DMX facts for kids

Quick facts for kids DMX
DMX in 2001
Born	Earl Simmons (1970-12-18)December 18, 1970 Mount Vernon, New York, U.S.
Died	April 9, 2021(2021-04-09) (aged 50) White Plains, New York, U.S.
Burial place	Oakland Cemetery, Yonkers, New York, U.S.
Other names	Dark Man X
Occupation	Rapper songwriter actor
Years active	1985–2021
Spouse(s)	Tashera Simmons ​ ​ (m. 1999; div. 2014)​
Partner(s)	Desiree Lindstrom (2016–2021)
Children	17
Musical career
Origin	Yonkers, New York, U.S.
Genres	Hip hop East coast hip hop gangsta rap hardcore hip hop horrorcore
Instruments	Vocals
Labels	Def Jam Ruff Ryders Columbia Bloodline Hypnotic Cleopatra
Signature

Earl Simmons (December 18, 1970 – April 9, 2021), known as DMX, was a famous American rapper and actor. He started rapping in the early 1990s. His first album, It's Dark and Hell Is Hot, came out in 1998. It was very popular and sold over 250,000 copies in its first week.

DMX's best-selling album, ... And Then There Was X, was released in 1999. This album included his big hit song "Party Up (Up in Here)". Other successful songs were "Where the Hood At?" and "X Gon' Give It to Ya" from 2003. He made history by being the first artist to have five albums in a row debut at number one on the Billboard 200 charts. Many people consider DMX one of the best rappers of his time. He sold more than 74 million records worldwide.

Beyond music, DMX also acted in several movies. These include Belly, Romeo Must Die, and Cradle 2 the Grave. In 2006, he had his own reality TV show called DMX: Soul of a Man on the BET network. He also wrote a book about his life, E.A.R.L.: The Autobiography of DMX, in 2003.

DMX passed away on April 9, 2021, at the age of 50, after a heart attack.

Early Life and Beginnings

Earl Simmons was born on December 18, 1970. His mother was Arnett Simmons and his father was Joe Barker. His father was an artist but was mostly absent from his life.

As a child, Earl had severe bronchial asthma. He often had to go to the emergency room because he couldn't breathe. His family faced poverty, and he sometimes slept on the floor. When he was five, his family moved to the School Street Projects in Yonkers, New York.

At age 10, Earl was sent to a children's home for 18 months. His mother told him they were just visiting, which he felt was a betrayal. When he was 14, he lived on the streets of Yonkers for a time. He even befriended stray dogs.

Later, his mother sent him to a group home. There, he connected with other students who loved hip hop music. After performing for them, his friends and a teacher encouraged him to keep writing music. When he returned home, he met a local rapper named Ready Ron. Ready Ron was impressed by Earl's beatboxing skills and asked him to be his partner.

Earl chose the name "DMX" from a drum machine he used at the boys' home. The name later also came to mean "Dark Man X." As a high school freshman, DMX was a fast runner on the track team. However, he struggled with his grades and attendance.

Music Career Journey

Starting Out: 1985–1996

DMX began his music career at age 14 in 1985, beatboxing for Ready Ron. He started writing his own lyrics and performing for younger kids. In 1988, he spent a lot of time writing lyrics and rapping with K-Solo.

After his release, he made and sold his own mixtapes on the streets. This helped him gain fans across New York. In 1991, DMX appeared on The Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Show. He also released a demo tape that year. The Source magazine praised him in its "Unsigned Hype" column.

In 1991, Columbia Records signed DMX to its label, Ruffhouse Records. He released his first single, "Born Loser," through them. His second single, "Make a Move," came out in 1994. He also appeared on the song "Time to Build" with Jay-Z and Ja Rule in 1995.

Big Success with Def Jam: 1996–2000

DMX worked on his first album from 1996 to 1998. During this time, he was featured on songs by Mase, The LOX, and LL Cool J. These appearances created a lot of excitement for him. In February 1998, he released his first major single, "Get at Me Dog," with Def Jam Recordings. It quickly became a gold-certified hit.

