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".
rollin
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Play that fuckin' track
Oh, there it is
Limp Bizkit, DMX (what?)
Redman (that's right, y'all) Method Man
We just keep on rollin, baby
Are you ready? Are you ready? Are you ready?
Back up, back up, tell me what ya gonna do now
Breathe in, now breathe out, hands up, now hands down
Back up, back up, tell me what ya gonna do now (c'mon)
Keep rollin', rollin', rollin', rollin' (uh)
Keep rollin', rollin', rollin', rollin' (what?)
Keep rollin', rollin', rollin', rollin' (uh)
Keep rollin', rollin', rollin', rollin'
Now I know y'all be lovin this shit right here
L-I-M-P Bizkit is right here
People in the house, put them hands in the air
'Cause if you don't care, then we don't care
See, I ain't givin' a fuck, quit pressin' your luck
Untouchable, branded unfuckable
So keep me in this cage, until you run that mouth
Then I'mma have the plague, and break the fuck out
And then we'll see who's left, after one round with X
And what am I bringin' next? Just know it's Red and Meth
So where the fuck you at punk? Shut the fuck up
And back the fuck up, while we fuck this track up
Are you ready? Are you ready? Are you ready?
Now move in, now move out, hands up, now hands down
Back up, back up, tell me what ya gonna do now
Breathe in, now breathe out, hands up, now hands down
Back up, back up, tell me what ya gonna do now (c'mon)
Keep rollin', rollin', rollin', rollin' (uh)
Keep rollin', rollin', rollin', rollin' (what?)
Keep rollin', rollin', rollin', rollin' (uh)
Keep rollin', rollin', rollin', rollin'
(Oh what, y'all thought y'all wasn't gon' see me?)
Check my dangerous slang atrocious
When I let these nuts hang, focus, it's Wu-Tang
What the fuck's a Hootie and the Blowfish?
I wave my black flag at the roaches
Who approaches, these twin, Supersoakers
Who have poisonous darts for culprits
Too late to get your blow gun un-holstered
You're left buttered up and lightly toasted
So what, I drink and smoke too much
So what I cuss too much, shut the fuck up
Now when we roll, you motherfuckers tuck in your gold
'Cause for the platinum, I'm jackin' niggas up in limos
It ain't nothin', for bullets to unbutton your clothes
Description, yellow male, tissue up in his nose
You bitches, swing the vine on the baboon nuts
I'm hairy as hell, outta hell and tattooed up
I'm a dog, only fuck in the bathroom, what?
In high school, I dealt only with the classroom sluts
My name is Johnny, Donnie Brasco
Tuck the gat low, cut your cash flow
Yell if you want money, funny
A hungry dummy snatch crumbs from me
Docs and Hot Nix, bodies in the mosh pit
And I'm the D.O., you lookin' at the raw invented
On Friday, I spit 35 to 40 minutes
Smell up the bathroom like Craig Paul was in it
Endin' up on your back, Wu swords up in it
Anyone can match me, I crack 'em all a Guinness
Fuck how many thugs players and ballers in it
Brick city, Shaolin, better call us sinners
Boys that'll run up in your wife, maul and spill it
Aah c'mon
Now move in, now move out, hands up, now hands down
Back up, back up, tell me what ya gonna do now
Breathe in, now breathe out, hands up, now hands down
Back up, back up, tell me what ya gonna do now (c'mon)
Keep rollin', rollin', rollin', rollin' (uh)
Keep rollin', rollin', rollin', rollin' (what?)
Keep rollin', rollin', rollin', rollin' (uh)
Keep rollin', rollin', rollin', rollin'
It just don't get no darker than that kid with the parka (uh)
Bald head with the boots who shoots to make it spark (what?)
Now I'm a fair nigga, but ain't nan nigga (uh)
Quicker than the hair-trigga, so if you dare nigga (uh c'mon)
It'll be like your man tryin' to hold yo' brain to yo' head
But you'll be shittin' on yourself, 'cause you already dead
And at the funeral you won't need a casket (uh)
Leavin' just enough of him to stuff in a basket (uh Uh)
A tisket a tasket, I really need my ass kicked (what? What?)
My moms never let me forget, that I'm a bastard (what?)
I ain't never been shit, and ain't gon' be shit (uh uh)
That's why I take shit, whenever I see shit (uh uh)
It's just that D shit, D's short for "Do what I wanna do" (yeah)
And that's what I'm gonna do, right here in front of you (yeah yeah)
And I'll be runnin' you and your man straight up out (uh)
While y'all niggas ain't runnin' a fuckin' thing but yo' mouth (woo)
Now move in, now move out, hands up, now hands down
Back up, back up, tell me what ya gonna do now
Breathe in, now breathe out, hands up, now hands down
Back up, back up, tell me what ya gonna do now (c'mon)
Keep rollin', rollin', rollin', rollin' (uh)
Keep rollin', rollin', rollin', rollin' (what?)
Keep rollin', rollin', rollin', rollin' (uh)
Keep rollin', rollin', rollin', rollin'
You wanna mess with Limp Bizkit? (Yeah)
You can't mess with Limp Bizkit (why?)
Because we get it on (when?), Every day and every night (oh)
See this platinum thing right here? (Uh-huh?) well, we doin' it all the time (what?)
So you better get some better beats and uh, get some better rhymes (duh)
You really, really, really wanna get shit started?
Well people everywhere, just get retarded
Get retarded, get retarded
People everywhere, just get retarded
Now move in, now move out, hands up, now hands down
Back up, back up, tell me what ya gonna do now
Breathe in, now breathe out, hands up, now hands down
Back up, back up, tell me what ya gonna do now (c'mon)
Keep rollin', rollin', rollin', rollin' (uh)
Keep rollin', rollin', rollin', rollin' (what?)
Keep rollin', rollin', rollin', rollin' (uh)
Keep rollin', rollin', rollin', rollin'
That's right, baby
Watch out, punk
Limp Bizkit, DMX, Method Man, Redman and Swizz Beatz
Where the fuck you at?
Bump that shit
Bump that shit
Bump that shit
Ruff Ryders Punk
The lyrics of "Rollin'" by DMX, Limp Bizkit, Redman, and Method Man start with an upbeat introduction to the song, with the artists hyping up the track to get the listener ready. The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "keep rollin'," and encourages listeners to move, breathe and put their hands up.
The lyrics of the verse continue the theme of encouragement and hype, with each artist taking turns to rap about their skills, aggression, and dominance. Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst boasts about the band's fame, DMX talks about how untouchable he is, and Method Man and Redman promise to bring the heat with their rhymes.
The lyrics then turn more aggressive and confrontational in the second verse, with DMX rapping about his desire to fight those who talk too much, and Method Man and Redman continuing to boast about their skills and dominance. The song ends with a final chorus repeats the main phrase and encourages the listener to bump the track.
Line by Line Meaning
Play the fuckin' track
Start the music
Play that fuckin' track
Play the music loudly and aggressively
Oh, there it is
Expressing excitement upon hearing the music start
Limp Bizkit, DMX (what?) Redman (that's right, y'all) Method Man
Listing the artists involved in the song
We just keep on rollin, baby
Continuing to make music and stay active
Are you ready? Are you ready? Are you ready?
Asking the audience if they are prepared for what comes next
Now move in, now move out, hands up, now hands down
Instructing the audience to dance and participate in the music
Back up, back up, tell me what ya gonna do now
Challenging the audience to respond and showcase their energy
Breathe in, now breathe out, hands up, now hands down
Instructing the audience to breathe and continue the dance movements
Keep rollin', rollin', rollin', rollin' (uh)
Encouraging everyone to keep moving and enjoying the music
Now I know y'all be lovin this shit right here
Acknowledging that the audience enjoys the music
L-I-M-P Bizkit is right here
Asserting the presence of Limp Bizkit in the music scene
People in the house, put them hands in the air
Encouraging the audience to show their excitement and participation
'Cause if you don't care, then we don't care
Stating that their performance is dependent on the audience's engagement
See, I ain't givin' a fuck, quit pressin' your luck
Declaring a lack of concern while warning others not to antagonize
Untouchable, branded unfuckable
Asserting a sense of invincibility and self-assurance
So keep me in this cage, until you run that mouth
Suggesting that others try to restrain their comments and criticism
Then I'mma have the plague, and break the fuck out
Warning that their response will be strong and impactful
And then we'll see who's left, after one round with X
Implying that DMX is confident in his abilities and expects others to be defeated
And what am I bringin' next? Just know it's Red and Meth
Hinting at the appearance of Redman and Method Man in the music
So where the fuck you at punk? Shut the fuck up
Challenging someone and demanding their silence
And back the fuck up, while we fuck this track up
Asserting dominance and implying that they will excel in their performance
(Oh what, y'all thought y'all wasn't gon' see me?)
Expressing surprise at people underestimating their presence
Check my dangerous slang atrocious
Boasting about their impactful and potent lyrical expressions
When I let these nuts hang, focus, it's Wu-Tang
When they assert themselves, they demand attention and invoke Wu-Tang's influence
What the fuck's a Hootie and the Blowfish?
Disregarding or belittling other musical acts
I wave my black flag at the roaches
Showing defiance and opposition to those who are insignificant or annoying
Who approaches, these twin, Supersoakers
Presenting themselves as a formidable force, ready to strike
Who have poisonous darts for culprits
Indicating that their words have the power to harm and expose wrongdoers
Too late to get your blow gun un-holstered
Implying that their opponents are ill-prepared and cannot defend themselves
You're left buttered up and lightly toasted
Describing the defeat and humiliation of their adversaries
So what, I drink and smoke too much
Acknowledging their vices and not caring about the judgment of others
So what I cuss too much, shut the fuck up
Asserting that their language and behavior is their own business, not to be criticized
Now when we roll, you motherfuckers tuck in your gold
When they arrive or take action, others become submissive and protective of their possessions
'Cause for the platinum, I'm jackin' niggas up in limos
Expressing a willingness to engage in aggressive behavior to achieve success
It ain't nothin', for bullets to unbutton your clothes
Suggesting that they have the power to harm others physically
Description, yellow male, tissue up in his nose
Describing a wounded or defeated opponent
You bitches, swing the vine on the baboon nuts
Pejoratively referring to others as weak or unimportant
I'm hairy as hell, outta hell and tattooed up
Describing their appearance and demeanor, defiant and intimidating
I'm a dog, only fuck in the bathroom, what?
Asserting their promiscuous nature and disregard for social norms
In high school, I dealt only with the classroom sluts
Revealing their past behavior and associations with a certain group of people
My name is Johnny, Donnie Brasco
Introducing a fictional personality or identity
Tuck the gat low, cut your cash flow
Suggesting their readiness to use firearms and disrupt someone's financial stability
Yell if you want money, funny
Mocking those who only assert themselves for financial gain
A hungry dummy snatch crumbs from me
Expressing that they have power and resources, while others are in need
Docs and Hot Nix, bodies in the mosh pit
Referring to violence or chaos in a concert setting, emphasizing their impact
And I'm the D.O., you lookin' at the raw invented
Boasting about their creativity and ability to innovate
On Friday, I spit 35 to 40 minutes
Sharing information about their performances and the duration
Smell up the bathroom like Craig Paul was in it
Describing their vulgar language or behavior and the impact it has
Endin' up on your back, Wu swords up in it
Implying sexual prowess, possibly with a reference to Wu-Tang Clan
Anyone can match me, I crack 'em all a Guinness
Challenging others to match their skill or ability and asserting superiority
Fuck how many thugs players and ballers in it
Dismissing the presence or importance of others in the music industry
Brick city, Shaolin, better call us sinners
Referring to Newark and Staten Island, suggesting their association with crime and rebellion
Boys that'll run up in your wife, maul and spill it
Asserting dominance and suggesting the potential consequences of crossing them
It just don't get no darker than that kid with the parka (uh)
Describing oneself as dark and mysterious, wearing a parka
Bald head with the boots who shoots to make it spark (what?)
Presenting oneself as a tough and dangerous individual
Now I'm a fair nigga, but ain't nan nigga (uh)
Claiming to be fair in their dealings, but acknowledging that they don't tolerate disrespect
Quicker than the hair-trigga, so if you dare nigga (uh c'mon)
Being quick to react and retaliate if someone dares to challenge or provoke them
It'll be like your man tryin' to hold yo' brain to yo' head
Comparing a futile attempt to control someone to a futile attempt to hold one's own brain
But you'll be shittin' on yourself, 'cause you already dead
Predicting the defeat and humiliation of an opponent
And at the funeral you won't need a casket
Saying that the opponent would be so thoroughly defeated that a casket would be unnecessary
Leavin' just enough of him to stuff in a basket (uh Uh)
Implying that the opponent will be decimated to the point of being unrecognizable
A tisket a tasket, I really need my ass kicked (what? What?)
Using a nursery rhyme-like phrase to express a desire for confrontation
My moms never let me forget, that I'm a bastard (what?)
Revealing a personal detail about their familial situation
I ain't never been shit, and ain't gon' be shit (uh uh)
Expressing a lack of self-worth and rejecting the idea of future success
That's why I take shit, whenever I see shit (uh uh)
Explaining their confrontational attitude towards others
It's just that D shit, D's short for 'Do what I wanna do' (yeah)
Describing their rebellious nature and independence
And that's what I'm gonna do, right here in front of you (yeah yeah)
Asserting their freedom to act as they please
And I'll be runnin' you and your man straight up out (uh)
Asserting that they have the ability to intimidate and overpower others
While y'all niggas ain't runnin' a fuckin' thing but yo' mouth (woo)
Criticizing others for talking without taking action
You wanna mess with Limp Bizkit? (Yeah)
Challenging others to confront or compete with Limp Bizkit
You can't mess with Limp Bizkit (why?)
Asserting that others can't handle or compete with Limp Bizkit
Because we get it on (when?), Every day and every night (oh)
Stating that they are always active and ready to perform or compete
See this platinum thing right here? (Uh-huh?) well, we doin' it all the time (what?)
Showing off their success in the music industry and their consistent productivity
So you better get some better beats and uh, get some better rhymes (duh)
Challenging others to improve their music production and lyrical skills
You really, really, really wanna get shit started?
Asking if others truly desire conflict or challenge
Well people everywhere, just get retarded
Encouraging the audience to let go of inhibitions and go wild
Get retarded, get retarded
Repeating the command to let loose and be uninhibited
That's right, baby
Expressing confidence and satisfaction with their performance
Watch out, punk
Issuing a warning to someone who may be viewed as weak or foolish
Where the fuck you at?
Challenging someone to reveal their location or stand up to them
Bump that shit
Encouraging others to play the music loudly and intensely
Ruff Ryders Punk
Asserting their affiliation with the Ruff Ryders collective and expressing dominance over others
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, O/B/O DistroKid, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Kasseem Dean, Earl Simmons, Fred Durst, Reggie Noble, Clifford Smith
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@cbchansey6866
Big
Nas
Jay
Doom
Andre
Monch
G Rap
Mos Def
Scarface
GFK
Common
Red
Wayne
Kendrick
Push
Freddie Gibbs
Rakim
Kane
Prodigy
GZA
Cube
Pac
Kanye
Em
DMX
Chuck D
Q Tip
Danny Brown
Black Thought
Ka
Vince Staples
Pun
All unquestionably better imo
@DrBeauHightower
DMX went so hard on this one 😢
@yeloice1601
How did I manage your find your comment here of all times and only 4 weeks ago too
@landenx
Beau I swear I see you in the most cultured and cool corners of YouTube 😎
@jotanplay3644
Love DMX ❤😢💙
@ryangoslingnavpiske
damn, dmx on this song is nasty shit
@dannymac777
My Homie.... DR. BONE-CRACKA! Love your channel, man!
@TrapMusicNow
I always had this shit on repeat in the little ass CD player.
@matthewsherman3448
👍
@joshs8089
I used to rock this on a JVC that skipped on every track 'cept this one haha
@TrapMusicNow
Had that same one haha.