Five of DMX’s Most Important Songs

He went by many names - Earl Simmons, D Dog - but the one most familiar to those who followed his music, he was known simply as DMX: the gruff toned rapper from New York, who blazed the scene at the tail end of the late nineties, when hip hop was still reeling from the deaths of Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls.

To many, he reminded them of a young Tupac with a domineering personality and a voice that stood out from the rest of the pack. DMX would go on to establish himself as one of the top rappers of his generation - with hit after hit on the radio, even though his personal life may have taken some deep, dark twists along the way.

Despite everything that went on behind the scenes while ultimately led to his tragic overdose and death, it’s even more important for us to focus on his legacy - that of a talented and flawed individual who brought life and passion into hip hop culture. He may have passed, but his music lives on.

Here are five of his most important songs:

Ruff Ryders’ Anthem

Produced by a then-unknown Swizz Beats, Ruff Ryders Anthem” was the fourth single from It’s Dark and Hell is Hot. And it left its mark on the industry without any apologies. As soon as the melody drops, you know what time it is.

Slippin’

A consistent fan favourite song for the fans, this was a tough-to-listen-to autobiographical track about the highs and lows of addiction and pain that he was going through, and the hope that he would be able to conquer his demons.

How’s it Going Down

Who knew the gruff toned voice could mask a sensitive soul. This is arguably the most romantic song DMX ever made. He cares for the woman with whom he’s having an affair, but he doesn’t want to break up her family. A different side to the rapper that we wish we could have heard more of.

Party (Up in Here)

There is no DMX song bigger than this one - both commercially and in popularity. It was a massive hit on the radio, in the club, and in movies from Gone in 60 Seconds to How High to Hardball.

Almost 20 years on, it still can turn up a crowd. It does exactly what it says on the tin.

Who We Be

This will forever be regarded as one of the most personal and profound DMX singles ever put out. He speaks on things that he lived through - from poverty to incarceration to the negative side of fame. And his voice carries his pain.

#RIPDMX

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