Why DMX’s pop culture legacy is bigger than music

Earl Simmons–best known by his stage name DMX–was a rapper, a father, an actor, a transitional deacon, and an icon.

DMX was one of the premier music artists of his time and probably the most recognizable of them all. The rasp in his voice, his infatuation for dogs and signature barking and “What!” ad-lib gave him an authenticity like no other. He possessed an originality that many stand-up comics like Katt Williams (as seen in the Pimp Chronicles) incorporated into impersonations of the aforementioned music artist in their comedy routines. This was all in fun to play off the unique image of the three-time Grammy Awards nominated rapper who burst onto the scene in 1998.

That year, he released his debut album It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot and followed that up seven months later with Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood. DMX made a name for himself in an era before social media and music streaming services. He even starred alongside Nas in the urban-life cult classic film Belly (1998). This all began in an era where the “Get at Me Dog” rapper had consumers counting down the days until his release dates and going out to stores and buying physical copies of his album. And then came his Hollywood roles as Silk in Romeo Must Die (2000) and acting alongside Steven Seagal in Exit Wounds (2001).

Dark Man X’s popularity skyrocketed into superstar status during the late 90’s early 2K era. One that made him more than an iconic rap artist. His stardom is something that is almost immeasurable in today’s world with how present and in the moment fans were in that era. The Cradle 2 to the Grave actor had people tune in live to see his music videos on countdowns on MTV and BET programs such as BET network’s popular talk show106 & Park, and even more so when he’d appear as a guest to chop it up with AJ Calloway and Free.

Fans also made sure they were home by primetime to catch DMX’s guest appearance as a tattoo parlor artist on UPN’s then-hit sitcom Eve. A guest spot where X played up his hardcore image in a comedic situation with comedic actor Brian Hooks.

Gamers then remember the “Party Up (Up In Here)” performer posing as the most challenging fighter in the 2003 EA Big hit video game Def Jam: Vendetta, a hip hop-inspired wrestling fighting game. One where the only way to unlock DMX as a fighter was to defeat him in the storyline mode, which was no easy task.

The “What’s My Name?” rapper had an unmatched energy to his presence and when fused with his music many of his bangers became hype songs. Songs were no stranger to arenas and stadiums in the sports world. Even in the Oliver Stone football film Any Given Sunday (1999), which starred Al Pacino and Jamie Fox, there’s a montage showing the football team’s play on game day to the tune of DMX’s “My Ni**as,” which amplified in movie theaters with DMX’s vocals above the mix.

It almost felt like every motion picture that borrowed a DMX hit song played a huge role, whether it was the scene between Bow Wow and Morris Chestnut doing a dance-off on Like Mike (2002) or on Down to Earth (2001) when Chris Rock, who’s character forgets he’s inside an elderly white male’s body, is rapping the lyrics to “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” before getting his lights punched out when he dropped numerous n-word bombs, and afterward, told his love interest, “I forgot who I was.”

Essentially, the Never Die Alone lead, in ways, stole scenes from movies he wasn’t physically featured in.

After fulfilling his Def Jam contract with the conclusion of his fifth studio album, Grand Champ (2003), DMX announced his retirement. According to Nicki Swift, “[DMX was] the only rapper to have his first five studio albums debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and the only living rapper to have two albums go platinum in the same year.”

It was bittersweet. There was the obvious disappointment knowing he may never make music again but then there was the thought that in retirement he could pursue his lifelong passion in becoming a pastor as he expressed in his 2003 memoir titled E.A.R.L.: The Autobiography of DMX.

His faith played a large role in his music. In several tracks, such as “Angel,” he spoke to his faith in Christianity and repenting from his past sins. Through his music, he spread the message that one could turn their life around through faith and that was one of the traits that transcended his music to another level compared to his contemporaries.

The “Lord Give Me A Sign” rapper didn’t stay retired for long and continued to make several appearances in the spotlight. He appeared in ABC’s Fresh Off the Boat, performed on “Just In Case“—the theme song for the Epix original series Godfather of Harlem—and joined Snoop Dogg in the popular Verzuz event on Instagram Live in 2020.

That year, he also worked on his eighth studio album. The album, which will release posthumously,  was one he revealed to REVOLT TV that he’s done more features on it than any one of his prior albums. His tracklist is billed to have collaborations with the likes of Usher, Alicia Keys, Snoop Dogg, Bono, Lil Wayne, and others.

Unfortunately, DMX won’t be around to relish in the success of his album dropping as he passed away last week. He is survived by his 15 children, his fiancée, and an immeasurable legacy as a pop culture phenomenon that touched millions of people around the globe.

There is comfort in knowing that DMX told REVOLT TV in February 2021: “I could drop dead right now … my last thought would be ‘I’ve had a good life.'”

Earl “DMX” Simmons December 18, 1970 – April 9, 2021.

What’s your most nostalgic DMX memory? Sound off in the comments below.