Earl Simmons (born December 18, 1970), better known by his stage name DMX, is an American entertainer who rose to fame in the late 1990s. His stage name stands for Dark Man X, the name he used when he first started rapping in 1990. To date, his best-selling album is his 1999 album ...And Then There Was X, which featured the hit single "Party Up (Up in Here)". As an actor, he also starred in the films Belly, Exit Wounds, Cradle 2 The Grave, Romeo Must Die and Last Hour, and his own reality television series Soul of a Man on the American cable television network BET. In 2002, DMX wrote an autobiographical book titled E.A.R.L.: The Autobiography of DMX. He also has an extensive arrest record.He is no.5 in top of best-selling rappers with 30 milion units sold.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, DMX relocated early in his childhood to Yonkers, a city just north of New York City. He spent much time on the streets committing crimes. However, he considered hip hop to be an escape from his hard times, as he enjoyed beatboxing, turntablism, and eventually rapping. He spent much of his adolescence in and out of jail.

In a recent interview from Jail, DMX confirmed that he has a fiancée in Miami and a baby of 3 months with her. After 13 years of marriage he filed for divorce from his ex-wife Tashera Simmons. They have 4 kids together.

In 1991, The Source magazine praised him in its "Unsigned Hype" column, which highlighted unsigned hip-hop artists. Later, he was signed to the Columbia Records subsidiary Ruffhouse in 1992; under that label he released his debut single "Born Loser", which did not get much airplay. However, Ruffhouse promoted many other artists on its roster rather than DMX and so agreed to release him from his contract eventually. In 1994, he released a second single, "Make a Move", followed by a guest spot on Mic Geranimo's "Time To Build" along with a young Jay-Z and Ja Rule.

In 1997, Simmons earned a second major-label shot with Def Jam, and made a successful guest appearance on LL Cool J's "4, 3, 2, 1." Additional guest spots on Mase's "24 Hours to Live" and "Take What's Yours", and The LOX's "Money, Power & Respect" created an even stronger buzz.

It's Dark and Hell Is Hot (1998)

In early 1998, he released his debut major-label single under Def Jam Recordings, "Get At Me Dog", which was certified gold by the RIAA. His first major-label album It's Dark and Hell Is Hot, which included the single Ruff Ryders Anthem, was released in May 1998 and debuted on the top spot on the Billboard 200 chart in the U.S. It earned Simmons numerous comparisons to Tupac Shakur and sold over four million copies. Soon after the release of the album, DMX was nearly imprisoned for allegedly raping a stripper in the Bronx but was cleared by DNA evidence.

Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood (1998)

Later that year, DMX released his second album. It entered the charts at number one (and stayed there for 3 consecutive weeks) with 670,000 units shipped in the first week alone. The album eventually went 3x platinum. DMX was the second rapper to have two albums released in the same year debut at number one on Billboard's Top 200, the first being Tupac Shakur.

...And Then There Was X (1999)

Simmons released his third album, ...And Then There Was X, on December 21, 1999. It debuted at number one on the pop charts, his third straight album to do so. "Party Up" was his biggest single, and became his first Top Ten hit on the R&B charts. His lead single off the album, "What's My Name?" (containing the piano prelude from Richard Addinsell's Warsaw Concerto), and third single "What These Bitches Want" (featuring Sisqo) were also popular. .....And Then There Was X is Simmons' best-selling album to date, going six times platinum. Def Jam urged him to release the tracks within a month.^{[clarification needed]}

The Great Depression (2001)

After improving his legal situation, Simmons returned to the studio and completed his fourth album, The Great Depression. Released October 3, 2001, it was his fourth straight album to debut at the top of the Billboard 200. With hits such as "Who We Be", "We Right Here", and the street track, "Shorty Was The Bomb". The Great Depression quickly went platinum, but was not as commercially or critically successful as its previous.

Grand Champ (2003)

In 2003, Grand Champ became his fifth straight album to debut at number one. This made DMX the only artist in history to have 5 albums (and his entire album catalog) debut at #1. After its release, he informed the public that he planned to retire, and that Grand Champ would be his final album. In June 2003, DMX was arrested for using indecent language during a performance at Saint Kitts and Nevis. The country's Information Minister alleged that a contract signed before the concert stipulated the show would be without indecent language on stage. Simmons was released on bail ($376).

Year of the Dog...Again (2006)

On January 13, 2006, DMX signed to Columbia Records, the label that released his early single "Born Loser". DMX recorded his next album while switching record labels, causing numerous delays. The album was finally released on August 1, 2006 under the title Year of the Dog...Again. It missed the number one spot in the charts by only a one-hundred sales. He also appeared on a remix of Busta Rhymes' "Touch It". Two more singles, "Lord Give Me A Sign" and "We In Here", followed. The Definition of X: The Pick of the Litter was DMX's greatest hits album, released on June 12, 2007.

Walk With Me Now and You'll Fly With Me Later (2010)

DMX recently signed to Bodog Music to release his two next albums (on the same day), Walk with Me Now and You'll Fly with Me Later X also has a Gospel album in post-production and is planning to release this back-to-back with his new rap albums in 2009 or 2010.

He has starred in Never Die Alone, which was based on street novelist Donald Goines' book. He is also set to star in three upcoming films. He was set to star in Marble City, but was replaced by Ving Rhames. He starred in Carnivorous in 2009, starred in an action thriller called Last Hour which was released at the end of 2008. Another movie he starred in was Romeo Must Die co-starring next to Jet Li & Aaliyah. He also had a reality show on BET called DMX: Soul of a Man. He will also star in the 2009 Beast, the sequel to Belly. He has finished shooting an upcoming film with Kris Kristofferson titled Lords of the Street, the release date has yet to be set. He can be seen starring alongside Clifton Powell & Vivica A. Fox in a film titled Father of Lies. In 2003 he starred in a movie called Cradle 2 the Grave, as a criminal father trying to save his daughter. In 2001 he starred in Exit Wounds as a thug Latrell Walker who uncovered a team of crooked cops along with Steven Seagal who was transferred to the roughest division in Detroit, division 15. For that movie DMX also covered the song Ain't No Sunshine under the title "No Sunshine". The song was released as a single and peaked at #67 on the US R&B Charts. A music video was produced featuring DMX performing the song against clips from the film.

