DMX could move from spiritual anguish one minute to a narrative about the sins of the streets the next, yet keep it all part of the same complex character, sort of like a hip-hop Johnny Cash. Fans, celebrities, family and the music world are mourning the death of rap legend DMX, who died Friday at age 50. We know the legacy and the highlights, lets talk about what sets artist apart in the game. DMX the voice for the children that were betrayed and still fought to survive. If the harsh truth of our world’s reality was a person, DMX is the man. When you not only change the rules and look of the game but do so being yourself flaws in all, you are forever inscribed in the history book of Hip-hop Pioneers.
When it came to fashion, vocal delivery, love for people and God, Dmx is one of a kind and will never be duplicated. Dmx had a heavy Philadelphia influence with a big splash of the usual New York flair which made him appealing world wide. DMX until this statement is proven wrong has to be the first individual to wear Timberlands in New York during the Lugz era and that’s a check that should have been signed. On top of being one of Def Jams top artist when it came to sells, he created a movement through bike life, movies and motivational speaking. A lot of people make music but how many can be great at it and still excel in other dealings?
DMX would not only help and pray for others on the daily he allowed us to know his flaws. He provided the rawness that was needed and still is in such a fabricated industry. He not only made it cool to express your religion on record but even quoted scripture and prayed. DMX created a gateway for a lot of todays creatives who have taken those same steps. How ever you want to argue the cause of death lets continue to honor his cause for living and that was for the people. Being a spokesperson to people who were betrayed as children and struggled to recover. DMX did not willingly indulge in the use of hard drugs, he was given it without his knowledge and he never knew until it was too late. Against his will he was captured by the pain and hardships, still he fought to be arguably one of the top 10 rappers to ever do it.
Big dog link chains, iced out collars on pitbulls, 4 wheelers, bringing back the overalls with no shirt look, growling and barking on the record, or just screaming “ayyooo” in general next to Jay-z, Biggie and Pack, DMX is one of the most imitated artist to touch a mic. “Belly” one of the most notable movies in the black community standing next to other greats like “Paid in Full” “Friday” and “Boyz n The Hood” will always be a fan favorite.
DMX emerged as an unmissable force in music at the turn of the millennium, remaining an influential figure in hip-hop for the last two decades. He’s best known for hits including “Party Up (Up in Here),” “X Gon Give It To Ya,” and “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem.” Despite addiction plaguing him throughout his career, DMX continued to be a force in the hip-hop genre, with six albums landing in the Billboard 200 top 10—five of which were number one. But ahead of all of that X was a great father and that showed in many ways through out his life, being a father is the key to a greater future for our children.
Thank you DMX and all hands that assisted on putting you in front of the masses to teach, learn and be heard.
