DMX Artistfacts

December 18, 1970 - April 9, 2021
DMX was born Earl Simmons in Baltimore, Maryland, and he moved to the New York area of Yonkers shortly after his birth. His mother was only 19 when she had him; she had a two year old daughter from a previous relationship when Earl was born. His stage name stands for Dark Man X.
He began beat boxing in 1984 and continued to work on his rapping skills for several years. In 1991, The Source magazine wrote about him as an unsigned artist, and he soon received a record deal with Columbia Records label Ruffhouse. His first single, "Born Loser," failed to make an impact, but he made a name for himself by appearing on other rappers' tracks. In 1997, he appeared on LL Cool J's "4, 3, 2, 1" and gained momentum by adding verses to songs by Mase and The Lox. He also made a cameo in Sum 41's video for "Makes No Difference."
His very first album, It's Dark And Hell Is Hot, rose to #1 on the Billboard album chart in 1998, a year when the chart was dominated by Garth Brooks and the Titanic soundtrack. Thanks to his numerous collaborations and the lead single "Get at Me Dog," his debut was highly anticipated.
Over the course of his career, DMX has been incarcerated several times on charges that include animal cruelty, reckless driving, drug possession, and identity falsification.
DMX has at least 10 children, including four with his ex-wife Tashera Simmons. The couple were married in 1999 but split in 2010 after 11 years together. Tashera told DMX she was leaving him just two weeks after he was released from jail.
For years, DMX feuded with rapper Ja Rule. In the beginning of their careers, DMX, Ja Rule, and Jay-Z were in a group called Murder Inc. DMX accused Ja Rule of copying his rough style after Ja Rule went solo and released an album on his own. A war of words ensued but the feud eventually ended in 2009.
In 2009, DMX, who was raised as a Jehovah's Witness, announced that he was going to become a preacher with his own ministry in New Jersey. He also continued to produce music and released a gospel album in 2009.
DMX died on April 9, 2021 after suffering a massive heart attack a week earlier. He was 50 years old.

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