DMX (rapper)
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| DMX | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Earl Simmons |
| Also known as | The Dog, Dark Man X, X, D |
| Born | December 18, 1970 Baltimore, Maryland, United States |
| Origin | Yonkers, New York, United States |
| Genre(s) | Hip hop |
| Occupation(s) | Rapper, actor |
| Years active | 1991 – present |
| Label(s) | Ruff Ryders Entertainment, Bodog Music, Bloodline Records |
| Associated acts | Ruff Ryders, Swizz Beatz, Drag-On, Sheek Louch, Styles P, Jadakiss, Aaliyah, Dame Grease |
| Website | www.dmx-official.com |
Earl Simmons (born on December 18, 1970 in Baltimore, Maryland), better known by his stage name DMX is an American rapper and actor who rose to popularity in the late 1990s. His stage name is derived from a similarly-named drum machine. Simmons is one of the best-selling rap artists of all time, selling over 20 million records with five consecutive albums to debut at #1 on the Billboard charts. To date, his best-selling album was his 1999 album ...And Then There Was X, which featured the hit single "Party Up (Up in Here)". As an actor, he also starred in the films Exit Wounds, Romeo Must Die, and Cradle 2 the Grave and his own reality television series Soul of a Man on the American cable television network BET. In 2002, DMX wrote an autobiographical book titled E.A.R.L.: The Autobiography of DMX. During his lifetime, he has also held an extensive arrest record for numerous crimes committed during his career.[1]
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[edit] Early life
Born Earl Simmons in Baltimore, Maryland in 1970, DMX relocated early in his childhood with some family members to Yonkers, a suburb of New York City. His childhood turned him violent as a result of much struggle and abuse; thus, he spent much time either on the streets committing crime or living in group homes. Hip-hop, however, was an escape from his hard times, as he enjoyed beatboxing, turntablism, and eventually rapping. He took his current stage name DMX from the drum machine of the same name and soon became popular in freestyle battles.[1] DMX first worked as a human beatbox for rapper Just-Ice. In this job he was well respected in the hip-hop communtiy and was considered a good compliment to Just-Ice's rapping.[2] He was name dropped in KRS-One's song "I'm Still #1".
[edit] Music career
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In 1991, The Source magazine praised him in its "Unsigned Hype" column that highlighted unsigned hip-hop artists. Later, he was signed to the Columbia Records subsidiary Ruffhouse in 1992; under that label he released his debut single "Born Loser", which did not get much airplay. However, Ruffhouse promoted many other artists on its roster rather than DMX and so agreed to release him from his contract eventually. In 1994, he released a second single, "Make a Move", but later that year was arrested for drug possession.[1]
In 1997, Simmons 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 The LOX's "Money, Power, Respect" created an even stronger buzz.[1]
[edit] It's Dark and Hell Is Hot
In early 1998, he released his debut major-label single under Def Jam Recordings, "Get At Me Dog", which was certified gold by the RIAA. His first major-label album It's Dark and Hell Is Hot was released in May 1998 and debuted on the top spot on the Billboard 200 chart in the U.S. It earned Simmons numerous comparisons to Tupac Shakur and sold over four million copies. Soon after the release of the album, DMX was nearly arrested for raping a stripper in the Bronx but was cleared by DNA evidence.[1]
[edit] Flesh of my Flesh, Blood of my Blood
Simmons completed his second album, Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood, by the end of 1998; the album was released in December of that year due to a pending buyout of Def Jam. As had its predecessor It's Dark and Hell is Hot, Flesh debuted on the top spot of the Billboard 200 chart and eventually was certified triple platinum by the RIAA.[1] Guest appearances ranged from rap group The L.O.X., rapper Jay-Z, R&B singer Mary J. Blige, and even heavy metal musician Marilyn Manson. The Ruff Ryders posse, for which DMX was a founding member, released its first compilation album under the Ryde or Die series in the spring of 1999. Contributors included DMX himself as well as The LOX and Eve.[3]
In 1999, DMX joined rappers Jay-Z, Method Man and Redman for Jay-Z's Hard Knock Life tour.[1] DMX was arrested but later cleared of a stabbing that occurred at a tour stop in Denver, Colorado; he was also cleared of an assault charge back at his hometown of Yonkers. However, in the summer of 1999, DMX and his wife were arrested and charged for animal cruelty and possession of drugs and weapons after his manager uncle was accidentally shot at a hotel in New Jersey. Eventually, he successfully plea-bargained simply for fines, probation, and community service.[1]
[edit] ...And Then There Was X
Simmons released his third album, ...And Then There Was X, on December 21, 1999. It debuted at number one on the pop charts, his third straight album to do so. "Party Up" was his biggest single since "Get at Me Dog", and became his first Top Ten hit on the R&B charts. His lead single off the album, "What's My Name?", and third single "What These Bitches Want" (featuring Sisqo) were also popular. .....And Then There Was X is Simmons' best-selling album to date, going six times platinum. Def Jam urged him to release the tracks within a month. The album sold 698,000 copies in its first week.
[edit] The Great Depression
After improving his legal problems, Simmons returned to the studio and completed his fourth album, The Great Depression. Released October 3, 2001, it was his fourth straight album to debut at number one. The Great Depression went platinum quickly, but was not as commercially or critically successful as its predecessors.
[edit] Grand Champ
In 2003, Grand Champ, his fifth straight album to debut at number one. This extended DMX the only artist in history to have 5 albums (and his entire album catalog) debut at #1. After its release, he informed the public that he planned to retire, and that Grand Champ would be his final album. He later ended his brief retirement and announced his plans to record another album.
[edit] Year of the Dog...Again
Simmons recorded his next album while switching record labels, causing numerous delays. The album was finally released on August 1, 2006 under the title Year of the Dog...Again. It missed the number one spot in the charts by only a few thousand sales. When Simmons switched to Sony, Def Jam allowed him to keep all of the tracks he had created for the album, which should be called Here we go again. It was reported that most of the tracks were being reworked, with updated production, but the reworked album has also been leaked.[citation needed] Simmons has appeared on a remix of Busta Rhymes' "Touch It". He has also released two more singles, "Lord Give Me A Sign" and "We In Here", which are included in Year of the Dog...Again.
[edit] The Definition of X: The Pick of the Litter
The Definition of X: The Pick of the Litter was rumored to be the 7th solo album by DMX but instead it is a greatest hits album signed under Def Jam records. Def Jam still owns the rights to every DMX song with the exception of the songs on his Year Of The Dog... Again album.
The Definition of X was released on June 12, 2007.
[edit] Walk With Me Now and You'll Fly With Me Later
DMX recently signed to Bodog Music to release his next album, Walk with Me Now and You'll Fly with Me Later[4]
"I'm thankful for the fact that Bodog believes in me, that we share the same vision and the fact that they see in me the same thing I see. I'll show you Bodog Music how it's supposed to be done, and we'll get to where we're supposed to be. You got a dog for life." said X, according to Yahoo. DMX recently blasted R Kelly for refusing to work with him on his upcoming gospel album here.
[edit] Acting career
Simmons 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 close friend Aaliyah and actor 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.[5] He 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 the film's success. He worked with Jet Li again in Cradle 2 the Grave, which opened at number one upon its release in March 2003. He contributed several compositions to the soundtrack, which debuted in the Top Ten with hits such as "X Gon' Give It to Ya" and "Right/Wrong."
He also starred in Never Die Alone, which was based on street novelist Donald Goines' book. He is also set to star in three upcoming films. He was set to star in Marble City, but was replaced by Ving Rhames.[6] He has finished filming another action thriller called Last Hour which should see a release at the end of 2007. He also had a reality show on BET called DMX: Soul of a Man. He will also star in the 2007 Beast, the sequel to Belly. He has finished shooting an upcoming film with Kris Kristofferson titled Lords Of The Street, the release date has yet to be set. He can be seen starring alongside Clifton Powell & Vivica A. Fox in a film titled Father of Lies.
