Been To War
by DMX (featuring French Montana & Swizz Beatz)

Album: Godfather of Harlem soundtrack (2021)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Been To War" is a collaboration between DMX, French Montana and Swizz Beatz, written for season 2 of the Epix series Godfather of Harlem. The song is from the perspective of the show's protagonist, Bumpy Johnson, played by Forest Whitaker. Johnson was a real-life drug lord until his death (from natural causes) in 1968 at age 62. In the song, DXM and French Montana trade verses about doing jail time, staying above the law, and vanquishing enemies. "We can go to war all summer," DMX promises in his first verse.
  • The song was released on April 16, 2021, just a week after DMX died at age 50. Season 2 of Godfather of Harlem premiered two days later.

    DMX and Swizz Beatz go way back. Both were part of the Ruff Ryders collective and they rose up the ranks together, with Swizz producing the 1998 hit "Ruff Ryders' Anthem" from DMX' debut album. "Been To War" has the hallmarks of their work, with Swizz' thumping, military-style production, and DMX' hardcore rapping and signature "what!"

    Swizz curated the music for Godfather of Harlem; in season 1, he teamed with DMX and Rick Ross for the track "Just In Case," which came with a video starring Forest Whitaker.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

JJ Burnel of The Stranglers

JJ Burnel of The StranglersSongwriter Interviews

JJ talks about The Stranglers' signature sound - keyboard and bass - which isn't your typical strain of punk rock.

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

James Williamson of Iggy & the Stooges

James Williamson of Iggy & the StoogesSongwriter Interviews

The Stooges guitarist (and producer of the Kill City album) talks about those early recordings and what really happened with David Bowie.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

Bob Dylan Lyric Quiz

Bob Dylan Lyric QuizMusic Quiz

Think you know your Bob Dylan lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.