Born: December 18, 1970 – Died: April 9, 2021
- DMX Singles Page
Earl Simmons, known professionally as DMX, was a cultural force, blending rap and acting into a distinctive form of artistry. Born in Mount Vernon, New York, his early life was set against a backdrop of turbulence that he later channeled into his music and performances. His mother, Arnett Simmons, and father, Joe Barker, weren't often sources of stability, leading Simmons to find solace and expression in his creative pursuits.
Early Life and Career
Raised in Yonkers, DMX's upbringing was challenging, steering him to find escape through street performances. He attended local schools but found his education in the schoo) of life, where his tough experiences shaped his gritty lyrical style. His entrance into the music world was marked by his beatboxing in 1984, but it wasn't until 1991 that he recorded his first demos.
DMX's professional break in music came with feature performances in 1992, but his ascension to fame began with his first album in 1998. The release of "It's Dark and Hell Is Hot" was a commercial success, cementing his reputation in the industry. However, it was his 1999 album "...And Then There Was X" that featured "Party Up (Up in Here)," skyrocketing him to massive fame.
Throughout his career, DMX's raw intensity and honesty in his music and acting roles won him acclaim. He received numerous nominations and awards, including American Music Awards and MTV Music Awards, reflecting the impact of his work across multiple forms of media.
His personal life was as intense and passionate as his professional one. DMX's relationships and family life, including his 15 children, were complex and often public. His interests went beyond music and acting; he loved dogs and had a deep spiritual side. Controversies and legal troubles also followed him, yet he used his experiences to fuel his art and advocacy, including support for various social causes.
DMX left an indelible mark on Hollywood and the music industry. His raw lyrical talent, coupled with his undeniable screen presence, made him an icon of authenticity and vulnerability. He stood out for his willingness to bare his soul in his work, making him a legend to fans and a source of inspiration for artists everywhere.
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)
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Lil Wayne Feat. Swizz Beatz, DMX: Kant Nobody (Music Video) | DMX |
| 2021 | Fast Vengeance | Captain Liddle |
| 2020 | Chronicle of a Serial Killer | Detective White |
| 2020 | Fast and Fierce: Death Race | Davie |
| 2019 | Beyond the Law | Detective Ray Munce |
| 2019 | Godfather of Harlem Feat. Swizz Beatz, Rick Ross, DMX: Just in Case (Music Video) | DMX |
| 2019 | Bhad Bhabie Feat. Kodak Black: Bestie (Music Video) | DMX |
| 2018 | Pimp | Midnight John |
| 2018 | The After Party | DMX |
| 2015 | Fresh Off the Boat (TV Series) | DMX |
| 2014 | Top Five | DMX |
| 2012 | DMX Feat. Machine Gun Kelly (MGK): I Don't Dance (Music Video) | DMX |
| 2011 | DMX: Last Hope (Music Video) | DMX |
| 2009 | The Bleeding | Tagg |
| 2009 | Dylan feat. DMX: X Gon' Give It to Ya (Short) | Unknown |
| 2008 | Lords of the Street | Thorn |
| 2008 | Lockjaw: Rise of the Kulev Serpent (Video) | Nick |
| 2008 | Last Hour | Black Jack |
| 2008 | Death Toll | The Dog |
| 2007 | Father of Lies (Video) | Paul |
| 2006 | DMX: Lord Give Me a Sign (Music Video) | DMX |
| 2006 | DMX Feat. Swizz Beatz: We in Here (Music Video) | DMX |
| 2006 | Busta Rhymes Feat. Mary J. Blige, Rah Digga, Missy Elliott, Lloyd Banks, Papoose & DMX: Touch It (Remix) (Music Video) | DMX |
| 2004 | Yung Wun Feat. DMX, David Banner, Lil Flip: Tear It Up (Music Video) | DMX |
| 2004 | Never Die Alone | King David |
| 2003 | DMX: X Gon' Give It to Ya (Music Video) | DMX |
| 2003 | DMX Feat. Swizz Beatz: Get It on the Floor (Music Video) | DMX |
| 2003 | DMX: Where the Hood At? (Music Video) | DMX |
| 2003 | Third Watch (TV Series) | Kandid Jones |
| 2003 | Eve (TV Series) | Xenon |
| 2003 | Def Jam Vendetta (Video Game) | DMX (voice) |
| 2003 | Cradle 2 the Grave | Anthony Fait |
| 2002 | Aaliyah: Miss You (Music Video) | DMX |
| 2002 | DMX Feat. Faith Evans: I Miss You (Music Video) | DMX |
| 2001 | DMX: We Right Here (Music Video) | DMX |
| 2001 | DMX: Who We Be (Music Video) | DMX |
| 2001 | DMX: No Sunshine (Music Video) | DMX |
| 2001 | Exit Wounds | Latrell Walker |
| 2000 | DMX: Party Up, Up in Here (Music Video) | DMX |
| 2000 | Funkmaster Flex Feat. DMX: Do You (Music Video) | DMX |
| 2000 | DMX Feat. Sisqó: What These Bitches Want (Music Video) | DMX |
| 2000 | Boricua's Bond | Unknown |
| 2000 | Aaliyah Feat. DMX: Come Back in One Piece (Music Video) | DMX |
| 2000 | Moesha (TV Series) | DMX |
| 2000 | Romeo Must Die | Silk |
| 1999 | DMX: What's My Name? (Music Video) | DMX |
| 1999 | DMX Feat. Drag-On: No Love 4 Me (Music Video) | DMX |
| 1999 | Jay-Z: More Money, More Cash, More Hoes feat. Beanie Siegel, Memphis Bleek and DMX (Music Video) | DMX (voice) |
| 1998 | DMX Feat. Method Man, Nas, Ja Rule: Grand Finale (Music Video) | DMX |
| 1998 | DMX Feat. Faith Evans: How's It Goin' Down (Music Video) | DMX |
| 1998 | DMX: Ruff Ryders' Anthem (Music Video) | DMX |
| 1998 | DMX: Slippin' (Music Video) | DMX |
| 1998 | Mase Feat. The Lox, Black Rob & DMX: 24 Hours to Live (Music Video) | DMX |
| 1998 | DMX: Stop Being Greedy (Music Video) | DMX |
| 1998 | DMX Feat. Sheek Louch: Get at Me Dog (Music Video) | DMX |
| 1998 | Belly | Tommy 'Buns' Bundy |
| 1998 | South Park (TV Series) | DMX (voice) |
| 1998 | The Lox Feat. DMX & Lil' Kim: Money, Power & Respect (Music Video) | DMX |
| 1998 | Ice Cube Feat. DMX & DJ Clark Kent: We Be Clubbin' (Remix) (Music Video) | DMX |
| 1998 | Onyx Feat. DMX: Shut 'Em Down (Music Video) | DMX |
| 1997 | LL Cool J Feat. Method Man, Redman & DMX: 4, 3, 2, 1 (Music Video) | DMX |
| 1995 | Eyes on Hip Hop (Video) | Rapper |
| 1994 | DMX: Up to No Good (Music Video) | DMX |