When Michael Jeffrey Jordan decided to shamelessly tarnish the absolute ending to a legendary sports career by returning to the Washington Wizards in September 2001, there was a collective feeling of excitement among the league and spectators alike. There was also a collective sense of realistic expectations.
Having been basking in retirement since 1999 after he crushed the Utah Jazz’s championship hopes for the second time, no one (in their right mind at least) expected MJ to pick off where he left off. The bigger narrative was the amount of good His Airness could rub off on the Wizards’ inevitable number one draft pick, Kwame Brown. The D.C. edition of Michael Jordan’s legacy still averaged 20 points per game but he was no longer looked upon as a leader as the NBA’s current generation, nor was he expected to be.
I say all this to say what’s happening to DMX in the current Hip Hop microscope is nothing but a detriment to his potential recovery and recording comebacks. As previously reported, I was live at the scene of Barclays Center for the Ruff Ryders 20th anniversary concert and can attest that some of what’s being alleged around social media about 46-year-old Earl Simmons is being embellished a bit.
Sure, a headline line like “DMX Was Slippin’ At Ruff Ryders Comeback” can speak to the countless Instagram clips out there but when The Dog burst onto the stage, he effortlessly flipped through the It’s Dark & Hell Is Hot “Intro” and “Some X Shit” without missing a beat. Too bad the soundman didn’t get the memo that the headliner needed to have an operable mic device. He knew the words to his songs. He rambled a bit. He went on a few diatribes. Such is life. Such is X.
The news of today (April 26) says X has decided to put his live show blitz on pause due to a “medical emergency” and his team is “concerned about his health” while there is an alleged relapse on the horizon.
We’ve seen the Drink Champs episode. Earl didn’t seem like it’s been a while since he’s had a couple shots. It was telling but not all that surprising. A DMX arrest headline on TMZ is even less alarming if not anticipated more than anything. Diehard fans should ask themselves an honest question: Have we ever seen a sober DMX? Like truthfully? Did we really expect him to be on stage quoting poetry or smelling like a rehab sofa? Is this …
Addiction Derailed DMX’s Once Incredible Career
Hip Hop culture has been infatuated with the comeback since LL Cool J boggled our minds and told us we couldn’t use that term in describing his. As of late, DMX has been guilty of teasing nostalgia with offerings such as “Bain Iz Back” like 1998 can just happen again without the power of a DeLorean complete with the nifty garbage fusion reactor. Once a standard is set, anything less tends to be less than civilized. Ageism in Hip Hop is a problematic issue when it comes to widespread attention but a turnout such as the one felt at Barclays last Friday proves there are still people willing to prove their allegiance with monetary support.
DMX needs that moral support.
Sometimes it feels like you wanna scrutinize how X made it, whether it be drugs, raw emotion or the perfect smattering of both. Sometimes it feels like I ain’t feelin’ you all. Sometimes you have to accept our rap heroes how they are and glass-half-full their contributions before there aren’t none at all. And pray for your boy.
He did for you on all his classic albums.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5uqqPBhU6U
Maybe the guy is burnt out I mean I’ve seen him perform in 2010 and it was the most intense performance I’ve ever seen x has had whole arenas break down in tears after his performance he is the best live performer in hip hop ever so like u said maybe the pressure of always giving it all during every performance he does just wore him out either way x is the best ever period
Dmx is and under appreciated by hip hop heads. To me, top ten all day long. He brought energy to the table that nobody to my knowledge hS brought. Kind of reminds you of that Tupac energy, except way more street. Stay easy Dmx, do what’s good for your health, not us fans. Us true fans would rather have the dog retire than die.
That’s dope inspiration man
Irv Gotti broke it down years ago. DMX got rid of all the real cats around him and brought in yes men. He brings the money, fame and status and they enable his habit. I never really been a fan of dude save for a few tracks but that’s neither here nor there. It’s tough watching him or anyone slowly waste away like this; I hope he gets some real help.
DMX def top 10 and one of my favorite rappers and human beings. People go through shit and sometimes can’t recover, i hope he gets better.
I was at the show. It was great seeing Z doing his thing, but at the same time it was heartbreaking. You can see that whoever he has around him, like yes man are enabling his habits. The microphone dude was tickling up the whole night. The mix cut out when junior mafia came out in honor of biggie. Nonetheless, I hope he can shake the this for the sake of his well being, and surround himself with more positivity
*X
Thank you for this write up. It is heartbreaking to hear how he’s being criticized. i wasn’t there and don’t know what really happened. i know every time I’ve attended a concert he’s given his all.
W
I am a hugh DMX fan jus wanna send LUV 2 U KEEP GOD FOREMOST IN UR HEART I WILL PRAY HE SPEAKS TO U AND KEEPS U CLOSE GOD BLESS U. Pick urself up dust it off saw the concert video & u r A CHILD OF GOD WHO IS HIGHLY FAVORED. I understood what u were tryin 2 say 2 everyone tak care of u so u can get GODS WORD OUT EVEN IF THEY DONT LISTEN ITS ALRITE
The hearing will become deaf. They didn’t recognize the Holy Spirit talking through X and they cut him off all the time didn’t let him finish
pshhhh no it’s lack of sobriety fuck outta here
Fuck DMX! A dope fiend is a dope fiend rather famous or not.
People need to realize that DMX is doing multiple shows every week and that takes a toll on anyone but it especially takes a toll on DMX who suffers from asthma and bronchitis now a days, people expect him to perform like he did 10-15 years ago but he just can’t his voice gets tired.
Wow i feel so selfish reading this, X held me down so ill forever hold him down.