Rapper DMX, born Earl Simmons, was a hip-hop icon known for his distinctive rough yet poetic voice. The Mount Vernon native hit the scene with his breakout album It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot in 1998 with the notorious hit “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem.” The icon passed in April of 2021, devastating his fans.

Take a look at his iconic music videos:

• 10. I Miss You ft. Faith Evans, 'The Great Depression' (2001) 

  In “I Miss You” featuring Faith Evans, DMX speaks on the death of his grandmother. In the video, DMX is seen at the funeral taken in by beautiful shots of an open landscape where she is laid to rest.

• 9. Get It On The Floor, 'Grand Champ' (2003)

  “Get It On The Floor” is a high-energy song and DMX and Swizz Beatz do not disappoint with bringing the energy into the music video. Flashing lights, fast cars, and beautiful models take a backseat to the rapper’s all-star performance.

• 8. How's It Goin' Down, 'It's Dark and Hell Is Hot' (1998)

  In the video for “How’s It Goin’ Down,” DMX takes the storytelling approach by visually illustrating his lyrics to the song which is about him having an affair with a woman who has kids. 

• 7. What's My Name?, '... And Then There Was X' (1999)

  “What’s My Name?” video features DMX’s crew from the Ruff Ryders and, of course, his signature pit bulls. The video has an interesting location presenting the rapper in the center of what looks to be a pit while his crew and models are dancing on three-tiered levels behind him.

• 6. Slippin', 'Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood' (1998)

  This video gets personal for the rapper as he gives fans an insight into his childhood and his battle with drug use. This inspirational song and the video speak about how he planned for his future life to be by being there for his kids and pursuing music.

• 5. What They Really Really Want ft. Sisqo, '... And Then There Was X' (1999)'

  This video and song feature the iconic verse of DMX’s where he made a verse off of just women’s names, “There was Brenda, LaTisha, Linda, Felicia..” you know the rest…

• 4. Where The Hood At?, 'Grand Champ' (2003)

  This video was filmed outside on the street of Yonkers, NY with many of the Ruff Ryder associates including Swizz Beatz who introduces DMX. The iconic lyrics “Where the hood/where the hood/where the hood at?” is repeated by the rapper for the hook of the song.

• 3. X Gon' Give It To Ya, 'Cradle 2 The Grave' (2003)

  “X Gon’ Give It To Ya” is one of the rapper’s best songs and one of his most unique videos. The video features the rapper driving a luxury around the city with images of models and film scenes flashing on the car giving a futuristic feel to the ’03 video.

• 2. Party Up (Up In Here), '... And Then There Was X' (1999)

  This party anthem by the Mount Vernon native takes place in a bank where the rapper is confused by the actual bank robber. The rapper recites the famous lyrics “Y’all gon’ make me lose my mind/up in here/up in here” in this video.

• 1. Ruff Ryder's Anthem, 'It's Dark and Hell Is Hot' (1998)

  One of DMX’s most popular songs and music videos finds the rapper reciting his iconic lyrics “stop, drop, shut ’em down, open up shop.” Like many of DMX’s early videos, the rapper’s backdrop is in the street with various Ruff Ryder associates.

Have The Bounce 105.1 Insider Buzz Newsletter Delivered To Your Inbox

Find out what's happening in the Motor City, stay up to date on the music & entertainment news, and exclusive chances to win.

Email *

Subscribe

By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.