On this day in Hip Hop history DMX released his debut album It‘s Dark and Hell Is Hot. This is DMX’s most popular project to date, with Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood serving as a close second. Within the first week of its release selling 251,000 copies debuting at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The LP went on to become certified quadruple platinum on December 18th, 2000.
This project came during a turbulent time in Hip Hop. The genre was coming off of the loss of two titans, Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G., and was facing a change in what was hot. With the rise of high energy production melded with dark and oft-violent lyricism coming from camps like No Limit, Cash Money, and Three 6 Mafia, DMX’s sound allowed him to find his place perfectly within the current trend while add his own twist.
DMX’s melancholic realism spoke to the generation. This project was able to simultaneously turn the party up and cause its listeners to think introspectively about the concept of good and evil and existence as a whole. This album touched on the struggle and pain that came being DMX. As most rappers would glamorize the finer side of the industry life, DMX reveals through this debut that even early on in his career he had been wrestling with the demons that come with wealth and fame.
The stand out hit of the album, “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem”, has been deemed as a classic squad anthem. Produced by Swizz Beatz, the single peaked at #93 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #79 on VH1’s 100 Greatest Songs of Hip Hop.
Following this album, DMX went on to release six other studio albums and rise to be one of the most popular and influential artists of the early 2000s. Shortly following the release of this album DMX made his film debut in the hit film Belly with fellow New York rapper, Nas.
During a recent interview with Angie Martinez, Swizz Beatz revealed he doesn’t think his wife likes the $500,000 limited edition Virgil Abloh-inspired Maybach he purchased her as a gift. The producer added that his legendary siner wife never even picked the car up from the dealership.
“I don’t think she liked the goddam car,” he said, before Martinez pointed out that the singer did not seem like the “flashy” type either, so perhaps he has a point.
While Alicia likes to drive and collects cars, he says the gift is “still at the dealership” most likely due to the reaction social media has had on her gifts in the past. He also thinks that seeing the attention the car has received made her a little standoff-ish.
“I know she was already thinking like ‘are they gonna be on me if I bring the kids to school in this? Are people gonna know how I’m movin’?’ like [I’m sure] she start[ed] thinking like that way with it. She’s [was just] being very polite.”
The new car, which was unveiled at a car show last December, is a Mercedes-Maybach S-Class S680 model and was designed by Abloh before his November 2021 death in partnership with Gorden Wagener, Mercedes-Benz’s chief design officer. Watch the video below.
On the 25th anniversary of “Ruff Ryders Anthem,” Swizz Beatz took to social media to remember his dear friend, DMX. The renowned producer talked about how the success of the iconic song propelled his career forward. According to him, it set him on the path that led to where he is now. In doing so, he also paid tribute to the late rapper. The track “Ruff Ryders Anthem” was the third single from DMX’s album It’s Dark & Hell is Hot. When it was released, it only reached No. 93 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, after DMX’s death in April 2021, it hit a new peak at No. 16. Swizz Beatz has frequently expressed his love and admiration for his late friend in the past.
Swizz Beatz has been vocal about his grief over DMX’s passing. He has frequently shared tributes to the late rapper on social media. Furthermore, he has posted photos and videos of them together, shared personal anecdotes, and expressed his admiration and respect. Swizz Beatz and DMX had a long history together, with Swizz producing many of DMX’s hit songs and being one of his closest collaborators. It’s clear that DMX’s death has deeply affected Swizz, as well as many others in the music industry and beyond.
In an interview with The Breakfast Club on April 26, Swizz Beatz discussed a vivid dream he had. In it he says felt the spirit of his late friend and rap legend, DMX. Before revealing his supernatural experience, Swizz said that he felt like DMX wasn’t even gone. “Man, honestly, it don’t even feel like he’s gone,” he said. “It just feels like he’s away, somewhere chillin’. And then the anniversary will come around… and I’m like, ‘Whoa.’”
Swizz went on to describe his dream about the late rapper. “But the thing that make me feel easy about it is he came to me,” he continued. “I seen him in my dream. He came to me. And this was, like, super quick too. And he let me know he was good. I’m the person that be like, ‘He ain’t come to see you, what you talkin’ about?’ I seen him. I felt him.” What do you think about Swizz Beatz tribute to the late DMX? Let us know in the comments!
Alicia Keys is known for her activism and for giving a voice to those who often go unheard. She supports numerous charities, including those that fight against AIDS and advocate for change. Despite her sometimes luxurious celebrity lifestyle, Keys is actively involved in over 30 charities. The “No One” singer frequently uses her platform to speak out on various important social and political issues.
In addition to her charitable work, Keys also expresses her views through art and other means. She recently collaborated with Janelle Monaé on the song “Say Her Name,” which sheds light on the horrific killings of black women such as Sandra Bland and Breonna Taylor. The song also features Beyoncé, Tierra Whack, and Chloe Bailey. Keys’ involvement in social issues extends beyond her music and charity work. She recently reached out to Ralph Yarl, a black teen who survived a potentially fatal shooting. Keys not only offered him a free ticket to her tour but also said she wants to meet him.
