DMX Tickets

DMX Tickets

When the reigning kings of rap died or disappeared (if you like conspiracy theories), there was an empty feeling in the hardcore rap community. And while DMX has never and would never claim to replace Biggie and Tupac, he was the next hardcore rapper to come into the spotlight.

Unlike Tupac, but like Biggie, DMX started on the East Coast, in the crime-riddled neighborhood of Yonkers, NY. Even at the age of 28, when he put out his first album, DMX hadn’t had an easy life. But his upbringing and time on the streets helped make him the hardcore rapper we still love, today.

A Rough Start

Yonkers, NY isn’t like downtown Manhattan. Where Brooklyn was once a harsh neighborhood, Yonkers still is. It’s on the outskirts of the city, and you could call it any range of descriptive names. But that’s where DMX or Earl Simmons grew up. He spent time in group homes and on the streets, due to having abusive parents at home. His life wasn’t going well… until he found hip hop. When he was just 21, he was mentioned in The Source’s “Unsigned Hype” column for his freestyle skills.

That mention got the attention of Ruffhouse, who signed him and put out the single “Born Loser” in 1992. Due to issues with his label and problems with his drug addictions, he wouldn’t put out his first album (with a different label) until 1998, six years later.

A Bright and Hot Career, Despite Everything

That first album “It’s Dark and Hell is Hot” debuted at number one on the charts in 1998 and he’s had consistent success since. He’s since worked with artists like RedMan, Jay Z, Swiss Beatz, and LL Cool J.

Part of his success is due to him re-signing with DefJam records, but the majority of it goes to DMX’s refusal to give up. He’s battled a lousy childhood, drug addictions, and jail time, but never stopped putting out music.

FAQs

What is DMX’ music style? 

DMX style is primarily rap, but he is known to dabble in Hip hop. He began rapping in the early 1990s and released his debut album, It's Dark and Hell Is Hot which reached both critical acclaim and commercial success, selling 251,000 copies within its first week of release.

What are DMX' greatest hits? 

With such an incredible career it's not easy to pick DMX’ greatest hits. We've listed just 10 of his absolute greatest hits - is your favorite here? 

• Where the Hood At? (2003)
• It's All Good (1998)
• What These Bitches Want (1999)
• Get at Me Dog (1998)
• Ruff Ryders Anthem (1998)
• What’s My Name (1999)
• Party Up (Up In Here) (2000)
• X Gon’ Give It to Ya (2003)
• We Right Gere (2001)
• How’s It Goin’ Down (1998)

Has DMX won any music awards? 

In 2000 and 2001, DMX won the American Music Award for the Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist. In 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002 he was nominated at the Grammy Awards and MTV Video Music Awards for the best rap album, best rap solo performance, best video from a film, best rap video, and best breakthrough video categories, respectively.

What has influenced DMX’ music? 

After being sent to a boy’s home by his mother, DMX bonded with other students from New York over their shared love of hip-hop music. These new friends encouraged DMX to write music. Later on, DMX met Ready Ron, a local rapper, who, impressed with Simmons' beatboxing skills, asked him to become his partner - and embark on a music career. 

Does DMX write his own songs?

Yes, DMX has been writing his own music since before he was a thing. DMX decided to take his rapping career seriously while serving time in prison, where he would utilize most of his time to write lyrics.