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 the Hood At?
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yo yo, the dog is here
Yo yo, the dog is here
Yo yo
Where the East Coast at? (Come on)
Where the West Coast at? (Come on)
Where the Midwest at? (Come on)
Where the East Coast at? (Come on)
Where the West Coast at? (Come on)
Where the Midwest at? (Come on)
Where the Dirty Dirty at?
Where the hood, where the hood, where the hood at?
Have that nigga in the cut, where the wood at?
Oh, them niggas actin up? Where the wolves at?
You better bust that if you gon' pull that
Where the hood, where the hood, where the hood at?
Have that nigga in the cut, where the wood at?
Oh, them niggas actin up? Where the wolves at?
You better bust that if you gon' pull that
Is you crazy?
Where the hood, where the hood, where the hood at?
Have that nigga in the cut, where the wood at?
Oh, them niggas actin up? Where the wolves at?
You better bust that if you gon' pull that
Where the hood, where the hood, where the hood at?
Have that nigga in the cut, where the wood at?
Oh, them niggas actin up? Where the wolves at?
You better bust that if you gon' pull that
Yo, yo, yo yo, yo
Yo, yo, yo yo, yo
Once it's on, I come though, guns is drawn
(Blap blap) lungs is gone, sons will mourn
From dusk 'til dawn, nighttime belongs to the dog
On the street past midnight, look for 'em in the morgue
I don't play with these cats 'cause I ain't got nothin' to say to these cats
For the mothers that really do love 'em, please pray for these cats
'Cause I know they all hardheaded but I ain't got the patience
Don't want me havin' no patience turn into more patients
More trips to ICU 'cause I see you
Tryna get away with things a real wouldn't do
Where my dogs at? (Right here)
See them niggas? (Right where?)
Get 'em boy (Right there)
That's how we do (Alright then)
Yeah, this is for my dogs, this is for my dogs
Yo, where we at, baby? (Creepin' through the fog)
From then 'til now, don't ask me how
Know that we gon' roll like them cats and hit every block on the job
Where the hood, where the hood, where the hood at?
Have that nigga in the cut, where the wood at?
Oh, them niggas actin up? Where the wolves at?
You better bust that if you gon' pull that
Where the hood, where the hood, where the hood at?
Have that nigga in the cut, where the wood at?
Oh, them niggas actin up? Where the wolves at?
You better bust that if you gon' pull that (come on)
Where the hood at?
It's all good
It's all good, dog is the hood (I am the hood)
It's all good, dog is the hood (I am the streets)
It's all good, dog is the hood
It's all good, dog is the hood (take it how you want, mother)
It's all good, dog is the hood (I'm in the hood all day)
I think I'm like the only, dog
That can go to the projects he grew up in by his self and be good (School Street)
Yeah, ask on my project (Y.O.)
When the last time they seen dog (Y.O.)
Not too long ago, baby
D, Y, ugh
Kato (Where the hood at?)
The song "Where the Hood At" by DMX is a tribute to the streets and the tough men who grew up in them. The opening lines of the chorus invite people from different regions of the United States to represent their hoods. DMX looks for the true essence of the hood, rather than just a physical place. The hood, for him, is a place with a certain mentality and attitude that is present in the streets. He asserts that he is not glad when people get hurt, but he tries to protect himself against those who try to harm him or his own.
The lyrics in the verses depict DMX's readiness to defend himself at all times. He warns his enemies to stay away from him, saying that he has nothing to say to them. Furthermore, he prays for the mothers of those who cause chaos in the hood, as he himself knows the pain of motherhood. He is aware that those who act up may cause harm to themselves or others, and he tries to prevent that from happening. The song is a tribute to the tough and fearless men and women of the hood who face life's biggest obstacles.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo yo, the dog is here
DMX has arrived
Where the East Coast at? (Come on)
Where the West Coast at? (Come on)
Where the Midwest at? (Come on)
Where the Dirty Dirty at? (Come on)
DMX is asking where all the different regions of the United States are located
Where the hood, where the hood, where the hood at?
Have that nigga in the cut, where the wood at?
Oh, them niggas actin up? Where the wolves at?
You better bust that if you gon' pull that
DMX is asking where the dangerous parts of town are and warning those who would start trouble there to be prepared to face violence
Is you crazy?
DMX is rhetorically asking if someone is crazy for starting trouble in the hood
Once it's on, I come though, guns is drawn
(Blap blap) lungs is gone, sons will mourn
From dusk 'til dawn, nighttime belongs to the dog
On the street past midnight, look for 'em in the morgue
DMX is warning those who would start trouble that he will come armed and ready to kill, and that they will end up dead
I don't play with these cats 'cause I ain't got nothin' to say to these cats
For the mothers that really do love 'em, please pray for these cats
'Cause I know they all hardheaded but I ain't got the patience
Don't want me havin' no patience turn into more patients
More trips to ICU 'cause I see you
Tryna get away with things a real wouldn't do
DMX is saying that he doesn't bother talking to troublemakers because they won't listen, and he warns their mothers to pray for them because he won't show mercy if they start trouble with him
Where my dogs at? (Right here)
See them niggas? (Right where?)
Get 'em boy (Right there)
That's how we do (Alright then)
DMX is calling his crew to action and telling them to attack the troublemakers
Yeah, this is for my dogs, this is for my dogs
Yo, where we at, baby? (Creepin' through the fog)
From then 'til now, don't ask me how
Know that we gon' roll like them cats and hit every block on the job
DMX is dedicating the song to his crew and saying they will roll through every block in the hood to punish troublemakers
Where the hood at?
It's all good
It's all good, dog is the hood (I am the hood)
It's all good, dog is the hood (I am the streets)
It's all good, dog is the hood
It's all good, dog is the hood (take it how you want, mother)
It's all good, dog is the hood (I'm in the hood all day)
I think I'm like the only, dog
That can go to the projects he grew up in by his self and be good (School Street)
Yeah, ask on my project (Y.O.)
When the last time they seen dog (Y.O.)
Not too long ago, baby
D, Y, ugh
Kato (Where the hood at?)
DMX is declaring that he is the hood, and that he can go to any project alone and be safe because he is respected there
Lyrics © CAK MUSIC PUBLISHING, INC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Darrin Dean, Kasseem Dean, Antonio M Hardy, Earl Simmons
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind