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 ft. Cam`Ron
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You know how niggas do when we play how we play
A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do
If it's fuck me, nigga, you know it's fuck you
I kick it to shorty to try to help him understand (Uh)
Hit him with work 'cause, yo, that's my little man (Uh-huh)
He asked a few questions 'bout the game, and I told him (Yeah)
Never told him nothin' wrong, kept it fair
Didn't listen, so I might as well have been talkin' to the air (Damn)
Everybody makes mistakes, a mistake is aight
But if it ain't, I'm a tell you straight, time to say goodnight
Nobody likes to be played regardless of the relationship
But shorty's fuckin' up big time, I hate this shit
I'm caught in the middle of havin' love for a lil' nigga
And knowin' what's expected of me as a real nigga (Damn)
My next move is crucial, what do I do?
How do I keep it real with shorty and my crew?
Didn't want to kill him, so instead of puttin' the Mac on him
I did the only thing I could do, turn my back on him (Aight)
Here we go again
Same old shit, dog, just a different day
Here we go again
You know how niggas do when we play how we play
Here we go again
A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do
Here we go again
So if it's fuck me, nigga, then you know it's fuck you
Niggas that I fuck wit' want to get him dead
But I'm cool with shorty's peoples, so I let him live
Under normal circumstances, he would be a marked man
But I hit him with a grand, just didn't shake his hand (Oh)
Go about your business, do what you gonna do (Uh)
Be what you gon' be, I wash my hands, I'm through (Aight)
I can forgive, I just can't forget
You're on your own, lil' man, don't ask me for shit (No)
If you paid attention to what I taught you, then you good (Uh)
If I see you again, forget it, understood?
Go 'head before I change my mind 'cause you know you should be dead
"I just wanted to say" Ah! Go 'head!
Instinct told me to kill him, but the savior is
I'm a good nigga, plus I owed his peeps a favor (Hmm)
But I also knew the decision I just made (Yeah)
Went against the rules of the game that we played (Damn)
Here we go again
Same old shit, dog, just a different day
Here we go again
You know how niggas do when we play how we play
Here we go again
A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do
Here we go again
So if it's fuck me, nigga, then you know it's fuck you
I should have followed my first instinct 'cause I knew
Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do
Now this nigga's fuckin' with the competition (What)
Ungrateful motherfucker, shoulda got him missin' (What)
This nigga got the nerve to take my kindness for a weakness
Gots ta get back on some street shit so I can creep this
Rat, when I act, take one, set him up, to take two
Get him there, take three, get him done
Wasn't hard for me to get him where I wanted him, confronted him
Bzt, click, there is a bullet in one of them
Feelin' lucky? Click, looks like you are
Click, click, click, luck ain't goin' too far
What you did was throw on another pair of shoes
And they just happened to be too big
What you did was stupid (damn), real fuckin' stupid (Aight)
Well, shorty, I gave you a chance, and what did you do?
Threw it back in my fuckin' face, so fuck you too! Aight
Here we go again
Same old shit, dog, just a different day
Here we go again
You know how niggas do when we play how we play
Here we go again
A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do
Here we go again
So if it's fuck me, nigga, then you know it's fuck you
Here we go again
Same old shit, dog, just a different day
Here we go again
You know how niggas do when we play how we play
Here we go again
A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do
Here we go again
So if it's fuck me, nigga, then you know it's fuck you
The song "We Go Hard" by DMX featuring Cam'ron centers around the theme of loyalty and betrayal in the street life. The lyrics describe how DMX tries to guide a younger person (referred to as "shorty") and has to make a difficult decision when faced with his betrayal. The song's chorus repeats the sentiment that in their world, "a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do" even if it means turning their back on someone who was previously a friend or ally.
The verses delve into the specific storyline of DMX's experience with "shorty," who he advises and tries to steer in the right direction. However, "shorty" disregards DMX's advice and starts making mistakes that could put both of them in danger. DMX struggles with the conflict between his loyalty to his friend's "peoples" and his obligations to his own crew, who want "shorty" dead. Ultimately, DMX decides to spare "shorty" but still leaves him on his own, cautioning him not to seek out any help from DMX in the future. The song's final verse deals with DMX's realization that he should have followed his instincts and dealt with "shorty" more harshly because he ultimately ends up causing even more problems in the end.
