The world of hip-hop mourned the loss of Earl Simmons, known globally as DMX, who passed away on April 9th at the age of 50. The Yonkers-bred MC, a cornerstone of the Ruff Ryders empire, left behind a legacy etched in raw energy and unflinching honesty. His music, a potent blend of aggression and vulnerability, resonated deeply with fans and cemented his status as an East Coast icon. To celebrate his immense contribution to music, we delve into 10 essential Dmx Songs that showcase his unparalleled talent and enduring impact.
DMX burst onto the scene in the late 90s with his groundbreaking debut album, It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot. This masterpiece catapulted him to superstardom, fueled by anthems like “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” and “How It’s Goin’ Down.” The album’s immediate No. 1 debut on the Billboard 200 positioned him as a leading voice in rap, alongside contemporaries like Jay-Z and Nas, solidifying New York’s dominance in the hip-hop landscape. His reign continued into the 2000s with club bangers like “X Gon’ Give It To Ya” and the R&B/Hip-Hop Top 10 hit “Party Up (Up In Here).”
While his signature aggression grabbed attention, DMX’s true strength lay in his versatility. He navigated complex themes, from the allure of materialistic relationships in “What These B–ches Want” to his personal battles with inner demons in “Slippin’.” His music consistently offered listeners a visceral journey through his life experiences. Join us as we explore DMX’s 10 best songs, each a testament to his unique artistry.
1. “Get At Me Dog” (It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot, 1998)
Producer Dame Grease famously declared “Get At Me Dog” as both the end of the “shiny suit era” and the dawn of a grittier, street-oriented hip-hop sound. This track, featured in a GQ oral history of It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot, marked a seismic shift in late-90s hip-hop. Fueled by an electrifying BT Express sample, expertly slowed down by Dame Grease, the song pulsates with raw energy. DMX, with his signature growl and bark, commands the beat, delivering verses and an unforgettable hook with predator-like intensity. His bold claim, “There’s at least a thousand of us like me mobbing the street,” proved to be an understatement as he went on to achieve five consecutive platinum albums. “Get At Me Dog” is a powerful introduction to the DMX sound, a relentless and unforgettable breakthrough hit.
2. “How’s It Goin’ Down” (It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot, 1998)
For many hip-hop fans, the opening bars of “How’s It Goin’ Down” are an instant portal back to the summer of 1998. The track’s smooth electric keys and heavy bass create an instantly recognizable and nostalgic groove. While the lyrics depict a tumultuous relationship, the underlying melody evokes a sense of bittersweet romance. DMX’s gruffly sung chorus, “What type of games is bein’ played/ How’s it goin’ down?/ It’s on ’til it’s gone, then I gots to know now,” became an anthem for youthful drama and relationship complexities. While DMX’s hard-hitting street anthems initially propelled him to fame, it was his ability to connect on a more emotional level with songs like “How’s It Goin’ Down” that solidified his superstardom.
3. “Stop Being Greedy” (It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot, 1998)
“Stop Being Greedy” masterfully blends hardcore hip-hop with a mainstream appeal, even sneaking onto the Hot 100 charts. The track is characterized by its haunting organ melody and signature DMX dog barks, creating a sonic backdrop for a Jekyll-and-Hyde narrative. DMX showcases his vocal range, oscillating between measured tones when delivering lines like, “I don’t like drama, so I stay to myself,” and his trademark rasp when growling threats: “I’ma bash his head wide open / Beggin’ me to stop, but at least he died hopin’.” This It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot classic isn’t about good versus evil, but rather an exploration of duality and inner conflict.
4. “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” (It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot, 1998)
Initially, DMX was hesitant about the minimalist Swizz Beatz production of “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem,” with its steady rhythm and stark black-key melody. However, the beat’s simplicity became its strength, providing the perfect canvas for DMX to rally his Ruff Ryder crew. The iconic “Stop! Drop!” command, coupled with DMX’s straightforward rhymes (“All I know is pain, all I feel is rain”) and raw sentiments (“F–k it, dawg, I’m hungry”), created an instant classic. It was the background growls and his legendary “what!” ad-libs that elevated this mid-tempo track to anthem status, solidifying its place as one of the quintessential DMX songs.
