Exodus Passes Music On
On May 28, a highly-anticipated, posthumous DMX will drop. It is set to be titled Exodus. The main album producer of the project, Swizz Beatz, has taken charge in releasing it. After the passing of his friend, he wants to pass on what was his latest work. Exodus will contain new, original material via Ruff Ryders and Def Jam Recordings.
Since the passing of the hip-hop legend back in early April, love for DMX has spread throughout the world. Huge memorials popped up in New York as the emphasis of the rapper’s rough riders took the streets to celebrate his legacy. This was in addition to the memorials that fans shared online.
After having previous medical problems since 2016, DMX died after having a recent heart attack. Still, Dark Man X made appearances in 2020 in “Verzuz” with Snoop Dogg and recently was featured with Swizz and French Montana on “Been to War.”
Not much else has been said about the tracks other than that it is a piece of work we all wish DMX could have had more time to work on.
DMX and His Legacy
Earl Simmons, widely known as DMX, had his hand on the pulse of hip-hop culture during the nineties and early 2000s. His raspy, aggressive tone combined with a surprising sense of self sparked a whole generation of “ruff ryders.”
His in-your-face gangster persona garnered him attention, but what kept people listening were the layers behind the bark. DMX’s vulnerability and willingness to show a range of emotions set him apart from the rappers of his day. It helped him make his decade-spanning mark and influence others.
With the passing of the iconic legend, it’s only right to look back at the career of the hardest dog in rap.
In 1998, DMX dropped his debut album, It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot. The 19-track project showcased the full spectrum of who the New York-born rapper was. The energy and stories expressed in this one album also explore everything from tough aggression to spirituality and wisdom. We hope to see that come alive again on this upcoming posthumous record.