In 1999, DMX joined rappers Jay-Z, Method Man and Redman for Jay-Z's Hard Knock Life tour. DMX was arrested but later cleared of a stabbing that occurred at a tour stop in Denver, Colorado; he was also cleared of an assault charge back at his hometown of Yonkers. However, in the summer of 1999, DMX and his wife were arrested and charged for animal cruelty and possession of drugs and weapons after his manager uncle was accidentally shot at a hotel in New Jersey. Eventually, he successfully plea-bargained simply for fines, probation, and community service. DMX was arrested in March 2000 for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, speeding, failure to signal, driving without a license, failure to notify the DMV of an address change, and possession of marijuana New York State Route 33 in Cheektowaga, New York, following a concert in Buffalo, New York. He was then scheduled to appear in Cheektowaga Town Court on March 21, but failed to appear, resulting in a warrant being issued for his arrest. He later turned himself in, pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of driving without a license and was sentenced to 15 days in jail and fined $400. Since beginning public life as a rapper, DMX has made headlines for multiple arrests, such as for animal cruelty, reckless driving, unlicensed driving, drug possession, and identity falsification. In 1999 officers from the Fort Lee Police Department executed a search of his home, which led to Earl Simmons aka DMX surrendering himself the next day on weapons charges. He has served some jail time, such as a 15-day sentence in 2000 for possession of marijuana and another in 2001 for driving without a license and possession of marijuana. His appeal to reduce the 2001 sentence was denied, and he was charged with assault for allegedly throwing objects at prison guards.

In June 2004, he was arrested at the John F. Kennedy International Airport on charges of cocaine possession, criminal impersonation, criminal possession of a weapon, criminal mischief, menacing, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol while claiming to be a federal agent and attempting to carjack a vehicle. He was given a conditional discharge on December 8, 2004 but pled guilty on October 25, 2005 to violating parole.

On November 18, 2005, DMX was sentenced to 70 days in jail for violating his parole; the lateness charge caused a 10-day extension from the original 60-day plan. For good behavior, DMX was released from jail early on December 30, 2005.

As of December 31, 2008, DMX had pleaded guilty to charges of drug possession, theft and animal cruelty and was sentenced to 90 days. On May 22, 2009, DMX entered a plea agreement/change of plea. He pleaded guilty to attempted aggravated assault. On July 2, 2008 DMX was arrested in Phoenix at Sky Harbor airport after arriving from Miami for outstanding warrants and failing to appear in court. His bond is $1075 for driving without a license and $10000 for previous drug charges on May 9th.Two weeks later, DMX was arrested at a Phoenix mall on suspicion that he gave a false name & Social Security number to a hospital to get out of paying for medical expenses.DMX is suspected of having used a false name, "Troy Jones" and failed to pay a $ 7,500 bill to Scottsdale's Mayo Clinic in April. Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio said DMX's bond had not been set, and if he remains in 4th avenue jail, he would be isolated from the rest of the inmates for his own safety. "They may not like his music." His judgements took place on June 8, 2009.

Ja Rule & Jay-Z

DMX started off friends with Ja Rule, as well as Jay-Z. They were all part of a group at the time named Murder Inc. (name later used by Ja Rule for record label). They recorded songs under the name together. DMX and Jay-Z also guest starred on Ja Rule's first album on the track "It's Murda."

Soon after the release of his first album, Ja Rule started a longlasting feud with 50 Cent, after a robbery involving Ja Rule and 50 Cent's friend. People started picking sides. Nas joined Ja Rule. DMX sided with 50 Cent, along with Dr. Dre, Eminem, G-Unit and Busta Rhymes. DMX dissed Ja Rule several times.

Eventually Ja Rule's feuds with Busta Rhymes, Dr. Dre and Eminem went away. There have been rumors that DMX and Ja Rule have resolved their feud.

DMX's beef with Jay-Z is not ended at the time.

Kurupt of Tha Dogg Pound

DMX was just starting his career, during the East Coast vs. West Coast feud, mainly involving 2Pac and The Notorious B.I.G.. He was on the East Coast side. Soon Kurupt of Tha Dogg Pound started dissing DMX for reasons involving Foxy Brown.[citation needed]

The feud has since calmed down, but remains unsolved.

In 2009, DMX claimed he would pursue preaching but will also continue to do music. He completed a Gospel album prior to his incarceration. His beliefs were criticized since many of his albums use vulgarity, violence and racial slurs. According to many sources such as MTV, he semi-retired to study the Bible more, in an effort to give messages behind the pulpit, but has since decided to return to rap after being encouraged by Mase to wait for God's calling to do so.

• 1998: Belly
• 2000: Romeo Must Die
• 2000: Backstage
• 2001: Exit Wounds
• 2003: Cradle 2 the Grave
• 2003: Def Jam Vendetta (voice)
• 2004: Never Die Alone
• 2006: DMX: Soul of a Man
• 2008: Lords of the Street
• 2008: Last Hour
• 2008: Death Toll
• 2008: Lockjaw: Rise Of The Kulev Serpent (V)
• 2009: The Bleeding
• TBA: DMX: This Life of Mine

• Official DMX website
• DMX's official clothing line
• DMX at MySpace
• DMX at the Internet Movie Database