DMX
Born Earl Simmons in Yonkers, New York, DMX cut his first 12" single (’Born Loser’) in 1992 and appeared on LL Cool J’s ‘4,3,2,1′ (along with Method Man, Redman, Canibus and Master P) in 1997. DMX broke big in hip-hop in 1998, first with his single, ‘Get at Me Dog,’ then his debut album, the harsh and harrowing It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot which debuted at #1 and went on to 4x platinum status. Mere months later, Flesh Of My Flesh, Blood Of My Blood, made him one of the few artists in chart history to have two albums debut at #1 within the same year.
1999’s …And Then There Was X repeated DMX’s familiar pattern of debuting at #1 and has gone on to achieve 6x platinum. 2001’s The Great Depression, and 2003’s Grand Champ likewise debuted at #1.
1998 was the year DMX made his acting debut, costarring with comrade rappers Method Man and Nas in Hype Williams’ under-rated Belly.
DMX’s film career paralleled his musical successes with the charismatic superstar appearing in a major support roles in 2001, first with Aaliyah and Jet Li in the cult classic Romeo Must Die and later in Steven Segal’s #1 opening weekend nationwide blockbuster, Exit Wounds. His next film, Cradle 2 The Grave, again with Jet Li, opened at #1 in 2003 while its DMX-rich soundtrack debuted in the Top 10. He has appeared as ‘himself’ on numerous television programs including ‘Saturday Night Live,’ ‘The Chris Rock Show,’ ‘Mad TV,’ ‘Moesha,’ ‘Chappelle’s Show’ and ‘South Park.’ DMX recently completed filming Last Hour, a psychological thriller starring DMX, Michael Madsen, David Carradine and Paul Sorvino. He is preparing for his role in the upcoming Marble City, directed by Bill Duke.
DMX’s initial breakout came as a member of the Ruff Ryders record label/production team/hip-hop talent collective which has included The Lox, Swizz Beatz, Eve and other hip-hop legends.
