FIRST TIME HEARING- DMX - Its Dark & Hell Is Hot ALBUM REVIEW

[@cibida1]

Albums like this are why “old heads” are disgusted with the current state of hip hop.

[@EggersEggers-pd6te]

That's exactly right.💎🤙

[@sportsagent718]

Facts

[@Shysta30]

Super facts

[@KvngLxo]

Back in the day there was tens of albums on this level every year, now there isnt even 1 that even comes close

[@cibida1]

@@KvngLxo 98 alone you had so many classics that year was crazy. So was 96. 94. What a time.

[@RAA10382]

DMX brought hip-hop back to the streets with this album. After the death of Pac & Big, hip-hop took a cleaner route with the dominance of Puffy, Mase and the rest of Bad Boy dominating the airwaves and the charts in what is commonly referred to as “The Shiny Suit Era” on the east coast (and the dominance of Master P & No Limit Records on the south and west) resulting in artists like Nas and Wu-Tang Clan so-called “falling off” in the eyes of fans (which may have or may have not been true, depending on who u ask). Then in 98 a new wave of hardcore hip-hop was ushered in by newcomers DMX (Its Dark & Hell Is Hot), Big Pun (Capital Punishment), Noreaga (N.O.R.E.), and the song that elevated Jay-Z’s career to a new level, “HardKnock Life” from his third album (Vol 2…Hardknock Life).

[@bxboro4662]

This comment summed up the late 90s perfectly! You were obviously there 💯

[@damonjones1291]

@@bxboro4662 Bronx, born&bred.. Keep Reppin' the BX!!

[@0sAndOnes]

Appreciate the love you have for X ...but he far from "brought rap back to the streets". Street rap was mainstream back then and 1998 had the most classics drop that year. The cherry on top of the golden era. Literally every album was fire east coast street shit.

[@clintongray5065]

@@0sAndOnes nah X brought that raw gritty street talk wasn’t nobody rapping like that

[@damonjones1291]

some might even go back to '93/'94 as the beginnings of, getting to The Streets.. Mobb Deep, Wu, Nas..etc The whole 90s CANT really be Touched 🏆

[@mrboss20ten]

1:16 Intro 4:50 Ruff Ryders Anthem 8:31 Fuck With D 10:50 Skit 11:53 Look Thru My Eyes 16:03 Get At Me Dog 19:53 Let Me Fly 24:25 X is Coming 29:29 Damien 33:03 How It’s Gone Go Down 37:58 Mickey (Skit) 38:29 Crime Story 41:39 Stop Being Greedy 44:24 ATF 46:26 This For My Dogs 50:28 I Can Feel It 53:29 Prayer (Skit) 56:14 The Convo

[@yaboiavery5986]

thank you bro

[@jonjenkins-qo5li]

You forgot niggas done started something

[@jonjenkins-qo5li]

60:00

[@DREMINEM53]

❤

[@hiarllyalmeida06]

legend 🔥

[@cibida1]

Couldn’t go anywhere in the hood without hearing this album blasting in cars. X lit up the streets.

[@gunzandbutta4750]

I sheded tears when X died .. It hit me hard. I loved this album. First 3 albums was all dope!

[@tiger06854]

I was 13 years old. Summer going into my freshman year of high school....... enough said. RIP Earl Simmons" DMX the Great"

[@abcdefghij1234567327]

Same. His song Party Up was my favorite when I was really young. Dove deep into his discography over the past few years and god he was talented. RIP legend.

[@TheLos821]

This album came out my senior year of high school. This is the soundtrack of my youth and some of the greatest times of my life. X was one of the greatest to ever bless the mic. R.I.P to one of the best. 👊🏽🔥

[@theknifeman7097]

We the Dog’s pups, make him proud!

[@Robards18]

Let's say his first 4, Great Depression was awesome as well. Grand Champ was fine bit a bit weaker.

