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".
Walk These Dogs
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
[DMX]
On and off the leash, I'm a beast
No one ever gonna cross me in the streets
My only worries if I'm gon' eat because
WE GON' WALK THESE DOGS
Yeah nigga, live it how I spit it
Y'all niggaz could get it
But it must all go down
X is wit' it because
WE GON' WALK THESE DOGS
You got it living BACK livin' with salt
I'ma' bring it BACK 'cause I'ma go hard
Fuckin' til' a nigga play the yard
WE GON' WALK THESE DOGS
Gettin' down has never been an issue
I'ma bust my gun and not gon' miss you
Hate the smell of the slug burnin' the tissue
WE GON' WALK THESE DOGS
[Chorus - DMX (2x):]
Nigga bust up all the thugs
It's about to get real out of hand dog
Better get your man dog
Hit 'em and leave him where niggaz can't stand dog
It's you man dog!
[Kashmir]
You better come in and get him now
Better grab his arm and sit him down
Nigga leave him in his house, I'm a put him down
[DMX]
WE GON' WALK THESE DOGS!
[Kashmir]
We don't give a fuck about you
You talk real slick homie, but we doubt you
Got slugs that a put a nigga right back out you 'cause
[DMX]
WE GON' WALK THESE DOGS!
[Kashmir]
I'm right here now nigga what up
Always talkin' about how you could of, would of
But never doin' shit, 'cause you sweeter then sugar
[DMX]
WE GON' WALK THESE DOGS!
[Kashmir]
Go on now, I'm not the one
Kashmir 7:30 about to pop the gun
Have your mom's on the news sreamin' "Not My Son!"
[DMX]
WE GON' WALK THESE DOGS!
[Chorus]
[DMX]
Don't fuck wit' things you don't know about
I'll have a Smith & Wesson TO show him out
Take him to the desert and blow him out Cause!
WE GON' WALK THESE DOGS!
Right to the streets, with the heat
Until I find something to eat, so don't sleep
Fuck around, thinkin' it's sweet, til' a nigga creep cause
WE GON' WALK THESE DOGS!
Don't cry now, it's too late
I'ma empty ya' stomach of that shit you ate
One time in the park, make a nigga lose weight, because
WE GON' WALK THESE DOGS!
Bigga, Betta, stronga, fasta
Fuck a bitch longa if I have at to
And then I will cap her directly after
[Chorus 2x]
The lyrics of the song "Walk These Dogs" by DMX feat. Kashmir are about being a powerful and tough figure who will not tolerate anyone crossing him in the streets. The rapper's only concern is whether he will be able to get something to eat while he is out handling business. DMX is not afraid to use his gun and take matters into his own hands when dealing with people who have wronged him. The chorus emphasizes the idea that the situation has become dire and dangerous, and there is no turning back now.
The lyrics are intense and filled with aggression, with the rappers talking about shooting people, putting them down, and walking their dogs. The metaphor of walking the dogs is used to represent taking control of the situation and dominating it. In this case, the dogs could represent the rappers' victims or enemies, and they are being walked as a symbol of the rappers' dominance and control.
The song can be interpreted as a commentary on urban violence, gang culture, and the dangers of living in tough neighborhoods. The lyrics portray the harsh reality of life on the streets, where violence and aggression are commonplace, and people have to do whatever it takes to survive.
Line by Line Meaning
On and off the leash, I'm a beast
I am a powerful and uncontrolled force whether I am restrained or not.
No one ever gonna cross me in the streets
No one will dare challenge me in the public arena.
My only worries if I'm gon' eat because
WE GON' WALK THESE DOGS
My only concern is whether I will survive by getting a meal because I am determined to fight and dominate in any situation.
Yeah nigga, live it how I spit it
Look at how I walk it
Y'all niggaz could get it
But it must all go down
X is wit' it because
WE GON' WALK THESE DOGS
I am living my life as I rap and demonstrating my physical presence.
Anyone can try to challenge me but there will be consequences.
I am committed to fighting and winning because that's who I am.
You got it living BACK livin' with salt
I'ma' bring it BACK 'cause I'ma go hard
Fuckin' til' a nigga play the yard
WE GON' WALK THESE DOGS
You're living in the past with no spice in your life,
I am bringing back the energy because I am determined to fight hard.
I'm ready to fight anyone who comes and challenges me.
Gettin' down has never been an issue
I'ma bust my gun and not gon' miss you
Hate the smell of the slug burnin' the tissue
WE GON' WALK THESE DOGS
Fighting has never been a problem for me.
I am an expert in shooting and will not miss my target.
I hate the smell of the bullet burning the flesh.
I am committed to fighting and winning in any situation.
Nigga bust up all the thugs
It's about to get real out of hand dog
Better get your man dog
Hit 'em and leave him where niggaz can't stand dog
It's you man dog!
We need to take out all the street thugs.
The situation is escalating and we need to act fast.
You need to handle your friend who is getting out of control.
Beat him up and leave him in a place where he won't be found.
It's your responsibility dude!
You better come in and get him now
Better grab his arm and sit him down
Nigga leave him in his house, I'm a put him down
You need to intervene and stop him right now.
Grab him and make him sit down.
If you don't do something, I will take him out in his own house.
We don't give a fuck about you
You talk real slick homie, but we doubt you
Got slugs that a put a nigga right back out you 'cause
We don't care about you or what you say.
You are just trying to be cool but we don't believe you.
We have bullets that will take you out in an instant.
I'm right here now nigga what up
Always talkin' about how you could of, would of
But never doin' shit, 'cause you sweeter then sugar
I am here now, what do you want to do?
You always talk but never take action because you are weak and soft.
Go on now, I'm not the one
Kashmir 7:30 about to pop the gun
Have your mom's on the news sreamin' "Not My Son!"
Go away, I am not intimidated by you.
I am about to shoot my gun at 7:30 pm.
Your mother will be devastated when she sees you on the news.
Don't fuck wit' things you don't know about
I'll have a Smith & Wesson TO show him out
Take him to the desert and blow him out Cause!
WE GON' WALK THESE DOGS!
Don't mess with things you don't understand.
I'll use my Smith & Wesson gun to take care of him.
I'll take him to the desert and kill him for sure.
We will fight to the end to win.
Right to the streets, with the heat
Until I find something to eat, so don't sleep
Fuck around, thinkin' it's sweet, til' a nigga creep cause
WE GON' WALK THESE DOGS!
I will walk in the streets with my gun until I find food and win.
Don't underestimate me because I am always ready to fight.
I can easily surprise and attack when you least expect it.
Don't cry now, it's too late
I'ma empty ya' stomach of that shit you ate
One time in the park, make a nigga lose weight, because
WE GON' WALK THESE DOGS!
It's too late now to regret your actions.
I am going to make you throw up everything you ate.
I'll beat you so hard that you'll lose weight after one fight.
We will fight with all our power and determination.
Bigga, Betta, stronga, fasta
Fuck a bitch longa if I have at to
And then I will cap her directly after
I am bigger, better, stronger, and faster than anybody else.
I can have sex with any woman I want for as long as I want.
And then I'll shoot her afterwards.
Chorus 2x
We are determined to fight and win against anyone who challenges us.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAMON BLACKMON, EARL SIMMONS, ELLEN LOMAX, LEROY BELL, CASEY JAMES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind