DMX discography

The discography of American rapper DMX (born Earl Simmons) encompasses eight studio albums, several compilation albums, and dozens of singles released primarily through Def Jam Recordings and Ruff Ryders Entertainment from 1998 to 2025, including posthumous material following his death in 2021, such as the announced DMX Features project.^[1] His work is characterized by raw, aggressive lyricism addressing street life, addiction, and spirituality, which propelled him to commercial prominence in late-1990s hip-hop.^[2] DMX's debut studio album, It's Dark and Hell Is Hot (1998), marked his breakthrough, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 and selling over 251,000 copies in its first week.^[3] The album was certified 4× platinum by the RIAA in 2000, driven by hits like "Ruff Ryders' Anthem" and "Get at Me Dog."^[4] He followed with Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood later that year, which also debuted at number one and achieved 3× platinum status.^[5] DMX was the first artist to have his first five studio albums—...And Then There Was X (1999, 5× platinum), The Great Depression (2001, 2× platinum), and Grand Champ (2003, platinum)—all debut at number one on the Billboard 200.^[6] Later releases like Year of the Dog... Again (2006, gold) and Undisputed (2012) continued his output amid personal challenges, while posthumous projects such as Exodus (2021) and Let Us Pray: Chapter X (2024) have extended his catalog with unreleased tracks.^[7] Overall, DMX has sold over 30 million albums worldwide, establishing him as one of the best-selling rappers of the SoundScan era.^[8]

Albums

Studio albums

DMX released seven studio albums during his lifetime, all characterized by his signature aggressive delivery, introspective lyrics on street life, faith, and personal struggles, and production from collaborators like Swizz Beatz and Dame Grease. These albums, primarily under the Ruff Ryders and Def Jam imprints until 2012, established him as a commercial powerhouse in hip-hop, with the first five consecutively debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart—a feat that made him the first artist to achieve five straight number-one debuts.^[9] His debut sold over 250,000 copies in its first week, while subsequent releases maintained strong initial sales, collectively surpassing 30 million units worldwide by the time of his death. Critically, his early work was praised for its raw energy and emotional depth, though later albums faced mixed reviews for repeating formulas amid his legal and personal challenges.^[10]

It's Dark and Hell Is Hot (1998)

Released on May 19, 1998, by Ruff Ryders Entertainment and Def Jam Recordings, DMX's debut album It's Dark and Hell Is Hot debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, selling 251,000 copies in its first week.^[11] It was certified 4× Platinum by the RIAA on December 18, 2000, reflecting over 4 million units shipped in the U.S.^[12] The album's dark, cinematic production and DMX's barking ad-libs introduced his gritty style to mainstream audiences, earning acclaim for tracks like "Ruff Ryders' Anthem" and "Get at Me Dog." Critics lauded its visceral storytelling and high-energy beats, with Pitchfork later calling it a "ride of emotions" that captured violent themes and spiritual turmoil.^[10]

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

DMX's sophomore album, Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood, arrived on December 22, 1998, via Ruff Ryders and Def Jam, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 with approximately 232,000 first-week copies sold.^[3] Certified 2× Platinum by the RIAA, it built on the debut's momentum with similar themes of loyalty and redemption, featuring hits like "Slippin'" that showcased DMX's vulnerability. Reviews highlighted its consistency but noted it as a slight sequel to the debut, with AllMusic praising the "ferocious" energy while critiquing minor filler.

...And Then There Was X (1999)

Issued on December 21, 1999, by Ruff Ryders and Def Jam, ...And Then There Was X debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, moving 698,000 units in its first week and earning a 5× Platinum RIAA certification.^[3] The album marked DMX's crossover appeal with pop-leaning tracks like "Party Up (Up in Here)," while maintaining his hardcore edge; critics, including Rolling Stone, commended its polished production but faulted it for commercial concessions compared to earlier rawness.