His first major album, It's Dark and Hell Is Hot, was released in May 1998. It included the popular song "Ruff Ryders' Anthem". The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. It sold over five million copies. In December 1998, he released his second album, Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood. This also debuted at number one and sold millions of copies.

On December 21, 1999, DMX released his third and best-selling album, ... And Then There Was X. It was his third album to reach number one on the Billboard 200. The hit single "Party Up (Up in Here)" became a Top Ten hit. It was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance in 2001. The album itself was nominated for Best Rap Album and was certified six-times Platinum.

Returning to Music: 2001–2004

After some time away, DMX returned to the studio to make his fourth album. This album, The Great Depression, was released on October 23, 2001. It was his fourth album to debut at number one on the Billboard 200. It featured singles like "Who We Be" and "We Right Here." Even though it sold well, its success was not as big as his earlier albums.

His fifth album, Grand Champ, came out in September 2003. It also debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. This album included the popular songs "Where the Hood At?" and "Get It on the Floor." After this album, DMX said he planned to retire from music.

Later Years and Albums: 2005–2021

DMX in 2007

In 2006, DMX signed with Columbia Records. He released his next album, Year of the Dog... Again, on August 1, 2006. It almost reached the number one spot on the Billboard chart. He released two more singles from this album, "Lord Give Me a Sign" and "We in Here".

Def Jam Recordings released a collection of his greatest hits in 2008. It was called The Definition of X: The Pick of the Litter. In 2011, Def Jam released another collection, The Best of DMX. This album featured hits like "Where the Hood At?" and "X Gon' Give It to Ya."

DMX performed at the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards. He said he was working hard on his seventh album, Undisputed. A new song, "Last Hope," was released online in 2011. The album Undisputed was finally released on September 11, 2012. It featured production from Swizz Beatz and J. R. Rotem.

In 2013, DMX announced he was working on his eighth album. He worked with producers Swizz Beatz and Dame Grease. He went on a world tour, performing in Bulgaria and Kosovo. In 2015, an album called Redemption of the Beast was released. However, DMX's team said this release was not authorized.

His 2003 song "X Gon' Give It to Ya" was featured in the 2016 film Deadpool. In 2016, DMX released a new song called "Blood Red." In 2017, he released "Bain Iz Back," produced by Swizz Beatz. On September 20, 2019, DMX signed a new deal with Def Jam Recordings. This reunited him with the label he had worked with since 2003.

DMX's eighth studio album, Exodus, was released after his death on May 28, 2021.

Personal Life and Beliefs

DMX was a born-again Christian. He said he read the Bible every day. He believed he had a purpose to share messages of faith. DMX was a transitional deacon and hoped to become a pastor. He said he felt this calling in 2009. In 2016, he even gave a sermon at a church in Phoenix, Arizona.

Death

On April 9, 2021, Earl Simmons passed away at age 50. His death was caused by a heart attack. This led to his essential organs, like his liver, kidneys, and lungs, losing function.

Legacy and Impact

DMX had a huge impact on hip hop music. He is seen as a legend in the genre. Many say he "defined 2000s rap" and was one of the most productive rappers of his time. He broke and set many records in music.

His early music was different from other popular hip hop at the time. While artists like Puff Daddy were known for flashy videos and party music, DMX found success with a darker, more aggressive, and rugged style.

Discography

Studio albums

• It's Dark and Hell Is Hot (1998)
• Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood (1998)
• ... And Then There Was X (1999)
• The Great Depression (2001)
• Grand Champ (2003)
• Year of the Dog... Again (2006)
• Undisputed (2012)
• Exodus (2021)

Awards and Nominations

Grammy Award

American Music Award

MTV Video Music Award

Billboard Music Award

See Also

In Spanish: DMX (rapero) para niños

• Ruff Ryders
• Murder Inc.