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".
Where You Been
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No weapon formed against me shall prosper (preach)
And every tongue that rises against me in judgment
thou shall Condemn (preach)
For this is the heritage of the servant of the Lord (preach)
And that righteousness is of me says the lord (preach)
Amen
Lord give me a sign
Verse 1
I really need to talk to you lord
Since the last time we talked the walk has been hard
Now I know you haven't left me but I feel like I'm alone
I'm a big boy now but I'm still not grown
And Im still goin thru it the pain and the hurt
Soaking up trouble like rain and the dirt
And I know only I could stop the rain
With just the mention of my saviors name
In the name of Jesus
Devil I rebuke you for what I go through
And trying to make me do what I used to
But all that stops right here
As long as the lord's in my life I will have no fear
I will know no pain from the light to the dark
Imma show no shame spit it right from the heart
This is right from the start, you held me down
And ain't nothing they can tell me know
Lord give me a sign
Hook (x1)
Let me know what's on your mind let me know what I'm gonna find
It's all in time show me how to teach the mind show
me how to reach The blind
Lord give me a sign, show me what I gots to do to bringme closer to You cause Imma go do whatever you want
me to just let me know what to do Lord give me a sign
Verse 2
Please show me something
I'm tired of talking to him knowing he frontin
Crying 'bout life ain't nothin'
Cause you either be the one mad cause you trapped or the one huntin
Trapped in your own mind waiting on the Lord
Or huntin with the word that cuts like a sword
The spoken word is stronger than the strongest man
Carries the whole world like the strongest hand
With the trial and tribulations you never let us down
Jesus
I know you here with us now
Jesus
I know you still with us now
Keep it real with us now I wanna feel show me how
Please let me take your hand
Guide me or walk slow but stay right beside me
Devil's tryin to find me, hide me
Hold up I take that back
Protect me and give me the strength to fight back
Lord give me a sign
Hook (x2)
Let me know what's on your mind let me know what I'm gonna find
It's all in time show me how to teach the mind show
me how to reach The blind
Lord give me a sign show me what I gots to do to bring
me closer to You cause Imma go do whatever you want
me to just let me know what To do
Lord give me a sign
In the name of Jesus
No weapon formed against me shall prosper (preach)
Where'd you go?
I miss you so
Seems like it's been forever
That you've been gone
Where'd you go?
I miss you so
Seems like it's been forever
That you've been gone
Please
Come back home
In these powerful lyrics from DMX's song "Where You Been," the rapper delves into a raw and introspective conversation with God, pouring out his heart and seeking guidance and reassurance through his struggles. The verse begins with a declaration of faith and protection in the name of Jesus, stating that no weapon formed against him will succeed and that any judgment against him will be condemned as he is a servant of the Lord. This sets the tone for a plea for a sign from God, a clear indication or guidance to show him the way forward in his life.
In the first verse, DMX speaks directly to God, expressing his feelings of loneliness and vulnerability despite knowing that God is always with him. He acknowledges the hardships and challenges he faces, but asserts his faith and determination to overcome them with the strength and support of the Lord. By invoking the name of Jesus, he rebukes the devil and affirms that as long as God is in his life, fear and pain will not have power over him. The lyrics convey a deep sense of reliance on God's protection and guidance in the face of life's struggles.
The hook of the song reinforces the theme of seeking divine direction and understanding from God. DMX asks God to reveal what is on His mind, to show him the way to reach others and bring himself closer to Him. The repetition of the plea for a sign emphasizes the rapper's earnest desire for a clear indication of God's will in his life. This spiritual yearning is underscored by the sense of urgency and longing in the chorus, as DMX implores God to guide him and show him the way to return to a place of spiritual closeness.
In the second verse, DMX continues to express his frustrations and uncertainties, particularly in his dealings with others who may not understand or support him. He contrasts being trapped in negative thoughts and waiting on the Lord with actively seeking God's wisdom and wielding the power of His word like a sword. The rapper acknowledges the challenges he faces but remains steadfast in his faith, asking for God's presence and protection to help him navigate through life's trials. The verse culminates in a plea for God to show him the way, to lead him forward and provide the strength to combat any obstacles in his path.
Overall, "Where You Been" is a heartfelt and poignant exploration of faith, struggle, and the constant search for guidance and reassurance in a tumultuous world. DMX bares his soul in these lyrics, expressing a deep yearning for spiritual connection and divine intervention to light his way and bring him back to a place of peace and harmony with God. This emotional and introspective track resonates with anyone who has felt lost or alone, seeking a sign to show them the way back home to God's love and grace.
Line by Line Meaning
In the name of Jesus
As I invoke the power and presence of Jesus Christ
No weapon formed against me shall prosper (preach)
No means of harm directed towards me will succeed in bringing me down, affirming my faith
And every tongue that rises against me in judgment
Any accusations or criticisms aimed at me will be countered
thou shall Condemn (preach)
Those who judge me unjustly will face consequences for their actions
For this is the heritage of the servant of the Lord (preach)
This assurance is part of the divine legacy granted to those who serve God
And that righteousness is of me says the lord (preach)
God declares that true justice and virtue come from Him
Amen
I affirm and agree with these statements of faith
Lord give me a sign
I seek guidance and confirmation from God in my life
I really need to talk to you lord
I have urgent matters to discuss with God about my struggles
Since the last time we talked the walk has been hard
The challenges I've faced since my last prayer have been overwhelming
Now I know you haven't left me but I feel like I'm alone
Although I'm aware of God's presence, I still experience deep feelings of loneliness
I'm a big boy now but I'm still not grown
Despite my age and maturity, I'm still confronting personal growth challenges
And I'm still goin thru it the pain and the hurt
I am enduring ongoing emotional suffering and distress
Soaking up trouble like rain and the dirt
I'm absorbing difficulties just as soil absorbs rainwater
And I know only I could stop the rain
I understand that I have the power to change my circumstances
With just the mention of my savior's name
Invoking Jesus' name holds the key to overcoming my struggles
In the name of Jesus
Again, I call upon the strength and grace of Jesus
Devil I rebuke you for what I go through
I actively dismiss and reject the temptations and trials brought by evil
And trying to make me do what I used to
Evil is attempting to pull me back into my old, unhealthy behaviors
But all that stops right here
This negative influence comes to an end starting now
As long as the lord's in my life I will have no fear
With God's presence, I feel empowered and fearless in the face of adversity
I will know no pain from the light to the dark
I will not experience suffering, regardless of my circumstances
I'mma show no shame spit it right from the heart
I will express my feelings honestly and openly without embarrassment
This is right from the start, you held me down
From the beginning, you, God, have supported and guided me
And ain't nothing they can tell me now
I am confident in my faith and immune to outside negativity
Lord give me a sign
Again, I seek divine guidance to steer my life path
Let me know what's on your mind let me know what I'm gonna find
I yearn to understand God's will for me and what lies ahead
It's all in time show me how to teach the mind show
I ask for help in understanding and enlightening myself and others
me how to reach The blind
I desire to help those who are spiritually unaware or lost
Lord give me a sign, show me what I gots to do to bring me closer to You
I plead for direction on how to deepen my relationship with God
cause Imma go do whatever you want me to just let me know what to do
I'm willing to follow God's commands, just guide me clearly
Lord give me a sign
Once more, I request a clear indication of God's intentions for me
Please show me something
I am desperate for some sort of reassuring signal from God
I'm tired of talking to him knowing he frontin
I am frustrated with empty conversations where sincerity is lacking
Crying 'bout life ain't nothin'
Complaining about life does not lead to meaningful change
Cause you either be the one mad cause you trapped or the one huntin
In life, you are either frustrated by your limitations or actively seeking solutions
Trapped in your own mind waiting on the Lord
Feeling mentally confined while seeking divine intervention
Or huntin with the word that cuts like a sword
Or actively searching for truth and guidance through spiritual teachings
The spoken word is stronger than the strongest man
The power of faith and spoken truth surpasses physical strength
Carries the whole world like the strongest hand
This power can bear immense burdens and challenges
With the trial and tribulations you never let us down
Despite the hardships we face, God's support remains unwavering
Jesus
I reaffirm my connection to Jesus, my savior
I know you here with us now
I have faith that your presence is with us in times of need
Jesus
Once again, I acknowledge Jesus' significance in my life
I know you still with us now
I trust that Jesus continues to accompany us through our struggles
Keep it real with us now I wanna feel show me how
I seek genuine engagement with God so I can truly experience His presence
Please let me take your hand
I'm asking for divine guidance and companionship through life's journey
Guide me or walk slow but stay right beside me
I request that God lead me at my pace, remaining by my side
Devil's tryin to find me, hide me
I acknowledge the persistent attempts of evil to ensnare me
Hold up I take that back
I reconsider my words, realizing I need God's protection instead
Protect me and give me the strength to fight back
I implore God for safeguarding and empowerment to withstand challenges
Lord give me a sign
I continue my request for clarity and direction from God
Let me know what's on your mind let me know what I'm gonna find
I yearn for insight into God's thoughts and future revelations for my life
It's all in time show me how to teach the mind show
Help me understand the timing of events and how to impart knowledge to others
me how to reach The blind
Guide me in assisting those who are unaware of spiritual truths
Lord give me a sign show me what I gots to do to bring me closer to You
I beseech you for instruction on how to enhance my relationship with you, God
cause Imma go do whatever you want me to just let me know what to do
My willingness to act according to God's will depends on clear instructions
Lord give me a sign
I humbly ask for another indication of your guidance, God
In the name of Jesus
Once again, I invoke the name of Jesus, signifying my faith
No weapon formed against me shall prosper (preach)
No adversarial force aimed at me will succeed in overcoming me, strengthening my resolve
Where'd you go?
I long to know where you have disappeared to
I miss you so
The absence of your presence is profoundly felt
Seems like it's been forever
It feels like an eternity since we last connected
That you've been gone
The duration of your absence weighs heavily on my heart
Where'd you go?
I implore again for clarity on your whereabouts
I miss you so
The depth of my longing for your presence is immense
Seems like it's been forever
Time without you feels interminable
That you've been gone
Your absence continues to leave a significant void
Please
I plead earnestly for your return
Come back home
I wish for you to return to the safety and comfort of our bond
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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