ANNIVERSARY
DMX’s Debut “It’s Dark & Hell Is Hot” Turns 25
Hip Hop lost one of its best soldiers when DMX passed away. The Rap icon struggled throughout his life but didn’t let his obstacles stop him from becoming one of the most inspirational artists the culture has ever seen. If there is a chance to celebrate the life and talents of DMX, we won’t miss it. As we commemorate the 25th anniversary of DMX’s debut album, It’s Dark & Hell Is Hot, we remember the legendary rapper’s impact. Let’s revisit the groundbreaking release that helped solidify Earl Simmons as a Rap legend.
A (Gentle) Beast From New York
Born Earl Simmons in 1970, DMX rose to prominence in the late 1990s. DMX spoke at end about his tough upbringing, often enduring abuse from his mother and finding solace on the streets. There, he would discover friendships in abandoned or wild street dogs. While they were a threat to others, they found comfort in Simmons. The partnership would become DMX’s staple, often barking in songs or keeping dogs by his side.
The rapper’s raw, aggressive style and introspective lyrics about personal struggle and faith set him apart from his contemporaries. Before his debut album, DMX gained attention through his electrifying live performances and guest appearances on tracks like LL Cool J’s “4, 3, 2, 1” and Mase’s “24 Hrs To Live.”
It’s Dark & Hell Is Hot Storms The World
DMX’s debut album, It’s Dark & Hell Is Hot, was released on May 19, 1998, courtesy of Ruff Ryders Entertainment and Def Jam Recordings. The album showcased DMX’s signature growling delivery and hard-hitting lyrics. With Swizz Beatz, Dame Grease, and P.K. productions, the album featured an array of dark, atmospheric beats that perfectly complemented DMX’s intense style. Still, his gentler approach to songs like “How It’s Goin’ Down” resonated with women. Soon, DMX was finding mass appeal.
It’s Dark & Hell Is Hot included several standout tracks, such as “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem,” “Get At Me Dog,” and “Stop Being Greedy.” The album also featured guest appearances from fellow Ruff Ryders members like The LOX, Drag-On, and Eve. This cemented DMX in the mainstream and showed that the collective was expanding exponentially.
Critical Acclaim
Upon its release, It’s Dark & Hell Is Hot garnered widespread praise and commercial success. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling over 250,000 copies in its first week. It went on to achieve quadruple-platinum status, with more than four million copies sold in the United States.
The album’s lead single, “Get At Me Dog,” reached No. 39 on the Billboard Hot 100, while “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” and “Stop Being Greedy” also enjoyed charting success. The project set the stage for what was to arrive from DMX’s catalog. The introduction to the New York emcee was arguably one of his most vulnerable with commercial appeal.
DMX’s Influence Is Unmatched
It’s Dark & Hell Is Hot had a lasting impact on hip hop, as DMX’s authenticity echoed throughout. Although the trauma manifested itself lyrically and personally, he was unapologetic about who he was. He never kept his Christian faith a secret and often would stop during live shows to pray over the crowd. This battle between what was and who he wanted to be was palpable, and his debut record was the beginning of his public journey. Much of who DMX was contrasted with the materialism and flashy lifestyles often depicted in rap. However, his influence can be found in many growling, raspy-voiced artists who emerged after him.
The Death Of An Icon
DMX tragically passed away on April 9, 2021, after suffering a heart attack. The rapper was hospitalized before his passing, and the worldwide response was unlike any other. Well wishes and kind words poured in, but sadly, DMX succumbed to his ailments. Many of his contemporaries highlighted DMX’s significant impact on their lives, personally and professionally, and celebrated his undeniable influence on the culture.
In the wake of his death, DMX’s music experienced a resurgence in popularity, with fans revisiting It’s Dark & Hell Is Hot and his subsequent albums. Streaming services reported a significant increase in DMX’s music consumption, underscoring fans’ lasting connection with his artistry. As we reflect on the album’s 25-year journey, let’s honor DMX’s memory by appreciating the unforgettable mark he left behind.
