Real Name: Earl Simmons
Birthday: December 18, 1970
Biggest Single: 'Party Up (Up in Here)' (2000)
Biggest LP: '... And Then There Was X'
DMX, a Yonkers MC who debuted with home-town friends the Lox on a DJ Clue mix-tape, DMX hit the big time in 1998 when his single "Get at Me Dog" became a club and radio smash hit. He instantly became known for his trademark growling and barking, that appears on almost all the tracks that he records. According to popular belief this arises from DMX's love of dogs. He has multiple tattooes that are based on his relationship with them. He is said to believe that dogs can be a man's only loyal friends. A surprising fact is DMX recieved a tattoo in rememberance of one of his dogs that died after being run over by a motorist. DMX guested on tracks by L.L. Cool J, Mase and MC's but remained relatively unknown until he signed to Def Jam in 1997. DMX's debut album It's Dark & Hell Is Hot was released in May 1998. Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood followed later that same year. The release of the second album so soon after the first raised doubts about its completeness. Soon after the release, critics were silenced as many of the tracks went on to become hits, including the MTV hit "Slippin". Since then DMX has appeared on many other tracks including appearances on the Ruff Ryders, and DJ Clue's CD, and on the hit smash "It's Murda" that was a combination of the talents of DMX, Jay Z, and Ja Rule, three rappers that seem poised to take rap to levels not seen before.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, Simmons was raised from an early age by his aunt in New York City's Yonkers district. He took his name from the DMX digital sound machine, and developed a reputation as a DJ on the local projects. He won Source magazine's Unsigned Hype Award in January 1991, and released the promo single "Born Loser" for Columbia Records the following year. He managed to escape from Columbia's punitive contract, but little was heard from him afterwards apart from a 1994 single, "Make A Move". He made a dramatic re-entry onto the hip-hop scene with a show stopping appearance on LL Cool J's "4,3,2,1". Further cameos on Mase's "24 Hours To Live", the LOX's "Money, Power & Respect" and the remix of Ice Cube's "We Be Clubbin'" built up a highly marketable reputation. Newly signed to Ruff Ryders/ Def Jam Records, DMX returned to recording with the powerful "Get At Me Dog" single, a US Top 40 single built around a B.T. Express guitar sample. Marketed as a return to the chaotic, raw roots of street rap, he became hip-hop's latest sensation during 1998 when his debut album, It's Dark And Hell Is Hot, entered the US Billboard album chart at number 1. An impressive slice of east coast hardcore rap, the album centred around DMX's ferocious lyrical approach. The follow-up, Flesh Of My Flesh, Blood Of My Blood, stayed at number 1 in the US for three weeks during January 1999. The album included cameo appearances from the Lox, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige ("Coming From") and Marilyn Manson ("The Omen"). After contributing to the Ruff Ryders' chart-topping Ryde Or Die Vol. 1 set, DMX quickly laid down tracks for his new album. Despite being his third release in the space of two years, ... And Then There Was X was another quality slice of hardcore rap and a welcome antidote to the bland hip-hop product still flooding the American market. The album followed its predecessors to the top of the US charts in January 2000. The following February, Simmons was ordered to serve a 15-day jail sentence for driving without a license.