Artist: DMX A/K/A Earl Simmons
Reppin`: Yonkers, NY
DOB: December 18, 1970(Baltimore, MD)

Earl moved with his aunt to New York City`s Yonkers area, because his family wanted to spirit him from negative influences in Baltimore.

After making a reputation for himself as a local DJ, DMX (who`s name was taken from the DMX digital sounds machines) decided to take his try his hand as a rapper. He signed with Columbia Records when he released the promo single, "Born Loser." X left Columbia Records when he realized that early `90s phenomenons Kris Kross and Cypress Hill would be getting the all of the labels` time and attention.

X returned in 1994 with the intense underground single, "Make A Move." Before breaking through with his own albums, DMX made his presence known with an appearance on LL Cool J`s "4,3,2,1," Mic Geronimo`s "Usual Suspects," Mase`s "24 Hours To Live," as well as the Lox`s "Money, Power & Respect."

Leaving Columbia Records behind and signing to Ruff Ryders/Def Jam Records, DMX barked loudly on his own successful single, "Get At Me Dog", which ushered in the new post-Tupac/Biggie era of hardcore rap, before releasing his debut solo album, It`s Dark And Hell Is Hot in 1998.

The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard charts and was the start of a trend for DMX, whose next release, Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood, occupied the top spot on the charts for three weeks, in 1999.

DMX col loborated with many top and up and coming performers including The Lox, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige. Even shock glam/industrial anti-Christ Superstar Marilyn Manson got at X, on a track called "The Omen."

DMX wasn`t trying sleep, and the hip-hop welcomed X`s third release, "And Then There Was X", which also went to No. 1 in 2000, and was declared five times platinum. This was hot off the heels of DMX`s contribution to the Ruff Ryders` compilation, Ryde Or Die Vol. 1.

Having sold over 15 million copies worldwide, DMX has something to say, and it`s obvious that people want to hear it. Tired of hearing rappers sing about "bling bling", cars, and big houses, DMX`s lyrics has always focused on surviving street life, and the importance of loyalty and credibility.

After three hugely successful albums in two years, DMX struck platinum again with "The Great Depression" which went number one on the Billboard Chart its first week out. DMX is the only artist in the Billboard Era who`s first four albums have opened at #1 in their first week of release.

X has added a film career to his musical one. After starring appearances in Belly and a prominent supporting role Romeo Must Die, DMX starred opposite Steven Seagal in the 2001 blockbuster, Exit Wounds.

While it seems that everything DMX touches turns to Platinum, he also had his brush a few brushes with the law, including drug, weapons, and driving offenses. Additionally X allegedly has had a few lyrical brushes with other rappers, including, but not limited to: K-Solo, Jay-Z, The Lox (who are his labelmates), and a very open battle with former friend and rhyme partner (or, according to X, his "hypeman") Ja Rule. Additionally, DMX started his own record label Bloodline, after a cold war with his former label Ruff Ryder.

DMX has spent many Christmas holidays at the pediatric AIDS ward at Harlem Hospital, and Thanksgiving holidays handing out food to people in community centers. X also made a generous donation to save a church from closing its doors, and with the help of his Mariela House Foundation, DMX helps support single teenage mothers.