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".
We
Dmx Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Another one of those
(This is for my nigga Q)
Down to earth joints
(Rest in peace, baby
You know how we roll)
There's so many that don't know (you knew I could do it)
They don't know who we be (this goes out to my nigga Q, rest in peace, baby)
What they don't know is
The bullshit, the drama (uh), the guns, the armor (uh)
The city, the farmer, the babies, the mama (what)
The projects, the drugs (uh), the children, the thugs (uh)
The tears, the hugs, the love, the slugs (come on)
The funerals, the wakes, the churches, the coffins (uh)
The heartbroken mothers, it happens too often (why?)
The problems, the things we use to solve 'em (what)
Yonkers, the Bronx (uh), Brooklyn, Harlem (come on)
The hurt, the pain, the dirt, the rain (uh)
The jerk, the fame, the work, the game (uh)
The friends, the foes, the Benz, the hoes (what)
The studios, the shows, comes and it goes (come on)
The jealousy, the envy, the phony, the friendly (uh-huh)
The one that gave 'em the slugs, the one that put 'em in me (woo)
The snakes, the grass too long to see (uh, uh)
The lawnmower sittin' right next to the tree (come on)
They don't know who we be
They don't know who we be
They don't know who we be
They don't know who we be
What we seeing is
The streets, the cops, the system, harassment (uh-huh)
The options, get shot, go to jail, or getcha ass kicked (aight)
The lawyers, the part they are of the puzzle (uh-huh)
The release, the warning, "Try not, to get in trouble" (damn)
The snitches, the odds (uh), probation, parole (what)
The new charge, the bail, the warrant, the hole (damn)
The cell, the bus, the ride up north (uh-huh)
The greens, the boots, the yard, the court (uh)
The fightin', the stabbin', the pullin', the grabbin' (what)
The riot squad with the captain, nobody knows what happened (what)
The two years in a box, revenge, the plots (uh)
The twenty-three hours that's locked, the one hour that's not (uh)
The silence, the dark, the mind so fragile (aight)
The wish that the streets would have took you when they had you (damn)
The days, the months, the years, despair
One night on my knees, here it comes, the prayer
They don't know who we be
They don't know who we be
They don't know who we be
They don't know who we be
This here is all about
My wife, my kids (uh-huh), the life that I live (uh-huh)
Through the night I was his (uh-huh), it was right what I did (uh-huh)
My ups and downs (uh), my slips, my falls (uh)
My trials and tribulations (uh), my heart, my balls (uh)
My mother, my father, I love 'em, I hate 'em (uh)
Wish God, I didn't have 'em, but I'm glad that he made 'em (uh)
The roaches, the rats, the strays, the cats (what, what)
The guns, knives and bats, every time we scrap
The hustlin', the dealin', the robbin', the stealin' (uh)
The shit hit the ceilin', little boy with no feelin's (damn)
The frustration, rage, trapped inside a cage
The beatings 'til the age I carried a twelve gauge (aight)
Somebody stop me (please), somebody come and get me (what)
Little did I know that the Lord was ridin' with me
The dark, the light (uh), my heart (uh), the fight (uh)
The wrong (uh), the right (uh), it's gone (uh), aight
They don't know who we be
They don't know who we be
They don't know who we be
They don't know who we be
They don't know who we be (come on)
(They don't know who we be) Man, listen
(They don't know who we be) These motherfuckers don't know who we are, they don't know
(They don't know who we be) They couldn't possibly fuckin' know, dog)
That's from the heart
(Come on)
(Dog, this shit is crazy)
In DMX's song "Who We Be," the rapper confronts the listener with the harsh realities of life in an urban setting. The song serves as both a tribute to a friend who has passed away (Q) and a warning to those who may underestimate the struggles faced by African-American communities. DMX lists various challenges that he and others must endure, including poverty, police brutality, gang violence, and incarceration. He also touches on the emotional toll that these experiences have on individuals, such as heartbroken mothers and feelings of frustration and rage.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the complexities of urban life and highlight the resilience of those who continue to endure despite the odds against them. DMX is known for his raw and emotive delivery, and in this song, he provides a powerful commentary on the difficulties faced by those in marginalized communities.
Line by Line Meaning
Uh, yeah
Beginning of the song
Another one of those
Introducing another song about the realities of life
(This is for my nigga Q)
Dedication to a departed friend
Down to earth joints
A realistic song
(Rest in peace, baby
You know how we roll)
Offering condolences and a reminder of their bond
There's so many that don't know (you knew I could do it)
People being unaware of their true selves
They don't know who we be (this goes out to my nigga Q, rest in peace, baby)
Their true selves that Q knew
They don't know who we be (but you still here with me)
Q's memory is still alive
What they don't know is
People don't know about their struggles
The bullshit, the drama (uh), the guns, the armor (uh)
Problems in life that require protection
The city, the farmer, the babies, the mama (what)
Life's cycle that affects many types of people
The projects, the drugs (uh), the children, the thugs (uh)
Issues in low-income areas
The tears, the hugs, the love, the slugs (come on)
Emotions felt in violent circumstances
The funerals, the wakes, the churches, the coffins (uh)
Services to mourn the dead
The heartbroken mothers, it happens too often (why?)
