DMX’s debut studio album turned out to be a classic.
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TOP 5 SONGS
5. Stop Being Greedy
Someone show this song to Dave Blunt.
I’ll be the first to tell you this: I didn’t love “Stop Being Greedy” when I was younger. I thought it had a bit of a peculiar feel. Has my feelings towards the track changed? Yes it has. I’ve come to appreciate the mad scientist-like production that powers the track, the catchy but simple hook laid down, and the way DMX switches between someone who’s slightly crazy, crazy, and someone bad s**t crazy.
4. How’s It Goin Down
Following “Damien” with “How’s It Goin’ Down” is wild.
So, “How’s It Goin’ Down” is technically the only love song on the album, but I say “technically” because DMX raps about hooking up with a girl who clearly already has a man. He breaks down how they met, what he wanted to do with her, and how he managed to get her to fall for him, even though she was putting on a front. Aside from the juicy storyline, I really vibe with the smooth flow DMX delivers and the iconic ’90s-inspired production that gives the track its timeless feel.
This song has been flipped more than Mia Khalifa.
3. Damien
Did a song ever make you hide under your bed?
We’ve all heard rappers talk about loyalty in the streets, but “Damien” talks about it in a very unique way. In this track, DMX raps about befriending someone with sinister intentions, someone who wanted more than just friendship. What makes the song stand out is its eerie, horror movie-like instrumental, paired with DMX’s gripping storytelling. Honestly, if I were in DMX’s shoes, I would’ve lured Damien off a cliff.
Funny story: It took me a few years to realize that DMX was the one who voiced Damien. It’s totally obvious, but I was a dumb-ass kid growing up.
2. Get At Me Dog (Ft. Sheek)
The first time I heard “Get At Me Dog,” I was convinced DMX had rabies.
“Get At Me Dog” is the very first track I heard by DMX, and it left one hell of a first impression. In the track, which features a bi-polar beat that has tons of grit, the sound of a record turning, and some soulfulness, DMX finds numerous ways to let people know he’s down to kill killers and give people the realness they deserve. What’s interesting about the song is that X also gives us some comedic relief with mentions of Viper and white girls in scary movies, while still sounding completely unchained. Sheek (which surprised the hell out of me that he was on the song) adds one last layer of grit to the equation.
1. Ruff Ryders Anthem
Everybody wanted to be a Ruff Ryder growing up.
Do you know the hilarious thing about ‘Ruff Ryders’ Anthem’? DMX starts the song off by saying, ‘Something new.’ That s**t sounds crazy in 2024. To his defense, in 1998, artists weren’t making tracks like this. First and foremost, the hard-hitting, quirky Swizz Beatz production, which follows DMX’s lyrics word for word, sounded like nothing I had ever heard before. From there, the start-and-stop flow X uses throughout the song, along with the unorthodox, heart-pumping chorus, resulted in one of the most adrenaline-filled tracks I had heard up until that point. This song really changed the game.
SONG-BY-SONG RATING
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RGM RATING
(B+) (87%)
It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot elevated DMX to superstar status, and what I love most about it is how it showcased his range. The album proved that X could craft hit records like “Ruff Ryders Anthem,” deliver grimy bangers like “Get At Me Dog,” and weave compelling stories like “Damien.” While DMX always brings that raw, demented energy to the mic, the project stands out for its versatility.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
