Senate Resolution No. 631
BY: Senator STEWART-COUSINS
MOURNING the untimely death of DMX, legendary New
York rap icon and talented actor
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay
tribute to those musical geniuses whose commitment and creative talents
have contributed to the entertainment and cultural enrichment of their
community and the entire State of New York; and
WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of DMX, noting the significance of
his inspired life and accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, Earl "DMX" Simmons, a snarling yet soulful rapper who
dominated the Billboard charts, releasing a string of No. 1 albums
reflecting his gritty past and featuring his renowned gruff and
unmistakable lyrical style, died on Friday, April 9, 2021, in White
Plains, New York, at the age of 50; and
WHEREAS, Born on December 18, 1970 in Mount Vernon, New York, Earl
Simmons was the first and only child of Arnett Simmons and Joe Barker;
he and his family settled into the School Street Houses in Yonkers, New
York, when he was five years old; and
WHEREAS, In the late 1980s, Earl Simmons began his music career on
the streets of Yonkers, performing as a beatboxer with a local rapper
named Ready Ron before making a name for himself as a battle rapper in
the early 1990s; it was during this time that he chose the name "DMX",
which came from an instrument he had used at Children's Village, the
Oberheim DMX drum machine; it was also later interpreted as "Dark Man
X"; and
WHEREAS, DMX rose to prominence in the late 1990s with the Ruff
Ryders; early on, his mixtapes helped build his popularity around New
York City, and he began being featured on other rappers' releases,
including LL Cool J's 1991 single "4, 3, 2, 1"; he was also on Mase's
"24 Hrs. to Live" and the Lox's "Money, Power, Respect"; and
WHEREAS, By the late 1990s, DMX had a recording contract with Def
Jam Records and quickly became the label's premier standout artist; his
raspy growl of a voice was distinctive and immediately recognizable in
households worldwide; and
WHEREAS, DMX struck gold in 1998 by releasing two chart-topping
albums in the same year; he barked over the chorus of "Get at Me Dog,"
the breakout single from his debut album, "It's Dark and Hell Is Hot,"
which was released on May 12, 1998, and entered the Billboard chart at
No. 1 as the album sold a quarter-million copies in its opening week;
his second album, "Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood," was released
on December 22, 1998, and was an even bigger commercial success, selling
670,000 copies in its opening week; and
WHEREAS, DMX rapped with an explosive cadence on his 1999 album
"...And Then There Was X," which went multi-platinum off the success of
the monumental singles "Party Up" and "What's My Name"; furthermore, the
raw "Ruff Ryders' Anthem" served as a tribute to his record label, and
he brought a more introspective, brooding delivery on "Damien," a story
about making a murderous bargain with a demonic benefactor; and
WHEREAS, DMX titled a 2001 album "The Great Depression," with many
of his most swaggering songs conveying hints of lingering trauma; he
went on to release several more albums over the years, including "Grand
Champ" in 2003, and "Undisputed" in 2012; although his music was often
menacing and dark, it was also infused with Christian spirituality and
he regularly ended his concerts with a prayer; and
WHEREAS, Known for his electrifying concerts and remarkable stage
presence, DMX was truly a man of singular distinction, exercising sheer
force of will to pull the spotlight down on himself and demanding the
crowd's attention; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his extraordinary music career, DMX starred
with rappers Nas and Method Man in Hype Williams's 1998 film, "Belly";
he appeared in the 2000 action movie, "Romeo Must Die" alongside Jet Li
and Aaliyah, starred with Steven Seagal in the 2001 action film "Exit
Wounds," and BET provided a closer look at his personal life with the
2006 reality series "DMX: Soul of a Man"; and
WHEREAS, Overcoming much adversity, DMX took the pain from his bleak
childhood and the impact it had on his life to not only inform his
music, but to write his memoir, E.A.R.L.: The Autobiography of DMX; and
WHEREAS, Throughout an extraordinary career which traversed more
than three decades, DMX sold millions of records and was the first
musician to have his first five albums reach No. 1 on the Billboard
chart; and
WHEREAS, The recipient of numerous awards and accolades, DMX was
nominated for Grammy Awards in 2001 for Best Rap Solo Performance
("Party Up") and Best Rap Album ("...And Then There Was X"); he earned
another Grammy nomination the following year for his single "Who We Be,"
and he won the American Music Awards' Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artists Award
two years in a row, in 2000 and 2001; and
WHEREAS, Even after achieving world-renowned success, DMX never
forgot where he came from; he donated immeasurable funds to the
Nepperhan Community Center in Yonkers to support its programs and
basketball tournaments, as well as Platinum CD's to inspire local youth;
he also performed at Woodstock 99 and the Westchester County Center's
first concert in 2006 alongside Swizz Beatz and the Lox; and
WHEREAS, A man of colossal talent, DMX was a brilliant artist and an
inspiration to millions around the world; his message of triumph over
struggle, his search for the light out of darkness, and his pursuit of
truth and grace brought us all closer to our own humanity; and
WHEREAS, DMX was nothing less than a giant; his dedication to his
music leaves an indelible legacy of inspiration which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to his
family, friends and countless fans; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the untimely death of DMX, legendary New York rap icon, and to
express its deepest condolences to his family; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of DMX.