[@FryPoorGreedo]

Yoooooo...Tyson used to walk out to that intro. Fight was already a wrap at that point

[@jskee2002]

DMX had unmatched energy. Everything was from the heart with him. A true example of how to make a classic album-style dope beats, story telling imagination not about every song getting on the radio RIP DMX and thank you for your contribution to Hip Hop 🙏🏾✊🏾

[@helmsley07]

You’re corny af for saying “energy”

[@algirdasltu1389]

Wait hes dead? I just found 90s hip hop and dmx and while i do know more abt the more known ppl like big and pac idk anything about dmx. R.I.P

[@dionisiocabral4197]

Dmx the great We rite here We aint going nowhere

[@torianmcneill3794]

@@algirdasltu1389X was known for growling & barking which no rapper did

[@torianmcneill3794]

@@algirdasltu1389yes he died 2021 they killed him cause X was real

[@AgentLemmon]

The kids singing in X is coming is inspired from the classic horror movie A nightmare on Elmstreet. 1,2 Freddy's coming for you, 3,4 better lock your door, 5,6, grab your crucifix, 7,8 better stay up late 8,10 never sleep again. Also the name Damien comes from another horror movie classic the Omen. There is a child called Damien who is the second coming of satan.

[@kamelody7285]

THIS ALBUM IS IN MY TOP 10 ALL TIME since the day he dropped it in 1998. I still have this classic in my top 10 ever. This album is on another Level my dude. DMX in prime mode

[@erikcedrone9686]

it was Mike Tyson.... still gives me chills. RIP DMX love and miss you

[@XxGlaciersOfIcexX]

Classic debut album. 6 months later in the same year DMX delivered another multi platinum album, FomFBomB. Only artist in music to do that I believe. R. I. P. Earl Simmons aka DMX BigPun dropped his classic debut 2 months after X's. '98 was a good year especially after losing Biggie and Pac

[@tayb838]

Yup...good times in music

[@rico7673]

Also his first 5 albums went no 1

[@TheCinderellaman10]

Pac dropped 2 classics in 96' All eyez on me and 7 day theory

[@NYKnicks33]

DMX’s career got sidetracked by crack use and prison before this album came out. This album was a testimony of his life put to music. This man poured his soul out to the world! Rest in Paradise Dark Man X!!!!!!

[@joemarr5383]

Don't forget gay z pushing his album back

[@alexanderkoffi7149]

@@joemarr5383 Nah that was later on when X was putting out his 5th album and Jay was def jam president

[@joemarr5383]

@@alexanderkoffi7149 still a hata move

[@alexanderkoffi7149]

@@joemarr5383 idk I've heard the album (Year of the dog) and while it had some good songs, the album wasn't as good as his others and didn't go number 1 in end so can see why Jay would stall its release

[@ninaflowers7136]

@@joemarr5383 who says gay z in 2022? Also, Jay was trying to get him help. And Jay forgave his debt to Def Jam so.....

[@DocDaMindbenda]

DMX sounded the best over Dame Grease and PK beats to me... Swizz only did Ruff Ryders Anthem on this album... 2nd album Swizz took over and X's sound changed

[@joemarr5383]

Super faxxx homie.X was grimey on they beat but more commercial with swiss

[@gochasingwaterfalls9970]

This album lived in my CD player for most of 1998

[@autoalchemist911]

I broke 2 cassettes before I got my first of 9 copies of CD this album wore out quickly being played so much

[@orlanzo2621]

Top 5 album of all time in my opinion, this is a certified classic! One of my favorite albums of all time.

[@euchongo4240]

Absolutely

[@mrstubbs30]

Yes, yes! that’s exactly what I was going to say Eu Chongo, “ABSOLUTELY”, one of the GREATEST RAP ALBUMS OF ALL TIME AND DEFINITELY TOP 5!