Keys Isn’t So Sure About Carting The Kids Around In a Maybach
Because she is a very giving and humble person as far as celebs go, Alicia Keys generally isn’t very flashy. Back in March, Keys’ husband, Swizz Beatz, gave her a very expensive belated birthday gift. He surprised the singer with a limited edition Virgil Abloh Maybach. The car is very exclusive, with the price tag starting at $500,000. However, according to a new interview with Swizz Beatz, Keys wasn’t so into it. According to him, it is still sitting at the dealership.
“I know she’s already thinking, are they gonna be on me if I bring the kids to school in this?” Swizz said in the interview. It is quite a sight to imagine Alicia Keys of all people dropping the kids off in a Maybach. Then, Swizz revealed the reason he knew for a fact that wasn’t feeling the car. “You know when the word interesting starts coming out…” he joked. “She hit me with the word interesting.” What do you think of the car? Can you imagine Alicia Keys driving it? Sound off in the comments below!
Hip hop is a genre that has always been about storytelling, from the struggles of growing up in inner cities to the highs and lows of fame and fortune. However, one story that often goes untold is that of love. Despite the stereotype of hip hop being all about “thug life” and “player” mentalities, there are many hip hop couples who have been together for over a decade, proving that love can indeed conquer all.
We’re looking at five hip hop couples who have maintained a long-lasting relationship. This is despite the challenges that come with fame and fortune. From Jay-Z and Beyoncé, arguably the most powerful couple in hip hop today, to LL Cool J and Simone Smith, who have been together for over 30 years, these couples inspire us all. Through their stories, we’ll see that love in hip hop is not just a cliché. It’s a real and powerful force that can withstand time.
Jay-Z & Beyoncé
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 05: (L-R) Beyoncé and Jay-Z attend the 65th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 05, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
Jay-Z and Beyoncé have been a power couple since they first emerged with their romance. They first met when Beyoncé was just 18 years old and working with Destiny’s Child. Jay-Z, who was 30 at the time, was immediately smitten with her. They started dating around 2001 but kept their relationship a secret for a long time. They only appeared together in public in 2004. In 2008, they married in a private ceremony and have been together ever since. Their relationship has not been without its challenges, however. Yet, they have always maintained that their love is strong, and they have worked through their issues. The couple has three children together, and continue to be one of the most iconic couples in hip hop.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 20: T.I. and Tameka “Tiny” Harris attends META – Convened by BET Networks at The Edition Hotel on February 20, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Robin L Marshall/Getty Images for BET)
T.I. and Tiny’s relationship has been a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs. They first met in the late 1990s and started dating shortly thereafter. T.I. and Tiny were once close to calling it quits, but they fought for their marriage. They’ve been featured on their own reality shows and often speak about the highs and lows of balancing a marriage in the industry. There have been rumors of infidelity from both parties, over the years. However, they seem to be in a much better place, these days.
Ice-T & Coco
NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 27: Rapper/actor Ice-T (L) and actor/model Coco Austin attend the GRAMMY Gift Lounge during the 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards at Madison Square Garden on January 27, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by JP Yim/Getty Images for NARAS )
Ice-T and Coco’s love story is a little different from the others on this list. They first met when Coco was working as a model, and Ice-T was already an established rapper and actor. They got married in 2002 and even featured their family on the reality show, Ice Loves Coco. The couple often takes hits on social media for their parenting style, but it’s nothing that the rap icon can’t handle. He emerges to defend his wife and supports her endeavors, in their household and with her career.
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 25: Producer/philanthropist Swizz Beatz and his wife recording artist Alicia Keys (R) attend Haute Living Honors its partner Swizz Beatz with a Louis XIII experience on October 25, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Fernando Leon/Getty Images for Haute Living)
Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys are another power couple in hip hop, with Swizz Beatz being one of the most successful producers in the industry and Alicia Keys being a Grammy-winning artist in her own right. They have two children together, and both continue succeeding in their respective careers. However, their relationship has not been without controversy. There were rumors that Alicia broke up Swizz’s first marriage, but those claims have been adamantly denied. The loving parents often put their romance on display, and it’s clear that the spark hasn’t dissipated all these years later.
LL Cool J & Simone Smith
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 17: Actor/rapper LL Cool J (R) and Simone Smith attend the 69th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards at Microsoft Theater on September 17, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage)
LL Cool J and Simone Smith’s love story is one of the longest-lasting in hip hop, as they have been together for over 30 years. In 1995, they got married in a private ceremony and have four children together. Simone has even launched her own jewelry line, called “SIS,” worn by celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey and Kelly Rowland. Additionally, the couple has leaned on one another through Simone’s cancer battle, using her experience to help others in similar situations.
Swizz Beatz has been a part of many monumental musical moments. From his tapes with Lil Wayne, to his new EP honoring 50 years of Hip-Hop, Swizz has been a central piece in Hip-Hop history. Recently, the star producer appeared on Amazon Music’s Roundtable Rotation, with Rob Markman, Speedy Morman, Nyla Symone, and Gabe P. During the interview, Swizz Beatz made claims that he introduced America to Afrobeat stars, Burna Boy and Wizkid. He also made even bolder claims regarding his impact on bring Afrobeats to the U.S. audience.
“See, the key thing that you said was you got on a plane and you went to Ghana and now you’re stuck on Afrobeats,” he said to the outlet. Swizz Beatz continued, “I introduced Wizkid to America. I was the first person to play his song.” Not only that, the super producer noted that he and his wife, Alicia Keys, even danced to Wizkid on a trip. Furthermore, Swizz went into more detail about his impact on introducing Afrobeats to America. “[I was the] first person to bring Burna Boy to the States,” he told Speedy and the gang.
Swizz Beatz Makes Bold Claims
Here is a story for you… @MI_Abaga put Wiz on his groundbreaking album “Talk About It” and properly introduced him to the market. @BankyW and @CaptDemuren signed him and put EVERYTHING into pushing him and the artist’s on their label including Banky’s own career. A series of…
Additionally, Swizz Beatz mentioned, “Actually, he had a Ruff Ryders bandana on and I introduced him on the stage.” The Ruff Ryders producer also noted how the Afrobeats sound is piercing through and how he’s trying to keep the momentum going. “It’s piercing through, by the way. People are more open-minded — they just need the right entry point,” Swizz added. While Swizz Beatz might’ve thought he was showing love for the global success of Afrobeats, others had mixed feelings.
Godwin Tom, managing director of Sony Music Publishing, Nigeria, responded in a tweet detailing Wizkid’s success from his eyes. “Here is a story for you… @MI_Abaga put Wiz on his groundbreaking album ‘Talk About It’ and properly introduced him to the market,” he began. While going into even more detail about the Afrobeats artist’s rise to success he also gave thanks to Swizz and Akon for showing love. However, he didn’t want a false narrative being spun either. “We are making a mistake in allowing others tell our stories and soon we won’t have a story or history and guess what… these videos with Swizz and Akon will be referenced in America,” he tweeted. Is Godwin Tom right? How did you stumble upon Afrobeats? Let us know in the comments!
Swizz Beatz is back with a new video for “Say Less.” The single featuring A Boogie wit da Hoodie and Lil Durk can be found on Swizz’s collaborative EP with Mass Appeal, Hip Hop 50: Vol 2.
The 6-track project marks the second EP in Mass Appeal’s Hip Hop 50: The Soundtrack. Coming off the first installment of the EP series with DJ Premier’s Hip Hop 50 Vol. 1, Hip Hop 50: Vol. 2 is entirely produced by Swizz Beatz. The EP is an ode to New York rap and includes star-studded features from Nas, Lil Wayne, Lil Durk, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Jadakiss, Jay Electronica, Benny The Butcher, Fivio Foreign, Scar Lipand Bandmanrill. Fans can also stay tuned for the “Say Less” video featuring Lil Durk & A Boogie wit da Hoodie releasing next week.
Hip Hop 50: Vol. 2is the culmination of Swizz Beatz’s career spanning over two decades and the sound that inspired it. The Verzuz creator first rose to prominence as a Ruff Ryder producing songs for DMX and Eve. The success of “Ruff Ryder’s Anthem” launched Beatz’s career as a highly sought-after and regarded artist. He’s since gone on to create some of the most prolific songs in Hip Hop, working with JAY-Z, Noreaga, Busta Rhymes, Cassidy, Nas, Rakim, Lil Wayne, and many more. Hip Hop 50: Vol. 2will be followed by eight more EPs from iconic figures who’ve had a hand in expanding the culture from the streets of the Bronx to the global community. Hip Hop 50: The Soundtrack, distributed via Mass Appeal’s new deal with The Orchard, is the score to the biggest birthday bash ever.
A portion of all Hip Hop 50 proceeds will be donated to the various charitable organizations, including, the Universal Hip Hop Museum set to open its doors in 2024. Mass Appeal recently announced Hip Hop 50 partnerships with CÎROC Ultra-Premium Vodka – the official Vodka of #HipHop50, as well as Google Pixel and Sony Music Entertainment. In January, Mass Appeal partnered with Fotografiska to launch Hip Hop Conscious, Unconscious exhibition – currently on view in New York City till May 21st before traveling to other locations. Additionally, Mass Appeal has teamed up with Live Nation Urban to produce live event programming, as well as Paramount + / Showtime for a premium content partnership with captivating documentaries such as: YOU’RE WATCHING VIDEO MUSIC BOX, CYPRESS HILL: INSANE IN THE BRAIN, SUPREME TEAM and more.
