DMX (rapper)

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This article is about the American rapper and actor. For other uses, see DMX.
DMX
Academy Awards afterparty CUN DMX.jpg
DMX in February 2007
Background information
Birth name Earl Simmons
Born (1970-12-18) December 18, 1970 (age 42)
Mount Vernon, New York, U.S.
Origin Yonkers, New York, U.S.
Genres Hip hop, East coast hip hop, Hardcore hip hop
Occupations Rapper, Actor
Years active 1991–present
Labels Seven Arts Music (current), Bloodline, Ruff Ryders Entertainment, Warner Bros. Records, UMMG, Def Jam (former)
Associated acts Ruff Ryders, Busta Rhymes, Nas, Swizz Beatz
Website Official website

Earl Simmons (born December 18, 1970), better known by his stage names DMX and Dark Man X, is an American rapper and actor. In 1999, DMX released his best-selling album ...And Then There Was X, which featured the hit single "Party Up (Up in Here)". He has acted in films such as Belly, Romeo Must Die, Exit Wounds, Cradle 2 The Grave, and Last Hour. In 2006, he starred in the reality television series DMX: Soul of a Man, which was primarily aired on the BET cable television network. In 2003, DMX published a book of his memoirs entitled, E.A.R.L.: The Autobiography of DMX.[1] DMX released a mixtape The Weigh In as a prelude/promotion towards his album Undisputed (2012). DMX has sold over 30 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling hip-hop artists of all time.

Contents

Early life [edit]

DMX was born Earl Simmons in Mount Vernon and was raised in Yonkers, New York.[2][3] Simmons went through an abusive childhood that included stays at group homes and frequent arrests.[3]

Music career [edit]

DMX began his music career in the 1988 as a beatboxer. In 1991, Gabriel Grevenstuk from The Source magazine praised DMX in his "Unsigned Hype" column that highlighted unsigned hip-hop artists. His stage name was tribute to an instrument he used in the 1980s, the Oberheim DMX drum machine and later was interpreted as "Dark Man X".[3]

A year later, Columbia Records signed DMX to their subsidiary label Ruffhouse, who released his debut single "Born Loser". The single did not get much airplay.[citation needed] The label eventually agreed to release DMX from their contract. He released his second single, "Make a Move" in 1994, and made a guest appearance on LL Cool J's single "4, 3, 2, 1" in 1997. Additional guest spots on Mase singles "24 Hours to Live" and "Take What's Yours", and The LOX's single "Money, Power & Respect" created a strong buzz.[3] DMX also made a cameo appearance in the Sum 41 music video for "Makes No Difference". At WrestleMania XXVII, during a promo package for professional wrestler John Cena, DMX gave a special sermon, which reflects his ministry beliefs and the church-like entrance of Cena.[4]

1996–98: It's Dark and Hell Is Hot and Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood [edit]

In February 1998, DMX released his debut major-label single, "Get at Me Dog", on Def Jam Recordings. The single was certified Gold by the RIAA. His first major-label album, It's Dark and Hell Is Hot, which included the single "Ruff Ryders Anthem", was released in May 1998. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart in the U.S and sold over five million copies.

Later that year in December, DMX released his second album, Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, where it remained for three consecutive weeks. Within one week of the album's release, 670,000 units were shipped.[citation needed] It was eventually certified Platinum four times. As a result, DMX was the second rapper in history (following Tupac Shakur) to have released two albums in the same year, which both debuted at number one on Billboard 200.[3]

1999–2000: ...And Then There Was X [edit]

DMX released his third and best-selling album ...And Then There Was X, on December 21, 1999. It was his third album to debut at number one on the Billboard 200. Its most popular single, "Party Up", became his first Top Ten hit on the R&B charts. Singles "What's My Name?" and "What These Bitches Want" were also popular.[citation needed] The album was certified Platinum six times.[3]

2001–02: The Great Depression [edit]

After improving his legal situation,[citation needed] DMX returned to the studio to complete his fourth album, The Great Depression. Released October 23, 2001, it was his fourth album to debut at number one on the Billboard 200, featuring the singles "Who We Be", "We Right Here", and "Shorty Was The Bomb". Despite the album's triple Platinum certification, its commercial and critical success was lower than his previous album.[3]

2003: Grand Champ [edit]

His fifth album, Grand Champ, once again debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 charts, placing DMX as the only musical artist in history to release five consecutive albums (his entire album catalog at the time) that debuted at number one. Singles include "Where Tha Hood At" and "Get it on the Floor". After its release, he informed the public that he planned to retire, and that Grand Champ would be his final album.[5]

2005–08: Year of the Dog...Again and The Definition of X: The Pick of the Litter [edit]

DMX signed to Columbia Records in January 2006. He recorded his next album, Year of the Dog...Again, while switching record labels, which caused numerous delays.[6] It was finally released on August 1, 2006, and lost the number one Billboard spot by only one-hundred sales.[citation needed] He released two more singles, "Lord Give Me A Sign" and "We In Here"

On June 12, 2008, DMX released a compilation of his greatest hits, The Definition of X: The Pick of the Litter.[3] Def Jam released another compilation album, The Best of DMX, in 2011.[7][8] which features hit singles including "Where the Hood At?" and "X Gon' Give It to Ya".

In 2009, DMX claimed he would pursue preaching in Jersey City, New Jersey but will also continue to produce music. He completed a Gospel album prior to his incarceration. According to MTV, he has semi-retired to study the Bible more in an effort to give messages behind the pulpit.[9]

2011–12: Undisputed [edit]

On October 11, 2011 DMX performed at the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards. He stated that he has been working "nonstop, every day" on the new album, and plans to release it before December 2012.[10] During a performance at New York's Santos Party House on December 25, 2011, DMX stated that the new album will be entitled Undisputed and would be released on March 26, 2012. This was later confirmed by DMX (via his official Twitter account, DMX (rapper) on Twitter), where he also confirmed that its first single is scheduled for release in January 2012. A video for a new track entitled "Last Hope" was released via Internet on September 24, 2011. This was later release on his 'Weight In EP'. Undisputed was to be released August 28, 2012.

Seven Arts Entertainment Inc. recently purchased David Michery's music assets, which included some of DMX's music. DMX's had announced that Undisputed will be released on March 27, 2012.[11] However it was later revealed that DMX did not plan to release the album on that date, and that date was one forced upon him by the record label. The release date for the album was set for June 26, 2012. However, DMX announced in Detroit, MI. on June 9, 2012, that due to the record label that is supposed to release the album, the date will be pushed back again.[12] It was then scheduled for release August 28, 2012. Later, an official press release from the label pushed back the date to September 11, 2012. Meanwhile, DMX performed at the 2012 13th Annual Gathering of the Juggalos at Cave In Rock, IL taking place on August 8-August 12. He will also be making appearances at the 2012 Rock The Bells Festival Series at San Bernardino August 18–19, and Holmdel, New Jersey September 1–2. The album was finally released on September 11, 2012 and featured production from; Swizz Beats and J.R. Rotem along with a guest appearance from MGK.

Personal life [edit]

DMX is the father of ten children.[13] He was married to Tashera Simmons in 1999 and they were married for eleven years.[14] In July 2010, Tashera announced their separation (just two weeks following DMX's release from prison).[15] DMX maintains that the two remain friends.[13]

DMX had multiple extramarital affairs during his marriage to Tashera, some of which produced children. DNA testing confirmed that he is the father of at least two of these children; the first was born to Maryland resident Monique Wayne in 2004, the second was born to a different woman in late 2008.[16][17] DMX and Wayne fought over her claim that he was the father of her son for years, during which she has sued him repeatedly for defamation of character,[18] and for child support. After DNA testing proved DMX fathered Wayne's son in 2007, he was ordered to pay her $1.5 million[19][20][21][22]

Legal issues [edit]

Since becoming a public figure, DMX's multiple arrests have been for offenses including: Animal cruelty,[23] reckless driving,[24] unlicensed driving, drug possession,[25] and identity falsification.[26]

1998-99

  • DMX was tried for rape and sodomy, sexual abuse, and unlawful imprisonment.[27][dead link] The case was dismissed when the DNA evidence did not match his own DNA.[28]
  • DMX joined rappers Jay-Z, Method Man, and Redman for Jay-Z's 1999 Hard Knock Life tour, during which he was arrested for charges of a stabbing at a tour stop in Boston, Massachusetts; he was cleared of the charge (and another assault charge during the same year in his hometown of Yonkers).
  • DMX and his wife were arrested in 1999 after his uncle (and then manager) was accidentally shot at a hotel in New Jersey, charged with animal cruelty and possession of crack cocaine and weapons.[29] DMX successfully plea-bargained, which reduced his sentence to paying fines, probation, and community service.
  • When officers of the Fort Lee Police Department executed a search of his home in 1999, DMX promptly surrendered himself on weapons possession charges.[30]

2000-05

  • DMX served a 15-day jail sentence in 2000 for possession of marijuana.[31]
  • Following a concert in Buffalo, New York in March 2000, DMX was arrested from a vehicle on New York State Route 33 in Cheektowaga, New York. He was charged with 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. He failed to appear at the subsequent hearing scheduled for March 21 in Cheektowaga, which lead to a warrant for his arrest. He later turned himself in, pled guilty to a reduced charge of driving without a license, and was sentenced to 15 days in jail and fined $400.
  • DMX served another jail sentence in 2001 for driving without a license and possession of marijuana. His appeal to reduce the sentence was denied; rather, he was charged with assault for throwing objects at prison guards. DMX entered rehab to treat his addiction to drugs in 2002.[32][33]
  • In June 2003, DMX was arrested for using indecent language during a performance at Saint Kitts and Nevis. The country's Information Minister alleged that a contract signed before the concert stipulated the show would be without indecent language on stage. DMX was released on $376 bail.[34]
  • DMX was arrested in June 2004, at the John F. Kennedy International 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.[35] He was given a conditional discharge on December 8, 2004, but pled guilty on October 25, 2005, to violating parole.[36]
  • DMX was sentenced to 70 days in jail on November 18, 2005, for violating parole; the lateness charge added a 10-day extension to the original 60-day sentence.[37] DMX was released early (for "good behavior") on December 30, 2005.[38]

2008-11

  • DMX pled guilty to charges of drug possession, theft, and animal cruelty, at a hearing on December 30, 2008; he was sentenced to ninety days in jail on January 31, 2009.[39][40]
  • On May 22, 2009, DMX entered a plea agreement/change of plea, and pled guilty to attempted aggravated assault.
  • After serving four out of six months for violating drug probation, DMX was released from jail on July 6, 2010.[41] That day, a television pilot was filmed to portray his road to recovery; however, DMX was arrested three weeks later and the pilot did not evolve into a series.
  • On July 27, 2010, DMX turned himself in to Los Angeles Metropolitan Court for a reckless driving charge he received in 2002. He was sentenced to serve ninety days in jail.[42][43]
  • DMX was arrested in Maricopa County, Arizona on November 19, 2010, on charges of violating his probation by consuming alcohol (at a performance). He served the full twelve-month jail sentence.[44] On December 20, 2010, DMX was moved to the Mental Health Unit of the Arizona State Prison,[45] and released on July 18, 2011.[46]
  • DMX was arrested on August 24, 2011, for speeding (recorded as 102 mph in a 65 mph zone), reckless driving, and driving with a suspended license. While DMX admitted to speeding, he claims he was driving 85 mph, not 102 mph as charged. DMX sued the Arizona police.[47]

2013

Feud with Ja Rule [edit]

DMX and Jay-Z guest-starred on the single "It's Murda" from Ja Rule's first album. Ja Rule had previously feuded with Busta Rhymes, Dr. Dre, Eminem and 50 Cent; all of which had been resolved or faded from significance. DMX accused Ja Rule of releasing records on which Ja Rule copied DMX's signature "gruff style". Four years after, the two rappers waged a war of words. DMX admitted that he initially wanted the feud to end when he was released from jail in 2005, before making peace: "Gotti came to me in jail and said I want to make peace with you and him", said DMX, "I was like, 'Alright Gotti, lets do it."[49] DMX and Ja Rule finally ended their feud at VH1's 2009 Hip Hop Honors.[50]

Discography [edit]

Main article: DMX discography

Studio albums

Awards and Nominations [edit]

Grammy Awards

Year Nominated work Award Result
2001 ...And Then There Was X Best Rap Album Nominated
2001 "Party Up (Up In Here)" Best Rap Solo Performance Nominated
2002 "Who We Be" Best Rap Solo Performance Nominated

American Music Awards

Year Nominated work Award Result
2000 DMX Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist Won
2001 DMX Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist Nominated

MTV Video Music Awards

Year Nominated work Award Result
1999 "Ruff Ryders Anthem" Best Rap Video Nominated
2000 "Party Up(Up In Here)" Best Rap Video Nominated
2001 "No Sunshine" Best Video from a Film Nominated
2002 "Who We Be" Best Rap Video Nominated
2002 "Who We Be" Best Breakthrough Video Nominated

Filmography [edit]

