DMX
DMX Showed The World The Soul Of A Man Through His Vulnerable, Triumphant Music
Earl Simmons, the man known to the world as Dark Man X, has passed away at the age of 50. DMX, who was best known for hits like “Party Up” and “X Gon’ Give It To Ya” and film roles in Belly and Romeo Must Die, died after an apparent relapse, overdose, and heart attack on April 2 that sent him to the hospital and prompted a wave of supportive posts on social media. After a battery of tests to determine his brain function, his family made the decision to remove him from life support.
It may sound like a cliche, but it’s true; DMX shocked the world when he first arrived on the scene in 1995, appearing with Ja Rule, Jay-Z, and Mic Geronimo on the posse cut “Time To Build” and then utterly destroying his standout verse on LL Cool J’s “4, 3, 2, 1” with Canibus, Method Man, and Redman in 1997. By the time he released his debut major-label album, It’s Dark And Hell Is Hot, anticipation was just as high as the temperature in The Bad Place, leading to a No. 1 debut on the Billboard 200. When he followed up later that year with Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood, he became the first rapper to debut at No. 1 back-to-back in the same year.
From there, he had a string of successive hit albums and singles, including … And Then There Was X, The Great Depression, and Grand Champ. Songs like “Party Up,” “What These B*tches Want,” “Who We Be,” “Where Tha Hood At,” and “X Gon’ Give It to Ya” became pop culture fixtures and have remained popular to this day, with many forming the foundation of memes and samples used in hip-hop by top rappers like ASAP Rocky and Drake.
Unfortunately, a lifelong addiction to cocaine, which started at just 14 years old after he was given a laced blunt by an acquaintance, derailed his career multiple times. Legal issues led to multiple stints in prison, including a 2017 conviction for tax fraud prompting his most recent one. After his release in 2019, he seemed to be on the road to a comeback after completing rehab, plotting out a new album featuring Griselda Records and Pop Smoke, and appearing on Verzuz alongside Snoop Dogg.
X was open about his struggles, often making them the center of dark, sometimes menacing, sometimes vulnerable rhymes on his projects. However, no matter how sinister the subject matter, he always came back to his faith; his penchant for adding prayers to his albums and live shows is well-noted. Meanwhile, his vocal pyrotechnics, ranging from a threatening growl to the explosive barks he used as ad-libs (and reportedly trained one of his actual dogs to add to his live freestyles), were made all the more impressive by his lifelong struggle with asthma — which never stopped him from performing without a hype man, pacing the stage like a caged tiger.
He often stole the show; on posse cuts like Mase’s “24 Hours To Live,” he regularly out-rapped, outboasted, or out-performed his collaborators. For a time, he had a reasonable claim to the coveted “King of New York” title in the wake of Biggie’s death, alongside Ja Rule and Jay-Z, with whom he had an alternately friendly and contentious relationship. Although they came into the game at the same time and even plotted on a group project titled “Murder Inc.,” divisions between led to the dissolution of this idea, while fans pitted them against one another in top rapper debates.
Just check out the freestyle snippet from the Def Jam tour documentary, Backstage, where you can see DMX and Jay-Z trading bars during what was likely one of mania impromptu ciphers during their 1999 Hard Knock Life Tour. Jay-Z is cool, collected, and measured as always, but DMX is downright magnetic, speeding and slowing his cadence, one moment just as disaffected as his friend/rival, the next, agitated, belligerent, showing his teeth — just like one of his beloved pets might when a stranger gets a little too close.
X contained all of these emotions and more; his music was an expression of all things hip-hop, from the streetwise braggadocio typical of the biggest hits to the exposed, bloody trauma that he was never quite able to escape from. By putting it all into his music, he expanded the bounds of what rap could be capable of; he was fallible on “Slippin’,” fiery on “Who We Be,” triumphant on “Where The Hood At,” cautioning on “Stop Being Greedy,” and even played the lothario on “What These B*tches Want.” He could be a comedian, a horror film director, an action star, a drug kingpin, a stick-up kid, and a wounded child in need of comfort.
His albums created space and precedent for future rappers like Kanye West and Kid Cudi to address their own struggles with anxiety and depression. And even though X once professed to hate everything Drake stood for, he later softened his stance, understanding that Drake’s outlook was an extension of his own, with different traumas and worries, but the same vulnerability. Kendrick Lamar credits DMX as his favorite rapper for that quality, and he’s likely not the only one who does, as we’ll likely find out in the coming weeks.
Y’all, how can this not tickle you? https://t.co/bX5jCKI7BK pic.twitter.com/FG6A0ZomY6
— she/her/yellowbone (@eleven8) April 9, 2021
DMX’s story could be tragic, but he never let the tragedies of his life solely define him. After all, this was a man who took the internet’s fascination with his gravelly rendition of “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer” and ran with it, releasing a studio version that showed his lighthearted side. He was someone who knew just how hot hell could be, but at the height of his success, got close enough to glimpse heaven. The rap world won’t be the same without him, but it already changed so much because of him. He showed us the soul of a man and hopefully, that soul is finally at peace.
LeBron James, Bradley Beal And Many More NBA Players Paid Tribute To DMX After His Passing
The music world suffered a gigantic loss on Friday morning. After spending several days in the hospital in critical condition, Earl Simmons, known to millions as DMX, died at age 50. DMX suffered a heart attack as a result of an apparent drug overdose on April 2, and a few days later, his manager said that he was in a comatose state and on life support, with his team of doctors performing a series of tests in an attempt to determine what would be best.
As is oftentimes the case when someone as revered as DMX passes away, the news led to plenty of people on social media — including many from the world of music — issuing up prayers and tributes. This also included a number of NBA players, including LeBron James and Bradley Beal, some of whom made it a point to look back on his life and legacy.
RIP DMX
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) April 9, 2021
DMX gave hope to the hopeless.. RIP legend
— Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) April 9, 2021
RIP DMX
— Bradley Beal (@RealDealBeal23) April 9, 2021
RIP DMX if you know me you know I fw X heavy smh this one hurt
— Miles Bridges (@MilesBridges) April 9, 2021
Rest up DMX
— 14 (@RjHampton14) April 9, 2021
My favorite DMX song. RIP X pic.twitter.com/QPmfBiyW3y
— Jordan McRae (@JordyMac52) April 9, 2021
Icon.
RIP DMXpic.twitter.com/xYiBdqjLQl— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) April 9, 2021
4L!! Rest In Paradise LEGEND!! pic.twitter.com/Y0m0DVl5Up
— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 9, 2021
Grew up listening to your music word for word as young kid. You name will liv forever! R.I.P DMX
— Marcus Morris (@MookMorris2) April 9, 2021
Another GREAT gone. Man…Life is Precious! Rest Easy #DMXforever
— Shaun Livingston (@ShaunLivingston) April 9, 2021
— Ryan Hollins (@TheRyanHollins) April 9, 2021
Iconic artist DMX passed away at age 50;( sorry to hear that. Grow up listening his music. Had a chance to shake his hand once in Orlando after the game! Great person#rip
— Marcin Gortat (@MGortat) April 9, 2021
RIP to the Legend!!
— Darius Miller (@DmillerKY) April 9, 2021
Eric Paschall of the Golden State Warriors posted a famous video of DMX at Woodstock ’99, where he performed “Ruff Ryders Anthem” in front of a packed, energetic crowd.
Never let this video go away! Legendary pic.twitter.com/XvubFIa2vq
— Eric Paschall (@epaschall) April 9, 2021
Charlotte Hornets youngster Miles Bridges made it a point to say that “this one hurt” and proclaimed that DMX is one of his favorite rappers.
RIP DMX if you know me you know I fw X heavy smh this one hurt
— Miles Bridges (@MilesBridges) April 9, 2021
Swizz Beatz, Eve + The Ruff Ryders React To DMX’s Death
Hip-hop legend DMX put the Ruff Ryders on the map. The management company turned record label was one of the biggest brands in the music industry during the late-1990s and early-2000s, and DMX was the dog at the head of the pack. Upon the news of Earl Simmons’ death on Thursday, his former labelmates went […]
The post Swizz Beatz, Eve + The Ruff Ryders React To DMX’s Death appeared first on SOHH.com.
The Music World Reacts To DMX’s Death
For the past few days, there have been reports about the status of DMX’s health, and none of them were promising. Now, sadly, the tragic day that fans were hoping to avoid has arrived: It was announced today that the legendary rapper has died at 50 years old. The news was confirmed in a statement from DMX’s family, which noted that he died while surrounded by loved ones in the hospital.
People in the music world had been sharing some tributes to DMX recently as news about his health was revealed, and now that his death is official, more tributes to the rapper are pouring in.
Biz Markie wrote, “RIP DMX. No one radiated more agony, pain, and atomic energy. The Cerberus from Yonkers, who suffered for all of our sins and his own. Maybe the rawest rapper of all-time, no pretense or frills, just pure adrenaline, lawless genius, and reckless abandon. The struggle incarnate.”
RIP DMX. No one radiated more agony, pain, and atomic energy. The Cerberus from Yonkers, who suffered for all of our sins and his own. Maybe the rawest rapper of all-time, no pretense or frills, just pure adrenaline, lawless genius, and reckless abandon. The struggle incarnate. pic.twitter.com/P80t1GQHEa
— Otto Von Biz Markie (@Passionweiss) April 9, 2021
Missy Elliott also wrote, “Even though you had battles you TOUCHED so many through your MUSIC and when you would PRAY so many people FELT THAT! This is heavy for the HipHop family but your LEGACY LIVES ON & your SPIRIT. Continued Prayers for X family & friends for STRENGTH/HEALING.”
Even though you had battles you TOUCHED so many through your MUSIC and when you would PRAY so many people FELT THAT! This is heavy for the HipHop family but your LEGACY LIVES ON & your SPIRIT. Continued Prayers for X family & friends for STRENGTH/HEALINGpic.twitter.com/ZI9NI6Nslg
— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) April 9, 2021
Check out some more reactions below.
— Vince Staples (@vincestaples) April 9, 2021
— Def Jam Recordings (@defjam) April 9, 2021
Rest in Heaven DMX
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) April 9, 2021
rest easy dmx
— (@noname) April 9, 2021
RIP DMX.
— DJ Akademiks (@Akademiks) April 9, 2021
RIP DMX
— ? (@IDK) April 9, 2021
God bless the dead. God protect the living. https://t.co/fe7S9UUwIf
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) April 9, 2021
one of the coolest and most powerful voices ever, rewatching lots of his videos this week i could still remember the powerful feelings the first times i saw and heard these songs. RIP to DMX, so sorry to everyone feeling this loss https://t.co/C5fdkx4QwO
— speedy ortiz ÷ haunted painting (@sad13) April 9, 2021
Damn RIP DMX
— Cozz (@cody_macc) April 9, 2021
Rip DMX
— Certified Speaker (@MoneyBaggYo) April 9, 2021
Life is so short… Broken hearts for DMX and his family…..
— Kirk Franklin (@kirkfranklin) April 9, 2021
Rest up DMX
— THE VOICE (@lildurk) April 9, 2021
RIP DMX
— KAYTRA (@KAYTRANADA) April 9, 2021
RIP DMX ! one of my biggest inspirations… thank you for everything
— aj (@ajtracey) April 9, 2021
RIP DMX one of my favorite rappers ever. The impact will never be forgotten !!
— RUSS (@russdiemon) April 9, 2021
rest in peace DMX. like I legitimately hope that his spirit is finally at rest.
— Open Mike Eagle (@Mike_Eagle) April 9, 2021
I was a late bloomer to Hiphop and before Get At Me Dog came out I wasn’t even listening, X was my introduction into Hiphop and the reason I fell in love with it, Rest in Paradise Dark Man X pic.twitter.com/NPiFjNPBRn
— Boi-1da (@Boi1da) April 9, 2021
DMX’s Most Inspirational Lyrics
Hip-Hop Reacts to the Death of DMX
A New DMX Song, ‘X Moves’ Featuring Bootsy Collins, Has Emerged As The Icon Remains On Life Support
As the world awaits news about the condition of rap icon DMX, who remains on life support in a coma after suffering a heart attack reportedly caused by an overdose, a new song featuring the rapper surfaced on streaming services, courtesy of Cleopatra Records. Titled “X Moves,” the new track is a collaborative effort featuring Parliament-Funkadelic bassist Bootsy Collins, as well as Asia guitarist Steve Howe and Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice. A fusion of funk, rap, and rock, it highlights DMX’s ferocity and versatility at a time when the icon’s fate hangs in the balance.
Meanwhile, the rapper’s actual label, Def Jam, is facing backlash after releasing a pair of compilations highlighting his prior work, with some fans finding the timing disrespectful and exploitative. However, some defenders applauded Def Jam for underscoring X’s importance to so many music fans at a time when younger listeners might be curious about why his predicament has had such a widespread effect.
Although erroneous rumors about the rapper’s condition circulated late last night, his manager Steve Rifkind, posted an Instagram video imploring fans to hold off and wait for an official statement. However, the outlook isn’t great; a critical test of DMX’s brain function Wednesday reportedly found little improvement.
We’ll see if fans receive “X Moves” better than they did the Def Jam compilations. You can check out the track below.
DMX Is Reportedly Dead At 50 Following A Drug Overdose
In news that the music world hoped would not arrive, it’s been reported that DMX has tragically passed away at the age of 50. The news arrives less than a week after he suffered a reported drug overdose at his home. According to TMZ, the incident occurred at 11 p.m. last Friday and resulted in him being rushed to a White Plains, New York hospital.
Upon his arrival, the rapper was reported in “grave condition” and placed in the facility’s critical care unit. TMZ also reported that the overdose triggered a heart attack. After some conflicting reports about his status, it was clarified that he remained on life support with little brain activity. The rapper then spent days in the hospital with family, friends, and supporters hoping he would pull through. But on Thursday night, word of his passing was reported by his family in an official statement.
DMX’s passing is a sad ending to his long-documented battle with drug addiction. It’s one that began when the rapper was tricked into smoking crack by his rap mentor at just the age of 14. In recent years, his battle landed in the eyes of the public through multiple trips to rehab — one in 2017 and another in 2019. In both situations, he was forced to cancel concerts in order to get a grasp on his addiction.
In 2019, his rehab announcement was made through an Instagram post. “In his ongoing commitment to putting family and sobriety first, DMX has checked himself into a rehab facility,” the caption read. “He apologizes for his canceled shows and thanks his fans for their continued support.”
Despite these past bumps, DMX seemed to be heading toward a better path and was preparing to release his upcoming album, one he said would arrive with features from Griselda Records, Pop Smoke, and U2’s Bono.
Def Jam Faces Backlash For Releasing Two DMX Compilation Albums As The Rapper Remains Hospitalized
DMX has been the talk of the hip-hop world in recent days as things seemingly aren’t looking good for the rapper following a reported overdose. Today, Def Jam decided to release a pair of new compilations, DMX: The Ruff Ryder and A Dog’s Prayers, a move that some fans believe is in bad taste. Some see these releases as a money-grab, thrown together to capitalize on DMX being in the news.
The Ruff Ryder features some of DMX’s biggest hits like “X Gon’ Give It To Ya,” “Party Up,” and “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem,” while A Dog’s Prayers features some of the “Prayer” tracks the rapper has released throughout his career.
In a tweet announcing The Ruff Ryder last night, Def Jam wrote, “As we continue to pray for DMX’s recovery, let’s take a look back at some of the gifts he’s dedicated so much of his life to give to the world.” About 40 minutes later, they shared A Dog’s Prayers and wrote, “Nothing comes close to the feeling you get when you hear DMX start praying. Every word hits deep. Even if you don’t believe, you’re inspired and encouraged. Send some of the same energy back out for him while he’s fighting his way back to us all.”
As we continue to pray for DMX’s recovery, let’s take a look back at some of the gifts he’s dedicated so much of his life to give to the world.
https://t.co/k0zMaFZNtQ pic.twitter.com/z6SajlkKk9
— Def Jam Recordings (@defjam) April 9, 2021
Nothing comes close to the feeling you get when you hear DMX start praying. Every word hits deep. Even if you don’t believe, you’re inspired and encouraged.
Send some of the same energy back out for him while he’s fighting his way back to us all. https://t.co/sxy5vFks1C pic.twitter.com/zOM6D1Jf2z
— Def Jam Recordings (@defjam) April 9, 2021
Following the releases, the label faced some backlash. One Twitter user wrote, “dmx isnt even dead and def jam is already trying to profit…” Another wrote, “F*ck off stop using the situation to make as much money as you can.”
dmx isnt even dead and def jam is already trying to profit…
— c (@BRlCKSINTHEHOO) April 9, 2021
Fuck off stop using the situation to make as much money as you can
— Matt (@mattymcfIy_) April 9, 2021
Not everybody feels the same way, though. One Twitter user noted, “There’s literally nothing wrong with this. His label re-released a small Greatest Hits album and are promoting it so that people hearing about DMX for the first time have a good starting place. You guys are just so desperate to hate labels even when they do something good.”
There’s literally nothing wrong with this. His label re-released a small Greatest Hits album and are promoting it so that people hearing about DMX for the first time have a good starting place. You guys are just so desperate to hate labels even when they do something good.
— MR. BEAN IS LISTENING TO ROADRUNNER (@beanvillainy) April 9, 2021
Check out some more tweets about the DMX compilations and stream both releases below.
You guys are disgusting.
— Lex| ⁶𓅓 (@Lex_Dont_Exist) April 9, 2021
Def Jam just released a DMX best of EP how fucking disrespectful when the man is fighting for his life.
— j (@JoeTheUnit) April 9, 2021
Def Jam dropping a DMX single & a collection of his Prayers today is not sitting right with me.
— X-Ray (@DaRealXray) April 9, 2021
So Def Jam tonight just released a DMX Compilation, a new single, and a spoken word EP.
Not even waiting for his death to start exploiting him eh? pic.twitter.com/DQmEA8emAh— Kevin D. Grüssing (pronounced Grew-Sing) (@KevDGrussing) April 9, 2021
DEF JAM ALREADY TRYING TO MAKE A PROFIT OFF DMX
— 666 (@JACKNOSTUNNA) April 9, 2021