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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.
BiographyEarl 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 died when he was just a little kid. DMX ended up growing up in the School Street housing projects of Yonkers, New York after encountering behavioral problems in 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. Music career
It's Dark and Hell Is HotBefore 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. Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood
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] ...And Then There Was XDMX 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. The Great DepressionAfter 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. Grand ChampReleased 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. Year of the Dog...AgainReleased 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. Acting careerDMX 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. Criminal historyDMX 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] RivalriesDMX 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.
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?"
DiscographyAlbums
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