, yo Kiss
[Jada]
What up dog?
These niggas running around here like they controlling this shit
[Jada]
No doubt
[DMX]
Let's show these niggas how to take hold of this shit
[Jada]
That's what I'm talking about baby
[DMX]
For real baby
[Jada]
Let's get it on
[DMX]
I only gave you the crown so I could shoot it off your fucking head
Why y'all niggas fucking dead, you heard what the fuck I said
I talk shit cause I walk shit, start shit, New York shit
The hawk shit, spark shit, the dark shit
And it been that way, fuck how a nigga live it's gon' end that way
Niggas is part of a game that I don't play
Never catch dog carrying what I don't weigh
That's three 45s, one 38, 173 pounds straight out the gate
I don't hate, got no beef but knock a nigga off quick
And I'm mad like a bitch and a nigga with a soft dick
Get off this, fucking with X, but on some other shit
Why the fuck you fucking with X? You must be fucking with X
Go catch a chicken, fucking with me you goin' catch a whipping
[Chorus: Jadakiss and DMX]
here we go again [Repeat: x8]
[Jadakiss]
Look don't try to apologize on your two way
Sympathy don't amuse me, go get your uzi
And let's make a real movie
Play bad guy and good guy til the hood die
Toast why y'all cowards
Now I know the reason why Pac ain't really like most why y'all cowards
I'ma show you how to swing the chrome for real
Dog this year we goin' bring it home for real
What you want to bet the llama'll squash you
I been had a white fan base before the signing of Marshall
Boy Kiss is thorough, hit your girl
Put it all up her stomach til she earl
Why y'all niggas ain't nice ya lucky
So fuck it I'ma sell dope long as the price is lovely
And it ain't only the voice it's the bars of death
DMX and Jadakiss nigga guard ya chest
[Chorus]
[DMX]
When is they getting off our dicks, them niggas is clowns
How many dogs you let go up, still getting down
Like 'face said, last of a dying breed
For stomach and I feed still trying to eat
Lead by greed that's when you fuck up
Why y'all niggas gonna know when we hungry, you get stuck up
(What what?)
What's up? Fuck a nigga yelling
Why-O motherfucker for real, yo Kiss tell 'em
[Jadakiss]
Sheet could kill, stomp niggas out boot the grill
I'll give you a reason why I'm the truth for real
Niggas can't fuck with Kiss, I mean that
Had to stop eating red meat cause I ate too many Beanie-Macs
I'm not one of them niggas and since you so righteous
Don't make me send your ass to Ala quicker
Niggas gas you to force your hand
Realistically you just a worker and your boss is my man
[Chorus: x2]
The song Un-Hunh by DMX feat. Jadakiss is an aggressive track that boasts their dominance in the rap game. The lyrics are rough and tough, showcasing their bravado and warning others not to mess with them. DMX starts off the song by addressing his competition and claims that he only gave them the crown so he could shoot it off their heads. He speaks about his reputation as a threat and how he never carries anything he doesn't need to, packing only what he knows he can handle. Jadakiss enters the track and reinforces DMX's message, daring anyone to come at them with their uzi and make a movie. The song continues with both rappers showing off their skills and dropping bars that exude their confidence and fearlessness.
