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".
What's My Name?
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
In the opening lines of DMX's song "What's My Name?", he sets the tone for the gritty and aggressive nature of the track. He calls out "half-rapping ass motherfuckers" and questions if they truly understand the intensity of the rap game. The chorus, "What'cha really want, what'cha really want" builds suspense and the repetition of the line emphasizes DMX's message. The verses continue with DMX rapping about his dominance and authenticity compared to other rappers who are "acting up" and "running [their] mouth". He adds that he has "no friends" in the industry and strongly asserts that he is "dog for life". He warns others who dare to mess with him that they will not survive by saying "make cowards disappear into thin air by putting shit through 'em." DMX establishes himself as a force to be reckoned with and warns others not to underestimate him.
The song's overall message is about DMX's strength and how he will not back down against anybody. He emphasizes this with the chorus repeating, "Ryde or die/What'cha niggas want." His raw and intense energy is felt throughout the track, as he asserts himself as a dominant force in the rap game. It's clear that he believes in his abilities and is willing to stand up to anyone who crosses him.
Line by Line Meaning
This is the fuckin' shit I be talkin' about
I'm about to unleash some real stuff
Half rappin' ass mothafuckers
Some of you are only half-committed to rap
You think it's a game? You think it's a fuckin' game?
Do you think this is all a joke?
Come on, uh, uh, uh
Let's get started
Whatcha really want
What do you really want from me?
D-M-X, uh, uh
That's me, DMX
Come on, ryde or die
Come along with me or die trying
Ay yo, ay yo, ay yo
Listen up!
What's my name?
Do you know who I am?
DMX and I be the best
I am DMX and I am the best rapper
You see the rest, they lookin' like they need a rest
The other rappers are tired and need a break
One more time
I'm going to say it again
I'mma spit at you some shit
I'm going to throw some deep thoughts your way
That's gon' get at you be fuckin' with your mind
It will make you question your reality
Stop talkin' shit
Stop speaking nonsense
'Cause you out there runnin' your mouth
You're talking too much
And really don't know who you fuckin' with
You have no idea who you are dealing with
Here we go again
This is a repetitive cycle
How many times do I have to tell you rap niggas?
I'm tired of repeating myself
I have no friends
I am a lone wolf
You still actin' up
You're still causing trouble
Runnin' around here like some brand new pussy that's about to get fucked
You're acting like fresh meat that's about to get taken advantage of
The game don't stop
This never ends
I'm still gettin' down for whatever, whenever that's why my shit is hot
I'll do anything, anytime, that's why I'm so popular
Can't keep it real
No one can really be honest
Now, some of us do but most of us don't, that's just how a nigga feel
Some of us try to be real, but most are not willing to
I shed blood
I'm willing to fight for my people
For my people that'll keep you lookin' see-through
My people will expose your true intentions
Whenever you try to creep through
Whenever you try to sneak around
D-M-X
It's me, DMX
If you want it we got it
If you need something, we have it
Come and get it nigga we wit it
Come and get it, we're ready for anything
All you gotta do is set it baby
Just make the move, and we're ready
Ryde or die
We'll ride together or die trying
What'cha niggas want, uh, uh
What do you all want?
You still playin' games
You're still not serious
You gon' think it's a joke until they no longer remember your name
You'll regret not taking this seriously when you're forgotten
That's how we do 'em
This is how we handle them
Make cowards disappear into thin air by puttin' shit through 'em
We handle the cowards by using violence
Never comin' back
They'll never return
Last time you saw that nigga is the last time you'll see that nigga (Aight)
You'll never see them again
No more deaths
We don't want any more deaths
'Cause in a minute you gonna have grandma being the only family member left
If you keep this up, there won't be anyone left in your family but your grandmother
Bust my gun
I'll shoot a gun if I have to
If I gots to kill a nigga but I'm always down for the one on one
I'll kill if I have to, but I prefer to fight one on one
Dog for life
I am committed to this lifestyle
We gon' get to the bottom of this shit if it takes all night
We'll solve this problem no matter how long it takes
Stop drop
Stop, and get down on the ground
Open up shop (What?)
Get ready, it's about to go down
Fake up-north niggas screamin' for the cops
Fake northern rappers who call the cops
What that mean is that a tell a nigga bye-bye and pop him in his right eye
It means goodbye, and I'll hit him in the eye
Look at all these off brand niggas
These fake rappers are everywhere
Runnin' around yappin' about they be holdin' figgas as big as Jigga's
Boasting about having money like Jay-Z
That's that bullshit
That's all lies
Hope they know that around me talkin' about what you got will get you hit
They better know that boasting around me gets you hurt
I'm not a nice person
I'm not a friendly guy
I mean I'd smack the shit out you twice dog and that's before I start cursin'
I'd hit you twice before even cursing at you
I stay flippin'
I'm always switching up
One minute I'm cool, the next minute I'm up on a nigga, rippin'
I can switch from being calm to being confrontational quickly
That's my style
That's just how I am
I'm a cruddy nigga leave you all bloody nigga service with a smile
I'm a tough guy who will leave you injured and still be happy about it
Suck my dick
I have no respect for you
And while you niggas that's been to jail before know it's about to get thick
If you've been to jail you know things are about to get bad
Let's get it on baby
Let's get started
You gonna be goin' against 4 niggas in one and you think you crazy?
You're going to be facing four of us, and you think you're tough?
I've lost my mind
I'm not in a good mental state
And I'm about to make you lose yours too from far away one time (Boom)
I'm about to hurt you from a distance
Lyrics © 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
@LITTLE1994
R.I.P. DMX
He was 50. He went through so much in his life, and now his suffering is over. I hope he rest in eternal peace with Jesus...
@dl7220
I'm pretty sure he ain't with Jesus
@colleenevans5706
Damien no one knows when man reconciled with Jesus
@jenluvzya
🙏🏻 amen he’s with the Lord Jesus Christ
@LITTLE1994
@@colleenevans5706 True, but I still hope so.
@jstriker623
RIP DMX. One of the best rap songs ever 👍
@vazquezlong100
YEESSSIIRR
@packoxl2818
THIS GENERATION CAN4T UNDERSTAND THIS. THIS IS THE REAL SHIT
REST EASY X
@rdeberry9155
They really don't but dis tha shit
@danielmoody4940
im 15 n still listen to dmx