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".
X-Is Coming
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
3, 4, you better lock your door
5, 6, get your crucifix
7, 8, don't stay up late
1, 2, X is comin' for you
3, 4, better lock your door
5, 6, get your crucifix
Who's afraid of the dark?
Responsible for the murders in the park
When I bark, they hear the boom, but you see the spark
And I see the part of your head which used to be your face
Leave you placed by nothin', for bluffin', what a waste
Niggas wanna see me taste my own medicine
Picture that, get on some old second grade shit, I'ma get you back
Retaliate, if it hates for you to think I took a loss
When all I did was shook it off
Yeah, you heard me, shook it off
Man, if we was up north, niggas would have been fucked
But then we in the streets, niggas should haven been stuck you
Plucked you like a chicken, wit' your head cutoff
They'll find you wit' your back open and your legs cutoff
And as for your man, don't you ever in your motherfuckin' life
Know when I gotta gun, come at me wit' a knife, aight?
And forgettin' you ever saw me is the best thing to do
Don't give a fuck about your family, they'll be resting with you
1, 2, X is comin' for you
3, 4, better lock your door
5, 6, get your crucifix
7, 8, don't stay up late
1, 2, X is comin' for you
3, 4, better lock your door
5, 6, get your crucifix
7, 8, don't stay up late
You got yourself in a predicament, that you can't get out of
You already in some shit, but it's about to get hotter
Fuckin' wit' a, nigga like you, runnin' your mouth
Will, have that same nigga like you, gun in your mouth
But won't be like the last time when you run in the house
'Cause I ain't knockin' on the door
I'm comin in the house and I'm gunnin' for your spouse
Tryin' to send the bitch back to her maker
And if you got a daughter older then 15, I'ma rape her
Take her on the living room floor, right there in front of you
Then ask you seriously, what you wanna do?
Frustratin', isn't it? When they kill me, but I'ma kill you
Now watch me fuck just a lil' while longer, please, will you?
This is revenge, no time before you die
And despite how much I hate to see a grown man cry
I'ma make you suffer, see your ass in Hell, motherfucker
Click, boom boom!
See your ass in Hell
1, 2, X is comin' for you
3, 4, better lock your door
5, 6, get your crucifix
7, 8, don't stay up late
1, 2, X is comin' for you
3, 4, better lock your door
5, 6, get your crucifix
7, 8, don't stay up late
When I speak you better listen
The harder it gets, the more follows
And I'm hittin' 'em wit' shit that they can't all swallow
I keep my slugs hollow, keep families with sorrow
Keep motherfuckers like you, not seein' tomorrow
I will borrow a gun, then run 'til I catch you
Let you slip up, just once, and I'ma wet you
Stretch you out like a limousine
'Cause where I catch you is where I catch you
That's what killin' means
Fuck whoever's standin' there when you get what you got comin'
'Cause once I hit you in your head, the witnesses start runnin'
Niggas started somethin', but they chose not to finish it
So I'ma wrap it up, for real, dog, 'cause I'ma win this shit
Fuck it yo, let's end this shit, I don't need the plaques
And I ain't a DJ, nigga, so I don't need the wax
Gimme slugs from my gats
Gimme hoods from my rats
Gimme wood from my bats
When they meet, where the fuck y'all at? Forreal
1, 2, X is comin' for you
3, 4, better lock your door
5, 6, get your crucifix
7, 8, don't stay up late
1, 2, X is comin' for you
3, 4, better lock your door
5, 6, get your crucifix
7, 8, don't stay up late
The lyrics to DMX's "X-Is Coming" are filled with dark imagery and violent threats. X is presenting himself as a force to be reckoned with, warning listeners to lock their doors and get their crucifixes because he is coming for them. He describes himself as responsible for murders in the park and promises to retaliate against anyone who tries to harm him. X warns his enemies that he is not afraid to use his guns and will not hesitate to kill them.
The second verse is particularly disturbing, as X threatens to rape the daughter of anyone who crosses him. He wants to make his enemies suffer and is willing to go to any lengths to get his revenge. X's lyrics are filled with rage and aggression, reflecting a deep well of pain and trauma. He has grown up in a violent world and is fighting to survive.
