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. SisqΓ³ 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".
Who's Next
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ain't no talkin' 'cause there ain't much that the dead can say
Long as I'm walkin' I be strappin' my dogs (Uh!) (Whoooo-hooo!)
Rackin' the hogs, Desert Eagle packin' the morgues (What?)
Metal slabs with yellow tags on toes
It's what happens to those that (Uh!), chose to be foes and (uh-huh!)
Bet his man knows, but yo, we only get stronger (Uh!)
Get the mayor on the horn! (Clue!)
(What!) It's time for shit to go down (Uh!)
Strapped for the show down (Uh!)
Wet up yo crib, kick the door down
Know you schemin' so I gots to get you first
Put you right up in a brand new hearse, could be worse (Whoo!)
Shoulda seen what I gave this nigga
Two vests couldn't save this nigga (Uh!)
The way I laid this nigga
Played this nigga
But that's what I'm good at (uh-huh!)
Layin' niggaz out in fightin' pits and fuckin' hoodrats (Ha ha!)
Where's my fuckin' hood at? (Whoo!)
Cripple niggas like switches (Uh!)
Rip on niggas like bitches (Uh!)
Then pour niggas in ditches (Uh!)
They ain't found half the bodies that a nigga caught
Or should I say a nigga bought
Cause ain't nothing like getting' paid for, a nigga sport (Aight!)
Triple what a nigga thought
But that's just how shit be
I know that one day they gon' try that shit wit me
But just as long as I'm on top of shit
You ain't stoppin' shit, and ain't a motherfucker droppin' shit
If it ain't ruff it ain't me (Uhh, c'mon!)
If it ain't ruff it ain't D (Uh!)
M to the X
Most y'all niggas is strait sex (What?) (shots)
Next?!
If it ain't ruff it ain't me (Uhh, c'mon!)
If it ain't ruff it ain't D (Uh!)
M to the X
Most y'all niggas is strait sex (What?) (shots)
Next?!
Plenty of niggaz know, dirty is how I do 'em
Put buck shots, from a thirty right through 'em
'Cause ain't none of y'all muh'fuckers built for war
And I lay down the law (Clueminati!), when I spray down the door
Fuck around on my name will be 95-B-64-11
(What?) On a three-and-a-half to seven (C'mon!)
When even up north I put niggas to waste
So you wanna stop the violence, get the f**k out my face
Parole before peeps hit the board off
Bitches is fuckin' but I sleep with the sawed off
I got shit to do, rules to break, crews to break
Before the news to break, I got dudes to take
I don't joke 'cause Jokers is cards
And cards are what I pull
Infra red with the clip full
No leash on the pitbull (Ha ha!)
That shit is hot like the wax off a candle stick (C'mon!)
But how I handle shit
Is to dismantle shit (C'mon!)
De-de-de-de-de
Like Popeye when it's Spinach time (Clue!)
Runnin' through two niggaz like the tape at the finish line
What's your crew, gonna do when I put the pressure on
And it hurts, wannabe gangstaz in skirts (Aight!)
And the bitches comin' all out them niggaz
One false move and their moms'll read about them niggas
And they wives'll be without them niggas
Matter of fact, I'm tired of talkin money, throw your joints up, scrap, bitch (Ha ha!)
If it ain't ruff it ain't me (Uhh, c'mon!)
If it ain't ruff it ain't D (Uh!)
M to the X
Most y'all niggas is strait sex (What?) (shots)
Next?!
If it ain't ruff it ain't me (Uhh, c'mon!)
If it ain't ruff it ain't D (Uh!)
M to the X
Most y'all niggas is strait sex (What?) (shots)
Next?!
Niggaz won't creep in the streets with me
(Desert Storm!)
Cause you know what f**kin with these streets would be
The Professional Part 2!
Muthaf**ker! (Ha ha!)
Uhh, huh-uh (My nigga Ray! DMX! My nigga D-Wha!)
Pa-pa-pa-pa nigga!
(Yo Ruff Ryders! Word up!)
In DMX's song "Who's Next," the lyrics describe the violent and brutal world that the rapper lives in. He portrays himself as a dangerous and skilled killer who walks around armed and ready to take down his enemies. One line compares his opponents to negligees, stating how easily he can see through them. DMX's unrelenting attitude is on display throughout the song, as he boasts about his abilities to take out anyone who crosses him. The lyrics also touch on the idea that the rapper knows he will eventually face his own demise, but he is confident that he will remain on top until that happens.
Throughout the song, DMX references weapons such as the Desert Eagle and a sawed-off shotgun, highlighting his readiness for any situation. He talks about leaving his opponents' bodies in ditches and not even bothering to hide them. The chorus, "If it ain't ruff it ain't me," emphasizes his commitment to a life of violence and aggression. The lyrics speak to DMX's street upbringing and the harsh realities of his environment. The song shows how he has been shaped by his surroundings and is unapologetically himself.
Line by Line Meaning
When I creep through niggaz is see through, just like negligee (Uh!)
When I sneak up on people, they become transparent and easily seen, just like a see-through negligee.
Ain't no talkin' 'cause there ain't much that the dead can say
There's no need for conversation because the dead have nothing meaningful to contribute.
Long as I'm walkin' I be strappin' my dogs (Uh!) (Whoooo-hooo!)
As long as I'm walking, I'll be carrying my loyal and protective companions (guns) with me.
Rackin' the hogs, Desert Eagle packin' the morgues (What?)
I'm amassing a significant number of casualties, using my powerful Desert Eagle handgun, and filling up the morgues.
Metal slabs with yellow tags on toes
The dead bodies are being identified with metal slabs and yellow tags attached to their toes.
It's what happens to those that (Uh!), chose to be foes and (uh-huh!)
This fate is what befalls those who choose to be my enemies.
Bet his man knows, but yo, we only get stronger (Uh!)
His associates might be aware, but it only makes me and my crew stronger and more resilient.
And the amount of time we're facin' is only gettin' longer
The length of the time we face in prison or consequences is increasing steadily.
Get the mayor on the horn! (Clue!)
We need to contact the mayor urgently!
(What!) It's time for shit to go down (Uh!)
It's time for intense, drastic actions to take place.
Strapped for the show down (Uh!)
Ready and armed for a confrontational showdown.
Wet up yo crib, kick the door down
Spray bullets at your home and forcefully kick the door down.
Know you schemin' so I gots to get you first
I'm aware that you're plotting against me, so I have to neutralize you before you can act.
Put you right up in a brand new hearse, could be worse (Whoo!)
I'll put you in a new hearse and that's a relatively mild outcome considering what could have been.
Shoulda seen what I gave this nigga
You should witness the punishment I inflicted upon this person.
Two vests couldn't save this nigga (Uh!)
Even wearing two bulletproof vests couldn't protect him from the harm I caused.
The way I laid this nigga
I completely defeated and dominated this person.
Played this nigga
I manipulated and outsmarted this person.
But that's what I'm good at (uh-huh!)
I excel at these abilities and tactics.
Layin' niggaz out in fightin' pits and fuckin' hoodrats (Ha ha!)
I take pleasure in defeating opponents in physical combat and engaging in casual sexual encounters.
Where's my fuckin' hood at? (Whoo!)
I'm expressing pride and loyalty to my neighborhood.
Cripple niggas like switches (Uh!)
I disable and incapacitate individuals easily and effortlessly.
Rip on niggas like bitches (Uh!)
I verbally insult and mock men, treating them disrespectfully.
Then pour niggas in ditches (Uh!)
I dispose of dead bodies by burying them in holes in the ground.
They ain't found half the bodies that a nigga caught
Authorities have only discovered a fraction of the corpses I've caused.
Or should I say a nigga bought
I should clarify that I paid for some of these killings.
Cause ain't nothing like getting' paid for, a nigga sport (Aight!)
There's nothing quite like receiving financial compensation for engaging in violent activities.
Triple what a nigga thought
The amount of money earned exceeds what one would typically expect.
But that's just how shit be
That's simply the way things are in my world.
I know that one day they gon' try that shit wit me
I'm aware that one day someone will attempt to challenge me in a similar manner.
But just as long as I'm on top of shit
As long as I remain in control and in a superior position,
You ain't stoppin' shit, and ain't a motherfucker droppin' shit
You won't be able to hinder my progress, and no one will be able to kill me.
If it ain't ruff it ain't me (Uhh, c'mon!)
If the situation isn't difficult and intense, then it's not something I'm involved in.
M to the X
Referring to his stage name, DMX.
Most y'all niggas is strait sex (What?) (shots)
The majority of individuals aren't threatening or worthy opponents, just easy targets.
Next?!
Who's next? Who's the next person I will confront or dominate?
Plenty of niggaz know, dirty is how I do 'em
Many people are aware that I engage in unethical and ruthless behavior to defeat my enemies.
Put buck shots, from a thirty right through 'em
I fire multiple rounds from a .30 caliber firearm straight through their bodies.
'Cause ain't none of y'all muh'fuckers built for war
None of you are prepared or equipped to handle the intensity and violence of war.