Films
Year Title Role Notes
1998 Belly Tommy 'Buns' Bundy Main Role
2000 Romeo Must Die Silk Support Role
Backstage As Himself Support Role
2001 Exit Wounds Latrell Walker Main Role
2001 Angel: One More Road to Cross As Himself Main Role
2003 Cradle 2 the Grave Anthony Fait Main Role
2004 Never Die Alone King David Main Role
2006 Father of Lies Paul Main Role
2007 Death Toll The Dog Main Role
2008 Last Hour Black Jack Main Role
Lords of the Street Thorn Support Role
2009 Lockjaw: Rise of the Kulev Serpent Nick Support Role
The Bleeding Tagg Main Role
2013 King Dog[51] Terrell (TJ) Johnson Main Role
Blame It On The Hustle[52] - Main Role
2014 The Expendables 3 Small Role
Video Games
Year Title Role Notes
2003 Def Jam Vendetta Himself Voice role and likeness
Television
Year Title Role Notes
2003 Third Watch Kandid Jones "In Lieu of Johnson" (episode 92, season 5)
2004 Chappelle's Show As Himself (episode 16, season 2)/Music Guest
2006 DMX: Soul of a Man As Himself Documentary
2009 Eve Xenon "She Snoops to Conquer" (episode 3, season 1)
2012 Couples Therapy As Himself Documentary
2013 Iyanla, Fix My Life As Himself "Fix My Rap Star Life" (episode 1, season 2)

References [edit]

