Earl Simmons (born December 18, 1970), 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 subject matter and his gruff, barked liked rhymes were acclaimed by fans and critics alike. He has crossed over genres, appealing to both hardcore rap and Rock/R &B/Metal fans.

Earl was the only child of a single mother, and was born in Yonkers, New York. Simmons ended up growing up in the School Street housing projects 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, adapting the name DMX from a synthesizer he often used. Eventually he decided to try his hand at serious rapping, and honed his skills during a stint at a group home. DMX is a fan of the Pitbull breed of dogs. He has a tattoo of one of his deceased dogs, "BOOMER" on his back. He later contributed over $1 million to the United Negro Association for unfortunate children in New York.

By high school, DMX had given up on his education and began robbing pedestrians regularly to get by. At this time he attended school with Mary J. Blige at Yonkers High School. 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. He dropped his first album called "DMX: Unleashed and Unreleased" which was an instant hit on the streets of Yonkers.

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, an 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 he eventually landed at Def Jam. He is currently at Sony BMG, set to release his first of three albums on August 1st 2006.

It's Dark and Hell Is Hot

In this album, DMX talks a lot about hell and rap music. Before It's Dark and Hell is Hot, DMX 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 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, however 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 together with Nas and Method Man in Hype Williams' ambitious and successful Belly (Belly was made for 10 million USD and made back roughly 10 million USD at the North American Box Office and it was not a critical success).

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 actual pig 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 reached a plea bargain, receiving only fines, probation and community service.

...And Then There Was X

DMX released his third album toward the end of 1999, ...And Then There Was X, which was his third straight album to debut at number one. "Party Up (Up in Here)" was his biggest single since "Get at Me Dog" which became his first Top Ten hit on the R&B charts. His next singles off the album "What You Want" and "What's My Name?" were also popular, and ...And Then There Was X was the rapper's best-selling album to date as a result, moving over six million copies.

The Great Depression

After finally resolving his legal problems, DMX returned to the studio and completed his fourth album, The Great Depression. But before he signed under The Ruff Ryders he still rapped in various songs such as the "Ruff Ryders Anthem" which he sang and released in 1993 showing his good relationship and aligence with Ruff Ryders Corp. He went on to denoted it as more introspective, and it was his fourth straight album to debut at number one, released in the fall of 2001. The Great Depression went platinum quickly but did not have the same shelf life as his previous releases.

Grand Champ

Grand Champ was DMX's fifth straight album to debut at number one. Fans and critics claimed disappointment with the album, most stating that it felt formulaic. After its release, DMX informed the public that he planned on retiring from the rap game and that Grand Champ would be his final album. However he has recently decided to end his brief retirement, and plans on releasing a new album.

Rumors that DMX had signed with G-Unit were dispelled at a press conference DMX had on Friday, January 13, 2006. DMX is signed to Sony BMG under the Columbia Records imprint.

Year of the Dog...Again

DMX's sixth solo album, this has had numerous problems with DMX switching record labels and numerous delays. The whole Album has been leaked, and some guests rumored to be involved include the members of D-Block. A definitive release date has yet to be committed. In March, 2006 it was announced that the album had been renamed to "Year of the Dog, Again," from "Here We Go, Again." When DMX switched to Sony, Def Jam allowed him to keep all of the tracks he had created for the album. However, most of tracks are reportedly being reworked, with updated production. However, the reworked Album has also leaked. Since 2006 is the year of the dog it is likely DMX will attempt to release the album before the end of the year. X has also appeared on Busta Rhymes's "Touch It (The Remix)". He has also released his new single "Lord Give Me A Sign", and a new video, "We in Here".

Acting career

DMX made his film debut in Belly, which he co-starred in with fellow rappers Method Man and Nas. He returned to the big screen with a major supporting role with Aaliyah and Jet Li in Romeo Must Die. Soon after DMX's release from jail, he starred in the Steven Seagal action film Exit Wounds, which opened at number one at the box office. DMX contributed the hit single "No Sunshine" to the soundtrack. He signed a multipicture deal with Warner Bros. in the wake of Exit Wounds' success. DMX worked with Jet Li again in Cradle 2 the Grave. It opened at number one upon its release in March 2003, and its DMX-heavy soundtrack debuted in the Top Ten. DMX also starred in Never Die Alone, which was based on street novelist Donald Goines' book. DMX is also about to star in 3 new upcoming films one of which being another Belly movie with Nas. Belly 2 (Code named) will be released Winter 2006.He's also set to star in a new thriller called Marble City which will be released sometime in 2007.