[@vickthashredder]

Damien was the 🐐 of dmx songs. This is my favorite dmx song 1. the lyrics 2. The sample (used mozart) 3. The production 4. The hook 5. The good guy, the bad guy back n forth

[@bluntedspetsnaz718]

Dame grease on the production

[@KvngLxo]

Through the years of suffering, living a life of crime, being in and out of prison, coming close to death, drug addiction, multiple failures and everything else that effected his career/life this was his final chance and time to shine... One of the greatest ever R.I.P

[@torianmcneill3794]

X probably was ready to go he’s had enough suffering but he lives in our hearts

[@Klasik489]

I was 13 and living in Harlem when this album came out. Imagine hearing Ruff Ryders Anthem on every street corner at that time. DMX really captured the essence of the streets at that time.

[@maxpainmedia]

I was in the south bronx , 12 years old wit this in my sony CD player, i used to look at the album cover in a daze like damn this is the most amazing shit i might ever hear! And i was right

[@Klasik489]

@@maxpainmedia yeah that time was so different. It felt like X had his pulse on the streets at the that time. It was so surreal what that Album did for NYC.

[@i_bomb_atomikly9692]

A lot of albums were surreal in the 90s growing up in NYC, you had to be there, such a special time, never come around again.

[@Klasik489]

@@i_bomb_atomikly9692 Facts! I remember being a kid in NYC at the times when certain albums were out. It was a different time

[@405tygadacat]

This is probably my personal favorite album of all time. Its gotten me thru a lot and I can't listen to it all the way thru without turning it up as loud as possible and by the end all the anger I think ive let go of creeps back up. My youngest brother died when he was 16 and his dad used to be my step-dad. I hated that man and used to think about beating him with a bat as he slept. I say that only to say that after my brother died his dad was around and ppl in my family were whispering about how they didn't want him there. Randomly, while I'm sitting there crying, I told them to stfu and some lines from DMX'S Look Thru My Eyes popped into my head: 'Now I'm supposed to love the one that cursed me? The one that wouldn't give me a cup of water when I was thirsty? It was always him versus me, but now I gotta teach him. Personal feelings put aside cuz now I gotta reach him. What I'd like to do is turn my head like I don't know him. But it seems like I've been called on to show him, so I'm a show him.'

[@jaydwalker8024]

Flesh of My Flesh is just as dark. Both projects dropped in the same year and they both debuted number one.

[@Creeestopher]

First artist ever with 2 albums to debut at 1 in the same year. X was on whole other level back then.

[@Scratch2C]

I remember DMX coming thru to Philly back then with the Ruff Ryders... streets full of motorcycles. Eve was still unsigned back then too. Never would've imagined she would end up rapping and signed.

[@jay07261986]

Philly was like X 3rd home...his pop n his step brother lived up here for a long minute...i heard he spent summers in Philly back in the day...

[@godsson7787]

Eve was signed to aftermath before ruff riders?

[@DAYDAY211]

​@@godsson7787yea Dre didn't do much with her because he was so busy making Eminem's album. So Jimmy Irvine sold the contract of Eve to the Ruff Ryders. The rest is history.

[@highpowered1126]

​@@jay07261986wow this is new I never heard this what neighborhood were they in

[@lorenhoward8178]

Dame Grease produced most of the album. Ruff Ryders wanted him to be their main producer but he had his own artists and label he was working on. This opened the door for Swizz Beats. I think the only track he did on this album was Ruff Ryders Anthem.

[@michaelvega3157]

Swizz can never compare to Dame Grease. Grease production is just too raw 🙌🏼

[@Louis-sv5pu]

@@michaelvega3157 yeah I hated it when Swizz took over on X‘s second album, I just don‘t like most of his beats

[@michaelvega3157]

@@Louis-sv5pu agreed. His shit is just plain boring

[@Shysta30]

Yes you right he has his own vacant lot stuff.

[@torianmcneill3794]

@@michaelvega3157X flowed over the beats though

[@TripSe7en_77]

Also, for as dark as this album was, I love how he reconciled with The Lord at the end of the album. He has a prayer on every single album he’s recorded. Dark Man X never failed to acknowledge our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior!

[@88rkinlaw]

This is what made X and Pac so dope. They were open books. The emotion. The vulnerability. It was all on display. And both arguably had the best adlibs of all time.

[@AbrahamPalmer-wj5cb]

Exactly both are one of a kind and there will never be another Tupac and DMX ever in this current time period they don't exist anymore.

[@Glory2barca]

@@AbrahamPalmer-wj5cb2pac is alpha and DMX is the beta version of pac

[@TripSe7en_77]

Such a timeless album. DMX was ahead of his time and unlike any other emcee in the game. At any time, back then or otherwise.

[@JerseyMcgee81]

Not really, there were a couple of emcees with the gravelly, rough flow around that time, it was the Swizz beats that set him apart...

[@goekhanbjk]

You're right. The intro was Tyson's song against Bota I think

[@tiagotv7697]

Man this know you enjoyed this album because it is one of the best hip hop albums ever imo. Plus we alla know how X gets down

[@KingAhmadTv]

Facts ❌🔥💪🏾

[@GoGetYourShinebox]

1998 was DMX's year. He was the one to fill the void after Pac & Big died. Such a shame he had his struggles because he had what Jay and Nas never had, that star power, natural charisma

[@Man_eee]

This album saved my life! I was a crazy teenager when this first came out, I had a copy before the release date It was a promo copy not bootleg or burnt cd. I used to listen to this in my bedroom with the door locked and the lights off. It helped me release all The "frustration, rage, trapped inside a cage". I used to put holes on my wall so my pop bought me a punching bag and my boxing career started right there. I can write a book about this album lol Thanks for doing this man I got so many flash backs watching you react to it and it's good to see my growth mentality and as a person from back then till now. RIP Earl Simmons 🕊 Long Live DMX 🙅🏽

[@FBA_God_Emperor_Doom]

That's real right there! 💪🏾

[@Man_eee]

@You Too Yes he had everything to do with it. God put X on this earth to do just that. Help and save people's lives.

[@Man_eee]

@@FBA_God_Emperor_Doom Thank you bro I appreciate you. I rarely open up about my life on social media. But people need to know how much of a real impact DMX had.

[@skynetterminatort100]

Died from a heart attack induced by cocaine, damn r.i.p x

[@kitschypea3884]

Fall down the rabbit hole into Flesh of My Flesh Blood of My Blood...also saw this man in concert & he had the whole place praying & crying with him. '99 Rough Riders Hard Knock Life Tour.

[@tyejarr]

The best tour ever!!❤

[@olliwest7341]

One of the best albums EVER Edit: This album literally changed my life.

[@joevallone7313]

Yup. Mine too

[@TripSe7en_77]

The conversation makes my eyes water every time man. So relatable!

[@dnavl]

Album is a classic, Stop Being Greedy was my introduction to X but Look Thru My Eyez is one of my top 5 hip hop songs of all time, every word is so precise and it's just a haunting song. "I've got a good heart but this heart can get ugly"

[@luckyhands64]

Dmx struggles with his demons (drug addiction) his whole life inspired the dark sound of this album. It’s like you can hear his demons on this album. Especially let me fly. “Call me the devil and give me the key but can’t be worse than the curse that was given to me” wow I cried the first time I heard that. Dmx was really going through it

[@aidangreen7006]

“Intro” is still my favorite track on this album, the beat is INSANE. “Stop Being Greedy” is a conceptual masterpiece with the two sides of his voice battling each other. My favorite rap album ever

[@TripSe7en_77]

And yes, Damien has a part 2 and a part 3 and both are worth checking out.

[@Grapeseedoil]

I remember when I brought this album from The Wiz. This project is & was like no other. Masterpiece!!!!

[@trayalmigthy1]

DMX gave us two full albums in less than year. Not often that happens.

[@dockbrown4928]

DMX was the greatest artist to ever bless the microphone. His lyrics is untouched by anyone. Growing up going the the problems of life his music kept me sain.

