Destination Jam: Here are 5 DMX songs that speak of rapper's artistic depth, vulnerability and spiritual self
DMX has recently opened up in a candid and heartfelt interview about his past failures. There's no denying that his past controversies have led to the derailing of his career, but fans around the world know that he carries more depth than his past. It also doesn't mean that the discography he has delivered isn't without a multitude of solid tunes. On today's Destination Jam, we want to remember him as the artiste he is and share some of his best tracks. Check out our top five most memorable DMX songs below.
You can check out the interview here.
'Party Up (Up In Here)'
You knew it had to be here. We hit our playlist first with one of DMX's most explosive tracks. The song that would see the rapper skyrocketing to fame since its release in 1999, 'Party Up (Up In Here)' is his most successful single particularly in the US. This track made its way to dancefloors, clubs, blaring from the car speakers of fans while driving, and its energy was as resounding in the hip-hop community back then as it still remains timeless. Just hop on over to its Wikipedia page and you'll also find an extensive list of its uses in popular culture.
'Ruff Ryders' Anthem'
We follow it up with another smash DMX hit. Like the above DMX track, 'Ruff Ryders' Anthem' made its way onto reputable lists such as 'Greatest songs of hip-hop' or 'Greatest songs of the 2000s'. This song landed a spot on VH1's '100 Greatest Songs of Hip Hop at No. 79 and also peaked at No. 93 on the Billboard Hot 100. The official music video currently has 132 million views on YouTube and features cameo appearances by the rap group Onyx, The LOX, Eve and Swizz Beatz. Check it out below.
'What's My Name?'
Who doesn't love reverting to old-school once in a while? 'What's My Name' carries all the confidence and aggression of classic DMX, and is weighted by a '90s-charged piano loop over an old-school beat with lyrics like, "You still playin games/You gon think it's a joke until they no longer remember your name/That's how we do 'em/Make cowards disappear into thin air by puttin shit through em/Never comin' back/Last time you saw that nigga is the last time you'll see that ni**a (alright)."
'Slippin''
A track that saw the rapper literally calling out for help during his early career, 'Slippin'' was a bold move for a hip-hop artist to pull down the stereotypically tough demeanor and bear more vulnerability. In the song, he repeatedly vocalizes, "Ay yo I'm slippin'/I'm fallin'/I can't get up Ay yo I'm slippin'/I'm fallin'/I can't get up." The song's lyrics also bring up issues with his child's mother and greedy acquaintances.
'Lord Give Me a Sign'
Artistes are often inclined to "thank God" for their success or appear more spiritual or awakened than is made out to be, and it's not always sincere, but on DMX's track 'Lord Give Me a Sign', the rapper's sincerity is proven. DMX has been revealed as a Christian and is currently a transitional deacon in the Christian Church. He has stated that he aspires to become ordained as a pastor and that he was called to it in 2012. Religious beliefs aside, 'Lord Give Me a Sign' is DMX showing himself as both an artiste and expresser without fear of public judgement or shaming, while the song itself is unconventionally thickened by a hard-edge beat and DMX's gruff vocals.
Destination Jam is a daily list of songs that will keep you entertained and grooving up top in lieu of feeling drained and losing the plot. Look out for a fresh selection of great tunes from MEAWW to refresh your mood every day!