Earl Simmons (December 18, 1970 - April 9, 2021), better known by his stage… Read Full Bio ↴Earl Simmons (December 18, 1970 - April 9, 2021), better known by his stage name DMX (Dark Man X), was an American rapper from Yonkers, New York and actor signed to Ruff Ryders Entertainment. In 1998 he released his debut solo album, It's Dark and Hell Is Hot, and has since released 1998's Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood, 1999's ...And Then There Was X, 2001's The Great Depression, 2003's Grand Champ and 2006's Year of the Dog...Again.

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".

stop being greedy woodstock`99
DMX Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Y'all been eatin' long enough now stop being greedy
Just keep it real partner, give to the needy
Ribs is touchin', so don't make me wait
Fuck around and I'm gon' bite you and snatch the plate

I could flip that flow, I could stick that ho
I could get that dough, you know I'm with that yo
And the thing about the shit I came through, I haven't seen

But when it gets dark, it's like a nigga's having dreams
All nightmares, the light dares to desert me
Got me like everybody wants to hurt me
Paranoid, so I strike out at whatever
The closest thing to me is gonna get it, but, never
Will I, can I think death is wrong
So I'ma keep holding, on 'til, what's left is gone
You could put that on my nigga Boom
These other rap cats will give a nigga room
But if it calls for me to force my way in the door
Headhunting motherfuckas, stay on the floor
4-4, that's what I get sick wit (Grr)
Fall off, now all this is liquid (Grr)

Y'all been eatin' long enough now stop being greedy
Just keep it real partner, give to the needy
Ribs is touchin', so don't make me wait
Fuck around and I'm gon' bite you and snatch the plate

Y'all been eatin' long enough now stop being greedy
Just keep it real partner, give to the needy
Ribs is touchin', so don't make me wait
Fuck around and I'm gon' bite you and snatch the plate

I thank the Lord everyday that I'm blessed with the gift
I'm the best, so, unless you wanna rest with the stiff
Don't touch that, uh-uh, leave it alone
When you walk pass the doghouse, leave it a bone
Dogs bite, dogs fight, dogs knife
Scratch, shake, and hold all night
So when you hear the arf arf, start running
'Cause when you hear the arf arf, I'm coming
But I don't like drama, so I stay to myself
Keep focus with this rap shit and pray for the wealth
I want the money and give me the honeys with big asses
The most expensive champagne you got in big glasses
I'm broke so I'ma bash his head wide open
Begging me to stop but at least he died hopin'
Didn't get his wish, and now he's a dish for the pack
Two glowing red eyes, everything else is black

Y'all been eatin' long enough now stop being greedy
Just keep it real partner, give to the needy
Ribs is touchin', so don't make me wait
Fuck around and I'm gon' bite you and snatch the plate

Y'all been eatin' long enough now stop being greedy
Just keep it real partner, give to the needy
Ribs is touchin', so don't make me wait
Fuck around and I'm gon' bite you and snatch the plate

When the sun is up, the gun is up on the shelf
And all the runners up are thanking me for their help
Hoping that they not around when it gets dark outside
Sun's going down you hear the bark outside
Locks off the cage, gauge, with the buck shots
Faggot, you've been lucky all day that's when your luck stops
One drops, and another and another
Gun pops, going through you, hit your mother
When does it all end? I found a friend in a dog
'Cause fucking with these cats will send a friend to the morgue
Many questions, no answers, stress
Try to hold my head and remember that I'm blessed
With the curse and it gets worse as time goes by
Can't see straight cause I'm so high
Why ask why when you know?
Nigga, when its your time to go, you go

Y'all been eatin' long enough now stop being greedy
Just keep it real partner, give to the needy
Ribs is touchin', so don't make me wait
Fuck around and I'm gon' bite you and snatch the plate

Y'all been eatin' long enough now stop being greedy
Just keep it real partner, give to the needy
Ribs is touchin', so don't make me wait
Fuck around and I'm gon' bite you and snatch the plate

Y'all been eatin' long enough now stop being greedy
Just keep it real partner, give to the needy
Ribs is touchin', so don't make me wait
Fuck around and I'm gon' bite you and snatch the plate

Y'all been eatin' long enough now stop being greedy
Just keep it real partner, give to the needy

Ribs is touchin', so don't make me wait
Fuck around and I'm gon' bite you and snatch the plate

Overall Meaning

"Stop Being Greedy" is a song by DMX that speaks of the nature of greed and its adverse effects on one's life. In the first verse, DMX calls out people who have been taking more than enough and urges them to show compassion by giving to those in need. He uses the metaphorical image of ribs touching to represent the state of those in need, stressing the urgency of the situation. The second verse is full of vivid imagery that speaks of DMX's paranoia and the impact of his struggles on him. He speaks of his struggle and urges his listeners not to take death as being wrong, for all things come to an end.

The chorus of the song, "Y'all been eatin' long enough, now stop being greedy," is repeated again and again, emphasizing the theme of the song. DMX's storytelling in the song is incredibly powerful, and the metaphorical imagery of the song is thought-provoking. The song "Stop Being Greedy" has been praised for its innovative structure where DMX raps in a whisper tone in many parts of the song.

Line by Line Meaning

Y'all been eatin' long enough now stop being greedy
You've had enough success, so now it's time to share with those in need.

