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. Sisqรณ 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".
What
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Half rappin' ass mothafuckers
You think it's a game? You think it's a fuckin' game? (Come on)
Uh, uh, uh (come on)
(What y'all really want?) Uh, uh, uh, uh, uh-uh
What y'all really want?
What? DMX
Uh, uh, uh, uh, uh
Ayo, ayo, ayo
What's my name?
DMX and I be the best, you see the rest?
They lookin' like they need a rest
One more time
I'ma spit at you, some shit that's gon' get at you and be fuckin' with your mind
Stop talkin' shit
'Cause you out there runnin' your mouth
And really don't know who you fuckin' with
Here we go again
How many times do I have to tell you rap niggas I have no friends? (Come on)
You still actin' up
Runnin' around here like some brand new pussy that's about to get fucked
The game don't stop
I'm still gettin' down for whatever, whenever, that's why my shit is hot
Can't keep it real
Now, some of us do but most of us don't, that's just how a nigga feel (come on)
I shed blood
For my people that'll keep you lookin' see-through if ever you try to creep through
DMX
'Cause if you want it, we got it
Come and get it, nigga, we with it
All you gotta do is set it, baby
Ride or die
What y'all niggas want? Uh, uh, uh, uh
What y'all niggas want? (What)
DMX
'Cause if you want it, we got it
Come and get it, nigga, we with it
All you gotta do is set it, baby
Ride or die
What y'all niggas want? Uh, uh
What y'all niggas want?
You still playin' games
You gon' think it's a joke until they no longer remember your name
That's how we do 'em
Make cowards disappear into thin air by puttin' shit through 'em
Never comin' back
Last time you saw that nigga is the last time you'll see that nigga (aight)
No more deaths
'Cause in a minute you gon' have grandma being the only family member left (come on)
Bust my gun
If I gots to kill a nigga, but I'm always down for the one on one (aight)
Dog for life
We gon' get to the bottom of this shit if it takes all night
Stop, drop
Open up shop (what)
Fake up north niggas screamin' for the cops (what)
Ride or die
Now what that means is that I'll tell a nigga bye-bye, then pop him in his right eye
DMX
'Cause if you want it, we got it
Come and get it, nigga, we with it
All you gotta do is set it, baby
Ride or die
What y'all niggas want? Uh, uh
What y'all niggas want? (What)
DMX
'Cause if you want it, we got it
Come and get it, nigga, we with it
All you gotta do is set it, baby
Ride or die
What y'all niggas want? Uh, uh
What y'all niggas want?
Look at all these off brand niggas
Runnin' around yappin' 'bout they be holdin' figures as big as Jigga's
That's that bullshit
Don't they know that around me talkin' about what you got will get you hit?
I'm not a nice person
I mean I'd smack the shit out you twice, dog, and that's before I start cursin'
I stay flippin'
One minute I'm cool, the next minute I'm up on a nigga, rippin'
That's my style
I'm a cruddy nigga, leave you all bloody nigga, service with a smile
Suck my dick
And while you niggas that's been to jail before know it's about to get thick
Let's get it on, baby
You gon' be goin' against four niggas in one and you think you crazy?
I've lost my mind
And I'm about to make you lose yours too from far away one time (boom)
DMX
'Cause if you want it, we got it
Come and get it, nigga, we with it
All you gotta do is set it, baby
Ride or die
What y'all niggas want? Uh, uh
What y'all niggas want? (What)
DMX
'Cause if you want it, we got it
Come and get it, nigga, we with it
All you gotta do is set it, baby
Ride or die
What y'all niggas want? Uh, uh (what, what, what)
What y'all niggas want?
DMX
'Cause if you want it, we got it
Come and get it, nigga, we with it
All you gotta do is set it, baby
Ride or die
What y'all niggas want? Uh, uh
What y'all niggas want?
DMX
The song "What's My Name" by DMX is a classic hip-hop track that features the rapper's signature growl, aggressive delivery, and emotional intensity. The song starts with DMX expressing his frustration with the current state of rap music and fake rappers who half-rap but don't take the game seriously. He then asks the question "What's my name?" and proceeds to assert his dominance over the rap game by spitting lyrics that are both threatening and empowering. DMX discusses the importance of staying true to oneself and not faking it, while also warning his enemies that they will face his wrath if they cross him. He also references his rough upbringing and his willingness to defend himself and his people at all costs.
One of the most interesting things about the song is that it features vocal samples from the movie "The Warriors," which DMX was a big fan of. The sample of Luther (David Patrick Kelly) saying "Come out to play" is used as a hook in the track, and other samples from the movie are sprinkled throughout. Another interesting fact is that the song was originally supposed to be called "Shit's Getting Wild On The Streets." It was producer Swizz Beatz who convinced DMX to change the title to "What's My Name" instead.
The song also features a distinctive beat that was created by Swizz Beatz using a Roland TR-808 drum machine and a sample from the song "The Big Beat" by Billy Squier. The beat is widely regarded as one of the best in hip-hop history and has been sampled and remixed by countless other artists.
Overall, "What's My Name" is a powerful and iconic song that helped establish DMX as one of the most important and influential rappers of his generation. Its catchy hook and memorable lyrics have made it a staple of hip-hop culture, and it continues to be celebrated and referenced in music today.
Chords: Unfortunately, as it is a rap song, there are no chords available.
Line by Line Meaning
See, this is the fuckin' shit I be talkin' about
DMX emphasizes that this is what he always talks about
Half rappin' ass mothafuckers
DMX refers to people who are not fully skilled in rapping
You think it's a game? You think it's a fuckin' game? (Come on)
DMX questions those who don't take rap seriously and challenges them to step up
What y'all really want?
