DMX had a lasting impact on the classic New York City rap scene. He will always be legendary and fondly remembered. AP Photo by Def Jam
Life and Death. They intertwine. It’s part of what makes life so challenging. We have all experienced pain from the loss of a loved one. There’s nothing harder.
Whether it’s a sibling, family member or close friend, it hurts. The grieving process is one of the most difficult things for us to handle. Some will handle it better while others have a tougher time. I used to be able to be stronger. But the older you get, the harsher the reality becomes. More loss is felt. And naturally, we melt. Tears are shed. We pray for them to have eternal peace.
I’ve never felt sadder than when our friend Lindsay passed tragically. It will be 11 years next month. Where did all the time go? He was the kind of positive person who made you smile, laugh and appreciate everything. We still miss him. It gets harder every year for me to go visit his site Home Depot made for him. I think it’s only natural. It really hurts.
It seems that the older we get, we’re always attending wakes and eulogizing people we knew. Or in some cases, didn’t except we were there to support a friend through a difficult time. I guess what I’m saying is the past year has made it even worse. So many people in all walks of life dying. Many famous too. Some from COVID. Others due to tragedy. Or even losing a battle. There seems to be no difference between 2020 and 2021. It feels like the year doesn’t matter anymore.
Joining the list of the fallen is legendary NYC rapper DMX. I can’t speak for others. But for me and many of our inner circle, we loved the man known as Earl Simmons. A Yonkers native from Mount Vernon. For so long, New York has been the home of rap, producing such legendary acts like Run DMC, KRS-One, Rakim, LL Cool J, The Beastie Boys, MC Lyte, Craig Mack, Heavy D, Nas, Mobb Deep, Wu-Tang Clan, Biggie Smalls, Tupac Shakur (before he went to California), Busta Rhymes, Jadakiss, Jay Z, Aaliyah, Mary J. Blidge, Foxy Brown, Lil’ Kim, Big Pun, 50 Cent, Mase, Nicki Minaj, Mos Def, Cam’ron, AZ, etc.
The list of MC’s is long who made it in the city that never sleeps and plays for keeps. We’ve had our share of legendary rappers who came and conquered that are no longer with us. But their music and lasting legacy lives on in the spirit of the rap industry. So, when I put on a classic 2Pac or Biggie track, you better believe I’m raising the volume. Ditto for Big Pun, Craig Mack, Heavy D, Prodigy and Ol’ Dirty Bastard. I also loved Aaliyah and consider her the original queen of R&B. What a unique talent and voice. It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since her passing.
When I think of DMX, I’m instantly reminded of the energy and electricity he brought to each song. You could feel it coming through your speakers. His first album It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot was fire 🔥. I still have that memorable album on CD. I definitely need to find it and put in on full blast in tribute to Mr. Simmons.
Like many great albums, there’s not a bad song on it. I didn’t really know who he was until one day we heard him in college while hanging out and chilling like a villain who be killin’, willin’ n thrillin’. My own vibe. I loved his sound. He had a unique style all his own which is what these cats need to become successful. Every great rapper has one. DMX was all about his Dawgs. It worked. Somehow, he incorporated dogs barking in some of his material and it clicked.
So, what are some of my favorite tracks from DMX? Try “Stop Being Greedy”, which has such pure energy and a hypnotic beat along with X’s mad flow. The video comes at you fast and is fun. That’s my favorite song by him. But there’s many great ones.
“Ruff Ryders Anthem” is a classic. I also dig his “Prayer”, in which he takes a timeout to speak to the almighty. There’s something very poetic about that. I remember Mobb Deep doing similar back in the day. I still have that album.
“Where My Dogs At”, as seen above is a timeless classic by DMX with a cool beat. It has a bit of a spooky theme that feels like a foggy evening as he recites his poetry. That’s what rap is. It’s insightful and delightful lyrics that come straight from the heart playing on our emotions. Some of it very tragic true tales that’ll make us really think about life. The old school rapper was the realest one. They didn’t go on and on about money, diamonds and making it rain in every song. They spit the truth.
“Get At Me Dog”, was inspired by Snoop Dogg from a chance meeting at a club. The video and song comes at you hard. That’s how DMX did it. He was real and truly authentic. I miss this hard hitting style. There’s still Nas and Jadakiss. A few others who aren’t fake. I guess it depends on your preference. I will always feel that rap was never better than the 90’s. There were a lot of artists out there giving us different slants. Though the 2000’s also had a good run. Variety is always good. Originators innovate.
Stop, drop, shut’em down open up shop
Oh, no, that’s how Ruff Ryders roll
Legendary. Catchy too. “X Gon’ Give It To Ya.”
What a collaboration between Lil’ Kim and DMX with The Lox. This was hot. They flowed good together.
This is when rap videos were videos. He went hard.
I wish it didn’t turn out the way it did for him. As we know, DMX battled demons due to drug addiction. He was open and honest about his personal issues and wanted to become a better person.
Addiction is hard to kick for many. I take med to treat my anxiety. If I didn’t, I’d be screwed. The truth is drugs whether legal or not are so addictive that our body becomes too dependent on them. Withdrawal symptoms are very real and scary. I know from experience. It’s like the drug has you at its mercy. So do pharmaceutical companies. An important topic not discussed enough. Especially with mental health suffering over the past year.
Of course when you’re rich and famous hanging out with many leeches who don’t have your best interests, drugs are readily available. How many musicians have succumbed to that lifestyle? I don’t pretend to know whether that’s why DMX suffered a heart attack last week and passed away early today.
What I do know is how toxic the media has become by jumping the gun and reporting his death prematurely. Totally classless and unprofessional. Everyone has to be first to report the bad news. They’re like vultures. The same as the snakes who hang around our favorite artists or actors and push drugs, enabling the addicts. It’s very sad.
I would rather remember Earl Simmons as a great rapper who made a difference. He was DMX to all of us. A hungry dog in a Wolfpack who brought out the smiles and laughs we needed thanks to his amazing style.
Life should be celebrated. They did for Christopher Wallace when they learned of his tragic death in ’97. Playing his music and blasting it as a tribute to Biggie which made his Mom so appreciative and proud. Her son was unbelievable.
Of course, death is sad and hurts. I eulogized my old coworker Kola in this space the other day. He embodied that same great human spirit that is alive in many of us. The one they’re trying to destroy. My advice is simple. Don’t let them.
Enjoy each day to the fullest. Appreciate who you have. Surround yourselves with angels. That’s what your Inner Circle truly is. Do what makes you happy when you can. It’ll help tremendously.
Thank you DMX for what you brought to the radio airwaves and to so many fans. That infectious energy and personality will never be forgotten. You will always be legendary. And #LegendsNeverDie.
Legends Are F💜rever.
RIP 🙏EARL SIMMONS AKA DMX
(Dec. 18, 1970 – Apr. 9, 2021)
HITTING BACK 