[edit] XXL Interview
Simmons recently gave an interview to XXL Magazine in which, when asked whether he was following the 2008 Presidential Election coverage, answered that he had never heard of Barack Obama. He joked, "Wow, Barack! The nigga’s name is Barack. Barack? Nigga named Barack Obama. What the f***, man?! Is he serious? That ain’t his f***in’ name. Ima tell this nigga when I see him, “Stop that bullshit. Stop that bullshit” [laughs] “That ain’t your f***in’ name.” Your momma ain’t name you no damn Barack." He added that he did not believe it would make a difference if a Black man was elected President. It should be noted that Simmons is a convicted felon and not allowed to vote.[7]
[edit] Arrests
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- DMX and his wife were arrested on June 20, 1999, after a police investigation of his Teaneck, New Jersey home uncovered a gun and drug paraphernalia.[8]
- In March 2000, he was arrested for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, speeding, failure to signal, driving without a license, failure to notify the DMV of an address change, and possession of marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, and Percocet 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.[9] 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.[10] 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 2002, he pled guilty to animal cruelty for having 13 neglected pit bulls in his possession.[11]
- In June 2003, he was arrested for using indecent language during a performance at St Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean. The country's Information Minister alleged that a contract signed before the concert stipulated the show would be without indecent language on stage. Simmons was released on bail ($376).[12]
- In June 2004, he was arrested at JFK Airport on charges of cocaine possession, criminal impersonation, criminal possession of a weapon, criminal mischief, menacing, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol while claiming to be a federal agent and attempting to carjack a vehicle.[13]
- In May 2006, Simmons 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.[14]
- On February 2, 2007 he was arrested for driving on an expired license charge, and scheduled an appearance in a Yonkers courtroom on March 6, 2007 on that and other minor infractions.[15]
- On August 24, 2007 Acting upon an animal cruelty tip, Maricopa County Sheriff's deputies reported to having removed 12 "malnourished" pit bulls from Simmon's Cave Creek home. None of these dogs had access to food or water. Deputies also found the bodies of 3 dead dogs buried in the garden. Simmons was not at home when the raid occurred. Sources reported the deputies also removed a large cache of weapons in addition to drug paraphernalia and a large quantity of suspected drugs. At this time, DMX has not been charged with animal cruelty.[16]
- On May 9, 2008 Simmons was arrested for possession of drugs and weapons. Stemming from the August search of the rapper's home, the police searched his home twice, finding a number of mistreated pitbull puppies as well as a number of drugs and weapons. Police also claim that Simmons barricaded himself in his bedroom before giving himself up.[17]
[edit] Discography
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Solo
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Greatest Hits Soundtrack
With the Ruff Ryders
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[edit] Filmography
- 1998: Belly
- 2000: Romeo Must Die
- 2001: Exit Wounds
- 2003: Cradle 2 the Grave
- 2004: Never Die Alone
- 2006: "DMX: Soul of a Man" (TV series)
- 2007: Death Toll
- 2008: Lords Of The Street
- 2008: Last Hour
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d e f g h Huey, Steve (2007-06-12). DMX - Biography. All Music Guide. Retrieved on 2008-05-18.
- ^ http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:apfuxqq5ldfe
- ^ DiBella, M.F. (1998-12-15). "Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood" - Overview. All Music Guide. Retrieved on 2008-05-18.
- ^ DMX Preps New Album. Hip Hop Galaxy. Accessed December 21, 2007.
- ^ Vibe.com
- ^ http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=5773
- ^ http://www.shabooty.com/2008/03/23/xxl-interview-with-dmx-on-the-election.php
- ^ Random Notes on John Popper, Eminem and DMX, Rolling Stone, July 2, 1999. "DMX (a k a Earl Simmons) and his wife were arrested in Teaneck, N.J. on Wednesday, June 30, when an investigation of their home turned up a semi-automatic handgun and drug paraphernalia."
- ^ Warrant Issued for DMX's Arrest: DMX : Rolling Stone
- ^ DMX Nabbed for Weed...Again: DMX : Rolling Stone
- ^ http://www.hsus.org/hsus_field/animal_fighting_the_final_round/jayz_and_other_artists_need_to_step_up_against_dogfighting.html
- ^ BBC News:Rapper DMX arrested for swearing
- ^ Singer DMX charged with impersonating FBI agent
- ^ BBC News:Rapper DMX arrested after air row
- ^ http://www.rapbasement.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2399&Itemid=35 DMX arrested for driving w expired license
- ^ [1]
- ^ washingtonpost.com, DMX Arrested, Again
- ^ http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1578827/20080102/dmx.jhtml?rsspartner=rssFeedBurner
- ^ http://www.defsounds.com/news/Ruff_ryders_reunite_new_album_on_the_way
[edit] External links
- DMX Biography
- Official DMX website
- Official MySpace
- DMX Fan Site
- DMX at the Internet Movie Database
- AllHipHop Interview
- DMX's official clothing line
- Russian Fan Site
- Maxim.com Rap Public Service Announcement featuring DMX
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