Line by Line Meaning
Same old shit, dog, just a different day
It is not a game, things are always the same
You know how niggas do when we play how we play
We have a code of conduct and we stick to it
A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do
One must do what is necessary
If it's fuck me, nigga, you know it's fuck you
If you are against me, I am against you
I kick it to shorty to try to help him understand
I try to teach the young one about the game
Hit him with work 'cause, yo, that's my little man
I give him the tools he needs to succeed
He asked a few questions 'bout the game, and I told him
He asked for knowledge and I shared it with him
So when he made a bad move, it was my place to scold him
I reprimanded him when he went against the rules
Never told him nothin' wrong, kept it fair
I always gave him honest advice
Didn't listen, so I might as well have been talkin' to the air
He did not heed my warnings
Everybody makes mistakes, a mistake is aight
Errors happen, it's okay
But if it ain't, I'm a tell you straight, time to say goodnight
If it's a grave mistake, it's time to back out
Nobody likes to be played regardless of the relationship
Betrayal hurts in any situation
But shorty's fuckin' up big time, I hate this shit
He is making critical errors and it frustrates me
I'm caught in the middle of havin' love for a lil' nigga
I care about the young one like family
And knowin' what's expected of me as a real nigga
I have a responsibility to act accordingly
My next move is crucial, what do I do?
I have a critical decision to make
How do I keep it real with shorty and my crew?
How do I remain loyal to both parties?
Didn't want to kill him, so instead of puttin' the Mac on him
I did not want to use violence against him
I did the only thing I could do, turn my back on him
I had to cut ties with him
So if it's fuck me, nigga, then you know it's fuck you
If you are against me, I am against you
Niggas that I fuck wit' want to get him dead
My associates want to kill him
But I'm cool with shorty's peoples, so I let him live
I have a good relationship with his associates, so I spared him
Under normal circumstances, he would be a marked man
Usually, he would be targeted for death
But I hit him with a grand, just didn't shake his hand
I gave him money to leave
Go about your business, do what you gonna do
Continue living your life
Be what you gon' be, I wash my hands, I'm through
I am done with this situation
I can forgive, I just can't forget
I am willing to forgive, but I will not forget
You're on your own, lil' man, don't ask me for shit
You are on your own, do not come to me for help
If you paid attention to what I taught you, then you good
If you listened to my advice, you will be fine
If I see you again, forget it, understood?
Do not approach me again
Go 'head before I change my mind 'cause you know you should be dead
Leave before I reconsider sparing you
"I just wanted to say" Ah! Go 'head!
Do not bother saying anything
Instinct told me to kill him, but the savior is
My gut instinct was to use violence, but I did not
I'm a good nigga, plus I owed his peeps a favor
I am a decent person and I had a debt to repay
But I also knew the decision I just made
I am aware of the choice I just made
Went against the rules of the game that we played
I deviated from the code of conduct
I should have followed my first instinct 'cause I knew
My initial feeling was probably correct
Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do
In some situations, extreme measures are necessary
Now this nigga's fuckin' with the competition
He is working with our rivals
Ungrateful motherfucker, shoulda got him missin'
He is not appreciative and should have been dealt with
This nigga got the nerve to take my kindness for a weakness
He is underestimating my leniency
Gots ta get back on some street shit so I can creep this
I need to return to my old ways to handle this
Rat, when I act, take one, set him up, to take two
I will set up a trap to deal with him
Get him there, take three, get him done
Execute the plan and finish him off
Wasn't hard for me to get him where I wanted him, confronted him
It was easy for me to put him in the desired location and confront him
Bzt, click, there is a bullet in one of them
Shoot him once, he falls
Feelin' lucky? Click, looks like you are
You got lucky, but not anymore
Click, click, click, luck ain't goin' too far
No more luck left
What you did was throw on another pair of shoes
You took a risk and it failed
And they just happened to be too big
Your actions were beyond your capacity
What you did was stupid (damn), real fuckin' stupid
Your actions were foolish and reckless
Well, shorty, I gave you a chance, and what did you do?
I gave you an opportunity, and you squandered it
Threw it back in my fuckin' face, so fuck you too! Aight
You disrespected me, so I do not care about you anymore
So if it's fuck me, nigga, then you know it's fuck you
If you are against me, I am against you
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MICHAEL A. GOMEZ, EARL SIMMONS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind