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".
We Go Hard
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's all, good, my, nigga
That's right, you know how we do dawg, "Pull It"
Y.O., Harlem, we back part two man, Dark Man where you at?
Uh, uh, uh, uh, uh, uh
Let's set this shit off, start this shit right
It's goin' down tonight
Dawg stalks the streets, in New York to eat
How many times do I gotta come through (yeah)
Layin' that thing down, puttin' holes in you
You cats get it on the double, so stay the fuck
Out of my way, you don't want no trouble (come on)
We travel double far, to bring you trouble God
We rollin' double hard, yea nigga double R!
I don't know what you thought it was, but it's not
But I know that you caught the slugs, they was hot
Get the fuck off the block (what), there's no more room
For bitch niggas (uh) dawg I'm comin' to get niggas (yeah)
Lift niggas, out they boots, dust it
'Cause I don't just walk around with them things to bust it
Uh, we go hard
Never mind what a nigga say, we go hard
We gon' play how we want to play, we go hard
Man we do this shit all day, we go hard
Motherfucker, uh, we go hard
Never mind what a nigga say, we go hard
We gon' play how we want to play, we go hard
Bitch, we do this shit all day, we go hard
Motherfucker
Yo, I leave jail smoothly, jump in the pale hooptie
Fuck the dick suckin' ass nigga male groupies
Diplomats, you look at alliance, you shook in defiance
I'm cookin' up coke, lookin' for clients
I got the AK, SK, 40 cal
Scope red on your head still 40 thou' (40 thousand)
Worse than foul Nerf turf burstin', blaow
Give the church my child, ask to nurture thou
'Cause I've seen the hearses now
But if this was Gilligan's Isle, Thirstin' Howl, wow
Look at his kicks, they worth a thou'
Isn't it sad, do what I say and wish that you had
You Michigan crabs, you stabbed you piss in a bag
Or worse than that, zipped in a bag
Broke to fractions, a division of math
From, Hollywood, shittin' on Shaft, we go hard
Killa Killa Killa, Killa uh, uh
Killa
X and Killer Cam, Dark Man X, once again, pull it
Uh, uh, uh, uh, uh
I just love how it's goin, Cam, X flowin'
(Get at 'em dawg I'm already knowin'
Step lightly around dawg (yeah) I might be hittin' town dawg (yeah)
You really tryin to get down dawg?
Only thing I can do with pussy is fuck it
And I would tell you to suck my dick but you might suck it
See y'all niggas the cat type (what)
You still a baby get your ass wiped (what)
Must I take a nigga's last stripe? (come on)
You'se a bitch, now more bitch than a bitch
Still a bitch fuckin bitch, you been a bitch
Know how we do, run up, in a bitch
Peep the crib, run up, in it quick (yeah)
Everything breathin' stops, only thing my niggas is leavin'
Is shots, you done got a nigga hot
Let me catch you on the block, bitch-ass niggas is cowards
Done fucked around and dropped the soap in the shower (come on)
Uh, we go hard
Never mind what a nigga say, we go hard
We gon' play how we want to play, we go hard
Man we do this shit all day, we go hard
Motherfucker, uh, uh, we go hard
Never mind what a nigga say, we go hard
We gon' play how we want to play, we go hard
Bitch, we do this shit all day, we go hard
Motherfucker
In the song "We Go Hard" by DMX, he starts by setting the tone for an intense and aggressive track. He makes it very clear that he's not to be reckoned with and warns everyone to get out of his way. He talks about how he's always coming through, laying the thing down, and putting holes in people. DMX and friends are purposely stirring up trouble and violence in New York City.
Throughout the song, each rapper takes turns dropping verses, talking about their willingness to do whatever it takes to succeed, even if it requires violent means. Cam'ron and DMX continue to brag about their capabilities and power, while also taking some time to call out their enemies. In the end, they make it clear that they are always working hard, regardless of what others may say about them.
Overall, the song captures the raw energy and aggression that is associated with hip hop music. It's a powerful anthem that celebrates individuality, strength, and hustle.
Line by Line Meaning
Uh, what's really good? X I'm in the buildin' man, yeah
DMX is announcing his presence and hyping up the start of the song.
It's all, good, my, nigga
DMX is expressing his confidence and reassurance to his fanbase.
That's right, you know how we do dawg, "Pull It"
DMX is calling out his trigger-happy crew, known for quick action and violence.
Y.O., Harlem, we back part two man, Dark Man where you at?
DMX is paying homage to his hometowns and recruiting his ally, Dark Man.
Let's set this shit off, start this shit right
DMX is initiating a call to action to begin the song/show/performance on a strong note.
It's goin' down tonight
DMX is indicating that there are events that are about to happen.
Dawg off the leash, dawg walks with heat
DMX and his entourage are unhinged and armed.
Dawg stalks the streets, in New York to eat
DMX and his entourage are hungry for action and confrontation in their hometown.
How many times do I gotta come through (yeah)
DMX is pointing out his frequent presence in the streets.
Layin' that thing down, puttin' holes in you
DMX is boasting about his violent nature and skilled use of firearms.
You cats get it on the double, so stay the fuck
DMX is warning his competition to stay out of his way to avoid getting hurt.
Out of my way, you don't want no trouble (come on)
DMX is daring his opponents to challenge him.
We travel double far, to bring you trouble God
DMX and his entourage are willing to go to great lengths to confront their enemies.
We rollin' double hard, yea nigga double R!
DMX and his team are riding in luxury with powerful cars.
I don't know what you thought it was, but it's not
DMX is debunking any myths or incorrect assumptions about his personality or lifestyle.
But I know that you caught the slugs, they was hot
DMX is admitting to inflicting damage upon his enemies.
Get the fuck off the block (what), there's no more room
DMX is forcing his opposition out of their turf.
For bitch niggas (uh) dawg I'm comin' to get niggas (yeah)
DMX is targeting weak or cowardly men to dominate and conquer.
Lift niggas, out they boots, dust it
DMX is threatening to kill his enemies and leave them in a disrespectful manner.
'Cause I don't just walk around with them things to bust it
DMX carries weapons for a reason, and is not afraid to use them.
Uh, we go hard
DMX and his crew are known for their toughness and perseverance.
Never mind what a nigga say, we go hard
DMX and his crew aren't concerned with others' opinions or criticisms.
We gon' play how we want to play, we go hard
DMX and his crew have control over their actions and will do as they please.
Man we do this shit all day, we go hard
DMX and his crew are accustomed to being tough and never back down.
Motherfucker, uh, we go hard
DMX emphasizes their tough nature and implies a sense of defense.
Yo, I leave jail smoothly, jump in the pale hooptie
DMX is describing his return to freedom and entry into a modest car.
Fuck the dick suckin' ass nigga male groupies
DMX doesn't want admiring fans or anyone beyond his inner circle.
Diplomats, you look at alliance, you shook in defiance
DMX is skeptical and wary of potential alliances or enemies that display arrogance or rebellion.
I'm cookin' up coke, lookin' for clients
DMX is involved with the illegal drug trade and seeking buyers.
I got the AK, SK, 40 cal
DMX and his crew are armed to the teeth with a variety of guns.
Scope red on your head still 40 thou' (40 thousand)
DMX is boasting that he can hit his target from afar and his weaponry is expensive.
Worse than foul Nerf turf burstin', blaow
DMX is describing a violent and intense scenario.
Give the church my child, ask to nurture thou
DMX is engaging in wordplay, referencing seeking support and guidance from a religious figure.
'Cause I've seen the hearses now
DMX has witnessed death and is aware of its consequences.
But if this was Gilligan's Isle, Thirstin' Howl, wow
DMX is making a pop culture reference and playing on words.
Look at his kicks, they worth a thou'
DMX is pointing out someone's expensive shoes.
Isn't it sad, do what I say and wish that you had
DMX is saying that his haters wish they were in a better position, like him.
You Michigan crabs, you stabbed you piss in a bag
DMX is insulting a specific group of people and their habits.
Or worse than that, zipped in a bag
DMX implies that people can be killed and disposed of, as if in a body bag.
Broke to fractions, a division of math
DMX is playing on words to describe someone's financial ruin.
From, Hollywood, shittin' on Shaft, we go hard
DMX and his crew are successful and powerful, even in the face of Hollywood and other competitors.
Killa Killa Killa, Killa uh, uh
DMX is hyping up his collaborator, Cam'ron.
I just love how it's goin, Cam, X flowin'
DMX is appreciating the positive collaboration and flow between him and Cam'ron.
(Get at 'em dawg I'm already knowin'
Cam'ron is encouraging DMX to keep going and attack their enemies.
Step lightly around dawg (yeah) I might be hittin' town dawg (yeah)
DMX is warning his enemies of his presence and willingness to engage in violence.
You really tryin to get down dawg?
DMX is challenging his enemies to confront him.
Only thing I can do with pussy is fuck it
DMX sees women as sexual objects with no other value.
And I would tell you to suck my dick but you might suck it
DMX is using vulgar language and threats to assert his dominance over others.
See y'all niggas the cat type (what)
DMX is insulting his enemies and pointing out their inferiority.
You still a baby get your ass wiped (what)
DMX is saying that his enemies are immature and need to be disciplined.
Must I take a nigga's last stripe? (come on)
DMX is asserting his dominance and asking if he has to take away someone's last shred of dignity.
You'se a bitch, now more bitch than a bitch
DMX is saying that his enemies are weak and cowardly.
Still a bitch fuckin bitch, you been a bitch
DMX is insulting his enemies and emphasizing their inferiority.
Know how we do, run up, in a bitch
DMX and his crew invade their enemies' turf and cause chaos.
Peep the crib, run up, in it quick (yeah)
DMX and his crew are swift and calculated in their operations.
Everything breathin' stops, only thing my niggas is leavin'
DMX and his crew are killing their enemies or causing enough fear to make them flee.
Is shots, you done got a nigga hot
DMX and his crew are using firearms to eliminate their enemies.
Let me catch you on the block, bitch-ass niggas is cowards
DMX is challenging his enemies to confront him face-to-face and calling them weak.
Done fucked around and dropped the soap in the shower (come on)
DMX is insulting his enemies by suggesting they will be raped in prison.
Uh, we go hard
DMX and his crew are relentless and tough.
Never mind what a nigga say, we go hard
DMX and his crew don't care about critics or their opinions.
We gon' play how we want to play, we go hard
DMX and his crew control their actions and won't be told what to do.
Bitch, we do this shit all day, we go hard
DMX and his crew are accustomed to being tough and won't back down.
Motherfucker, uh, uh, we go hard
DMX is emphasizing their tough nature and implying a sense of defense.
Lyrics © SC PUBLISHING DBA SECRETLY CANADIAN PUB., BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Fred Bridges, Bobby Eaton, Cameron Giles, Richard Knight, Earl Simmons, Ricardo Williams, Ernest Wilson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind