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 in Here
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Bring it, what?
We right here
We're not goin' anywhere
We right here
This is ours and we don't share
We right here
Bring your crew 'cause we don't care
Uh, uh, uh
One more time
I gots to hit the streets off, make the streets talk
Let 'em know it ain't a sweet walk
This gon' be
The only joint made this year that'll knock 'til 2003
And y'all gon' see
That the hottest nigga out there, was, is, and will be me
Just like that
I can go away for a minute, do some other shit, but bounce right back
And when it's on
I'm comin' strapped with some shit that'll spit from dusk 'til dawn
And when you gone
Ain't no comin' back in the morn
Like that shit was a dream, nigga, you gone
That's for real
Creep niggas like a seal, tote the steel, stick a nigga make him squeal
"Oh, my God"
Those can't be the last words of ya man, damn, ya man was so hard
Come on, bring it, what?
We right here
We're not goin' anywhere
We right here
This is ours and we don't share
We right here
Bring your crew 'cause we don't care
We right here
Uh, uh, uh
Here we go again
How many million did my last one sell? Fuck it, I'm goin' for ten
This never gon' stop
And every fuckin' time I hit you, it's goin straight to the top of the charts
Champion
I'm a thoroughbred, my blood is strong and I scratch 'til you done
Crossed the line
And ain't no more scratches after that, straight up, niggas is dyin'
Yo, what the fuck
Is you cats doin runnin' around like this, like you won't get stuck?
Yo, that's my word
I stay givin' it to niggas, and I stay not really being heard
But, y'all gon' see
That the same things thou did to them, will be done to thee
And then you'll know
That sometimes though you come through the front
You leavin' out the backdoor
Come on, bring it, what?
We right here
We're not goin' anywhere
We right here
This is ours and we don't share
We right here
Bring your crew 'cause we don't care
We right here
Uh, uh, uh
Bring the noise
And you better come with niggas you don't give a fuck about
'Cause you gon' lose your boys
'Cause we don't play
And the silencer will silence any cocksucker with somethin' to say
Dog for life
Whether I'm on or off the leash, I bite, streets are my life
Click, click, boom
Another life taken too soon, another mother had a funeral
Still waters run deep
And the pain is forever alive inside, makes it hard to sleep
But I keep goin', goin' (shit)
Shit, I'm always careful when I walk, I'm always seein', knowin'
The dog gon' live
Stay walkin' the wire, over the fire, when I can I give
Dog is good
And how it's stayin' Dog gon' fuck with the hood
'Til Dog fuck with the wood
Bring it, what?
We right here
We're not goin' anywhere
We right here
This is ours and we don't share
We right here
Bring your crew 'cause we don't care
We right here
Uh, uh, uh
Bring it, what?
We right here
We're not goin' anywhere
We right here
This is ours and we don't share
We right here
Bring your crew 'cause we don't care
We right here
Uh, uh, uh
We right here, uh, uh, uh
We right here, uh, uh, uh
We right here, uh, uh, uh
We right here, uh, uh, uh
We right here, uh, uh, uh
We right here, uh, uh, uh
The song "We Right Here" by DMX is an anthem of defiance and confidence, declaring that the rapper and his crew are not to be messed with. The lyrics are full of bravado and threats, with DMX proclaiming that he is the hottest act around and that anyone who crosses him will regret it. The chorus repeats the phrase "We right here" multiple times, emphasizing that DMX and his associates are not going anywhere and will defend their turf against all challengers.
The verses of the song build upon this theme, with DMX boasting about his previous successes and predicting that he will continue to dominate the rap game. He also warns his enemies that he is always watching and that they will pay a heavy price if they try to cross him. The lyrics are delivered in DMX's trademark gruff voice and aggressive flow, creating an intense and intimidating atmosphere.
Overall, "We Right Here" is a powerful statement of confidence and defiance from one of rap's most iconic voices. It showcases DMX's unique style and energy, and reinforces his status as one of the genre's most respected and influential figures.
Line by Line Meaning
Uh, uh, uh, uh
Introduction to the song with ad-libs
Bring it, what?
Command to bring it on
We right here
We are present and visible
We're not goin' anywhere
We are here to stay
We right here
We are present and visible
This is ours and we don't share
We own this and won't let anyone take it
We right here
We are present and visible
Bring your crew 'cause we don't care
We're not afraid of any competition and are ready to face it
We right here
We are present and visible
Uh, uh, uh
Ad-libs to end the chorus
I gots to hit the streets off, make the streets talk
I have to make a statement and have the streets talking
Let 'em know it ain't a sweet walk
I have to let them know that it's not easy
This gon' be
This is going to be
The only joint made this year that'll knock 'til 2003
This is the only song of the year that will remain popular until 2003
And y'all gon' see
You'll all see
That the hottest nigga out there, was, is, and will be me
I am the hottest in the game, was before and will be after
Just like that
Just like that, instantly
I can go away for a minute, do some other shit, but bounce right back
I can disappear for a while and do something else, but come back stronger
And when it's on
When it's time to perform
I'm comin' strapped with some shit that'll spit from dusk 'til dawn
I am preparing with something that will do the job throughout the night
And when you gone
When you're gone/in trouble
Ain't no comin' back in the morn
There is no coming back in the morning, it's over for you
Like that shit was a dream, nigga, you gone
Like it was all a dream, you're gone
That's for real
That's the reality
Creep niggas like a seal, tote the steel, stick a nigga make him squeal
I sneak up on my enemies, carry a gun and threaten to hurt them until they reveal information
"Oh, my God"
Exclamation at the death of an individual
Those can't be the last words of ya man, damn, ya man was so hard
That can't be your last words, you were tough and shouldn't have gone out like that
Come on, bring it, what?
