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".
Untouchable
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Nah mean? We untouchable, baby
I keep my song in my soul
Blessed my heart and made it go
Tops of our heads to tips of our toes
We're untouchable
Everyday the sun'll shine
I'm gettin' down one thing that I know (what)
We're untouchable
We built this Double R thing from the ground up
Another principle of when it's beef, niggas round up
Gettin' down like what nigga, yo
That's all it takes and it's like, here we go
Thorough type niggas that control the streets
Rollin' deep, holdin' heat, don't even think about sleep
When we creep, niggas goin' down for the count
It ain't sweet, fuck around and knock money out
Come on fella, you don't want the dog with the camp
Not Old Yeller, a pit bull and dog is the champ
You know better, think about crossin' the line
Hit your sweater, with about ten from the .9
Double R and we get down for life!
Let a nigga know we can go down tonight
From the tops of our heads, the tips of our toes
What, we untouchable, aight
I keep my song in my soul (yeah, what)
Blessed my heart and made it go
Tops of our heads to tips of our toes
We're untouchable
Everyday the sun'll shine
Took this dream and made it mine
I'm gettin' down one thing that I know (what)
We're untouchable
I represent the have and the have-nots
All the niggas with the weed spots
And all my niggas on them cell blocks
We gon' R-U-double-F R-Y-D-E
You can't fuck with my army
My niggas is untouchable, eatin' niggas like Lunchables
.45 be crushin' you when the bullets be touchin' you
Pallbearers will carry you
To the cemetery where your momma gon' bury you
Black suit be fittin' you nigga, I got hood degrees
Plus I'm street like powdered milk, and government cheese
If you a runnin' man nigga, then I'ma shoot up your knees
Then it's me against the world, man against machine
S.D.T.S., stick to my routine
My knuckle game impeccable, crack game incredible
Lawyers for my niggas who be sittin' in the Federal
Nigga, I'm untouchable
I keep my song in my soul
Blessed my heart and made it go
Tops of our heads to tips of our toes
We're untouchable
Everyday the sun'll shine
Took this dream and made it mine
I'm gettin' down one thing that I know (what)
We're untouchable
All I can know is 365 days of pain
My name, how to sell cocaine
And I was taught to buy guns so big when I go to the roof
I can aim and shoot down a plane
Infa-Red's my name but fuck all that
Fall back and witness how the streets made me the grimiest nigga alive
I sell you a fake pie, shoot out your fake eye
Give niggas a break, nah, I gotta chase mine
Don't wear your watch around me nigga I take time
Like niggas that them blue tried to like
I turn men to mice, canary yellow my ice
And Ruff Ryde on anybody, to be precise
But I handle my business like I'm supposed to
When you go in the precinct, that's the only time you see my poster
But I could post up and get rid of my pieces
Out in Cali sellin' rocks the size of Domino pizzas
I'm untouchable, nigga
I keep my song in my soul
Blessed my heart and made it go
Tops of our heads to tips of our toes
We're untouchable
Everyday the sun'll shine
Took this dream and made it mine
I'm gettin' down one thing that I know (what)
We're untouchable
U-N-T-O-U-C-H, A-B-L-E-S
Sheek the new Elliott Ness (no doubt)
Nigga, Bloodline, D-Block, two of the best
Hang the Double R chain from the side of the car
Drive by and put your brains on the side of the bar
Sheek heavy in the hood (uh-huh)
And I don't mean 'cause I gained weight in the hood (nah)
My aim is good, ayo X what they want it to be here?
Our hammer's cocked, outside of the house on the lawn chair
Yeah nigga what? The new rap LeBron's here
Get 'em dog, we the new America's nightmare
And we don't say much, we just get it on
That's why we don't get touched, y'all like a Dutch
Hands all on you, I'm tryna warn you
To stay in your place, so you don't get laced
And them pretty ass shades, can stay on your face
I keep my song in my soul
Blessed my heart and made it go
Tops of our heads to tips of our toes
We're untouchable
Everyday the sun'll shine
Took this dream and made it mine
I'm gettin' down one thing that I know (whaat)
We're untouchable
You motherfuckers got me back on my grizzly, I'm back on the grind
I'm back to the streets, catch a beef, come back with the nine
I'll murder ya man, come back with his shines
I tote two guns, I don't care if you box, I don't care if you blind
I spit in your eye like niggas is eatin, I'm splittin' the pies
Frank Nitty your rap, how gritty am I? The city is mine
Yeah, you get in my way I pity your moms
Yeah, my block is real, my niggas is armed
My borough is thorough, we bang with each other
I'm switchin' my diamonds and changin' the color
With change of weather, canary in the sun, uh
I bury ya nigga then bury the gun, X whattup?