5. “Slippin’” (Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood, 1998)
DMX’s career was largely defined by his ability to channel pain into his music. His voice became an instrument for exploring sorrow and analyzing hurt, rather than just celebrating success. “Slippin’,” the lead single from his second No. 1 album of 1998, Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood, is a raw and unflinching examination of his personal struggles. Each verse delves into the details of his troubled upbringing, while the chorus serves as a powerful mantra of self-motivation. “Slippin'” lays bare DMX’s vulnerabilities, inviting listeners into the depths of his psyche and achieving stardom on his own terms, imperfections and all.
6. “What’s My Name” (…And Then There Was X, 1999)
Before “Party Up” became the crossover smash from DMX’s blockbuster 1999 album …And Then There Was X, “What’s My Name” served as the ferocious lead single. This track is a chest-thumping declaration of dominance, arriving after DMX’s meteoric rise to the top of mainstream hip-hop. “What’s My Name” wasn’t engineered for pop radio in the same way as “Party Up,” but it perfectly captured DMX’s bone-crushing charisma at his peak. Each verse is built around short, sharp verbal jabs followed by impactful bars, showcasing his signature bark-then-bite delivery and setting the stage for even greater fame.
7. “What These B–ches Want” feat. Sisqo (…And Then There Was X, 2000)
DMX and Sisqo
The second verse of “What These B–ches Want” has reached legendary status. DMX spends a significant portion of the song listing names of women from his past (“Cookie, well, I met her in a ice cream parlor / Tonya, Diane, Lori, and Carla”), while Sisqo of Dru Hill fame provides smooth, soulful vocals. Beyond this iconic verse, “What These B–ches Want” stands as DMX’s quintessential slow jam – or at least, his unique take on the genre. It retains his signature gruffness and unapologetically tackles gender stereotypes. The unlikely pairing of DMX and Sisqo was a momentous event in 2000, and even decades later, this collaboration remains a fresh and intriguing listen, showcasing DMX’s unexpected range.
8. “Party Up (Up In Here)” (…And Then There Was X, 2000)
While initially conceived as a diss track, “Party Up (Up in Here)” transcends negativity with its infectious energy. Swizz Beatz’s beat hits with the force of a right hook, punctuated by whistle blasts, perfectly complementing DMX’s hilarious exasperation. “Y’all gon’ make me lose my mind,” he shouts in the chorus, like a frustrated parent, before launching into a laundry list of insults directed at an unnamed rapper: “You’re wack, you’re twisted, your girl’s a ho/You’re broke, the kid ain’t yours, and everybody know.” Despite its aggressive undertones, the song is undeniably jubilant and fun, a testament to DMX’s ability to deliver both raw intensity and infectious energy. “Party Up” became a defining anthem of the early 2000s and remains one of the most recognizable DMX songs.
9. “Who We Be” (The Great Depression, 2001)
“Who We Be” is a powerful commentary on relentless struggle. The song paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced by underpaid people of color, with each obstacle quickly replaced by another, creating a sense of constant pressure. DMX’s flow becomes a litany of societal issues impacting his community, aiming to give voice to the voiceless and educate his broader audience about systemic inequalities. He delivers a tour-de-force performance, filled with hardened observations on racial injustice (“The streets, the cops, the system, harassment / The options, get shot, go to jail, or get your ass kicked”) and visceral imagery (“The hurt, the pain, the dirt, the rain / The jerk, the fame, the work, the game”). “Who We Be” stands as one of DMX’s most socially conscious and impactful tracks.
10. “X Gon’ Give It To Ya” (Cradle 2 the Grave, 2003)
“X Gon’ Give It To Ya,” arguably the best outcome of the DMX/Jet Li action film Cradle 2 the Grave, reached No. 60 on the charts and remains a fan favorite. This track perfectly balances DMX’s menacing persona with his more celebratory, life-of-the-party side. It functions equally well as a warning (“don’t f–k with him”) and an invitation to let loose and dance. The marching band horns add to its undeniable energy, making it suitable for both a street confrontation and a dance floor frenzy. “X Gon’ Give It To Ya” exemplifies DMX’s compelling and multifaceted artistry, showcasing his ability to blend aggression with pure entertainment.
DMX’s legacy extends far beyond these ten tracks. His music was a powerful force, defined by his raw honesty, unmatched energy, and profound vulnerability. These DMX songs offer a glimpse into the soul of an artist who left an indelible mark on hip-hop and popular culture. His music continues to resonate, reminding us of the power of authentic expression and the enduring impact of the 犬.