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Onyx’s “Slam” Turns 30: A Look Back
As Onyx’s iconic single “Slam” celebrates its 30th anniversary, we look back at the groundbreaking track that changed the game for hip hop. From its powerful beat to its aggressive lyrics, “Slam” solidified Onyx’s place in the annals of rap history. In this article, we’ll delve into the group’s background, the release of the classic song, its charting success, and its lasting impact on hip hop.
Onyx Rises From The Ashes
Onyx was formed in the 1980s in South Jamaica, Queens, New York. The group’s original members included Fredro Starr, Suavé (known as Sonny Seeza), and the late Big DS (Marlon Fletcher). In 1991, Sticky Fingaz (Kirk Jones) joined the group, completing the lineup that would eventually create “Slam.” The group gained notoriety for their energetic live performances and gritty, hardcore lyrics. Onyx’s raw sound caught the attention of Jam Master Jay, the late legendary DJ of Run-DMC. He soon signed the group to his label, JMJ Records, and produced their debut album, Bacdafucup, which included the massive hit “Slam.”
“Slam” Arrives—And Takes Over
“Slam” was released today (May 11) in 1993. The song quickly became a standout track, showcasing the group’s ability to blend hardcore rap with a catchy, anthemic chorus. Produced by Chylow “Chyskillz” Parker and Jam Master Jay, “Slam” has become one of the most recognizable—and referenced—tracks in hip hop. The music video for the single mirrored the track’s aggressive energy. Directed by Parris Mayhew and Diane Martel, the video featured the group performing in a dimly lit, underground club filled with fans moshing and slam dancing. The chaotic visuals perfectly encapsulated the track’s spirit and helped propel the song to new heights.
Charting Success
Upon its release, “Slam” soared up the charts, cementing Onyx’s status as hip hop heavyweights. The song reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Hot Rap Singles chart, becoming the group’s biggest hit. It also achieved international success, becoming a hip hop classic across the globe. “Slam” also received platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), selling over one million copies. Its success contributed to the impressive sales of Bacdafucup, which was also certified platinum in 1993.
Impact on Hip Hop
The song’s fusion of hardcore rap and an anthemic, crowd-pleasing chorus was groundbreaking then. It helped popularize the “mosh-rap” subgenre. “Slam” also played a role in bringing hip hop to a wider audience, appealing to rap and rock music fans. The song’s success on MTV, which aired the music video in heavy rotation, further solidified its crossover appeal.
The track has made several appearances in pop culture. It was featured on Beavis & Butthead, Lip Sync Battle, The Cleveland Show, How High, Dope, and several video games. Additionally, fellow music artists have sampled the hit track. Eminem, GZA, and even Shaq have all pulled from “Slam” to create new tunes. It’s a song that has gone down in hip hop history, earning dozens of placements of “Best” and “Top” lists for decades.
Legendary In Hip Hop
Not only did “Slam” help propel Onyx to stardom, but it also laid the groundwork for other hip hop artists to experiment with different sounds. The track’s legacy can be heard in the music of artists like Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park. They all borrowed elements from the mosh-rap fusion popularized by Onyx. Further, “Slam” demonstrated the power of hip hop as a unifying force in music. By appealing to fans of various genres, the song highlighted the crossover potential of the genre. “Slam” opened doors for future collaborations and genre-blending projects. This comes as no surprise considering Jam Master J and Run-D.M.C.’s fusion with Aerosmith.
Looking back on the 30-year journey of “Slam,” it’s clear that the track remains a seminal piece of hip hop history. Its aggressive energy, innovative fusion of styles, and undeniable chart success have solidified its place in the annals of music. Onyx’s groundbreaking single will forever be remembered as a trailblazer in hip hop, leaving a lasting impact.
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50 Cent Admits Hanging Upside Down At Super Bowl Was A “Mistake”
50 Cent says that his decision to hang upside down during the Super Bowl Halftime Show was a “mistake.” 50 reflected on the performance while discussing his upcoming tour with USA Today on Wednesday. 50 is hitting the road in honor of the 20th anniversary of his iconic album, Get Rich or Die Tryin‘.
“It’s gonna be a whole new show,” 50 Cent shared of his upcoming concerts. “Sometimes out of habit, you go to certain records. People love other things on it, so I wanna make sure I touch those records before I don’t do those anymore.”
Read More: 50 Cent Reflects On 20th Anniversary Of “Get Rich or Die Tryin’”
50 Cent At The Super Bowl Halftime Show
“I think that was a mistake for the Super Bowl,” he admitted of being upside down. “Everybody else walked in regular, the songs still went over and they got the trophy, too. They all won an Emmy. They got the same thing I got and I had to put myself upside down.” 50 performed alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, and Mary J. Blige.
Elsewhere in the interview, 50 reflected on the impact of Get Rich or Die Tryin’. When the interviewer described him as having revolutionized the music scene, he disagreed. “It’s not really a revolution,” he clarified. “If you’re gonna make music that is going to be world music, it has to have melodies. English is not their first speaking language in a lot of places that I travel. What (those crowds) follow is the melody until they understand what you’re saying.”
Read More: How 50 Cent’s “Get Rich Or Die Tryin” Defined An Era Of Hip Hop
50 Cent On His Upcoming Tour
50 further praised Drake, explaining that he’s continuing on the same path. “Drake is the new, stronger version like that because he can do a whole pop record, sing the whole song. I’ve never done that,” he said. “He’ll say that I’m one of those influences… That’s a big compliment because he’s established himself and done great work.”
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Chance The Rapper Adds “Acid Rap” Concerts In NYC & LA
Chance The Rapper has added two more shows in New York and Los Angeles celebrating the 10th anniversary of his iconic mixtape, Acid Rap. He previously announced a concert for the date in his hometown of Chicago, which sold out in minutes. The New York show will take place on August 26 at the Barclays Center, while the LA show is on September 21 at the Forum. Tickets will be going on sale on Friday, May 5 at 10:00 AM, local time.
In addition to the concert announcements, Chance was recently able to add the single, “Juice,” back to the streaming versions of the mixtape. Chance hasn’t toured in full since canceling his shows for his debut album, The Big Day, in 2019.
Chance The Rapper At The Grammys
Chance recently reflected on the 10-year anniversary of Acid Rap during an interview with Complex. He told the outlet that he “probably would have died” had he continued using drugs the way he was when the mixtape came out. “The way that I was living at that time. I had everything in excess,” he explained. “Right after I dropped the project, I went on a few tours where I really didn’t make any money. Then I went on my first tour, my headlining tour, where I made some money. I went and rented a crib. This is my first time living outside of my parents’ house in another city and having money and doing a lot of drugs. A lot, a lot, a lot of drugs.”
Acid Rap is widely considered one of the best mixtapes of the 2010s and launched Chance into mainstream stardom. The project has reached “diamond” status on Datpiff for garnering over 1,000,000 downloads. In addition to “Juice,” the tracklist features “Cocoa Butter Kisses,” with Vic Mensa and Twista, “Favorite Song,” with Childish Gambino, and more.
The 10th Anniversary Of “Acid Rap”
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The ‘Acid Rap’ Interview: Chance The Rapper Looks Back 10 Years Later
Chance the Rapper Announces Details for ‘Acid Rap’ 10th Anniversary Show in Chicago
DMX’s Daughter Visits Her Late Father’s Gravesite
The daughter of DMX recently paid a visit to her late father’s gravesite. DMX, real name, Earl Simmons, achieved superstardom as a musician in the late 90s. The Ruff Ryder’s legend first hit the scene as a features artist. However, he would quickly go on to establish himself as a solo act. The New York native’s lyricism and aggressive demeanor earned him fans the world over. Subsequently, he became one of the biggest rappers of his era. Additionally, his popularity led him to starring in movies such as Cradle 2 The Grave and Romeo Must Die. However, for 10-year-old Sonovah Hamilton, he was simply her dad.
