DMX Talks to GQ about His Legendary Tracks

DMX talked to GQ about the creation of his first hits, which transformed him into one of the most popular rappers of the early 2000s.

The history behind DMX “X Gon’ Give It To Ya”

DMX was filming in the “Cradle 2 The Grave” movie in Los Angeles. They had a studio bus on on the film set. After the filming DMX showed some of his tracks.

“X Gon’ Give It To Ya” had to be released on the fifth album of the rapper “Grand Champ”. But he agreed to give this song as a soundtrack for the “Cradle 2 The Grave” movie.

For DMX, writing music is always responsibility.

The history of “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” song

This was the first track produced by Swizz Beatz. The fastest song ever written by DMX. 15 minutes. Actually, he didn’t even want to record this song. Th beat was very simple and repetitive. Therefore DMX chose flow like in ABC song.

DMX was very glad that had recorded the track. The same night, he wrote two more tracks: “Fuckin’ With D” and “Let Me Fly”.

DMX wouldn’t remake “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem”. Of course, he made a remix. But he wouldn’t do another version. The track came out as it should be.

The idea of filming bikes in the music video was always in the air in his hood. This was DMX’s second music video. The first was “Get At Me Dog” (1998). It had to be filmed in the streets. And so it happened.

DMX about “What’s My Name?” track

This was the third album called “…And Then There Was X” recorded in Miami. Irv Gotti gave him this beat. DMX was crazy inspired. And the track was written very fast.

Sometimes people want to feel worse, they don’t always want to feel better. But however you want to feel, there should be a song that makes you feel that way. Nobody wants to feel happy all the time.

DMX about the history behind “Party Up (Up In Here)” (2000)

“Party Up (Up In Here)” is the second to last track which DMX recorded for his third album (“… And Then There Was X”).

He thought that his album was ready, but Swizz Beatz sent him the new beat. DMX thought that it was crazy.

DMX decided that he needed to prove something. His two first albums debuted #1. He had already got 2 platinum albums in one year.

He decided to at least repeat his success. He didn’t make “Party Up (Up In Here)” for the club. It was Swizz Beatz who gave DMX the beat, which you could dance to. DMX wrote the track which you wanted to beat up to.

Good combination!

DMX thinks that his music is not created for certain moments. He likes to listen to Party Up (Up In Here)” even now in 2019.

DMX explains the creation of “Where The Hood At?” (2003)

It’s his friend’s Kato favourite track, who died later after recording this track. He also was present at the moment of recording “WHere The Hood At?” in Chicago. This city is filled with hood aesthetics and the track emphasizes it well.

For DMX, each of his new tracks has to be better than his last record.