Barkin' Loud: A DMX Exclusive

As many know, gaining notoriety in the music industry is one of the most difficult tasks in the world. Making a name for yourself in the harsh world of Hip-Hop is not something that is easily done. A world unlike any other in this galaxy or beyond, the Hip-Hop has been known for bringing the light of day to many careers, and unfortunately, has also been known for setting an artist's life into the darkest realms imaginable. It takes a special M.C. to be able to recognize the pitfalls before they appear, and overcome it with professionalism and honor, which is one of the many keys to longevity in this business. Those rare artists, such as Slick Rick, L.L. Cool J, KRS-1, Rakim, and a host of others, have made it very plain to the world that they were in it to stay, and they have done simply that. They have laid the groundwork for our current superstars, such as Redman, Method Man, Jay-Z, Wu-Tang Clan, and Nas.

With the many shining stars we have in Hip-Hop, no one really can be sure who's the best in the industry. But when you ask many Hip-Hoppers around the globe who's the best, they might begin to bark, and only one man comes to mind at that point.....DMX. DMX has thus far brought the industry to its knees with his dominance, personality, and commanding presence on and off stage. Known for ripping stages apart and wrecking microphones into submission, DMX is a classic example of how persistence pays off and the good things that can happen if you pursue your dreams.

Earl Simmons, better known to the music world as "DMX," was born on December 18, 1970 in Baltimore, Maryland, to a family of five sisters, two half-brothers, and one half-sister. Due to the rough environment and fear that trouble would follow him, Earl was moved to Yonkers, New York to live with his aunt. It was in Yonkers where he would begin to show his earth-shattering musical talents. He originally began rapping under the name "Divine Master of The Unknown" to impress the girls he went to school with, which is how many M.C.'s got their start. But while in hot pursuit of a record deal, he took the name "Dark Man X" as his stage name, which ultimately the world would come to know him as.

Busting down the doors of record label after record label, DMX finally got the call from Columbia Records, a well known label which boasted the talents of such artists as Cypress Hill and Kris Kross. Unfortunately for him, the label refused to put him out as quickly and with as much regard as the other artists. He ended up releasing his very first album, "Born Loser," to virtually no fanfare and it was not well received amongst the Hip-Hop community. He was released from his contract with Columbia, which may have been the greatest thing that could have ever happen to him. Following the release from his contract at Columbia, DMX was approached by Irv Gotti, a producer who would lead him to Lyor Cohen, a record executive who runs one-half of the powerhouse label, Def Jam Records. Cohen took an instant liking to him, and would subsequently sign him to a deal with Def Jam. The results of DMX signing his name on the dotted line would be astonishing!

DMX took his skills to the next level before ever making his second album. He would begin making cameo appearances on many songs, most notably on L.L. Cool J's "4,3,2,1" alongside Method Man, Redman, and Cannibus, Ma$e's "24 Hours To Live," along with The LOX, Mic Geronimo's "Usual Suspects," The LOX's "Money, Power and Respect," Ice Cube's "We Be Clubbin' (Remix)," and Onyx's "Shut Em' Down." These hard-hitting tracks would serve as a appetizer for those who desired the main course, and those who wanted more of DMX got more than they bargained for! He would release his album to a fever pitch like that of a cult figure.

"It's Dark And Hell Is Hot" hit the shelves of record stores in May, 1998, and just as quickly as they were on the shelves, they disappeared! The album contained tracks that were hot enough to burn through metal, and burn they did. Acid-like tracks such as "How It's Goin' Down," "Ruff Ryders' Anthem," the schizophrenic "Stop Being Greedy," and one of the hottest tracks of 1998, "Get At Me Dog," catapulted DMX to the top of the charts, the world, and any other realm which there is to conquer. The album would sell over three million copies, and give DMX the notoriety he so despirately desired. "Every Dog Has His Day," as the old adage goes.....DMX's day had just begun.

Seven months later, to a parade of fans and well-wishers, DMX released his third album, "Flesh Of My Flesh, Blood Of My Blood," and the hype of this album was more so than his previous one. The lyrical assault he brought to each and every track left many studios and production teams in critical condition. Tunes such as "Heat," "No Love 4 Me," "Coming From," "Dogs For Life," and arguably the album's hottest track, "Slippin'," allowed DMX to cruise to the top of the charts once again, becoming the only artist in music history to debut at #1 twice in one year. DMX's path to greatness had begun, and behind him was a path of destruction like no one had ever seen before.

1999 was a stellar year for DMX, and for great reason. He immediately began to team up with fellow Def Jam labelmates Method Man and Redman to perform alongside Jay-Z on the "Hard Knock Life" Tour, and together, they would tear into microphones, staging equipment, fans, and whatever else stood in their way. After a performance in Denver, DMX, Jay-Z, Method Man, and Redman would give up the proceeds of their performance that night to the families of the tragic Columbine High School incident, an indication of their heart and good faith. He would begin making cameo appearances once again, most notably on Eve's "Scenario 2000," alongside Drag-On, lent his vocals on the album, "Ruff Ryders Volume 1.....Ryde Or Die," made appearances on magazines, newspaper interviews, and would become one of the most recognizable faces on the planet. He would end the year just as the way he's accustomed to....on top!

Just before The Millenium graced us, DMX would grace us with his fourth album, "And Then There Was X." It debuted on Billboard charts at #1, a position he has become accustomed to since the dawn of his second album. It stayed on top for all of two weeks, being knocked down to #2 with the inception of Jay-Z's new album, "The Life and Times Of S. Carter," but it hold vigil at the #2 spot. The album is currently just under one million copies sold, and before you can blink your eye, it will be certified Platinum. Tracks such as "Angel," featuring Regina Belle, "D-X-L (Hard White)," featuring The LOX and Drag-On, "Here We Go Again," and "Comin' 4 Ya" are the reasons why DMX continues to bark louder than most anyone in music today.

Above all else, DMX is a family man. Currently living in New Jersey with his wife, Tasherah, their son, Xavier, and his two pitbulls, Bandit and Bobbi, he considers himself a very blessed individual. He also likens himself to have two personalities, one being Earl Simmons and the other being DMX. Earl is the person, the family man, loves the dogs, takes care of the dogs, and walks the dogs. DMX is the performer, gets at the crowd, loves the fans, bonds with the fans, shows love to the fans that adore him so, and comes with pitbull-like intensity everytime he picks up a microphone. No artist in any form of music draws the attention, gets the recognition, or jump starts the hearts of the crowd like DMX, and his gifts can not be duplicated. Try and duplicate it, and you are subject to get bitten!

Damainion...

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