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Hardcore rapper DMX spits his rhymes with all the fire and brimstone of a Baptist preacher. The gravel voiced MC was responsible for filling the gangsta void left by the death of the Notorious B.I.G. In the mid-90's, the rap game was heavily dominated by the pop-sampling West Coast g-funk and Death Row Entertainment. DMX grew up in the same Yonkers high school as hip hop queen Mary J. Blige and made a name for himself by entertaining his friends with his rhyme skills-he claims to have pioneered his trademark "spellbound" technique when he'd spell out the words he was rapping. However, the young Earl Simmons was a troubled man and he found himself increasingly involved in trouble, first picking fights with fellow students, then escalating to street crime and fleeing the police. He was incarcerated and, he says, prison set his head straight-upon his release he focused intensely on his rap career. DMX caught the scene's attention by releasing his hit singles "Born Loser" and "Get Me A Dog." The follow-up full-length LP, It's Dark And Hell Is Hot, was a critical smash, showcasing DMX's intense, gritty flow and street-style lyrics. His next LP, Flesh Of My Flesh, Blood Of My Blood continued with the biblical themes. The disc went triple platinum and the dark single "Slippin'" was a number one hit. DMX has publicly discussed his chronic depression, saying that he's found comfort in religion but that the disease influences his heavy style. DMX is also a huge dog fan, and is incredibly devoted to his pet pitbulls.

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