And I lay down the law (Clueminati!), when I spray down the door
I establish my authority and assert my dominance by forcibly entering and attacking.
Fuck around on my name will be 95-B-64-11
If you mess with me, I will be known by my prison identification number.
(What?) On a three-and-a-half to seven (C'mon!)
I will receive a prison sentence ranging from three-and-a-half to seven years.
When even up north I put niggas to waste
Even in prison, I'm capable of killing and disposing of enemies.
So you wanna stop the violence, get the f**k out my face
If you're trying to end the violence, stay away from me and leave me alone.
Parole before peeps hit the board off
I'll be released on parole before people finish serving their prison sentences.
Bitches is fuckin' but I sleep with the sawed off
Despite engaging in sexual relations, I'm always armed with my sawed-off shotgun for protection.
I got shit to do, rules to break, crews to break
I have important tasks to accomplish, including breaking rules and dismantling other groups.
Before the news to break, I got dudes to take
Before the news spreads about my actions, I need to eliminate certain individuals.
I don't joke 'cause Jokers is cards
I don't engage in lighthearted humor because jokers are only playing cards.
And cards are what I pull
Instead, I manipulate situations and people to my advantage, like drawing specific cards from a deck.
Infra red with the clip full
I have a firearm equipped with an infrared sight and a fully loaded magazine.
No leash on the pitbull (Ha ha!)
I don't have any restrictions or controls over my dangerous and aggressive nature.
That shit is hot like the wax off a candle stick (C'mon!)
The situation is intense and dangerous, just like the heat from melting wax on a candlestick.
But how I handle shit
But I know how to deal with and confront these intense situations.
Is to dismantle shit (C'mon!)
I dismantle and destroy everything in my path.
Like Popeye when it's Spinach time (Clue!)
I become incredibly powerful and unstoppable, just like Popeye after consuming spinach, during crucial moments.
Runnin' through two niggaz like the tape at the finish line
I effortlessly defeat and overcome two opponents, just like crossing the finish line during a race.
What's your crew, gonna do when I put the pressure on
How will your group respond when I apply intense pressure and force upon you?
And it hurts, wannabe gangstaz in skirts (Aight!)
They will suffer the consequences and experience pain, as these individuals attempting to portray themselves as tough gangsters are actually weak and cowardly.
And the bitches comin' all out them niggaz
The women associated with those individuals will abandon and distance themselves from them.
One false move and their moms'll read about them niggas
A single mistake or wrong step will result in their mothers reading about their deaths in the news.
And they wives'll be without them niggas
Their wives will be left without their partners.
Matter of fact, I'm tired of talkin money, throw your joints up, scrap, bitch (Ha ha!)
Actually, I'm done discussing money and material possessions. Instead, let's raise our hands in celebration and display our unity, my friend.
Niggaz won't creep in the streets with me
Others are hesitant to engage in secretive and covert activities alongside me in the streets.
(Desert Storm!)
Referring to a military operation or a powerful force approaching.
Cause you know what f**kin with these streets would be
Because they understand the severe consequences and dangers of interfering with activities within these streets.
The Professional Part 2!
Referring to the second installment of his album titled 'The Professional,' indicating his expertise and excellence in his field.
Muthaf**ker! (Ha ha!)
An exclamation of defiance and confidence.
Uhh, huh-uh (My nigga Ray! DMX! My nigga D-Wha!)
Additional expressions and shoutouts to his colleagues or associates.
Pa-pa-pa-pa nigga!
An exclamation emphasizing his dominance and power over his enemies.
(Yo Ruff Ryders! Word up!)
Acknowledgement and greeting to the Ruff Ryders crew, showing loyalty and unity.
Contributed by Kaitlyn K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Intrakit Productions
One of my favorite DMX verses... R.I.P X ππππβ€β€β€
edwin matlhadisa
2019 ...you can call me outdated and backwards. But nonetheless this banger still feeds my needs real well. I aint doin no bubblegum
New Edge Designs
Run it back
Rock the Artist
Idc I am old school f... this wack new school mumble crap
Oglor Haller
Yep
SPITRUMENTALZ SPITTZ
Glad i remembered this shit
Johnny Cee
I'm wit you all the way bro πͺπͺπͺπ₯π₯π₯
Willie Beaman
RIP to the Legend DMX! Prayers to all of his family and friends everywhere. ππΌππΌ
SPAZDAANGRYMF35
R.I.P DMX SMH THIS WAS MY 9TH GRADE ANTHEMππ₯π₯π₯π―π―π―
QUJO74
X was a lyrical beast
Rest easy Dark Man X