Criminal history

DMX also has a criminal history originating with an arrest in 1999 in Teaneck, New Jersey, when police found a pistol, crack pipes, and 13 pit bulls on the premises of his home. He pleaded guilty to charges of animal cruelty, disorderly conduct and possession of drug paraphernalia and was sentenced to make public service announcements for the Humane Society.

In June of 2004, DMX and a friend were arrested in the parking lot of Kennedy Airport in New York for allegedly attempting to steal a car and impersonating a federal agent. Police questioned Simmons, who claimed to be a "special agent." However, agents were aware of his status as an entertainer and not an agent. DMX was taken to central lockup in Queens and held on charges of attempted robbery, criminal impersonation and criminal mischief. He pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment in December and was sentenced to a conditional discharge. His driver's license was suspended for the incident and he had to forfeit his 1998 Ford Expedition.

In April of 2005, DMX was arrested in The Bronx for driving with a suspended license after his car crashed into a police cruiser.

In October of 2005, DMX was sentenced to 60 days in prison after pleading guilty to two traffic violations while his license was suspended, one being the incident in April and the other involving driving his car at 104 miles per hour near his Westchester home on Interstate 684.

In May of 2006, DMX 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," a British law term for basically saying he has accepted responsibility and a record will be made of the incident.

Albums

• 1998: It's Dark and Hell Is Hot #1 US ( 4x Platinum)
• 1998: Flesh Of My Flesh, Blood Of My Blood #1 US ( 3x Platinum)
• 1999: ...And Then There Was X #1 US ( 6x Platinum)
• 2001: The Great Depression #1 US (2x Platinum)
• 2003: Grand Champ #1 US (Platinum)
• 2006: The Year of the Dog... Again (Due 2006)

Singles

• 1992: "Born Loser" (12" Single)
• 1997: "4,3,2,1" (LL Cool J featuring Method Man, Redman, DMX, & Canibus #75 US
• 1997: "24 Hours To Live" (Mase featuring Black Rob, The L.O.X. & DMX)
• 1998: "Nothin' Move But The Money" (Mic Geronimo featuring DMX & Black Rob) #70 US
• 1998: "Get At Me Dog" (featuring Sheek of The L.O.X.) #39 US
• 1998: "Money, Power & Respect" (The L.O.X. featuring DMX & Lil' Kim) #17 US
• 1998: "Stop Being Greedy" #79 US
• 1998: "How's It Goin' Down" (featuring Faith Evans) #70 US
• 1998: "Ruff Ryder's Anthem" #94 US
• 1998: "Slippin"
• 1999: "No Love 4 Me (featuring Swizz Beatz & Drag-On)"
• 1999: "What's My Name" #67 US
• 2000: "Party Up (Up In Here)" #27 US
• 2000: "What These Bitches Want" (edited version titled "What They Want", featuring Sisqó) #49 US
• 2000: "Do You" (Funkmaster Flex featuring DMX) #91 US
• 2000: "Come Back In One Piece" (Aaliyah featuring DMX)
• 2001: "No Sunshine" Exit Wounds: The Album (soundtrack, track 1)
• 2001: "We Right Here"
• 2001: "Who We Be" #60 US
• 2002: "I Miss You" (featuring Faith Evans) #86 US
• 2003: "X Gon' Give It To Ya" #60 US
• 2003: "Where The Hood At?" #68 US
• 2003: "Get It On The Floor (featuring Swizz Beatz)"
• 2005: "Pump Ya Fist"
• 2005: "Give Em What They Want"
• 2006: "Touch It (The Remix)" (Busta Rhymes featuring Missy Elliott, Mary J. Blige, Rah Digga, Papoose, DMX & Lloyd Banks
• 2006: "We In Here" (featuring Swizz Beatz)
• 2006: "Lord Give Me A Sign"