The Great Depression (2001)

The Great Depression, released October 23, 2001, by Ruff Ryders and Def Jam, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with 439,000 first-week sales and was certified Platinum by the RIAA.^[3] Recorded amid DMX's legal troubles, it explored themes of despair and resilience, with standout "Who We Be"; AllMusic noted its "introspective" turn but criticized repetitive production.

Grand Champ (2003)

Released on October 21, 2003, by Ruff Ryders and Def Jam, Grand Champ debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, selling 440,000 copies in its first week and certified Platinum.^[6] Billed as his final album at the time, it featured collaborations with Busta Rhymes and Cam'ron; reviews, such as from The Source, appreciated its return to form but saw it as formulaic.

Year of the Dog... Again (2006)

DMX's sixth album, Year of the Dog... Again, came out on November 7, 2006, via Ruff Ryders and Def Jam, peaking at number two on the Billboard 200 with 125,000 first-week units and certified Gold.^[18] Featuring guests like Busta Rhymes and Styles P, it aimed for a comeback but received mixed critical feedback for uneven quality, with AllMusic calling it "disjointed" despite strong singles like "Lord Give Me a Sign."

Undisputed (2012)

Undisputed, released December 11, 2012, by Seven Arts Music, marked DMX's return after a six-year hiatus and peaked at number 22 on the Billboard 200, selling about 18,000 copies in its first week. No RIAA certification was issued, reflecting diminished commercial success amid label disputes. Critics panned it as rushed and inconsistent, with HipHopDX noting lackluster production despite DMX's enduring charisma.

Compilation albums

DMX's compilation albums primarily consist of greatest hits collections and retrospective releases issued by his primary labels, Ruff Ryders Entertainment and Def Jam Recordings, aggregating select tracks from his earlier studio work to capitalize on his established catalog during lulls in new material. These projects often featured remixes, live versions, or rarities to appeal to fans, with release timing aligned to post-peak popularity periods following his late 1990s commercial dominance. While not matching the chart impact of his studio albums, several achieved moderate success, with certifications reflecting sustained sales. The following table lists verified official compilation albums, including key details on release, content highlights, performance, and certifications where applicable.^[1] These compilations overlapped with tracks from DMX's studio albums but emphasized thematic curation rather than new original content, helping sustain sales between full-length projects.^[21][22]

Posthumous albums

Following DMX's death on April 9, 2021, two posthumous albums have been released or announced, drawing from unreleased vault material and collaborations to extend his legacy. These projects, managed by his estate—including his ex-wife Tashera Simmons and sons Xavier, Tacoma, and Sean as co-administrators—have sparked discussions on the ethics of completing and releasing unfinished work without the artist's direct oversight.^[23][24] While the estate partnered with Artist Legacy Group in 2024 to preserve and monetize his catalog responsibly, fan reception has been mixed, with some praising the efforts to honor DMX's raw energy and others critiquing the potential commercialization of incomplete tracks.^[25] The first, Exodus, arrived just seven weeks after DMX's passing on May 28, 2021, via Def Jam Recordings and Ruff Ryders Entertainment. Executive produced by longtime collaborator Swizz Beatz, the album compiles nearly completed tracks from sessions dating back years, including vault recordings DMX had been refining as a planned comeback project. It features high-profile guests such as Jay-Z, Nas, Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, The LOX, Westside Gunn, Benny the Butcher, Conway the Machine, Moneybagg Yo, Usher, Bono, and BTS's J-Hope, blending DMX's signature gritty lyricism with contemporary production. The 13-track effort debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard 200, selling 32,000 equivalent album units in its first week—DMX's eighth top 10 entry on the chart—and generated over 22 million on-demand streams, establishing its commercial impact despite no major certifications to date.^[26][27][28] Critics and fans lauded standout cuts like "Bath Salts" for capturing DMX's intense delivery, but reception was divided over the rushed assembly and uneven quality, with some viewing it as a poignant farewell and others as an opportunistic product amid estate disputes.^[29][30][31] The second posthumous album, DMX Features, focuses on unheard verses from DMX's collaborations and was announced for a summer 2025 release through an unspecified label affiliated with his estate (potentially MNRK Heavy or Def Jam). As of November 19, 2025, the project remains unreleased, with no confirmed exact date or chart performance, but it emphasizes all-star pairings pulled from vault tapes to showcase DMX's enduring influence. Previewed by the single "Bring Out the Worst" featuring Joyner Lucas, it promises appearances from artists like Wiz Khalifa and Kevin Gates, highlighting DMX's raw, confrontational style in fresh contexts. A full tracklist has not been disclosed, though early reports suggest 10-12 tracks centered on these unreleased features, raising similar ethical questions about authenticity and family oversight in finalizing the material. Fan anticipation is high, tempered by concerns over quality control similar to Exodus.^[32][33][34]

