Actors - DMX

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Earl Simmons (born December 18, 1970 in Baltimore, Maryland), also known as Dark Man X, The Divine Master of the Unknown, or simply DMX, is an African-American rapper and actor, who was most famous in the late-1990s. His dark, gothic subject matter (usually depicting a tortured soul torn between the sacred and the profane) and his gruff, barked rhymes were acclaimed by fans and critics alike. He is considered one of the greatest rap artists of all time, and crossed over genres, appealing to both hardcore rap and rock/metal fans.

Biography

Earl was the only child of a single mother, and grew up in the projects of Mount Vernon, New York. Simmons ended up growing up in the inner city of Yonkers, New York after behavioral problems he encountered in Mount Vernon. He began rapping around the age of 13, amusing crowds of kids with rhymes that relied on spelled-out words, a style he called "spellbound." A local rapper eventually asked the young Earl to beatbox for him, and Simmons agreed, taking the name DMX from a digital sound machine. Eventually he decided to try his hand at serious rapping, and honed his skills during a stint at a group home.

By high school, X had given up on his education and began robbing pedestrians regularly to get by. He also got into fights and frequently was on the run from police; during this period, he also began doing shows and battling other rappers, making a name for himself in the New York area. At this point his initials were said to stand for Dog Man X, Dark Man of the Unknown and Dark Man X.

Recording career

In and out of jail, DMX decided to focus solely on his rap career and disavowed crime. He began seriously looking for a deal and linked up with Irv Gotti a A&R for Def Jam at the time. Eventually, he signed a management deal with Ruff Ryders. They negotiated deals with both Bad Boy and Death Row Records, but eventually landed him at Def Jam.

It's Dark and Hell Is Hot

Before It's Dark and Hell is Hot, DMX's released the single "Born Loser" but it was banned on MTV due to the graphic images in the video. DMX's debut single was "Get At Me Dog", which was an instant hit. His critically-acclaimed debut album, It's Dark and Hell Is Hot, is often credited with revitalizing Hardcore Rap in the mainstream scene, after the deaths of Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G., and after Puff Daddy and Bad Boy Entertainment briefly dominated the charts with their pop-oriented and sample-reliant tunes.

In 1997, he earned a second major-label shot with Def Jam, and made a successful guest appearance on LL Cool J's "4, 3, 2, 1." More guest spots on Ma$e's "24 Hours to Live" and fellow Yonkers MCs the LOX's "Money, Power, & Respect" created an even stronger buzz, and in early 1998, he released his debut Def Jam single, "Get At Me Dog." The song went gold and was a hit on the rap and dance charts. The single paved the way for DMX to release his first full-length album, It's Dark and Hell Is Hot, which debuted as number one on the pop charts.

Produced mostly by Damon "Dame Grease" Blackman, (most believe Swizz Beatz produced this album due his heavy involvement with X's later albums, when in reality, Swizz only produced "Ruff Ryder's Anthem".) It's Dark and Hell Is Hot earned DMX numerous comparisons to Tupac Shakur for his booming and aggressive presence on the mic, It's Dark and Hell Is Hot sold over four million copies. Shortly after the album's release in May 1998, DMX was accused of raping a stripper in the Bronx, but was later cleared by DNA evidence. He made his film debut in Hype Williams' ambitious & successful Belly.

Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood

DMX completed his second album before the end of 1998, and a pending buyout of Def Jam pushed the record into stores that December. Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood featured a controversial cover photo of the rapper covered in blood, and it entered the charts at number one and eventually went triple platinum. DMX hit the road with Jay-Z and the Method Man/Redman team on the blockbuster Hard Knock Life tour the following year.

A warrant for his arrest was issued in connection with a stabbing during a tour stop in Denver, of which he was later cleared. He was accused of assaulting a Yonkers man who'd allegedly harassed his wife in May (the charges were once again dropped). More serious charges were brought that summer, when DMX's uncle/manager was accidentally shot in the foot at a New Jersey hotel. DMX's home was raided by Police, and they filed animal cruelty, weapons, and drug possession charges against the rapper and his wife; he eventually plea-bargained down to fines, probation, and community service.

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Actors - DMX

Biography

Recording career

It's Dark and Hell Is Hot

Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood

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