[@nofacade100]

His first 2 albums are classics! RIP DMX

[@sweetpidi]

This album and Flesh of my Flesh album saved Def Jam. DMX is one of one! And seeing him perform live was a whole other experience that I was fortunate to do two times. RIP to the greatest!

[@jay07261986]

X poured his entire soul on this album. This album saved alotta lives going thru it. X was a spiritual artist marketed as a gangsta rapper low key....

[@marcetgatewood5007]

Legend.... don't know if there will ever be anyone like him again. Loved him in Belly RIP DMX.

[@misterevans2827]

I said it .. top 5 hip-hop album of all time. Your album had to compete with this after it dropped. 98' one of the greatest years in hip-hop

[@0sAndOnes]

Care to drop your top 5?

[@maroon9273]

Comeback year of hip hop

[@geraldpuse7823]

Awesome to see you appreciating this classic by DMX. Spot on man, it was Mike Tyson that came out to the Intro track for one of his fights. If you find the clip, the commentator actually mentioned how menacing it sounded too, so fitting for Iron Mike at the time. Also fun fact UFC legend Chuck Liddell used the DMX's Intro track for his entrance music back in the 2000s before he would proceed to knock out the entire light heavyweight division during his prime. Legendary.

[@johnnyvtec22]

I really felt your genuine reaction to The Convo, I tear up every time I hear it. RIP X

[@punkem733]

Greatest start to a hip hop/rap career ever. Still hold the record for having two albums come out the same year @ #1. His first three albums were some of the best all time.

[@teeblack06]

Idk if you caught the K-Solo diss on "Get At Me Dog" They were locked up together and they both had a song called Spellbound. K-Solo's was released as a single on his album. DMX version was never released but i heard it on a DJ Superior mixtape. so K-Solo was saying DMX was stealing his style and they were beefing over that basically.

[@FBA_God_Emperor_Doom]

I'm glad you see someone mention that.

[@torianmcneill3794]

@@FBA_God_Emperor_Doom2pac was dissed on it then 2pac died so X dissed K Solo on the last verse

[@BigWillieisms]

24:38 That's that Freddy Krueger reference from Nightmare on Elm Street! That whole 1-2 X is comin for you is a play off of 1-2 Freddy's comin for you.

[@gabone324]

You were right, Mike Tyson used the Intro in his fight vs Francois Botha. I remember watching it live and man Tyson and DMX combined was some scary shit

[@Roys-OG-67-Channell]

That's a good point you made at the end. Us Old-heads fell into these projects through natural the order of things (release dates and all)... so we had time to live with the music. It can be a lot to listen to it all at once. That being said I'm enjoying the reactions. 👊🏾👊🏾✊🏾✊🏾

[@Justaperson354]

That growl is and was iconic

[@RAA10382]

You are correct on the concept of “Stop Being Greedy”. Its Earl Simmons and DMX talking to each other. The video is sick too it has him sitting on a throne showing both of his personalities.

[@KingAhmadTv]

That’s fire 💯🔥🔥

[@blacksmith1925]

The funniest thing about the Ruff Ryders Anthem is that we all love it but DMX hated it because of how simple it was. I think he said he wrote it in 10 minutes after losing a bet. It's crazy the difference between an artist and fans. I loved the flow, the rhyme scheme, everything lol. DMX thought it was nursery rhymes.

[@ДимитърБожилов-ж5ф]

DMX is more street then asfalt! We will never see another rapper like him! First 3 albums were unmatched!

[@joemarr5383]

📠📠📠📠

[@tyler10209]

Bruh.. that EXACTLY how I felt when I first heard his album.. glad to see it still has that effect.. this album is on the top of my list. enjoy

[@travistarr9433]

Can you imagine being the opponent in ring and DMX intro drops with Tyson walking out in black trunks, socks and shoes?

[@j.v.398]

Dame Grease and P killer produced Majority of the Album..."Ruff Ryders Anthem" was actually the Last Song Recorded for the album Produced by Swizz Beatz and that blew the Album Up...and Swizz Blew up w that beat, after that Swizz did Majority of DMX's 2nd Album

[@loudiamonds6587]

DarkMan X..98 was a Phenomenal Year

[@KingAhmadTv]

98 was most definitely his year 😂😂🔥🔥🔥

[@theknifeman7097]

I was there. Damn right!

[@purplebeard1526]

Probably my favorite DMX album right here. Such a strong line up of hits and deep cuts. He just gives off raw energy as I said in another one of your videos.

[@maxpainmedia]

I was in the south bronx , 12 years old with this in my sony CD player, i used to look at the album cover in a daze like damn this is the most amazing Rap album i might ever hear! And i was right

[@crisleroi299]

In my opinion this is one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time. And I've been saying that long before he passed.

[@gmarcello6912]

Great Reaction!!! Many beats produce by Dame Grease,,,he did beats for Max B alot but yeah

[@gibneygabriel3336]

Bro, love this review. X is that Dogg that kept me going. And Dame Grease produced most of this album. You keep bringing the heat. And when you get the chance review Public Enemy: Rebel without a pause, Black steel and the hour of choas, or it takes a nation of millions to hold us back album.

[@aligaines8476]

We struggle not with flesh and blood, but with principalities and powers. D was a gospel walking for those in the hood, the closest some kids will get to having a audio and visual spiritual struggle. You saw him carry his crosses. When he performed, all those same ballers, slingers, pimps, the hardest of the hard would cry when he did his prayer. Either they thought of how their grandmamas used to take them to church and how far they were or just finally being able to let it out and it be okay cause they all knew the struggle, what they were doing to the hood, etc.. Like I said, the closest many got, that never went to church... or those that went down a path and hadn't even thought about God, outside of a few throwing it up that nothing go wrong with a shipment (on some Santa Muerte type thang), or for money, fame, etc.. but not when it's good and they're on top... then they look for other things.

[@ReadyPlayerOn3]

I was a freshman in college when this came out. This album was huge at the time. RIP Darkman X 🐶

[@rameses1979]

Yes! 1998. My Freshman year too. Jay-Z, Big Pun, Noreaga (Superthug), Master P...You gotta be around 43

[@Megasonicbeats]

Listening to this Album is indeed a spiritual experience!!! I still remember the first time I purchased this CD, ripped it and put in in my CD player!!!! All my goosebumps moments still happen. DMX was ICONIC!!! Now if you could please do a reaction of the freestyle he had on FUNKFLEX's "THE MIX TAPE VOLUME III" thanks for what you do with this channel. Great work!!

[@randomphantom8242]

That's a supreme legend and an extreme classic album.

[@Jeremy_247]

You should have seen him in concert. I saw him in Bakersfield on the Hard Knocks Life Tour he was praying and full grown men were crying. This was after his 2nd album1998 prime DMX. You did a great job reviewing the album. I'm glad it effects you the way it did us back then. Good to see an open mind.

[@Oldschoolrap91]

Man, thanks for reacting to that album. X went so freaking rough and hard on this project and in general during that time. I discovered him around 2003/04 and been bumping him ever since. He was definitely one of the realest and roughest MCs out there. His presence on a beat and that voice, damn. DMX was and his music still is a vibe on its own. This album especially is one of my all time favs. Keep up the great work you’re doing here on this channel. I love you the most of all the reactors because you keep it oldschool. I love your reactions of all the 80s/90s stuff. More of X, Pac, Nas please. And I got one request.😄 Nah just a favor. Please react to some of Masta Ace work. He’s one of my all time faves. He had a lot of influence on Eminem for example and is one of the best in hip hop history. I can recommend A Long Hot Summer, Disposable Arts or Breukelen Story for your reactions. I think you’ll dig him as well. 😁

[@michaelj4427]

This was one of the best albums to come out towards the end of the 90s. Came out a week after Big Pun Capitol Punishment. DMX also put out a second album the same year. Worth checking out. Also check out Ruff Ryder's Anthem Remix on DJ Clue - The Professional

