As the legendary ruff ryder is currently hospitalized after a horrific drug overdose, I think it is most appropriate to discuss Earl “DMX” Simmons and the undeniable force he is. As you read, please send some love out to the Simmons family as they struggle through this difficult time. ♡
Born on December 18th, 1970 (only 50 years old) in Mount Vernon, New York, Earl Simmons was raised in a very troubled and deprived environment as he moved from group home to group home, further leading to living off the streets of New York with frequent run-ins with the law. As a release from this traumatic childhood, Earl found a saving grace in the hip-hop industry by starting out as a DJ and beatboxer. As the beginning of his career progressed, he decided that his stage name would now be DMX, otherwise known as the Oberheim digital drum machine name. Throughout his career, DMX would also be referred to as “Dark Man X” or “The Dog” due to the distinct and unforgettable bark he makes in almost every song.
Some of you may now be thinking “he barks?!” and some of you can hear it clearly. For those of you wondering why he barks, there are many sound reasons as to why the rapper chose to do so. A favorite of mine is that he chose his significant bark because he had a very close relationship with his late pitbull, Boomer. As DMX struggled most of his childhood and early adulthood, he found that Boomer was the only one he could trust, therefore, dedicating his four-legged companion by adding his tough and hardy bark/growl to most of his tracks.
Check out one of his most famous tracks “X Gon’ Give It To Ya” as DMX instantly starts out the song with his barking and growling. Being a DMX fan, I can honestly say that this is one of the most hype songs to ever exist in the rap game as it is still being used at football practices and proms 18 years later.
Much love to DMX and his family xoxo