Just keep it real partner, give to the needy
Be honest and give to those who are less fortunate.

Ribs is touchin', so don't make me wait
I'm hungry and impatient, so don't waste any time.

Fuck around and I'm gon' bite you and snatch the plate
If you don't give me what I want, I'll take it aggressively.

I could flip that flow, I could stick that ho
I have the ability to change my rapping style and attract women.

I could get that dough, you know I'm with that yo
I am capable of making money and I'm determined to do so.

And the thing about the shit I came through, I haven't seen
I have experienced difficult situations that most people haven't encountered.

But when it gets dark, it's like a nigga's having dreams
When it's nighttime, I often have violent and disturbing thoughts.

All nightmares, the light dares to desert me
I am filled with fear and the light is not enough to make me feel safe.

Got me like everybody wants to hurt me
I feel like everyone is out to get me and I'm constantly on guard.

Paranoid, so I strike out at whatever
I am so fearful and suspicious that I act aggressively towards anything that comes near me.

The closest thing to me is gonna get it, but, never
I am willing to harm those closest to me if I feel threatened, but I try not to.

Will I, can I think death is wrong
I struggle to believe that killing someone is morally right.

So I'ma keep holding, on 'til, what's left is gone
I will keep going and never give up until I have nothing left to offer.

These other rap cats will give a nigga room
Other rappers will give me the space I need to thrive in the industry.

But if it calls for me to force my way in the door
If I need to be aggressive in order to succeed, I won't hesitate.

Headhunting motherfuckas, stay on the floor
I will do whatever it takes to eliminate my competition, and they had better not stand in my way.

4-4, that's what I get sick wit (Grr)
I am skilled with a .44 caliber gun and I enjoy using it to intimidate others.

Fall off, now all this is liquid (Grr)
If I fail, everything I've worked for will crumble and become meaningless.

I thank the Lord everyday that I'm blessed with the gift
Despite the hardships I've experienced, I am grateful for my natural talent and ability to rap.

I'm the best, so, unless you wanna rest with the stiff
I am the best rapper, so if you're not as good as me, you might as well give up.

Don't touch that, uh-uh, leave it alone
Don't mess with what's mine or you'll regret it.

When you walk pass the doghouse, leave it a bone
Even though I may be violent, I still appreciate and reward loyalty.

Dogs bite, dogs fight, dogs knife
I am aggressive and dangerous, just like a wild dog.

Scratch, shake, and hold all night
I am relentless in my attacks and will not stop until I win.

So when you hear the arf arf, start running
If you hear me coming, you should start running away as fast as possible.

But I don't like drama, so I stay to myself
Despite my violent tendencies, I prefer to avoid confrontation whenever possible.

Keep focus with this rap shit and pray for the wealth
I am fully dedicated to succeeding in the rap industry, and I hope to become financially successful as a result.

I want the money and give me the honeys with big asses
I want to make money and be surrounded by attractive women.

The most expensive champagne you got in big glasses
I want to indulge in extravagant luxuries and display my wealth to others.

I'm broke so I'ma bash his head wide open
I'm willing to resort to violence in order to get what I want, especially if I'm desperate.

Begging me to stop but at least he died hopin'
I am so ruthless that even when someone begs for mercy, I won't stop until I get what I want or they are dead.

Didn't get his wish, and now he's a dish for the pack
The person who opposed me has been defeated and is now worthless.

Two glowing red eyes, everything else is black
I am terrifying and all-consuming, and all that's left in my wake is darkness and fear.

When the sun is up, the gun is up on the shelf
I'm not violent during the day, but at night I am willing to use my weapons to achieve my goals.

And all the runners up are thanking me for their help
The people who didn't win in the rap game are grateful to me for helping them advance in some small way.

Hoping that they not around when it gets dark outside
Others are afraid of me because they know I am dangerous when the sun goes down.

Sun's going down you hear the bark outside
As the day comes to an end, I become more aggressive and dangerous.

Locks off the cage, gauge, with the buck shots
I am unleashing my violent tendencies, wielding a shotgun with buckshot to destroy my enemies.

Faggot, you've been lucky all day that's when your luck stops
I am calling out and threatening someone who has been lucky up until this point, but I am about to change that.

One drops, and another and another
I am killing people one after another without mercy or remorse.

Gun pops, going through you, hit your mother
My bullets are dangerous and deadly, and can even hit innocent bystanders.

When does it all end? I found a friend in a dog
I am overwhelmed by my violent tendencies and am searching for a way to control my behavior. The only companion I can truly trust is a dog.

'Cause fucking with these cats will send a friend to the morgue
I am unpredictable and violent, and anyone who gets in my way risks being killed.

Many questions, no answers, stress
I am confused and anxious about my life and my violent tendencies.

Try to hold my head and remember that I'm blessed
I try to focus on the good things in my life and my natural talent in order to keep myself from succumbing to my violent tendencies.

With the curse and it gets worse as time goes by
The more I give in to my violent tendencies, the worse they become over time.

Can't see straight cause I'm so high
I struggle to control my behavior because I am under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Why ask why when you know?
I am done questioning and trying to understand my violent tendencies; I know that they will always be a part of me.

Nigga, when its your time to go, you go
When it's your time to die, you will die; there's no escaping death.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DAMON J BLACKMAN, ANTHONY FIELDS, MICHAEL MASSER, EARL SIMMONS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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