Mothers grieving for their children who are killed too frequently
The problems, the things we use to solve 'em (what)
The ways people try to fix problems
Yonkers, the Bronx (uh), Brooklyn, Harlem (come on)
New York City neighborhoods with unique problems
The hurt, the pain, the dirt, the rain (uh)
Life's difficulties
The jerk, the fame, the work, the game (uh)
The ups and downs of life
The friends, the foes, the Benz, the hoes (what)
Associations and possessions
The studios, the shows, comes and it goes (come on)
The entertainment industry and its fleeting nature
The jealousy, the envy, the phony, the friendly (uh-huh)
People who love you and people who don't
The one that gave 'em the slugs, the one that put 'em in me (woo)
Those responsible for harming others
The snakes, the grass too long to see (uh, uh)
People who are deceptive
The lawnmower sittin' right next to the tree (come on)
The solution is nearby, but not obvious
They don't know who we be
People don't understand their struggles
What we seeing is
A recount of their experiences
The streets, the cops, the system, harassment (uh-huh)
Struggles faced on the streets and with law enforcement
The options, get shot, go to jail, or getcha ass kicked (aight)
Outcomes of dangerous situations
The lawyers, the part they are of the puzzle (uh-huh)
The role of legal professionals in navigating the system
The release, the warning, "Try not, to get in trouble" (damn)
The messages people receive after serving time
The snitches, the odds (uh), probation, parole (what)
The difficulties of serving time and getting out
The new charge, the bail, the warrant, the hole (damn)
The ongoing cycle of legal trouble
The cell, the bus, the ride up north (uh-huh)
The different stages of serving time
The greens, the boots, the yard, the court (uh)
Life in jail
The fightin', the stabbin', the pullin', the grabbin' (what)
Violence in jail
The riot squad with the captain, nobody knows what happened (what)
The chaos and confusion of riots in jail
The two years in a box, revenge, the plots (uh)
Long periods of time locked up and plotting revenge
The twenty-three hours that's locked, the one hour that's not (uh)
The limited time spent out of a cell
The silence, the dark, the mind so fragile (aight)
The damaging effects of being locked up alone
The wish that the streets would have took you when they had you (damn)
Regret for the actions that led to time in jail
The days, the months, the years, despair
The heavy feeling of time spent locked up and the emotion that comes with it
One night on my knees, here it comes, the prayer
Turning to faith during difficult times
This here is all about
Reflecting on their lives
My wife, my kids (uh-huh), the life that I live (uh-huh)
Their family and their choices
Through the night I was his (uh-huh), it was right what I did (uh-huh)
Recalling moments of support from loved ones
My ups and downs (uh), my slips, my falls (uh)
The highs and lows of their lives
My trials and tribulations (uh), my heart, my balls (uh)
The challenges faced and the character needed to overcome them
My mother, my father, I love 'em, I hate 'em (uh)
Complex emotions towards their parents
Wish God, I didn't have 'em, but I'm glad that he made 'em (uh)
Gratefulness despite the difficulties
The roaches, the rats, the strays, the cats (what, what)
Living conditions and wildlife encountered
The guns, knives and bats, every time we scrap
Weapons used in confrontations
The hustlin', the dealin', the robbin', the stealin' (uh)
Criminal activities engaged in
The shit hit the ceilin', little boy with no feelin's (damn)
Hitting rock bottom and feeling numb
The frustration, rage, trapped inside a cage
The emotional turmoil of being trapped
The beatings 'til the age I carried a twelve gauge (aight)
Carrying a weapon for protection
Somebody stop me (please), somebody come and get me (what)
The need for help to escape a chaotic life
Little did I know that the Lord was ridin' with me
Finding faith in difficult moments
The dark, the light (uh), my heart (uh), the fight (uh)
Dualities faced in life and the battles they fight
The wrong (uh), the right (uh), it's gone (uh), aight
The impermanence of life's moments
They don't know who we be (come on)
Repeating the message that others don't understand them
(They don't know who we be) Man, listen
Reiterating the message
(They don't know who we be) These motherfuckers don't know who we are, they don't know
Calling out those who don't understand them
(They don't know who we be) They couldn't possibly fuckin' know, dog)
Emphasizing the difficulty of truly understanding someone's life story
That's from the heart
The song is a reflection of their true selves
(Come on)
Encouraging listeners to keep going
(Dog, this shit is crazy)
Acknowledging the craziness of life
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mickey Davis, Earl Simmons
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@oscarramos543
"Give a dog a bone, leave a dog alone
Let a dog roam and he'll find his way home.." rip x
@billigbumze9105
https://youtu.be/lKEixZXLI4U
@bosschedda_
https://youtu.be/4bEpUQLk9bs
@chinemeremudoh3732
One of the most epic lyrics ever written/spoken🙌
@martinesparza3205
@@chinemeremudoh3732 ''
@chiuwa1383
We are still right here in January 2024. Your legacy remains forever ! Rest ON
@DanielAmundsen-wy6gx
facts
@Bikemanjoe1
WE STILL RIGHT HERE, RIP DMX LEGENDS NEVER DIE
@rapliker274
We b here 4 ever
@kellykwon2232
It's painful to see someone like DMX die.
Heart hurts for this shit.
♥️.
LYB.