The lyrics of Un-Hunh represent a typical rap song from the 90s - braggadocio rhymes and raw beats. These lyrics aim to influence listeners and help them find the confidence to face their struggles like the rappers themselves. DMX and Jadakiss feel that people are questioning their authority in the music industry, and this track is a response to that. They want to remind everyone that they have been at the top for a long time, and they will continue to be there for a long time to come. Through their music, they want to transfer their energy and their spirit of invincibility to their listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
I only gave you the crown so I could shoot it off your fucking head
I bestowed upon you the title just so that I could take it away by force
Why y'all niggas fucking dead, you heard what the fuck I said
You losers are already defeated, as I told you before
I talk shit cause I walk shit, start shit, New York shit
I speak with confidence because I've earned it by my actions, including causing trouble that is emblematic of my city
And it been that way, fuck how a nigga live it's gon' end that way
I've been this way all along, and I don't care about how those who oppose me are living, because they will inevitably face their downfall
Niggas is part of a game that I don't play
Those who are trying to compete with me are playing a game that I'm not interested in
Never catch dog carrying what I don't weigh
I don't carry anything that I'm not physically capable of handling
That's three 45s, one 38, 173 pounds straight out the gate
I carry three 45 handguns and a 38 revolver, plus my body weight is 173 pounds
I don't hate, got no beef but knock a nigga off quick
I don't hold grudges, but I won't hesitate to take out someone who tries to mess with me
And I'm mad like a bitch and a nigga with a soft dick
I'm angry and frustrated, like how a woman or a man who can't perform sexually would feel
Get off this, fucking with X, but on some other shit
Stop messing with me, because I'm not interested in whatever you're trying to do
Why the fuck you fucking with X? You must be fucking with X
Why are you bothering me? You must be out of your mind to mess with me
Go catch a chicken, fucking with me you goin' catch a whipping
Go do something else, or you'll suffer the consequences of messing with me
Look don't try to apologize on your two way
Don't bother sending me a message to say sorry
Sympathy don't amuse me, go get your uzi
Your attempts to show pity won't make me feel better, so go grab your gun
And let's make a real movie
Let's create a violent showdown that could be comparable to a movie scene
Play bad guy and good guy til the hood die
We'll act as both the villains and the heroes until the violent reality catches up to us
Toast why y'all cowards
Let's celebrate our courage, unlike those who are too afraid to do what we do
Now I know the reason why Pac ain't really like most why y'all cowards
I finally realize why Tupac didn't respect most rappers - because they are cowardly
I'ma show you how to swing the chrome for real
I'll demonstrate how to shoot a gun proficiently and accurately
Dog this year we goin' bring it home for real
This year, we'll succeed and come out on top
What you want to bet the llama'll squash you
I bet that I can easily defeat you with my firearm
I been had a white fan base before the signing of Marshall
I had white fans long before Eminem became successful and joined our crew
Boy Kiss is thorough, hit your girl
I'm a true gangster, and I could even have sex with your girlfriend
Put it all up her stomach til she earl
I'll have rough sex with her until she vomits
Why y'all niggas ain't nice ya lucky
You guys aren't actually talented, you just got lucky
So fuck it I'ma sell dope long as the price is lovely
I'll keep selling drugs as long as the profit is good
And it ain't only the voice it's the bars of death
My raps are not only distinguished by the sound of my voice, but also by the deadly lyrics
DMX and Jadakiss nigga guard ya chest
Watch out for us, DMX and Jadakiss, because we're dangerous
When is they getting off our dicks, them niggas is clowns
When will people stop bothering us, these people are embarrassing themselves
How many dogs you let go up, still getting down
How many people have you lost to our violent ways, yet you still continue to engage with us
Like 'face said, last of a dying breed
As Scarface once said, we are part of a dying breed of true gangsters
For stomach and I feed still trying to eat
I'm still trying to survive and make money, even if I have to resort to illegal means
Lead by greed that's when you fuck up
Being motivated solely by greed will ultimately lead to one's downfall
Why y'all niggas gonna know when we hungry, you get stuck up
Don't mess with us when we're in need of money, or we'll rob you
What what?
What did you say?
Fuck a nigga yelling
I don't care about someone shouting or talking loudly
Why-O motherfucker for real, yo Kiss tell 'em
Why is this happening, seriously, Jadakiss, please explain to them
Sheet could kill, stomp niggas out boot the grill
A single gunshot could be deadly, I could crush someone's face with my boots
I'll give you a reason why I'm the truth for real
I can prove to you why I'm truly the best
Niggas can't fuck with Kiss, I mean that
Nobody can truly compete with me, I'm the best
Had to stop eating red meat cause I ate too many Beanie-Macs
I had to switch to a healthier diet because I ate too much fatty food
I'm not one of them niggas and since you so righteous
I'm different from most rappers, and since you claim to be so moral
Don't make me send your ass to Ala quicker
Don't make me kill you and send you to Allah faster
Niggas gas you to force your hand
Others try to convince you to do something by hyping you up
Realistically you just a worker and your boss is my man
In reality, you're just a regular employee, and your supervisor is my ally
here we go again
We're starting up again, just like before
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JASON T PHILLIPS, R. SALAS, ERIC SIMMONS, T WEISMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind