DMX (rapper)

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Background information
Birth name	Earl Simmons
Also known as	The Dog Dark Man X
Born	December 18, 1970 Mount Vernon, New York, USA
Origin	Yonkers, New York, USA
Genre(s)	Hardcore Rap
Occupation(s)	Musician Actor
Years active	1992–present
Label(s)	Ruff Ryders/Sony/Columbia
Website	Official website

Earl Simmons (born on December 18, 1970), better known by his stage name DMX, is an American rapper and actor, who became popular during the late-1990s into the 2000s. He also is one of the highest selling rappers with sales of over 23 million worldwide.

Contents 1 Biography 2 Music career 2.1 It's Dark and Hell Is Hot 2.2 Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood 2.3 ...And Then There Was X 2.4 The Great Depression 2.5 Grand Champ 2.6 Year of the Dog...Again 3 Acting career 4 Criminal history 5 Rivalries 6 Trivia 7 Discography 7.1 Albums 8 References 9 External links

[edit] Biography

Earl Simmons a.k.a DMX was the second of three children of a single mother, and was born in Mount Vernon, New York. He also has Haitian backgrounds by his father, who left his mother for a white woman when he was just a little kid. DMX ended up growing up in the School Street housing projects of Yonkers, New York after moving from Mount Vernon. He began rapping around the age of 13,^{[citation needed]} amusing crowds of kids with rhymes that relied on spelled-out words, a style he called "spellbound."^{[citation needed]} A local rapper eventually asked the young Earl to beatbox for him, and Simmons agreed, adapting the name DMX, which stands for "Dark Man X." But at the time, stood for a drum system that delivered amazing beats.^[1] Eventually he decided to try his hand at rapping seriously, and honed his skills during a stint at a group home.

[edit] Music career

In and out of jail, DMX decided to focus solely on his rap career. He was first signed to Columbia records in 1992. He had a single "Born Loser" which never got much air play. He was shortly dropped. 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, and released his first of three albums, Year of the Dog...Again on August 1, 2006. Rumors also arose that DMX had signed for 50 Cent's G-Unit Records, but were dismissed in a public news conference. After signing for Sony BMG X admitted that he was close to signing to Full Surface, which is founded by close friend and Ruff Ryders president Swizz Beatz, and currently hold such artists as Cassidy, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Yung Wun & Eve. X has started his own label called Bloodline Records which has new artists that are ready to step out into the rap game.

[edit] 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.^{[citation needed]} 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 Mase'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, also executive produced by his long-time friend and mentor Irv Gotti which debuted as number one on the pop charts.

Produced mostly by Damon "Dame Grease" Blackman, as well as Irv Gotti and (Swizz Beatz produced the song "Ruff Ryder's 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..^{[citation needed]} 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.

[edit] 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.^{[citation needed]} The cover photo of the rapper covered in pig's blood caused some controversy.^{[citation needed]} 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.^{[citation needed]}

A warrant for his arrest was issued in connection with a stabbing during a tour stop in Denver, of which he was later cleared. He was accused of assaulting a Yonkers man who'd allegedly harassed his wife in May (the charges were once again dropped). More serious charges were brought that summer, when DMX's uncle/manager was accidentally shot in the foot at a New Jersey hotel. DMX's home was raided by police, and they filed animal cruelty, weapons, and drug possession charges against the rapper and his wife. He eventually reached a plea bargain, receiving only fines, probation and community service.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] ...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?" and "What These Bitches Want" (featuring Sisqo) were also popular. ...And Then There Was X is DMX's best-selling album to date, going 6 times platinum, and was one of the fastest made by DMX: Def Jam urged him to release the tracks within a month, while DMX used to take a year to write songs.

[edit] 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. This album was also not very acclaimed by critics, especially when in comparison to his first three.

[edit] 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 five 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.^{[citation needed]} 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.

[edit] Year of the Dog...Again

Released August 1, 2006, 'Year of the Dog...Again had numerous problems due to DMX switching record labels, as well as numerous delays. The album's five predecessors 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.^{[citation needed]} DMX has also appeared on a remix of Busta Rhymes' "Touch It". He has also released his two more singles "Lord Give Me A Sign", and "We In Here", which are included in Year of the Dog...Again.

DMX has two clothing lines, DMX authentic and the Earl Simmons Collection, both can be found at www.dmxstyle.com he will be coming out with more clothes later this year.

