DMX

Background

DMX is a common name for anyone interested in rap music. His quirky beats have had people grooving to his songs for years. He is also an acclaimed actor and has acted in several movies. DMX was born on December 18, 1970, in New York. In 1984, at the age of 14, he started beatboxing for Ready Ron, and in 1988, while in prison for carjacking, he dedicated most of his time to writing lyrics and meeting and rapping with K-Solo. After his release from prison, he started producing and selling his mixtapes in which he rapped over instruments and started selling them on the streets in New York. Through this, he built himself a loyal fan base all over New York.

He was praised by “The Source” magazine in 1991 in its ‘Unsigned Hype’ column which highlighted unsigned hip-hop artists. In the same year, he was signed by the Columbia Records subsidiary label, Rufflhouse Records, and he released his debut single ‘Born Loser’. He released his second single ‘Make a Move’ in 1994. But he received most fame from his debut major-label single, ‘Get at Me Dog’ on Def Jam Recordings in February 1998. The single received much acclaim and an R.I.A.A. certification of gold. His first album, “It’s Dark and Hell is Hot” was released in May 1998 and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, and sold over five million copies.

DMX is also an exceptional actor and he acted in several movies like “Belly,” “Cradle 2 the Grave,” “Exit Wounds,” and “The Last Hour,” among others. He passed away on April 9, 2021, due to a drug overdose and heart attack.