Encouragement to bring on the competition
Here we go again
Starting another round of competition/performance
How many million did my last one sell? Fuck it, I'm goin' for ten
I don't care how much my last album sold, I'm aiming for ten million this time
This never gon' stop
This is never going to stop
And every fuckin' time I hit you, it's goin straight to the top of the charts
Every time I release something, it quickly goes to the top of the charts
Champion
I am a winner and a champion
I'm a thoroughbred, my blood is strong and I scratch 'til you done
I am a strong competitor and I won't stop until I win
Crossed the line
Stepping across the established boundary
And ain't no more scratches after that, straight up, niggas is dyin'
There won't be any more warnings, people will be dying straight up
Yo, what the fuck
What's going on?
Is you cats doin runnin' around like this, like you won't get stuck?
What are you guys doing running around like that, as if you won't get caught?
Yo, that's my word
That's a promise/ guarantee from me
I stay givin' it to niggas, and I stay not really being heard
I keep producing music and I don't feel like my message is being heard
But, y'all gon' see
But, you'll all see
That the same things thou did to them, will be done to thee
Whatever you do, it will be done unto you
And then you'll know
And then you'll understand
That sometimes though you come through the front
Although you may enter through the front door
You leavin' out the backdoor
You will end up leaving out the back door
Bring the noise
Bring the competition/ commotion/ excitement
And you better come with niggas you don't give a fuck about
Make sure you have people with you that you're willing to sacrifice
'Cause you gon' lose your boys
Because you'll end up losing your people
'Cause we don't play
Because we take things seriously and don't mess around
And the silencer will silence any cocksucker with somethin' to say
I have a gun with a silencer, and I use it on those who have something to say
Dog for life
I am a dog for life (loyal, always in the game)
Whether I'm on or off the leash, I bite, streets are my life
Whether I'm free or locked up, I keep fighting, the streets are my home
Click, click, boom
The sound of a gun shot
Another life taken too soon, another mother had a funeral
Another person has died, leaving behind a grieving family
Still waters run deep
People who are quiet may have the deepest thoughts/ be more dangerous than they appear
And the pain is forever alive inside, makes it hard to sleep
The emotional pain of what I do never goes away, making it hard for me to sleep
But I keep goin', goin' (shit)
But I keep moving forward, no matter what
Shit, I'm always careful when I walk, I'm always seein', knowin'
I am always cautious about what I do, always alert and aware
The dog gon' live
I am going to survive, no matter what
Stay walkin' the wire, over the fire, when I can I give
I am always taking risks, pushing boundaries and doing what I can to succeed
Dog is good
I am doing well/ things are good for me
And how it's stayin' Dog gon' fuck with the hood
I will continue to be part of/represent the neighborhood
'Til Dog fuck with the wood
Until I become successful and break into the mainstream
We right here, uh, uh, uh
Ad-libs to end the song
We right here, uh, uh, uh
Ad-libs to end the song
We right here, uh, uh, uh
Ad-libs to end the song
We right here, uh, uh, uh
Ad-libs to end the song
We right here, uh, uh, uh
Ad-libs to end the song
We right here, uh, uh, uh
Ad-libs to end the song
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Motor Songs GmbH, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Earl Simmons, Mickey Davis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@join4te
RIP DMX 😢😢😢
You will be thoroughly missed.
Thank you for your wonderful music and great lyricism.
Rest in peace Champ 💖
@jamesresendiz5018
shit got me fucked up all day. wack asf. luv you X
@georgiewch0277
Yeah RIP LEGEND!!!😣😩😭❤️
@timcable4594
@420 Everyday aa
@esilvs
Much love to DMX from Virginia. You truly were a living legend. Rest well.
@shaggyajao5685
I luv DMX so much mane!😊
@LITTLE1994
We just lost this great man. He was 50.
RIP DMX
@LivviFantasy
He is no longer in pain and that should bring us a little bit of closure with his loss. Rest easy DMX. Prayers up for his family 🙏🏼
@maryrice4421
Absolutely.. exactly what I was thinking ❣️❣️🌹
@myiagarrett3446
How do you know hes resting ?