Overall, "X-Is Coming" is a raw and intense song that showcases DMX's unique style and powerful presence. It is not a song for the faint of heart, but it resonates with listeners who have also experienced violence and trauma in their lives.
Line by Line Meaning
1, 2, X is comin' for you
DMX is warning his enemies that he is coming to get them and is ready to fight.
3, 4, you better lock your door
DMX is advising his enemies to secure their homes and protect themselves from his wrath.
5, 6, get your crucifix
DMX suggests that his enemies may need religious protection from his attack or may want to pray for their safety.
7, 8, don't stay up late
DMX advises his enemies to not stay awake late at night worrying about him and his next move.
Who's afraid of the dark?
DMX is mocking his enemies for being afraid of him and what he might do in the dark.
Responsible for the murders in the park
DMX proclaims himself as the one responsible for the murders in the park, establishing his reputation as a brutal killer.
When I bark, they hear the boom, but you see the spark
DMX's enemies may hear his verbal insults or taunting, but what they will really feel is the violent impact of his actions.
And I see the part of your head which used to be your face
DMX describes the gory details of his violent behavior, indicating that he will not hesitate to leave his enemies severely injured or dead.
Leave you placed by nothin', for bluffin', what a waste
DMX warns that if his enemies try to bluff or threaten him, he will destroy them and leave them with nothing.
Niggas wanna see me taste my own medicine
DMX acknowledges that some people want to seek revenge on him, but he is not afraid and will not be defeated easily.
Picture that, get on some old second grade shit, I'ma get you back
DMX refuses to let his enemies get the best of him and is determined to seek revenge on them for their actions.
Retaliate, if it hates for you to think I took a loss
DMX is willing to retaliate against his enemies even if they think he has lost or been defeated in the past.
When all I did was shook it off
DMX is confident in his ability to brush off any attack or setback, and is not easily intimidated.
Man, if we was up north, niggas would have been fucked
DMX claims that if he and his enemies were in prison, he would have been able to defeat them more easily.
But then we in the streets, niggas should haven been stuck you
DMX acknowledges that the real challenge is facing his enemies in the streets where they can hide and escape from him.
Plucked you like a chicken, wit' your head cutoff
DMX is describing the graphic details of what he would do to his enemies, which is to kill them brutally.
They'll find you wit' your back open and your legs cutoff
DMX is further emphasizing the brutal and violent nature of his actions, which will leave his enemies severely injured or dead.
And as for your man, don't you ever in your motherfuckin' life
DMX warns his enemies not to mess with him or his friends, or they will face his wrath as well.
Know when I gotta gun, come at me wit' a knife, aight?
DMX asserts his dominance over his enemies and warns them not to try to attack him with inferior weapons.
And forgettin' you ever saw me is the best thing to do
DMX advises his enemies to pretend they never knew him and to avoid crossing his path again.
Don't give a fuck about your family, they'll be resting with you
DMX is so ruthless that he does not care if his enemies' family members are also hurt or killed in the process.
You got yourself in a predicament, that you can't get out of
DMX is suggesting that his enemies have made a mistake by crossing him, and are now trapped in the situation they created for themselves.
You already in some shit, but it's about to get hotter
DMX is warning his enemies that they are already in trouble, but they have not yet seen the full extent of his wrath.
Fuckin' wit' a, nigga like you, runnin' your mouth
DMX is saying that his enemies are foolish for messing with him, especially if they are only doing so to talk themselves up.
Will, have that same nigga like you, gun in your mouth
DMX is implying that his enemies will eventually face the same fate as him if they continue to push him too far.
But won't be like the last time when you run in the house
DMX suggests that his enemies may have tried to run away from him before, but this time he will not let them escape.
'Cause I ain't knockin' on the door
DMX is letting his enemies know that he will not approach them politely or wait for them to answer the door.
I'm comin in the house and I'm gunnin' for your spouse
DMX is suggesting that he will not hesitate to attack his enemies' loved ones if he cannot find them.
Tryin' to send the bitch back to her maker
DMX is saying that he will try to kill his enemies' spouse and send her back to heaven, where she came from.
And if you got a daughter older then 15, I'ma rape her
DMX is making a horrifying threat to rape his enemies' daughter if she is over a certain age.
Take her on the living room floor, right there in front of you
DMX is saying that he will sexually assault his enemies' daughter in the most traumatic way possible, in front of her family.
Then ask you seriously, what you wanna do?
DMX is mocking his enemies and their sense of powerlessness by asking them what they can possibly do to stop him.
Frustratin', isn't it? When they kill me, but I'ma kill you
DMX is saying that his enemies will not be able to defeat him, even if they kill him, because he will have already taken their lives by that point.
Now watch me fuck just a lil' while longer, please, will you?
DMX is taunting his enemies by saying that he will prolong their torture and suffering before finally killing them.
This is revenge, no time before you die
DMX's actions are driven by his desire for revenge and to punish his enemies before they die.
And despite how much I hate to see a grown man cry
DMX acknowledges that his actions will cause his enemies to suffer and cry, but he will not be deterred by this.
I'ma make you suffer, see your ass in Hell, motherfucker
DMX is promising to make his enemies suffer and see them in hell after he has killed them.
Click, boom boom!
DMX is mimicking the sound of gunshots, indicating that he is ready to carry out his violent acts.
When I speak you better listen
DMX is establishing his dominance and warning his enemies that they should pay attention to what he says.
The harder it gets, the more follows
DMX is saying that the more resistance he faces, the more followers he gains who are willing to support him.
And I'm hittin' 'em wit' shit that they can't all swallow
DMX is saying that his enemies cannot handle the level of violence or brutality he is capable of imposing on them.
I keep my slugs hollow, keep families with sorrow
DMX is saying that he uses hollow point bullets that cause maximum damage, often leaving families grieving for the loss of their loved ones.
Keep motherfuckers like you, not seein' tomorrow
DMX is saying that his brutality will leave his enemies dead or dying, with no hope of seeing another day.
I will borrow a gun, then run 'til I catch you
DMX is suggesting that he will do whatever it takes to get a gun, then chase down his enemies until he can find and kill them.
Let you slip up, just once, and I'ma wet you
DMX is warning his enemies that if they make one mistake, he will quickly kill them without hesitation.
Stretch you out like a limousine
DMX is mimicking the act of stretching out a corpse, indicating that he will leave his enemies dead on the ground.
'Cause where I catch you is where I catch you
DMX is emphasizing that he will find and kill his enemies wherever he can, regardless of where they try to hide.
That's what killin' means
DMX is saying that killing his enemies is not just a threat or an idle boast - it is something he is capable of and willing to do.
Fuck whoever's standin' there when you get what you got comin'
DMX does not care if other people are hurt or killed during his attacks on his enemies.
'Cause once I hit you in your head, the witnesses start runnin'
DMX's violence is so brutal that even bystanders will try to escape as soon as they see him attacking his enemies.
Niggas started somethin', but they chose not to finish it
DMX is suggesting that his enemies may have started this conflict, but they will not be able to defeat him or finish what they started.
So I'ma wrap it up, for real, dog, 'cause I'ma win this shit
DMX is confident in his ability to win this conflict and overcome his enemies.
Fuck it yo, let's end this shit, I don't need the plaques
DMX is saying that he does not care about fame or recognition - he just wants to finish his conflict with his enemies.
And I ain't a DJ, nigga, so I don't need the wax
DMX is saying that he is not interested in being a DJ or making music - he is too focused on his violent behavior.
Gimme slugs from my gats
DMX is asking for ammunition for his guns to use in his violent attacks.
Gimme hoods from my rats
DMX is asking for associates or followers who will help him carry out his violent plans.
Gimme wood from my bats
DMX is asking for baseball bats to use as weapons in his violent attacks.
When they meet, where the fuck y'all at? Forreal
DMX is asking his enemies where they will be when he comes to attack them, and is mocking their cowardice and fear.
Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANTHONY FIELDS, EARL SIMMONS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind