Hello Geniuses.
My name is Rob Markman and you’re watching a special For The Record segment in remembrance
of DMX, a hip-hop icon, an MC and a movie star, who inspired generations of fans with
his unique brand of dark, energetic and spiritual music.
Genius confirmed on April 9th that DMX, who was born Earl Simmons, passed away at White
Plains Hospital in New York, with his family by his side after being placed on life support
after suffering cardiac arrest a week ago.
He was 50 years old.
“Earl was a warrior who fought till the very end,” read a statement issued to Genius,
from his team.
“He loved his family with all of his heart and we cherish the times we spent with him.
Earl’s music inspired countless fans across the world and his iconic legacy will live
on forever.”
The Yonkers, New York MC started his rap career in the early ‘90s when he signed to Columbia
Records to release his debut single “Born Loser.”
While underground hip-hop heads may remember the drop, the single flew under the radar.
Still, X continued to cement his reputation as a fierce battle rapper in the streets of New York.
He began to make waves on mixtapes in the mid to late ‘90s appearing on tracks with
Jay Z, Ja Rule, Mic Geronimo, The LOX and Ma$e before changing rap forever with
his classic multi platinum, and chart-topping debut ‘It’s Dark and Hell is Hot’ in
May of 1998.
X gave us unforgettable tracks like “Get At Me Dog,” “Ruff Ryders Anthem,” “Stop
Being Greedy” and my personal favorite “How’s It Goin Down.”
His delivery was unlike anything that hip-hop had ever seen.
To accent his raw, in your face delivery, X would growl and bark with the menacing energy
of a pitbull.
X followed up with sophomore album, ‘Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood’ in the same
calendar year, just six months later; once again hitting No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100
and once again going multiplatinum.
The feat cemented DMX as a hip-hop legend and gave him one of the most impressive rookie
years that the music industry has ever seen.
He went on to record six more albums and become one of the top selling hip-hop artists in
history amassing way over 20 million records sold.
DMX’s music was often dark and a reflection of his violent and drug-filled upbringing.
By showcasing his turbulent past, X instilled confidence in others that they too can overcome
their demons.
To balance the pain, X would provide hope on his albums and at his live shows, often
leading fans in prayer.
He was a voice for the voiceless.
I didn’t know DMX personally, but I did meet him one time in 2012, back when I worked
at MTV.
X was a guest on a show that I was helping to produce called RapFix Live with Sway Calloway.
He was on a press run to promote his seventh studio album ‘Undisputed’ and It was an
unforgettable day.
There I was face to face with a hip-hop superhero as we prepped for his interview, he was energetic,
chaotic, warm, a little intimidating and completely vulnerable — he was everything that he was
in his music.
There was nothing fake or made up about his persona.
At one point in the interview, X talked about reconciling with his mother, who he hadn’t
spoken to in about 8 years at that point.
It was a rocky relationship that he had and had been vocal about throughout his career,
like on “Slippin’”.
So X started to talk about the importance of the relationship that a mother and child
have, and as he talked about it he started to cry.
That was his power, because it felt like everyone in the studio started to tear up with him.
That’s how DMX was special.
He could make us feel what he felt.
I remember him saying, while he was fighting back tears: "It doesn't matter how hard, how
tough you are, you need to be someone's baby.
I just wanted to be able to say, 'Mommy, I love you.' "
That day was a real lesson for me, and a lesson that he gave to his fans through the music
for over 20 years.
Even through our darkest times and our toughest days, we have love.
And we have to show love and we have to give love and we have to receive love.
X wasn’t perfect, but he gave hip-hop hope; he made us believe in ourselves and for that
we’re grateful.
We love you DMX, may you rest peacefully and powerfully.
Thank you all for watching this For The Record segment in remembrance of a hip-hop legend.
Let’s celebrate his life, let us know your favorite DMX songs or your favorite DMX memories
in the comments below.
And I’m gonna talk about ‘Belly’ all night.
Rest in peace, old friend.