Me and you is untouchable (uh-huh)
We both had bricks they couldn't sniff cause the coke was uncrushable
Guns is fingerprint-proof, we "Ryde or Die"
You drivin' by, we clap at your ride, good-bye
I keep my song in my soul
Blessed my heart and made it go
Tops of our heads to tips of our toes
We're untouchable
Everyday the sun'll shine
Took this dream and made it mine
I'm gettin' down one thing that I know (what)
We're untouchable
In DMX's song Untouchable, he portrays the idea of being invincible and untouchable in the streets. He talks about the Double R thing, which he refers to as the Ruff Ryders, and how they have built it from the ground up. DMX makes it clear that they are not to be messed with and anyone who crosses their line is in trouble. He states that they are thorough type n****s who control the streets, holding heat and not even thinking about sleep. He addresses his enemies directly when he says, "You don't want the dog with the camp, not Old Yeller, a pit bull and dog is the champ. You know better, think about crossing the line, hit your sweater with about ten from the .9." He also mentions his past experiences and how he was taught to handle his business, such as buying guns so big he can shoot down a plane from the roof. He emphasizes that Ruff Ryders are untouchable and will get down one way or another and that's all they need to be in charge. There is a lot of pride and strength in the lyrics, and DMX emphasizes the idea of being unstoppable, through the gritty verses and powerful chorus.
Line by Line Meaning
Uh (huh) yeah, it is what it is
This is the way things are, you know what I mean? We are untouchable, baby.
Nah mean? We untouchable, baby
You understand what I'm saying? We are invincible and cannot be touched, baby.
I keep my song in my soul
I hold onto my passion and keep it deep within me.
Blessed my heart and made it go
I have been given divine favor, and it drives me forward.
Tops of our heads to tips of our toes
We are strong and powerful from head to toe.
We're untouchable
Nothing can harm or defeat us.
Everyday the sun'll shine
Each day brings new hope and positivity.
Took this dream and made it mine
I pursued my dream and turned it into my reality.
I'm gettin' down one thing that I know (what)
I'm embracing my true self and doing what I believe in.
We're untouchable
We are invincible and cannot be touched.
We built this Double R thing from the ground up
We established and developed the Double R brand from scratch.
Another principle of when it's beef, niggas round up
In times of conflict, we gather and stand together.
Gettin' down like what nigga, yo
Taking action fearlessly and aggressively.
That's all it takes and it's like, here we go
Just a small push and we're ready to take action.
Thorough type niggas that control the streets
We are highly capable individuals who dominate the streets.
Rollin' deep, holdin' heat, don't even think about sleep
We move in large numbers, armed and ready, without considering rest or sleep.
When we creep, niggas goin' down for the count
When we approach silently, our enemies are defeated.
It ain't sweet, fuck around and knock money out
Don't underestimate us, we can easily ruin your financial situation.
Come on fella, you don't want the dog with the camp
Beware, you don't want to mess with the top dog and his crew.
Not Old Yeller, a pit bull and dog is the champ
We are fierce and unbeatable, like a champion pit bull.
You know better, think about crossin' the line
You should know better than to cross the line and provoke us.
Hit your sweater, with about ten from the .9
We will shoot at you and hit you multiple times with a 9mm handgun.
Double R and we get down for life!
We are loyal to the Double R brand and will always stay true.
Let a nigga know we can go down tonight
Inform your enemies that we are prepared to engage in conflict tonight.
From the tops of our heads, the tips of our toes
From head to toe, we are untouchable and unstoppable.
What, we untouchable, aight
Yeah, we are invincible and cannot be touched, understood?
I represent the have and the have-nots
I speak for both the privileged and the underprivileged.
All the niggas with the weed spots
Including those who sell marijuana in the streets.
And all my niggas on them cell blocks
Also, my friends who are incarcerated in prison.
We gon' R-U-double-F R-Y-D-E
We are going to ride together, representing Ruff Ryders.
You can't fuck with my army
No one can challenge or defeat my group of supporters.
My niggas is untouchable, eatin' niggas like Lunchables
My crew cannot be harmed and we easily overpower our enemies.
.45 be crushin' you when the bullets be touchin' you
When our .45 caliber guns hit you, it will crush and seriously injure you.
Pallbearers will carry you
Your life will end, and pallbearers will carry your casket.
To the cemetery where your momma gon' bury you
Your mother will mourn and bury you in the cemetery.
Black suit be fittin' you nigga, I got hood degrees
As you are laid to rest, you will be dressed in a black suit, while I possess a deep understanding of the streets.
Plus I'm street like powdered milk, and government cheese
I embody the essence of the streets, similar to basic commodities like powdered milk and government-provided cheese.
If you a runnin' man nigga, then I'ma shoot up your knees
If you try to flee or escape, I will shoot you in the knees, disabling your ability to run.
Then it's me against the world, man against machine
I will face the world alone, with only my own strength against powerful opposition and mechanized systems.
S.D.T.S., stick to my routine
Stay Down Till Success, I am committed to following my routine and staying dedicated to my goals.
My knuckle game impeccable, crack game incredible
I have exceptional skills in hand-to-hand combat, and my ability to sell crack cocaine is extraordinary.
Lawyers for my niggas who be sittin' in the Federal
I provide legal representation for my friends who are imprisoned in federal prison.