Other releases

Mixtapes

DMX utilized mixtapes as a means to maintain fan engagement during periods of label disputes, legal challenges, and creative hiatuses from major studio releases, often distributing them independently or through promotional channels outside traditional commercial avenues. These projects typically featured freestyles, demos, and unreleased tracks, reflecting his raw, street-oriented style without the polish of full albums. Unlike his studio work, mixtapes allowed DMX to connect directly with supporters amid career turbulence, such as post-incarceration comebacks or delays in official projects.^[35] One of his early mixtapes, Here We Go Again, was released in 2006 in collaboration with The Kennel Family, a Ruff Ryders-affiliated collective, serving as a promotional effort tied to his ongoing association with the label during the buildup to his album Year of the Dog... Again. The project included freestyles and group tracks over popular beats, emphasizing DMX's aggressive delivery and themes of resilience, distributed primarily through street-level and online channels without major chart presence.^[36] In 2010, amid personal struggles including addiction and arrests that stalled his major-label output, DMX's independent Mixtape emerged as an unofficial street release compiling freestyles and leftover material intended for his unreleased gospel-rap project Walk with Me Now and You'll Fly with Me Later. Featuring collaborations with artists like J.R. Writer, Hell Rell, and Rampage, it highlighted his enduring bark-like flow on tracks such as "I've Seen" and "Solid," fostering underground buzz without formal label backing.^[35][37] The 2012 release The Weigh In, distributed freely by Ruff Ryders as a promotional EP often categorized alongside mixtapes, marked DMX's post-incarceration return and built anticipation for a planned seventh studio album that ultimately did not materialize. Clocking in at 11 tracks, it included features from Big Stan and Snoop Dogg on cuts like "Where I Wanna Be" and "Shit Don't Change," blending new demos with introspective skits to reassert his presence in hip-hop.^[38][39] Later in his career, leaked and independent distributions of material from the shelved Walk with Me Now project surfaced around 2019, including bootleg compilations that captured DMX's evolving spiritual themes through freestyles and demos, though no official mixtape was issued pre-death; these efforts underscored his use of non-commercial formats to share unfinished work during health and contractual setbacks.^[40]

Extended plays

DMX released a limited number of extended plays during his career, with most being posthumous compilations that highlight his spiritual and introspective side rather than full commercial projects. These EPs are distinct from his longer mixtapes and albums, often serving as thematic collections of shorter tracks or prayers, and they reflect his personal struggles with faith and redemption. Unlike his studio albums, which achieved significant chart success, these releases had minimal commercial impact but gained attention for their emotional resonance following his death in 2021.^[41]

A Dog's Prayers

Released on April 9, 2021, by Def Jam Recordings, A Dog's Prayers is a posthumous EP compiled from DMX's signature "Prayer" skits that appeared across his discography, issued just hours before his death as a tribute amid his hospitalization. The four-track collection runs approximately 8 minutes and focuses on spoken-word prayers, emphasizing themes of vulnerability and spirituality without new music. It was not promoted with singles and did not chart, but it resonated with fans as a poignant final release, available digitally on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. The EP's purpose was to honor DMX's lifelong use of prayers in his work, providing inspiration during a difficult time for the hip-hop community.^[41][42]

Let Us Pray: Chapter X

Let Us Pray: Chapter X, a posthumous EP, was released on December 13, 2024, by Def Jam Recordings, marking one of the later projects from DMX's unreleased archives. This eight-track effort blends gospel-infused hip-hop with collaborations from artists like Killer Mike, Lecrae, and Snoop Dogg, running about 28 minutes and available in digital and vinyl formats. It builds on DMX's tradition of prayer-themed content but incorporates contemporary production, aiming to extend his legacy of motivational and faith-based music. The EP saw limited initial sales, primarily through niche vinyl editions, without major chart placement, but it received positive notes for its uplifting tone and features that align with DMX's raw energy.^[43][44][45]

Singles

As lead artist

The following table lists singles released by DMX as lead artist, including selected peak chart positions on the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts, release year, and associated album. Certifications are by the RIAA where applicable. This focuses on official singles that charted or were promoted. "US" denotes Billboard Hot 100; "US R&B/HH" denotes Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs; "UK" denotes UK Singles Chart. "—" indicates did not chart or not released.^[46][47]

As featured artist

DMX appeared on numerous singles as a featured artist, contributing verses to tracks across hip-hop and other genres. The table below lists selected charting singles, with peak positions.

Posthumous singles

Following DMX's death on April 9, 2021, several singles were released posthumously, primarily drawn from unreleased vault material to promote his final albums. These tracks, often featuring high-profile collaborators, maintained DMX's signature aggressive flow and themes of struggle and redemption, while sparking discussions on the ethics of completing and releasing unfinished recordings without AI enhancements.^[28] "Bath Salts," featuring Jay-Z and Nas, served as the lead single from the album Exodus, released on May 28, 2021, through Ruff Ryders Entertainment and Def Jam Recordings. Produced by Swizz Beatz, the track samples DMX's raw verses over a gritty beat, peaking at #111 on the Billboard Hot 100 (bubbling under), #11 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and #1 on the Digital Song Sales chart. It also drove over 22 million on-demand streams for the album in its debut week. No certifications have been awarded as of November 2025.^[49][26] "That's My Dog," featuring The LOX and Swizz Beatz, was issued as a promotional single alongside Exodus on May 28, 2021. The song, built on DMX's unreleased vocals layered with group verses, emphasizes loyalty and street bonds, but it did not enter major Billboard charts despite the album's No. 8 debut on the Billboard 200. Production focused on preserving original recordings from DMX's archives.^[50] "Dogs Out," featuring Lil Wayne and Swizz Beatz, followed as another Exodus single, with its audio premiere on May 27, 2021, just before the album drop. The high-energy track highlights DMX's barking ad-libs and themes of resilience, produced using vault sessions; it garnered modest streaming attention but failed to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 or R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.^[51] From the spiritual-themed posthumous album Let Us Pray: Chapter X, released December 13, 2024, via Def Jam, "Favor" featuring Killer Mike, Mary Mary, and RoyzNoyz Orchestra was released as the lead single on October 21, 2024. Blending DMX's prayers with orchestral elements and gospel influences, the track explores faith and perseverance; it debuted at No. 15 on the Billboard Gospel Songs chart but saw limited mainstream crossover. The production drew directly from DMX's personal prayer recordings without alterations. Certifications remain pending as of November 2025.^[7] "Bring Out the Worst," featuring Joyner Lucas, emerged as the lead single for the 2025 compilation DMX Features on May 30, 2025, through Hitmaker. The aggressive duet, utilizing DMX's unreleased verses from earlier sessions, critiques personal demons and industry pressures; it has accumulated over 1.4 million Spotify streams but has not charted on Billboard charts as of November 2025. No certifications are reported, and the release was positioned as a fan-driven effort to honor DMX's collaborative legacy.^[52][53]

Additional songs

Other charted songs

Several non-single album tracks and soundtrack contributions from DMX's projects achieved chart success on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs or Rap Songs charts, primarily through radio airplay and fan support rather than formal single promotion. These tracks highlight the resonance of DMX's introspective and aggressive styles beyond his lead singles. Notable examples include "One More Road to Cross" from the Belly soundtrack (1998), which peaked at No. 94 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.^[54] Another is "Here We Go Again" from the Life soundtrack (1999), reaching No. 99 on the same chart.^[54] Additionally, "World War III" from Grand Champ (2003) peaked at No. 57 on the Rap Songs chart.^[55] These deep cuts underscore DMX's ability to connect with audiences through organic popularity, reinforcing the strength of his album material.

Guest appearances

DMX's guest appearances on other artists' projects showcased his intense delivery and streetwise lyricism, often elevating tracks with his distinctive growl and energy. These contributions spanned albums, soundtracks, and compilations, frequently tied to his Ruff Ryders crew and collaborations with East Coast rappers. While some overlapped with promoted singles, this section focuses on non-single album verses that highlighted his versatility beyond lead roles.^[56] In the late 1990s, during hip-hop's East Coast resurgence, DMX frequently appeared on posse cuts and album deep cuts, building momentum before his solo breakthrough.

• 1995: Mic Geronimo - The Natural (album track "Time to Build") - DMX provides a gritty verse alongside Irv Gotti and Ja Rule, emphasizing unity in New York's underground scene.^[57]
• 1998: Jay-Z - Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life ("Money, Cash, Hoes") - DMX's raw, boastful verse contrasts Jay-Z's smoother flow in this celebratory track about wealth and women, contributing to the album's platinum success.^[58]
• 1998: The LOX - Money, Power & Respect ("Bout Shit") - As a Ruff Ryders affiliate, DMX joins Jadakiss, Styles P, and Sheek Louch on this aggressive posse cut, reinforcing crew loyalty.^[56]
• 1998: Onyx - Shut 'Em Down ("Shut 'Em Down") - DMX's high-energy verse amps up the hardcore intensity on this title track, blending his style with Onyx's raw aggression.^[56]
• 1998: Busta Rhymes - Extinction Level Event (The Final World Front) ("Why We Die") - Featuring Jay-Z as well, DMX reflects on mortality in a somber yet hard-hitting verse amid apocalyptic themes.^[56]
• 1998: DJ Clue? - The Professional ("It's On") - On this mixtape standout, DMX's verse ignites the track with battle-ready bars, showcasing his freestyle prowess.^[56]
• 1999: Ja Rule - Venni Vetti Vecci ("It's Murda") - DMX teams with Jay-Z for a menacing verse on violence and street life, amplifying the album's Murder Inc. edge.^[56]
• 1999: Nas - I Am... ("The Grand Finale") - DMX's motivational verse complements Nas's introspective style, adding grit to the track's life-affirming message.

The 2000s saw DMX's features diversify into R&B crossovers, soundtracks, and international collaborations, though legal issues limited output; his verses remained impactful on host projects.

