Benny the Butcher has clarified his previous comments on DMX, which some fans found the be disrespectful. Speaking about the situation during a recent interview on The Breakfast Club, he explained that his remarks were taken out of context. He had written on Twitter in 2022 that he’d be dropping the best hip-hop album on Def Jam since DMX’s It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot. That project released back in 1998.
“Respect to DMX and his family and all that,” he began. “But what I meant was, I’m creating a Def Jam moment. These people who get on Twitter and…these blogs post that sh*t to get the reaction. I’m sick of them doing that. I’m sick of all these Internet f*ckin’ weirdos you’ve seen post that picture. Why post that sh*t? To get people talkin’?”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 25: Benny The Butcher attends the Brooklyn Artist Ball after party at the Brooklyn Museum on April 25, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
Benny previously addressed the drama while responding to a fan on Twitter who had called him out. “When blogs post sh*t like this they be tryna get a reaction outta yall and yall take they bait cuz yall love to banter on this app,” he wrote at the time. “I was speaking on creating a missing feelin in the Def Jam building[.] Can’t wait to drop my sh*t on you nerds who gonna hate either way THE [Butcher] COMIN.” Check out Benny’s appearance on The Breakfast Club below.
Benny The Butcher Discusses DMX
Elsewhere in the interview, Benny discusses the state of Griselda and downplayed rumors about them breaking up. Instead, he described them as a “family.” He also spoke about his feud with Freddie Gibbs and confirmed he has no interest in reconciling with the rapper. Be on the lookout for further updates on Benny the Butcher on HotNewHipHop.
Swizz Beatz recently got nostalgic on social media, sharing some old footage of DMX with his followers. The various clips showcase a DMX performance at the Apollo Theater. The late rapper is seen performing various tracks from his debut album It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot while the crowd goes wild.
Alongside the footage, Swizz Beatz also shared a sweet message about his late friend. “DMX Apollo zone! This was our 1st time on that stage it was magical! I was X Dj and producer at that time,” Swizz captioned the throwback, “We made magic that will never be forgotten! Long live my brother @dmx I still cry when I hear Stop Drop real talk. look at the slides.”
DMX is also seen in one clip performing “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem,” which turned 25 last month. Swizz Beatz celebrated the It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot single’s anniversary, sharing another throwback with his Instagram followers. He called the song’s release date the day his “life changed forever,” going on to say “long live my brother [DMX]!!!!” DMX’s six-year-old son, Exodus, also recently covered the iconic track on piano in a sweet clip shared by his mother.
Swizz Beatz has also previously discussed the similarities he sees between young NYC rapper Scar Lip and his late friend. Last month, he even said that he believes the rapper sent her to him. “I honestly feel like DMX sent Scar Lip my way because she’s too much of his energy,” he explained. “Like I’ve never seen an artist that just naturally have what I know DMX have. And they two different artists, two different levels, yes. But I’m not talking about that. You know, like, that sister’s been through a lot, like Dog been through a lot.” He continued, “That sister, you know, is when you sit with her, she’s amazing and have a great heart the same way X had a great heart.”
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
American rapper DMX in March, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gregory Bojorquez/Getty Images)
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.
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
INGLEWOOD, CA – OCTOBER 04: DMX performs onstage during the Bad Boy Family Reunion Tour at The Forum on October 4, 2016 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Live Nation)
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.