Hamilton was only eight-years-old when her father died. However, it’s obvious X made a life-long impact on his daughter. Hamilton recently took to Instagram to share a touching tribute to her father on the two-year anniversary of his death. In the photo, Hamilton can be seen smiling in front of her X’s headstone. Additionally, she’s wearing a shirt with her father’s image on it. Hamilton captioned the photo with “Couldn’t pull up to yo city and not see you. Hey daddy!”
DMX Leaves Behind An Enormous Legacy
Meanwhile, other tributes have been coming in for X as well. The Ruff Ryders paid tribute to their fallen comrade earlier this week. The crew is a loosely affiliated group of New York rappers that X was the de-fact leader of. The group and a small number of fans gathered at X’s gravesite on Sunday. During the tribute, speakers shared stories about the impact X had on their lives and careers. Additionally, attendees could be seen reciting lyrics and pouring out liquor for their friend.
No one will ever understand the pain that DMX’s death brought his friends and family. However, X’s death had an impact on fans all around the world. Several fans have taken to social media to pay their respects to the beloved rapper. “R.I.P. DMX can’t believe it’s been 2 years already!!!” said one Twitter user. “Pour one out for the Dog!” said another. X had been open about his struggles with mental health issues and substance abuse. However, his death still shocked fans and artists across the world of hip-hop. But the story isn’t over. Fans will continue being inspired by his work because although he may no longer be here, his music will live forever.
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DMX Fans Remember Late Rapper On 2nd Anniversary Of His Death
Fans and friends of the late DMX reflected on the impact of the legendary rapper on the second anniversary of his death, Sunday. The It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot rapper died on April 9, 2021, at the age of 50. His official cause of death was listed as a cocaine-induced heart attack.
“Long live my Dog 4 Life @dmx THE GREAT,” Swizz Beatz captioned a post for his longtime collaborator. The late rapper’s crew also announced a Ryde Out event for DMX. “Save the date! On April 9th please join the Ruff Ryders Family as we celebrate and remember our brother DMX and all our fallen Soldiers with our NYC Ryde Out!” they wrote on Instagram. “Please bring all your family and friends for a day full of food, fun, games, and music. More details information to come.”
DMX Mural In Yonkers
Others to share posts for DMX included Wyclef Jean, Eve, Missy Elliott, and more. In addition to the myriad of artists, many fans also published tributes online. “Two years ago today we lost one of the greatest hiphop artistes of all time, The Great DMX, Rest In Power King,” wrote one fan on Twitter. Another added: “Today is the 2nd Anniversary of the passing of DMX…Let’s Celebrate his Life and and Legacy today!! You were one of the Realist ‘X’ Inside and Out and we will NEVER forget you or your Music!! R.I.P.”
Shortly after DMX’s passing, a memorial service was held at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. At the event, Swizz Beatz called out people for not being more supportive of the rapper prior to his death. “I just wish all these people showed up for him when he was here. You got thousands of people claiming who they are and tickets and things like that,” he said. “This man needed everybody. He didn’t need everybody when he’s not here, he needed everybody when he was here. We have to learn to celebrate each other while we’re here … I don’t want y’all to show up to my shit when I’m gone, unless you was showing up while I was here.”
DMX Tributes
Two years ago today we lost one of the greatest hiphop artistes of all time, The Great DMX, Rest In Power King
pic.twitter.com/CNpWIxTawL
— Tobi Marshall (@CoededMarshall) April 9, 2023
Today is the 2nd Anniversary of the passing of DMX…Let’s Celebrate his Life and and Legacy today!! You were one of the Realist “X” Inside and Out and we will NEVER forget you or your Music!! R.I.P.
pic.twitter.com/Eq5JsPXA5u
— PAM –A.K.A.–VICE (@NoTime4Fake1s_) April 9, 2023
Today makes 2 years the world found out DMX suffered from a heart attack and was put on life support. 6 days later Earl Simmons passed at the age of 50. Dark Man X you are so very very missed.
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— Petite GIANT
(@JoProblems) April 3, 2023
Two years ago today we lost Earl Simmons, better known as DMX. An actor and rapper. He was considered to be one of the greatest rappers of his generation.
— 𝓡𝓸𝓫𝓲𝓷 (@QueenMalarcher) April 9, 2023
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