• 2000: LL Cool J - 10 ("Fuhgidabowdit") - DMX's explosive verse matches LL's veteran energy in this high-octane closer, celebrating New York rap resilience.^[56]
• 2000: Funkmaster Flex & Big Kap - The Mix Tape, Vol. III: 60 Minutes of Funk ("Do You") - DMX dominates this soundtrack-inspired cut from the Blade II film, with a verse full of supernatural bravado.^[56]
• 2001: Mary J. Blige - No More Drama ("Sincerity") - Alongside Nas, DMX adds a heartfelt, street-real verse to this R&B-rap blend, enhancing the album's emotional depth.^[56]
• 2002: N.O.R.E. - Scared Money EP ("Electrolytes") - DMX's dynamic flow energizes this experimental track, highlighting his adaptability in group settings.^[56]
• 2003: Mark Morrison - Innocent Man ("Innocent Man") - DMX's verse brings hip-hop edge to this UK R&B track, bridging genres with tales of redemption.^[56]
• 2003: N.O.4 - No Gravity ("Tell Ya Friends") - In this posse cut, DMX's commanding presence stands out, promoting camaraderie among lesser-known MCs.^[56]
• 2001: DJ Envy - various mixtapes ("Deeper") - DMX delves into personal struggles on this introspective verse, a staple in NYC mixtape culture.^[56]
• 2001: Redman - Malpractice ("Doggz II") - DMX reunites with Redman for a fiery exchange, echoing their shared hardcore roots.^[59]
• 2005: Samy Deluxe - So Deluxe, So Glorious ("Whut Whut") - DMX's international verse adds global flavor to this German rap album, boasting cross-cultural bars.^[60]
• 2005: Yung Wun - The Understanding ("Tear It Up") - With Lil Flip and David Banner, DMX's verse fuels the Southern rap energy on this motivational cut.^[56]

In the 2010s, DMX's appearances grew sparser amid personal challenges, but he still delivered potent verses on select projects, often with younger artists or legacy nods.

• 2009: N.A.S.A. - The Spirit of Apollo ("Meltdown") - Featuring Rahzel and Ras Baraka, DMX's explosive verse fits the collective's eclectic space-rap vibe.^[56]
• 2012: Machine Gun Kelly - Lace Up ("D3mons") - DMX mentors with a verse on inner demons, bridging generations in this rock-infused hip-hop track.^[60]

These selections represent DMX's broader influence, with over 50 documented appearances across decades, many contributing to multi-platinum albums without charting as singles themselves.^[61]

Music videos

As lead artist

DMX's music videos as lead artist prominently featured intense, street-oriented narratives that mirrored his aggressive and introspective lyrical themes, often emphasizing urban grit, personal struggles, and Ruff Ryders crew dynamics. Early videos from his debut era were high-budget productions with cinematic flair, directed by prominent figures in hip-hop videography, incorporating motifs like motorcycles, dark lighting, and raw energy to capture his breakout persona. As his career progressed into the 2000s, the visuals maintained a focus on aggression and realism but shifted toward more narrative-driven concepts, such as prison settings or action sequences, though production scales varied with later independent releases showing simpler aesthetics. Several of these videos earned MTV Video Music Awards nominations, highlighting their cultural impact within rap videography.^[62] The following table lists key music videos where DMX served as the primary performer, including release year, associated album or single, director, notable visual elements, and any awards or nominations. These selections represent his most influential works, spanning from his 1998 debut to later releases. These videos evolved from the polished, collective-driven style of DMX's Ruff Ryders affiliation in the late 1990s—marked by directors like Hype Williams and Paul Hunter—to more individualistic, budget-conscious narratives in the mid-2000s, reflecting his shifting personal and professional landscape. No posthumous lead artist videos were released following his death in 2021.^[62]

As featured artist

DMX frequently appeared in music videos as a featured artist, contributing his intense energy and raw delivery to collaborations that spanned hip-hop, R&B, and even rock genres, often in high-profile ensemble setups that amplified his presence beyond solo projects. These appearances typically showcased him performing his verses alongside the lead artist, with varying screen time from prominent raps to brief but memorable cameos, highlighting his versatility in group dynamics.^[76] Key examples include the following videos, where DMX's role emphasized his signature aggressive style and contributed to the track's visual narrative: These featured video roles, often in remixes or ensemble tracks, significantly boosted DMX's crossover visibility by pairing his street-authentic persona with diverse artists like R&B singers, punk bands, and rock groups, fostering broader cultural impact through shared platforms on MTV and BET.^[86] Unlike his lead videos, where he dominated the narrative, these supporting spots highlighted collaborative synergy, as seen in high-profile releases that charted across genres.^[47]