DMX asks what people are truly looking for
DMX and I be the best, you see the rest?
DMX claims that he is the best and challenges others to prove him wrong
They lookin' like they need a rest
DMX implies that other rappers are not as good as him and need a break
I'ma spit at you, some shit that's gon' get at you and be fuckin' with your mind
DMX promises to rap in a way that will challenge and unsettle his audience
Stop talkin' shit
DMX tells people to stop talking smack
'Cause you out there runnin' your mouth
DMX is calling out those who talk too much without backing it up
And really don't know who you fuckin' with
DMX implies that people who run their mouth don't know what they are getting into
How many times do I have to tell you rap niggas I have no friends? (Come on)
DMX tells other rappers that he is not interested in being friends
You still actin' up
DMX calls out those who continue to misbehave
Runnin' around here like some brand new pussy that's about to get fucked
DMX implies that those who act tough will eventually face consequences
The game don't stop
DMX implies that he won't stop rapping and competing
Can't keep it real
DMX acknowledges that most rappers don't keep it real
Now, some of us do but most of us don't, that's just how a nigga feel (come on)
DMX acknowledges that some rappers are authentic, but most are not
I shed blood
DMX implies that he's willing to fight and hurt people to protect his people
For my people that'll keep you lookin' see-through if ever you try to creep through
DMX is willing to fight hard to protect his people from danger and threats
'Cause if you want it, we got it
DMX implies that he and his people are ready to fight and defend themselves
Come and get it, nigga, we with it
DMX challenges his enemies to attack him and his people
All you gotta do is set it, baby
DMX implies that setting up a fight is all that's required
You still playin' games
DMX implies that his enemies are not taking him seriously
You gon' think it's a joke until they no longer remember your name
DMX implies that his enemies will regret not taking him seriously sooner
Make cowards disappear into thin air by puttin' shit through 'em
DMX implies that he can eliminate cowards easily
Last time you saw that nigga is the last time you'll see that nigga (aight)
DMX implies that he can make people disappear permanently
No more deaths
DMX implies that he doesn't want anyone to die
'Cause in a minute you gon' have grandma being the only family member left (come on)
DMX implies that violence will have fatal consequences for the families of those involved
Bust my gun
DMX implies that he is willing to shoot people
If I gots to kill a nigga, but I'm always down for the one on one (aight)
DMX implies that he is willing to fight one on one or to shoot someone if necessary
Dog for life
DMX identifies as a loyal partner and implies that he will always be tough and strong
We gon' get to the bottom of this shit if it takes all night
DMX implies that he won't give up until he achieves his goals, even if it takes all night
Stop, drop
DMX prompts others to stop and listen to him
Open up shop (what)
DMX implies that he is ready to start some action
Fake up north niggas screamin' for the cops (what)
DMX implies that some people pretend to be tough but actually just call the police when they are in trouble
Now what that means is that I'll tell a nigga bye-bye, then pop him in his right eye
DMX implies that he is willing to deceive and then hurt his enemy
Look at all these off brand niggas
DMX implies that there are a lot of fake rappers out there
Runnin' around yappin' 'bout they be holdin' figures as big as Jigga's
DMX implies that some rappers brag about their wealth but it's not true
That's that bullshit
DMX implies that he doesn't believe or respect the fake rappers
Don't they know that around me talkin' about what you got will get you hit?
DMX implies that he doesn't tolerate bragging and that it can lead to violence
I'm not a nice person
DMX implies that he is not a kind or gentle person
I mean I'd smack the shit out you twice, dog, and that's before I start cursin'
DMX implies that he would physically hurt someone before he even started cursing
I stay flippin'
DMX implies that he has a volatile personality and can switch moods quickly
One minute I'm cool, the next minute I'm up on a nigga, rippin'
DMX implies that he can go from being calm to being confrontational very quickly
That's my style
DMX implies that this is how he operates and that he won't change
I'm a cruddy nigga, leave you all bloody nigga, service with a smile
DMX implies that he is a violent person and adds a hint of humor to it
Suck my dick
DMX implies that he does not tolerate disrespect and that he can get violent
And while you niggas that's been to jail before know it's about to get thick
DMX implies that he is willing to fight people who have a history of violence
Let's get it on, baby
DMX challenges his opponents to fight him
You gon' be goin' against four niggas in one and you think you crazy?
DMX implies that his team is tough and that his opponent is foolish to challenge them
I've lost my mind
DMX implies that he is not thinking clearly and is very angry
And I'm about to make you lose yours too from far away one time (boom)
DMX implies that he is willing to shoot someone from far away and that he is very dangerous
Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Earl Simmons, Edward Hinson, Irving Lorenzo
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@timkruse9912
DMX had the baddest and most natural women in this video!!!!! RIP LEGEND!!!!
@vladimirjlouis
Some of same people women messed up his life with child support
@emmanuelowusu2622
๐๐ฟ๐๐ฟ
@ericwarugongo5863
You took the words right outta my mouth bruh
@richieanderson3040
Bro,I know I lived it no filters, ass implants or Botox just BODDDDDDDDDDDDYY!!!
@love_nloyalty1445
Your right but at this time everyone was not so into get surgery. But the good times is over.
@massmanpro
I don't think ppl realize the level of difficultly in DMX's 2nd verse. That type of creativity and making all names fit within the bars destroys any lyricism in todays rappers.
@marisaisaac2065
For real
@mosesadonis2452
You're absolutely correct!!! I said the same thing.
@IlkanAli
Facts !!