Nigga, I'm untouchable
I am invincible and cannot be harmed.
U-N-T-O-U-C-H, A-B-L-E-S
We spell it out for you, we are untouchables.
Sheek the new Elliott Ness (no doubt)
Sheek is like the new version of Elliott Ness, known for his justice and crime-fighting abilities.
Nigga, Bloodline, D-Block, two of the best
We are the top performers and the best in the rap game, representing Bloodline and D-Block.
Hang the Double R chain from the side of the car
We proudly display the Double R chain from the side of our car.
Drive by and put your brains on the side of the bar
We will shoot at you while driving by, causing your brains to splatter against the side of a bar.
Sheek heavy in the hood (uh-huh)
I have a strong presence and influence in the neighborhood.
And I don't mean 'cause I gained weight in the hood (nah)
I'm not talking about my physical weight, I mean my significance and reputation.
My aim is good, ayo X what they want it to be here?
I have good accuracy when shooting, and I ask DMX what kind of situation we are facing.
Our hammer's cocked, outside of the house on the lawn chair
We have our firearms ready, waiting outside the house, sitting on a lawn chair.
Yeah nigga what? The new rap LeBron's here
What's up? I am the new sensation in rap, like LeBron James is in basketball.
Get 'em dog, we the new America's nightmare
Go after them, we are the new generation that scares America.
And we don't say much, we just get it on
We don't waste time talking, we quickly take action.
That's why we don't get touched, y'all like a Dutch
That's why no one can harm us, while you are easily manipulated and influenced.
Hands all on you, I'm tryna warn you
People will physically confront you, I'm trying to give you a warning.
To stay in your place, so you don't get laced
Stay in your position, so you won't face the consequences.
And them pretty ass shades, can stay on your face
You can keep your stylish sunglasses on your face as long as you stay out of our way.
You motherfuckers got me back on my grizzly, I'm back on the grind
You bastards have reignited my determination and work ethic, I'm back in the game.
I'm back to the streets, catch a beef, come back with the nine
I've returned to the streets, ready to face any conflicts and armed with a 9mm handgun.
I'll murder ya man, come back with his shines
I will kill your associate and return with his expensive jewelry.
I tote two guns, I don't care if you box, I don't care if you blind
I carry two firearms, and I don't care if you're ready to fight or if you're unable to see.
I spit in your eye like niggas is eatin, I'm splittin' the pies
I disrespect you by metaphorically spitting in your eye while enjoying my success and dividing the profits.
Frank Nitty your rap, how gritty am I? The city is mine
I dominate and control the rap game, just like Frank Nitty controlled the streets. The city belongs to me.
Yeah, you get in my way I pity your moms
If you interfere with me, I will cause pain and sorrow to your mother.
Yeah, my block is real, my niggas is armed
The neighborhood I represent is authentic and my crew is heavily armed.
My borough is thorough, we bang with each other
I come from a strong community where we support and fight for one another.
I'm switchin' my diamonds and changin' the color
I change the appearance of my diamonds and alter their color to stay ahead and stylish.
With change of weather, canary in the sun, uh
My jewelry changes color depending on the lighting, resembling a yellow canary bird in the sunlight.
I bury ya nigga then bury the gun, X whattup?
I will kill you and dispose of the weapon, that's how ruthless I am. DMX, what's going on?
Me and you is untouchable (uh-huh)
You and I are invincible, nothing can harm us.
We both had bricks they couldn't sniff cause the coke was uncrushable
We both possessed cocaine bricks that couldn't be contaminated because they were extremely pure and resistant.
Guns is fingerprint-proof, we 'Ryde or Die'
Our firearms cannot be traced back to us, and we live by the motto 'Ryde or Die.'
You drivin' by, we clap at your ride, good-bye
As you drive past, we will shoot at your vehicle, saying goodbye to your life.
Lyrics © DistroKid, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, THE ROYALTY NETWORK INC., CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Earl Simmons, Denzil Delano Foster, Thomas Derrick McElroy, Shandel Green, Sean Jacobs, J. Lucien, Sean Martin, Tony Pizarro, Mel Jason Smalls
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
makaveli
RIP DMX you will never be forgotten
Kiamesha Young
Im serious 🙏
Bertha Delone
Word!!!!!! @m€N
Dbd redsavage
Did it auto correct I don’t think you mean will never be forgotten don’t you mean will be forgotten
Bertha Delone
@Dbd redsavage your not serious are u?
Dbd redsavage
@Bertha Delone of course not he’s like one of the best artist out there
Ilovebeingme
DMX's grittyness and lyrics are "Untouchable'. We lost a real one... RIP 🕊🙏🏾🕊🙏🏾
Lovro Kortnik
One of his greatest songs. Rest in peace legend🙏🏼🕊
Manuell
Actually taken from Club Nouveau - Why do you treat me so bad.
Tavon Burns
@UCrJDu_GT_uHkZGODyb_8-FQ sike