  1. ^ "What's the Word: Top 10 Rap Books". XXL. December/January. 12 December 2011. Retrieved 5 January 2012. 
  2. ^ Simmons, Earl & Fontaine, Smokey D. (2003), The E.A.R.L.: The Autobiography of DMX, HarperCollins, p. 7, ISBN 9780060934033 
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h Huey, Steve (June 12, 2007). "DMX – Biography". Allmusic. Retrieved May 18, 2008. 
  4. ^ "7 Questions With Sum41". Mtv.com. 2006-03-09. Retrieved 2011-02-21. 
  5. ^ Simon, Bruce (2003-03-10). "DMX Flirting With Retirement". Yahoo! Music. Retrieved 2008-07-29. 
  6. ^ Reid, Shaheem (2006-01-13). "DMX Signs With Columbia, Will Release Long-Delayed LP This Spring". MTV News. Retrieved 2008-09-05. 
  7. ^ "Connecting to the iTunes Store". Itunes.apple.com. Retrieved 2011-02-21. 
  8. ^ "Best of Dmx: Dmx: Music". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2011-02-21. 
  9. ^ Reid, Shaheem (May 25, 2005). "Mase Advises DMX To Rap Again, Wait For The Lord's Call". MTV News (MTV). Retrieved April 28, 2009. 
  10. ^ Horowitz, Steven J. (2011-08-02). "DMX Speaks On Recording New Album, Keeping A Clean Slate | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHop DX. Retrieved 2011-10-22. 
  11. ^ Horowitz, Steven J. (2012-01-02). "DMX Enlists Busta Rhymes, Tyrese & Jennifer Hudson For "Undisputed" | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHop DX. Retrieved 2012-03-30. 
  12. ^ Up for Discussion. "DMX Tears Up NYC, Talks Album Delay and Fresh Start - The Juice". Billboard.com. Retrieved 2012-03-30. 
  13. ^ a b "Watch: DMX Interview – The Breakfast Club – Power 105.1 (Video) | stupidDOPE.com | Lifestyle Magazine". stupidDOPE.com. 2012-02-24. Retrieved 2013-02-10. 
  14. ^ "DMX Denies Divorce Stories", ContactMusic.com, April 7, 2008, retrieved May 20, 2010
  15. ^ Strong, Nolan (July 22, 2010), "Tashera Simmons Announces Split From Rapper DMX'; New Reality Series", AllHipHop, retrieved July 22, 2010 
  16. ^ 2:55:pm. "Black Celebrity Kids,babies,and their Parents » RUMOR:DMX FATHERED A BABY WITHOUT HIS WIFE". Blackcelebkids.Com. Retrieved 2011-02-21. 
  17. ^ "Dmx Interview from Arizona Jail!! Must see". YouTube. 2009-01-13. Retrieved 2011-02-21. 
  18. ^ "Dmx – Dmx's Defamation Case Is Dismissed", ContactMusic.com, May 19, 2008, retrieved May 20, 2010
  19. ^ "Baltimore's Monique Wayne awarded 1.5million". AllHipHop. 
  20. ^ "Buzz Briefs: Foxy Brown, DMX, K-Fed", CBS News, January 16, 2008, retrieved May 20, 2010
  21. ^ "DMX Ordered to Pay $1.5 Million", The Washington Post, January 11, 2008, retrieved May 20, 2010
  22. ^ "DMX: Call Him TBA Instead", The Washington Post, October 14, 2006, retrieved May 20, 2010
  23. ^ "DMX Animal Cruelty Report Results". Online Blog. TMZ. Retrieved 11/6/2011. 
  24. ^ Dansby, Jaan; Uhelszki (2000-03-24). "Warrant Issued for DMX's Arrest". Rolling Stone. 
  25. ^ "DMX Arrested, Again". washingtonpost.com. May 10, 2008. 
  26. ^ "Dmx – Dmx Arrested Again After 'False Identity' Row". ContactMusic.com. July 21, 2008. Retrieved January 1, 2011. 
  27. ^ "DMX Arrested For Rape, Sodomy | News". VH1.com. 1998-06-18. Retrieved 2011-09-03. 
  28. ^ "IndieSent Exposure Hip-Hop/Rap News:DNA clears DMX (and Full Story)". Indiesent.com. 1998-08-20. Retrieved 2011-09-03. 
  29. ^ "Per Abuse Cases". Database. Petabuse.com. Retrieved 11/6/2011. 
  30. ^ "METRO NEWS BRIEFS: NEW JERSEY; Rap Performer Charged With Weapon Possession". New York Times. July 2, 1999. Retrieved 2008-11-13. 
  31. ^ Vineyard, Jennifer (2000-05-05). "DMX Nabbed for Weed...Again". Rolling Stone. 
  32. ^ PLEA AGREEMENT/CHANGE OF PLEA, SUPERIOR COURT OF ARIZONA, MARICOPA COUNTY, 22 May 2009
  33. ^ "DMX is Free At Last". ThatsHipHop. 
  34. ^ "Rapper DMX arrested for swearing". BBC News. 2003-06-29. 
  35. ^ Reuters (2004-06-26). "Singer DMX charged with impersonating FBI agent". Expressindia.com. Retrieved 2011-09-03. 
  36. ^ Harris, Chris (2005-10-25). "DMX Pleads Guilty, Will Likely Spend 40 Days In Prison". MTV News. Retrieved 2008-09-05. 
  37. ^ Tecson, Brandee J.; Harris, Chris (2005-11-18). "DMX Sentenced To 70 Days Behind Bars". MTV News. Retrieved 2008-09-05. 
  38. ^ Moss, Corey (2006-01-06). "DMX Released From Prison Early For Good Behavior". MTV News. Retrieved 2008-09-05. 
  39. ^ "Rapper DMX pleads guilty to drug, theft charges". Tucson Citizen. Associated Press. December 31, 2008. Retrieved January 1, 2011. 
  40. ^ "US rapper DMX given jail sentence". BBC News. January 31, 2009. Retrieved January 1, 2011. 
  41. ^ Langhorne, Cyrus (July 6, 2010). "DMX Released From AZ Jail". XXL. Retrieved July 6, 2010. 
  42. ^ Reid, Shaheem (2010-07-27). "DMX Says Turning Himself In Was The 'Best' Decision". Mtv.com. Retrieved 2011-09-03. 
  43. ^ Up for Discussion Jump to Forums (2009-09-14). "DMX Heads Back to Jail". Billboard.com. Retrieved 2011-02-21. 
  44. ^ Arizona Jason. "Booking photograph of rapper DMX provided". Arizona, U.S.A: Azjails.info. Retrieved 2011-10-22. 
  45. ^ DMX Moved to Mental-Health Unit at Arizona State Prison Complex – Phoenix News – Valley Fever. Blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com (2010-12-27). Retrieved on 2011-05-25.
  46. ^ Information for Inmate 259307 SIMMONS. Azcorrections.gov. Retrieved on 2011-05-25.
  47. ^ "DMX Arrested Again ... Allegedly Topped 100 MPH". TMZ.com. Retrieved 2011-09-03. 
  48. ^ "DMX arrested in SC". wyff4.com. Retrieved 2013-02-13. 
  49. ^ "DMX ENDS FEUD WITH JA RULE". 
  50. ^ "Daily News – : DMX Officially Ends Feud With Ja Rule". Allhiphop.com. Retrieved 2011-02-21. 
  51. ^ "King Dog the Movie". 
  52. ^ "Blame It On The Hustle". 

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