DMX — Death of an icon; Why HipHop couldn’t save the liberator of rap??
There is something about the scent of unforeseen mourning that interconnects a nation into grief. Whilst the world has uncovered the devastating reality that we have lost expressive artiste and rhythmically legend DMX.
It is vitally imperative we vocalise and continue to showcase our appreciation for the man that celebrated showcasing vulnerability to the world through his lyrical expressions and public eruptions.
Musically meaningful records like ‘I miss you’ makes us want to hug our grandmothers that much tighter, one last time.
Hearing the sadness in his speech, over the soothing sound of artist Faith Evans serenading us with her enchanting vocals, allowed us to reminisce of happier times we spend with our loved ones.
Across council estates, blocks, towns, and cities in the world, we all had our own individually favourited record of DMX.
Evidently through his ‘I Miss You’ record, Earl’s love for his grandmother was plainly presentable for the world to see. A token of love, truly admirable for a man who inversely continued to exhibit his abrasiveness through his music and stage presence.
Whilst to the world he may have been DMX, to his grandmother he was her beloved grandson.
A man of faith, his music continued to send an ode to GOD, something many artists, ten years ago would never have contemplated on vocalising. He continued to remain truthful to who he was, despite the obstacles and trials that came his way.
Whilst his addiction intertwined with unresolved trauma triggered further his tragic dependency on drugs and alcoholic. It is imperative to give this man credit for the transparency and authenticity he brought to the hip hop game.
Listening to DMX’s ‘Don’t Gotta Go Home’ record alongside R’N’B artiste Monica, had us romanticizing being in love with an emotionally unavailable man. It is truly a record that speaks accuracy and a sense of authenticity to the realities that happen in our daily lives.
The husky tone of DMX’s voice had many women staying beside a man faithfully in the hope that he would leave the other woman and go and playhouse with them instead.
In our teenage years we can all reminisce on the times we were fortunate enough to witness seeing DMX on our screens.
Mr Simmons had those of us who grew up in deprived neighbourhoods display street warriors’ characteristics, admirably he continued in managing to capture a sense of rawness in his records.
Whilst initially it was traumatic to comprehend that the world and fans alike will miss DMX the artist, I want to take a moment to highlight the man behind the music. A cultural icon, a visionary before his time it is deeply saddening that only after the death of someone we know, do we give them their flowers. It is a poignant realism that DMX could not defeat his addictive habits with substance abuse. As friends, peers, and music commentators, it is imperative to be frank about the fact that we never give artists credit for the talent that they bring to the world. We only begin to mourn the musical gifts they have brought to us once they have passed.
Who do we cast the blame for the death of Earl Simmons?
Who is at fault for not having advocated for DMX to receive the proper emotional support that could have potentially saved his life?
Whilst ultimately it is GOD who decides when it is the end of life for us all. It is necessarily crucial we do not act deafening to the truth that someone, somewhere could have helped Earl get through his last moments on earth without suffering. Whilst headlines and news stories will focus on profiting of what had led to his overdose. The reasoning behind his over dosage is not important. As an alternative, can we focus on how distressing it would have been for a mother to prematurely had to make the agonising decision to take her only son of life support.
When your dealing with addiction, you often hide away from reality, and yet what’s most admirable is the honest writing DMX has showcased throughout his music.
A vocalist who profoundly has embraced the essence of originality. A time where hip hop was melodic, Earl Simmons brought his love of poetry to rhythms and beats in a unique way. A kindred spirit that was able to embrace God despite his battle with substance and emotional abuse. There is something about a man that remains full of integrity despite his mind remaining infused with narcotics, unable to comprehend what’s reality.
Displaying an essence of innocence and vulnerability with the world, through his gentle spirit and his dedication to helping others, he was a saviour to those who were privileged to have been in his presence.
Looking through the media lens, it is evidently clear that negative thoughts imbued with distressing emotions swirled around DMX’s mind. Unsure of what the next step to take would be, DMX was constantly speaking to God to help him navigate the pessimistic reflections that kept recurring in his mind.
When your mind is plagued with self-doubt, and feelings of despair overtake your soul, your body responses in panic. You automatically struggle to deal with simple daily tasks such as decision making. When your body is bathing in narcotics, you will find your heart racing a hundred miles per hour, and the thoughts circling nonstop in your mind can at times enable you to find it extremely difficult to navigate what is real.
Whilst ultimately his life was tragically ended abruptly, this should be a loud reminder for many of us to insistently check up on those who we love. There is countless of lessons that can be discovered, in examining who DMX was, and what legacy he leaves behind.
Although many of us will never have a chance encounter with Earl Simmons in this lifetime, we will continue to honour his legacy through remembering the man who was DMX.
