When Mic Geronimo told him it was "Time To Build" with the "Usual
Suspects," he wrecked it. When LL told him to count "4,3,2,1" 'cause
Mase was on the other line talkin' 'bout they only had "24 Hrs. To
Live," he came correct. When the LOX told him he's better "Get This $,"
he walked away with his pockets fat, notflat. Now, after being slept on
for years, DMX arrives with his much anticipated freshman set, scheduled
for release this summer.
"It's been time for me to shine," says the 27-year-old rapper. "But
like the mad rapper said, 'They weren't recognizing.' Now they've
finally got a whiff." Have they ever. DMX's white-hot cameo work has
caught the ears and eyes of more than a few notable players. Ice Cube
enlisted the Yonkers native for the remix of "We Be Clubbin'," the lead
song from the soundtrack of Players Club, Cube's directional debut. DMX
also blasts through a verse of the title track from Onyx's upcoming Shut
'Em Down album and has landed the leading role in Belly, the premiere
feature-length film from the video-directing vanguard Hype Williams.
The scruffy-voiced mic wielder will portray a New York native who moves
out of state and brings his hustling ways with him.
But this ain't about those other cats. This is all about a man-and his
dog. "Get At Me Dog," the first single from DMX's forthcoming Def Jam
album, is more than just a song. That's because DMX loves digs. When
he drives, his dog rides shotgun, regardless of who's rollin with him.
He has five pit bulls right now, and eventually wants to start a farm
where he will breed fighting canines. "A dog is your best friend," DMX
says. "I can kick my dog in the ass and say 'Come here boy' or 'Come
here girl,' and they're right back at me. Or, if they see me get into
something, they'll bite somebody for me. My dog will die for me without
even blinking, without thinking about it."
