The Redemption of DMX

2O2O has possibly been one of the most challenging years in modern history. From unexpected celeberty deaths, a virus wiping out half the globe, a soon economic crash and a world full of chaos. Its been quite a grueling year for everyone. But in 2020 its been had some bright moments and one of them being DMX’s road to redemption.

Now with this writeup here, I wanted to focus on somebody’s strengths and not their weaknesses or down points of their lives. The media fuels on the “Rise and fall” and “behind the music” type negatives because to project somebody’s fall from grace makes for good television and good media. Its one of the real reasons why Behind the Music became such a phenomon in the 2000s. DMX with his criminal history, his lifetime battle with drug addiction, financial problems, and dysfunction made for good entertainment for many outlets. When DMX was incarcerated for Tax invasion, It seemed that X was gonna be done.

In 2019(last year) DMX was surprisingly released from prison and was met with open arms from his family and loyal ones. With over 10 kids to support, a non forgiving industry that loves you today and wont miss you tomorrow, his age, and health starting to catch up, X faced alot of pressure in going out and many feared that his demons would catch up on him and he’ll fall off that wagon again.

DMX started performing in venues throughout the country in 2019. He started performing in festivities such as Rolling Loud, Music Fest and others to connect to a younger generation that didn’t know much about him. X still proved that despite his age that he’s probably one of the best live performers to ever grace the microphone. Plus it helped that he has such a instinctive catalog to where he can probably tour on these hits until he’s 80.

Even though he gained alot of weight and his physical appearance has changed.. X’s demeanor has been totally different. He seems to be more livelier, more upbeat, more energetic and determined to not go back to prison in the hope of kicking that demon. He started interacting with his fans more on social media platforms such as Instagram where he would give off his daily bread by lecturing the youth of his past and inspire for a better future.

It was this night here where the hip hop culture was in for a special moment. The VERZUZ series(created like Timbaland and Swizz Beatz) was a concept used for legendary artists to duel on some friendly competition using their catalog. Due to Covid 19 shutting down alot of concert venues and touring, Artists have used this platform to boost their streams and re-introduce themselves to a new generation. When Snoop Dogg and DMX signed up to compete in the “battle of the dogs” It was built as something memorable.

When Snoop Dogg and DMX performed that night, It was indeed one of the most proudest moments of 2020. Both artists played their hits from the 90s along with their current stuff in a friendly competition and show of respect for their contributions. It remains as possibly the best VERZUZ yet next to Gucci Mane and Young Jeezy.

DMX has spent the remainder of the year doing interviews, doing appearances and possibly working on a new project incoming in 2021. He appeared on the LOX’s new album to show that the Dog never lost his bite and that with the right production behind him, A DMX album could still be a interesting intake. DMX was also featured on the Ruff Ryders BET special to talk about the legacy of the Ruff Ryder movement and how he changed the game in 1998. Despite 2020 being full of turmoil, DMX’s redemption is a story that should be told and remains as a highlight of the year. Salute to the Dog!

King Eric