Who Is DMX? Age, Biography and Wiki
Earl Simmons, widely known as DMX, was born on December 18, 1970. He made a remarkable impact on the rap genre with his unique style and powerful lyrics, often drawing from his life experiences. DMX rose to fame in the late 1990s with his debut album, "It's Dark and Hell Is Hot," released in 1998. His energetic performances and raw storytelling earned him a dedicated fanbase and several accolades, including multiple Grammy nominations.
As of 2025, DMX is remembered fondly by his fans and peers alike. He would have turned 54 years old this year, and his legacy continues to inspire upcoming artists.
| Occupation | Songwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 18, 1970 |
| Age | 50 Years |
| Birth Place | Mount Vernon, New York, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 9 April, 2021 |
| Died Place | White Plains, New York, U.S. |
Popularity
DMX's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
DMX had a powerful stage presence, standing at approximately 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) tall. His weight fluctuated throughout his life, typically ranging between 180 to 220 pounds (81 to 100 kg), reflecting his dynamic lifestyle and dedication to his craft.
Earl Simmons (December 18, 1970 – April 9, 2021), known professionally as DMX, was an American rapper and actor. The recipient of various accolades, he won an American Music Award, a Billboard Music Award, and was nominated for six Grammy Awards.
Regarded as an influential figure in the late 1990s and one of the greats of hip hop, his music is characterized by his "aggressive" rapping style, with lyrical content varying from hardcore themes to prayers. His violent lyricism helped popularize the horrorcore genre.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
DMX was married to Tashera Simmons, with whom he shared four children. The couple faced numerous challenges during their marriage, and they eventually separated in 2010. DMX also fathered multiple children from different relationships, totaling 15 children. Although he struggled with relationships, his love for his family remained unwavering.
He was the son of 19-year-old Arnett Simmons and 18-year-old Joe Barker. Simmons was the middle child of the family; his mother had given birth to a daughter, Bonita, two years prior, and later gave birth to a second daughter, Shayla, and two stillborn sons. His father, Barker, painted watercolor paintings of street scenes to sell at local fairs, having moved to Philadelphia to fulfill his career.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, DMX had an estimated net worth of around $1 million. Despite his numerous hits and popularity, DMX faced significant financial challenges during his life, including bankruptcy filings. His earnings primarily stemmed from his music sales, concert tours, and acting roles in films like "Belly" and "Romeo Must Die."
DMX began rapping in the early 1990s.
After an unsuccessful tenure on Columbia Records, he signed with Ruff Ryders Entertainment in a joint venture with Def Jam Recordings to release his debut studio album, It's Dark and Hell Is Hot (1998), which was met with critical and commercial success—selling 251,000 copies in its first week and spawning the Billboard Hot 100-top 20 single, "Ru
ff Ryders' Anthem".
His second album, Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood (1998), was followed by his third, ... And Then There Was X (1999), which became his best-selling release and was supported by his second top 40 single, "Party Up (Up in Here)".
His fourth album, The Great Depression (2001), was followed by his fifth, Grand Champ (2003), which was led by the single "Where the Hood At?" and included the international bonus track "X Gon' Give It to Ya".
DMX became the first artist to have their first five albums consecutively debut atop the Billboard 200, and by his death on April 9, 2021, he had sold over 75 million records worldwide.
Career, Business and Investments
DMX's career was marked by a prolific output of albums throughout the late '90s and 2000s, with hit songs like "Party Up (Up In Here)" and "Ruff Ryders' Anthem." Besides music, DMX ventured into acting, appearing in several films and television shows. His influence extended beyond just music; he also worked on various philanthropic endeavors, aiming to help youths escape situations similar to his own.
Throughout his career, DMX also engaged in numerous business ventures, including clothing lines and record label partnerships. His brand remains influential within the hip-hop community, and his music continues to generate revenue through streams and licensing agreements.
His career began in 1985, when he beatboxed for a local rapper named Ready Ron. They would do small shows together where Ron would perform as a rapper, and DMX would beatbox and provide adlibs.
After some time, he realized Ron was becoming more prominent on the scene, so he decided to start rapping himself under the name "DMX" inspired by the Oberheim DMX drum machine —he made it an initialism for "Divine Master Of the Unknown" and later "Darkman X".
After serving a two-year prison sentence, he began writing his own lyrics and performing at the local recreation center for younger children. In 1988, while in prison for carjacking, he began dedicating more of his free time to writing lyrics and battling other inmates.
During this time, he had created a style called "Spellbound" where he spelled each word out letter by letter. He and future rival, K-Solo, engaged in battles. The initial Ruff Ryders group started with a preteen Jadakiss, Swizz Beatz as a child, and DMX.
In 1988, Irv Gotti was roommates with producer Chad Elliott who later introduced him in the Schlobohm housing projects in Yonkers to DMX and brothers Joaquin "Waah" and Darrin "Dee" Dean, who had mentioned they were creating a company called Ruff Ryders together. Gotti convinced Waah to buy him a drum machine to produce records for DMX.
Elliott and Gotti produced a beat in 1989 called Born Loser which became one of DMX's first music demo's.
Social Network
DMX was an active user of social media during his lifetime, reaching out to fans through platforms like Instagram and Twitter. While his official accounts are now managed posthumously, they continue to promote his impressive legacy and influential works. Fans pay tribute to DMX regularly, sharing memories, artwork, and discussions about his impact on hip-hop culture.
When DMX partnered with Jay-Z and Ja Rule in Murder Inc., there was a feud between the two, which also contributed to the failure of the group and working together. According to reports, the feud started in the early 1990s after a rap battle between the two, which led to DMX's disdain for Jay-Z.
Prior to DMX's death, the feud, although it fizzled out over the years, continued when DMX said in an Instagram video that he wanted to rap battle Jay-Z on Verzuz.
Education
DMX's formal education was limited, as he faced considerable hardships during his childhood, including time spent in the foster care system. However, he was intelligent and resourceful, often drawing from life lessons that informed his lyrics. DMX complemented his street education with wisdom gained from personal experiences, making his music relatable and impactful.
In 2009, DMX claimed he would pursue preaching in Jersey City, New Jersey as well as continue to produce music. He completed a Gospel music album prior to his incarceration. According to MTV, he had semi-retired to study the Bible in an effort to give messages behind the pulpit.
Def Jam released another compilation album in 2010 titled The Best of DMX, which features hit singles including "Where the Hood At?" and "X Gon' Give It To Ya".