[edit] Acting career

DMX made his film debut in Belly, co-starring fellow rappers Method Man and Nas. He returned to the big screen with a minor supporting role with Aaliyah and Jet Li in Romeo Must Die. Soon after DMX's release from jail, he starred in the Steven Seagal action film Exit Wounds, which opened at number one at the box office. DMX contributed the hit single "No Sunshine" (based on a rework of the Bill Withers classic) to the soundtrack. He signed a multi-picture deal with Warner Bros. in the wake of Exit Wounds' success. DMX worked with Jet Li again in Cradle 2 the Grave. It opened at number one upon its release in March 2003, and its DMX-heavy soundtrack debuted in the Top Ten. DMX also starred in Never Die Alone, which was based on street novelist Donald Goines' book. DMX is also set to star in three upcoming films, one of which is the sequel to Belly. He was set to star in Marble City a thriller but was dropped and replaced by Ving Rhames.[1] DMX has finished filming another action thriller called Last Hour which should see a release at the end of 2006. He also has a reality show on BET, the show is named DMX: Soul of a Man. It has also been confirmed about a 2007 release film Beast, which is the sequel to Belly and follows where the last finished. He also has appeared on the TV show South Park in the episode "Chef Aid" along with Elton John, Ozzy Ozbourne and other stars.

[edit] Criminal history

DMX has a criminal history originating with an arrest in 1999 in Teaneck, New Jersey, when police found a pistol, crack pipes, and 13 pit bulls (dog fighting) on the premises of his home. He pleaded guilty to charges of animal cruelty, disorderly conduct and possession of drug paraphernalia and was sentenced to make public service announcements for the Humane Society.

In March 2000, he was arrested for aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle, speeding, failure to signal, driving without a license, failure to notify the DMV of an address change, and possession of marijuana, while driving on New York State Route 33 in Cheektowaga, New York, following a concert in Buffalo, New York. He was then scheduled to appear in Cheektowaga Town Court on March 21, but failed to appear, resulting in a warrant being issued for his arrest.[2] He later turned himself in, pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of driving without a license and was sentenced to 15 days in jail and fined $400.[3] He was also charged with marijuana possession, after turning himself in, when authorities found marijuana in a pack of his cigarettes; he was fined an additional $250.

In June 2003, he was arrested for swearing during a concert before a crowd of about 3,000 in St Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean. The country's Information Minister alleged that a contract signed before the concert stipulated there would be no indecent language on stage. DMX was released on bail. ($376)^[2]

In June 2004, DMX and a friend were arrested in the parking lot of Kennedy Airport in New York for allegedly attempting to steal a car and impersonating a federal agent. Police questioned Simmons, who claimed to be a "special agent." However, agents were aware of his status as an entertainer and not an agent. DMX was taken to central lockup in Queens and held on charges of attempted robbery, criminal impersonation and criminal mischief. He pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment in December and was sentenced to a conditional discharge. His driver's license was suspended for the incident and he had to forfeit his 1998 Ford Expedition.

In April 2005, DMX was arrested in The Bronx for driving with a suspended license after his car crashed into a police cruiser.

In October 2005, DMX was sentenced to 60 days in prison after pleading guilty to two traffic violations while his license was suspended, one being the incident in April and the other involving driving his car at 104 miles per hour near his Westchester home on Interstate 684.

In May 2006, DMX was arrested at a London airport for causing a disturbance after he refused to put on a seat belt and became abusive on a flight from New York to London. He was released with a caution.^[3]

On February 2, 2007 DMX was arrested on a driving on an expired license charge, and is scheduled to appear in a Yonkers courtroom on March 6, 2007 on that and other minor infractions.[4]

DMX mentions his criminal attorney, Murray Richman, also known as "Don't Worry Murray", in E.A.R.L.: The Autobiography of DMX.^[4]

[edit] Rivalries

DMX has had several outstanding issues with other artists in his career, some low-profile and some played out with help from the media and radio.

• K-Solo, of EPMD's Hit Squad, was a rapper DMX battled in jail. When Solo was released, he had a respectable hit song wherein he used the "spellbound" style DMX claims to have invented. DMX responded in 1998, on It's Dark and Hell is Hot. Solo did not reply until 2001. However, in a recent interview, DMX challenged the rapper (who is also a smalltime boxer) to a fight.

A scene in the documentary Beef had K-Solo taking a polygraph (lie detector) test answering questions about the "spellbound" song which K-Solo claims DMX stole from him, and K-Solo failed when asked, "Did DMX create any of the lyrics for Spellbound?"

• Kurupt, of the Dogg Pound, accused DMX of sleeping with Foxy Brown. The beef was squashed at the encouragement of Snoop Dogg.

• Eminem and DMX were rumored to have sent subliminal messages to each other on a freestyle song and DMX's 1999 hit "Party Up (Up in Here)" respectively. The two rappers later teamed up to record a track belittling Ja Rule called "Go To Sleep" with Obie Trice included on the Cradle 2 the Grave soundtrack.

• The LOX and DMX allegedly had some problems stemming from their time living in Yonkers that was talked out in 2004. It is rumored a line on the song "Trina Moe", from The Great Depression, was aimed at the trio. However in the same "recent interview" which saw DMX reigniting the beef with K-Solo, the artist also gave a shout out to LOX and suggested that they collaborate on future work. Leaked versions of the upcoming DMX album are noted for featuring at least two tracks with prominent D-Block artists Jadakiss and Styles P.

• Contrary to popular belief, DMX and Jay-Z were never on the Murder Inc. record label. Murder Inc. was originally supposed to be a band, rather than a label, with Jay-Z, DMX, and Ja Rule as members. DMX accused former cohort Ja Rule of getting rich from his style, teaming up with Eminem, 50 Cent, and others to diss the label. There's been recent rumors that DMX has ended his beef with Ja Rule as an interview with allhiphop.com has said.

• DMX and Jay-Z have begun to form a feud after X left Def Jam for Sony/Columbia at which point DMX says that they are both too big and that he can't work under him. This also caused a small feud between X & Rihanna. When DMX was asked why he made the sudden change, he said "I can't work under him (speaking of Jay-Z) anymore. I have nothing against the label itself, I just can't work under him." DMX has also accused Jay-Z of being a poor Def Jam President and has thrown a shot at Jay-Z "We In Here." He has shown support to Cam'Ron in his feud with Jay-Z on Funkmaster Flex's radio show on Hot 97, which has caused Jay to throw a line aimed at X in his album Kingdom Come.

[edit] Trivia

DMX is known for his love of dogs, and owns several as pets. On April 20, 2006, he was away from his home and had put up most of his pet dogs in a kennel. The kennel accidentally burned down, killing all animals inside, though no humans perished. In many cases, the animals' blood had boiled in their veins, then burst while they were still alive and spewed red hot blood indiscriminately. DMX, on returning home, confronted the kennel owner and demanded to know where his dogs were at. The owner had no response. DMX has since bought many new dogs to replace his lost pets.

Michael Phelps listens to Party Up before his races, particularly his first world record. ^[5]

[edit] Discography

Main article: DMX discography

[edit] Albums

Album cover	Album information
	It's Dark and Hell Is Hot Released: May 19, 1998 US peak position: #1 RIAA certification: 4x Platinum Singles: "Get At Me Dog", "Ruff Ryders' Anthem (Stop, Drop)", "Stop Being Greedy", "How It's Goin Down"
	Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood Released: December 15, 1998 US peak position: #1 RIAA certification: 3x Platinum Singles: "Slippin'", "No Love 4 Me"
	...And Then There Was X Released: December 21, 1999 US peak position: #1 RIAA certification: 6x Platinum Singles: "What's My Name", "What You Want", "Party Up (Up in Here)"
	The Great Depression Released: October 23, 2001 US peak position: #1 RIAA certification: 2x Platinum Singles: "Who We Be", "We Right Here", "I Miss You"
	Grand Champ Released: September 16, 2003 US peak position: #1 RIAA certification: Platinum Singles: "Where the Hood At?", "Get it on the Floor"
	Year of the Dog...Again Released: August 1, 2006 US peak position: #1 RIAA certification: Platinum Singles: "We In Here", "Lord Give Me a Sign", "Come Thru"
	The Dog Released: June 4th, 2007 US peak position: RIAA certification: RIAA certification Singles: "Back Like That"

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Official DMX website
• DMX at WikiMusicGuide
• DMX at the Internet Movie Database
• AllHipHop Interview
• DMX's official clothing line

v • d • e  DMX
Albums | Singles | Full discography
Filmography Belly | Romeo Must Die | Exit Wounds | Angel | Cradle 2 the Grave | Eve | Third Watch | Never Die Alone | DMX: Soul of a Man