[@90srapclassics]

This Album is pure energy and rawness. One of my all time favourites

[@ILLiteSociety]

X made this shit look effortless. Biggie and Nas too. These records still give me chills to this day, and its a daily rotation album still too. Hands down on my mount rushmore of artists/albums. And as a now "old head" - thank you for appreciating a great bro. Glad you enjoyed it! RIP to the god

[@Kathy-s5r]

Whole Album=Masterpiece ! I wouldn’t say this album is “depressing “ ….I feel l like we’re hearing “his story” ..but it doesn’t make me feel depressed … I guess it depends on the mood a person is in while listening to it… RIP Earl🕊️🥹❤

[@GeorgeEarlFranklin]

I really like your album reactions! I've been going through your videos to find them lol. Thank you boss.

[@EggersEggers-pd6te]

Stop Being Greedy was the first track that played on the radio. It's an expression of his Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde. He's not talking to himself. But he's talking to the listener as he switches back & forth between the two personalities. It's one of the best rap concepts I've ever heard in a song. Damien is up there too though. Dope ass track. Though I gotta say that ATF is still the best track on this album. Hands down. Though it's short, it's complete fire all the way through.🔥🔥

[@anonymousapocalypse247]

Chuck Liddell on the UFC was the 1st to use the Intro on here for entrance music. I'm sure more ppl have used it since then. But this came out when I was in 5th grade. I knew it was a classic in '98. After i kept seeing all his features and Get At Me Dog, I knew I had to have this album. I put everybody in Texas on this. I was the only one not on the master P bandwagon. As time went on and I got older, it just kept making more sense as I understood it more. It definitely stood the test of time. F****** wit D is some raw energy! So many hot joints here. This album is loved so much because of the honesty X put into it Many artists bit off X from his producers flow and style. Everybody had at least 1 ruff ryder or swizz even knock off swizz type beats after this album. X had many styles. Dont know if u noticed Ja Rule on the phone in Crime Story

[@nikkisatchel4699]

U have to remember his name DMX stands for Dark Man X

[@Ry2thez08]

@@camronshean1758 Na bro, it literally stands for Dark Man X

[@Ry2thez08]

@@camronshean1758 DMX stands for Dark Man X. His love for dogs resides from Boomer, the dog he had growing up through the hard times. Hence his "one love boomer" tattoo on his back. Not once in his life/career did he or anyone else refer to him as "dog man x" stop the cap bro.

[@Ry2thez08]

@@camronshean1758 Bro, just stfu... You boring me now.

[@torianmcneill3794]

@@Ry2thez08DMX means Drum Machine that’s DMX got his name

[@Lirdawg]

The X is suppose to be “the unkown” similar to the “X-files”, so his name is actually an acronym for Dark Man of the Unknown. He says it in one of his songs.

[@96Migrant]

You’re a real one bro, thank you for this ❤

[@clintongray5065]

This album solidified and showed what the streets wanted ppl were tired of that mafioso rap and that party rap that Puffy and Mase were bringing along with the Firm it was like X and the whole Ruff Ryder movement was the new beginning

[@0sAndOnes]

I wouldn't say people were tired of it, he put emotions back into rap like Pac used to. He came from out of nowhere and checked every box of how to make it in the industry as a rapper.

[@clintongray5065]

@@0sAndOnes nah X brought that raw gritty street talk wasn’t nobody rapping like that

[@maroon9273]

People were disappointed with the firm album. Too much hype and did not deliver due to many producers and record labels involved with the album. Plus, it was rushed and little involvement with Dr. Dre.

[@0sAndOnes]

@@maroon9273 That firm album still holds up to this day. And I'm pretty sure it went platinum. I vaguely remember slight disappointment in the album but that mafiaso rap remained for years to come via Nas, JayZ, Kiss etc.

