DMX reflects on jail, betrayal, and survival in this newly released 1995 recording.

Few rappers possessed the raw intensity that DMX brought to hip-hop. Even before his commercial breakthrough, he had a gift for making every verse sound urgent and personal. That energy is on full display in “F That,” a newly released collaboration with DJ Superior that was originally recorded back in 1995.

The track rides on booming drums, explosive horn stabs, and classic East Coast production that instantly transports listeners to hip-hop’s golden era. Lyrically, DMX is laser-focused on avoiding a return to prison, detailing his frustrations with the system while reflecting on life after incarceration.

As the song unfolds, he touches on neighborhood changes, fake friends, revenge, and dangerous run-ins with law enforcement. The storytelling is vivid enough to feel cinematic, placing listeners directly into the situations he’s describing. At the same time, there’s an ironic layer to the record. The song is built around never wanting to return to jail, yet history tells us DMX would unfortunately find himself behind bars many more times throughout his life.

Beyond the lyrics, what’s most striking is hearing X before he became the fully formed superstar fans remember. The aggression is there, but his flow feels more rooted in the era’s traditional rap styles. It’s a fascinating snapshot of a legend still finding his voice.

Quincy

Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.