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DMX

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DMX

Earl Simmons (born December 18, 1970), better known by his stage name DMX, is an American rapper and actor who rose to fame in the late 1990s. His stage name stand for Dark Man X, the name he used when he first started rapping in 1990. To date, his best-selling album was his 1999 album ...And Then There Was X, which featured the hit single "Party Up (Up in Here)". As an actor, he also starred in the films Belly, Exit Wounds, Romeo Must Die, Cradle 2 the Grave, and Last Hour, and his own reality television series Soul of a Man on the American cable television network BET. In 2002, DMX wrote an autobiographical book titled E.A.R.L.: The Autobiography of DMX. He also has an extensive arrest record. [1]

Early life

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, DMX relocated early in his childhood with some family members to Yonkers, a city just north of New York City. He spent much time either on the streets committing crime selling drugs or living in group homes.[1] However, he considered hip hop to be an escape from his hard times, as he enjoyed beatboxing, turntablism, and eventually rapping with famed rapper Just Ice. The initials DMX originate from an earlier stage name of Dark Man X.[1]

Music career

In 1991, The Source magazine praised him in its "Unsigned Hype" column that highlighted unsigned hip-hop artists. Later, he was signed to the Columbia Records subsidiary Ruffhouse in 1992; under that label he released his debut single "Born Loser", which did not get much airplay. However, Ruffhouse promoted many other artists on its roster rather than DMX and so agreed to release him from his contract eventually. In 1994, he released a second single, "Make a Move", but later that year was arrested for drug possession.[1]

In 1997, Simmons earned a second major-label shot with Def Jam, and made a successful guest appearance on LL Cool J's "4, 3, 2, 1." Additional guest spots on Mase's "24 Hours to Live" and The LOX's "Money, Power & Respect" created an even stronger buzz.[1]

It's Dark and Hell Is Hot (1998)

Main article: It's Dark and Hell Is Hot

In early 1998, he released his debut major-label single under Def Jam Recordings, "Get At Me Dog", which was certified gold by the RIAA. His first major-label album It's Dark and Hell Is Hot was released in May 1998 and debuted on the top spot on the Billboard 200 chart in the U.S. It earned Simmons numerous comparisons to Tupac Shakur and sold over four million copies. Soon after the release of the album, DMX was nearly arrested for raping a stripper in the Bronx but was cleared by DNA evidence.[1]

Flesh of my Flesh, Blood of my Blood (1998)

Main article: Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood

Simmons completed his second album, Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood, by the end of 1998; the album was released in December of that year due to a pending buyout of Def Jam. As had its predecessor It's Dark and Hell is Hot, Flesh debuted on the top spot of the Billboard 200 chart and eventually was certified triple platinum by the RIAA.[1] Guest appearances ranged from rap group The L.O.X., rapper Jay-Z, R&B singer Mary J. Blige, and even heavy metal musician Marilyn Manson. The Ruff Ryders posse, for which DMX was a founding member, released its first compilation album under the Ryde or Die series in the spring of 1999. Contributors included DMX himself as well as The LOX and Eve.[2]

In 1999, DMX joined rappers Jay-Z, Method Man and Redman for Jay-Z's Hard Knock Life tour.[1] DMX was arrested but later cleared of a stabbing that occurred at a tour stop in Denver, Colorado; he was also cleared of an assault charge back at his hometown of Yonkers. However, in the summer of 1999, DMX and his wife were arrested and charged for animal cruelty and possession of drugs and weapons after his manager uncle was accidentally shot at a hotel in New Jersey. Eventually, he successfully plea-bargained simply for fines, probation, and community service.[1]

...And Then There Was X (1999)

Main article: ...And Then There Was X

Simmons released his third album, ...And Then There Was X, on December 21 1999. It debuted at number one on the pop charts, his third straight album to do so. "Party Up" was his biggest single, and became his first Top Ten hit on the R&B charts. His lead single off the album, "What's My Name?", and third single "What These Bitches Want" (featuring Sisqo) were also popular. .....And Then There Was X is Simmons' best-selling album to date, going six times platinum. Def Jam urged him to release the tracks within a month. The album sold 698,000 copies in its first week.[citation needed]

DMX was arrested in March 2000 for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, speeding, failure to signal, driving without a license, failure to notify the DMV of an address change, and possession of marijuana New York State Route 33 in Cheektowaga, New York, following a concert in Buffalo, New York. He was then scheduled to appear in Cheektowaga Town Court on March 21, but failed to appear, resulting in a warrant being issued for his arrest.[3] He later turned himself in, pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of driving without a license and was sentenced to 15 days in jail and fined $400.[4]

The Great Depression, first jail sentence (2001)

Main article: The Great Depression (DMX album)

After improving his legal problems, Simmons returned to the studio and completed his fourth album, The Great Depression. Released October 3, 2001, it was his fourth straight album to debut at the top of the Billboard 200.[1] The Great Depression went platinum quickly, but was not as commercially or critically successful as its predecessors.[1]

In 2001, DMX served time in prison after having driven without a license and possessed marijuana. His appeal to reduce his 15-day sentence was denied, and he was charged with assault for allegedly throwing objects at prison guards.[1]

Grand Champ (2003)

Main article: Grand Champ

In 2003, Grand Champ became his fifth straight album to debut at number one. This extended DMX the only artist in history to have 5 albums (and his entire album catalog) debut at #1. After its release, he informed the public that he planned to retire, and that Grand Champ would be his final album.[5] In June 2003, DMX was arrested for using indecent language during a performance at Saint Kitts and Nevis. The country's Information Minister alleged that a contract signed before the concert stipulated the show would be without indecent language on stage. Simmons was released on bail ($376).[6]

Airport incidents, second jail sentence, signing to Columbia (2004-2006)

In June 2004, he was arrested at the John F. Kennedy International Airport on charges of cocaine possession, criminal impersonation, criminal possession of a weapon, criminal mischief, menacing, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol while claiming to be a federal agent and attempting to carjack a vehicle.[7] He was given a conditional discharge on December 8, 2004 but pled guilty on October 25, 2005 to violating parole.[8]

On November 18, 2005, DMX was sentenced to 70 days in prison for violating his parole and being tardy to court; the lateness charge caused a 10-day extension from the original 60-day plan.[9] For good behavior, DMX was released from jail early on December 30.[10] DMX signed to Columbia Records, the label that released his early single "Born Loser", on January 13, 2006.[11]

In May 2006, Simmons was arrested at a London airport for causing a disturbance after he refused to put on a seat belt and became abusive on a flight from New York to London. He was released with a caution.[12]

Year of the Dog...Again (2006)

Main article: Year of the Dog...Again

DMX recorded his next album while switching record labels, causing numerous delays. The album was finally released on August 1, 2006 under the title Year of the Dog...Again. It missed the number one spot in the charts by only a few thousand sales. He also appeared on a remix of Busta Rhymes' "Touch It". Two more singles, "Lord Give Me A Sign" and "We In Here", followed.

Greatest hits album, arrests (2007-present)

The Definition of X: The Pick of the Litter was DMX's greatest hits album, released on June 12, 2007. During that year, he was arrested for driving with an expired license[13] and animal cruelty.[14]

He was arrested multiple times this year, for possession of drugs and weapons,[15] driving without a license,[16] and attempting to buy cocaine and marijuana.[17]

On July 2, 2008 DMX was arrested in Phoenix at Sky Harbor airport after arriving from Miami for outstanding warrants and failing to appear in court. His bond is $1075 for driving without a license and $10000 for previous drug charges on May 9th. [17] Two weeks later, DMX was arrested at a Phoenix mall on suspicion that he gave a false name & Social Security number to a hospital to get out of paying for medical expenses.[18]DMX is suspected of having used a false name, "Troy Jones" and failed to pay a $ 7,500 bill to Scottsdale's Mayo Clinic in April. Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio said DMX's bond had not been set, and if he remains in 4th avenue jail, he would be isolated from the rest of the inmates for his own safety. "They may not like his music."[19][20] On August 26, 2008 after appearing in front of a Miami-Dade judge who refused his release on bond, DMX dropped the 'F-Bomb' in court.[21]

Walk With Me Now and You'll Fly With Me Later (2008)

DMX recently signed to Bodog Music to release his two next albums (on the same day), Walk with Me Now and You'll Fly with Me Later[22]

Acting career

He also starred in Never Die Alone, which was based on street novelist Donald Goines' book. He is also set to star in three upcoming films. He was set to star in Marble City, but was replaced by Ving Rhames.[23] He has finished filming another action thriller called Last Hour which should see a release at the end of 2008. He also had a reality show on BET called DMX: Soul of a Man. He will also star in the 2009 Beast, the sequel to Belly. He has finished shooting an upcoming film with Kris Kristofferson titled Lords Of The Street, the release date has yet to be set. He can be seen starring alongside Clifton Powell & Vivica A. Fox in a film titled Father of Lies.

Discography

Main article: DMX discography

Filmography

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Huey, Steve (2007-06-12). "DMX - Biography". Allmusic.com. Retrieved 2008-05-18.
  2. ^ DiBella, M.F. (1998-12-15). ""Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood" - Overview". All Music Guide. Retrieved 2008-05-18.
  3. ^ Dansby, Jaan; Uhelszki (2000-03-24). "Warrant Issued for DMX's Arrest". Rolling Stone.
  4. ^ Vineyard, Jennifer (2000-05-05). "DMX Nabbed for Weed...Again". Rolling Stone.
  5. ^ Simon, Bruce (2003-03-10). "DMX Flirting With Retirement". Yahoo! Music. Retrieved 2008-07-29.
  6. ^ "Rapper DMX arrested for swearing". BBC News. 2003-06-29.
  7. ^ Singer DMX charged with impersonating FBI agent
  8. ^ Harris, Chris (2005-10-25). "DMX Pleads Guilty, Will Likely Spend 40 Days In Prison". MTV News. Retrieved 2008-09-05.
  9. ^ Tecson, Brandee J.; Harris, Chris (2005-11-18). "DMX Sentenced To 70 Days Behind Bars". MTV News. Retrieved 2008-09-05.
  10. ^ Moss, Corey (2006-01-06). "DMX Released From Prison Early For Good Behavior". MTV News. Retrieved 2008-09-05.
  11. ^ Reid, Shaheem (2006-01-13). "DMX Signs With Columbia, Will Release Long-Delayed LP This Spring". MTV News. Retrieved 2008-09-05.
  12. ^ BBC News:Rapper DMX arrested after air row
  13. ^ http://www.rapbasement.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2399&Itemid=35 DMX arrested for driving w expired license
  14. ^ "DMX Arrested For Animal Cruelty". MTV UK. 2007-05-13.
  15. ^ washingtonpost.com, DMX Arrested, Again
  16. ^ DMX Arrested In Miami For Warrant BallerStatus.com.
  17. ^ a b DMX Arrested In Miami For attempting to buy cocaine and marijuana www.azfamily.com.
  18. ^ Mail.com - the best personalized free web-based e-mail
  19. ^ FOXNews.com - Rapper DMX Arrested at Phoenix Mall
  20. ^ abc15.com, Rapper DMX arrested in Phoenix again
  21. ^ DMX drops the F-bomb in court
  22. ^ DMX Preps New Album. Hip Hop Galaxy. Accessed December 21, 2007.
  23. ^ http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=5773
  24. ^ [News] Ruff Ryders Reunite, New Album On The Way


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