[@randolphjohnson3486]

In ruff Ryder’s anthem where he says I’ll bust you and be Swayze, I think that is a reference to Patrick Swayze in his movie Ghost. Meaning I will hit you and be out before anyone sees me.

[@HARLEMHEFNER]

Classic album I knew X good dude he's from Yonkers, but harlem was like a second home for him. He was always out here. If you from that era the tunnel was a New York staple for nightlife. when he did get at me dog, he had that bitch in pure pandemonium lol i was at the video shoot for how's it going down. Niggaz done started something was a New York anthem 2 years before It even hit his album. Last time i saw X, he hugged me and said he had new music was coming. I miss the Dog

[@Michaelmuq]

Great review. I'm from Yonkers, near where X grew up. RIP to one of the GOATS

[@maroon9273]

Best album of 98 alongside his flesh as my blood. 98 was a redeemable year for hip hop after the shiny suit songs dominated the airwaves in 97. Can you do Onyx we all we got, beanie sigel thev truth, and mobb deep murda muzik album reactions.

[@Ry2thez08]

Flesh of my flesh, blood of my blood*

[@megadeuce2350]

the reason I started to listen to New York rappers.

[@LiviesLovelies]

D is the magnificent example of the good and bad that came from a very dark era in our community. Creativity, art and innovation are often bred from the worst circumstances. X's art still moves people today bringing meaning to the pain and struggle that came long before his first lyric. May He forever rest in the arms of The One who kept in all those years.

[@dnhades123]

You one of my favorite reaction channels lil bro. You should have 20x the subscribers. We gonna get you there. Get money king!

[@keithlowery9708]

Brooooo. When this album came out the industry did not know what to do. Plus he dropped a second album a few months later. DMX is a legend. So much pain and expression other men in the game didn't have the balls to be this open. Obviously other men did but the whole album he just let loose

[@bittyrock]

The Opening to “It’s Dark and Hell is Hot” is Top 5 Hardest Tracks and Intro Tracks!!!!

[@tawon1984]

This album right here was my whole high school freshman mantra!

[@KingAhmadTv]

🔥🔥🔥

[@tywayne3]

Was halfway through college (kinda lol)...can't imagine how this would have changed my life hearing this as a HS freshman. 😄

[@kitschypea3884]

Sophomore of HS for me. And as a female coming off of Gangsta Bitch... What a ride into my 20's

[@johnshort7973]

Favorite album I listen to this daily damn near I miss Dmx for real he was original from the jump a lot of rappers can’t fuck with his style of flow

[@strayshottz4485]

DMX stands for Dark Man X

[@JC-nt6pq]

An intro so good that Tyson and Chuck Liddell made it their entrance music .

[@MarcR3312]

That 1,2,X is coming for you 3,4, better lock your door 5,6, grab your crucifix is from Nightmare on Elm St…Freddy Krueger….X was a BEAST!!!

[@tyronetucker3093]

I remember him performing in Philly at Powerhouse he was so intense and stage presence was awesome best show I have ever seen

[@thacutoff6226]

I feel you, album made us feel same way upon first listen and to think he dropped another platinum album same year it was crazy!

[@nmmboy]

The intro was played when you fought DMX in the video game Def Jam vendetta, and what made me listen to this album. I was only like 9 and only knew like 2 tracks from him lol 😂

[@theshape3431]

The album seems darker now because society has gotten a lot softer. Back when this came out, I remember ppl like it just cause it was a badass album. I don’t remember people saying it was overly dark back then.

[@theshape3431]

Some ppl try to call it a horrorcore album, but it’s not. It was never considered that when it came out. There’s a whole genre of rap darker than this. I mean it’s definitely a dark album, as dark as you can get without being horrorcore, but it’s not horrorcore. Now it is extremely dark for a top selling mainstream artist. You usually don’t see artists of that stature making music this dark.

[@Augusttadu]

High school was not the same when this album dropped. Been waiting for you to do this reaction and you gave it justice. Now you gotta do Onyx - Shut em Down album or at least Rob & Vic.