Editing DMX (section)

==Musical career==
===1985–1995: Career beginnings===
His career began in 1985, when he beatboxed for a local rapper named Ready Ron. They would do small shows together where Ron would perform as a rapper, and DMX would beatbox and provide adlibs. After some time, he realized Ron was becoming more prominent on the scene, so he decided to start rapping himself under the name "DMX" inspired by the [[Oberheim DMX]] drum machine<ref name=agony/>—he made it an initialism for "Divine Master Of the Unknown" and later "Darkman X".<ref name=earl/> After serving a two-year prison sentence, he began writing his own lyrics and performing at the local recreation center for younger children. In 1988, while in prison for carjacking, he began dedicating more of his free time to writing lyrics and battling other inmates.<ref name=earl/> During this time, he had created a style called "Spellbound" where he spelled each word out letter by letter. He and future rival, [[K-Solo]], engaged in battles.<ref name=earl/> The initial Ruff Ryders group started with a preteen Jadakiss, Swizz Beatz as a child, and DMX.<ref name="b556">{{cite web | title=MTV.com: Murder Inc.: In Gotti We Trust | website=mtv.com | date=2005-01-31 | url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/murder_inc/news_feature_071902/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090908020742/http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/murder_inc/news_feature_071902/ | archive-date=2009-09-08 | url-status=dead | access-date=2025-02-27}}</ref> In 1988,<ref name="y360">{{cite web | last=Rys | first=Dan | title=Irv Gotti Explains How Jay Z, DMX and Ja Rule Got Their Record Deals | website=XXL Mag | date=2015-08-27 | url=https://www.xxlmag.com/irv-gotti-jay-z-dmx-ja-rule/ | access-date=2025-02-20}}</ref> [[Irv Gotti]] was roommates with producer [[Chad Elliott]] who later introduced him in the Schlobohm housing projects in [[Yonkers]] to DMX and brothers Joaquin "Waah" and Darrin "Dee" Dean, who had mentioned they were creating a company called [[Ruff Ryders Entertainment|Ruff Ryders]] together. Gotti convinced Waah to buy him a drum machine to produce records for DMX. Elliott and Gotti produced a beat in 1989 called ''Born Loser'' which became one of DMX's first [[music demo]]'s.<ref name="b556"/><ref name="y876">{{cite web | last=Watson | first=Margeaux | title=Irv Gotti's career comeback | website=EW.com | date=2007-12-07 | url=https://ew.com/article/2007/12/07/irv-gottis-career-comeback/ | access-date=2025-02-12}}</ref><ref name="r035">{{cite web | last=Brown | first=Preezy | title=9 gems from Irv Gotti’s “Drink Champs” episode | website=REVOLT | date=2019-12-02 | url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/2019-12-02/83649/9-gems-from-irv-gottis-drink-champs-episode | access-date=2025-02-27}}</ref>

He later made an appearance on ''[[The Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Show]]'' in January 1991, where he provided a freestyle.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://randomrapradio.com/2017/07/07/dj-stretch-armstrong-show-feat-bobbito-1990-1991-feat-percee-p-dmx-freestyle-remastered/ | title=DJ Stretch Armstrong Show feat Bobbito &#91;1990 & 1991&#93; Feat Percee P & DMX Freestyle &#91;REMASTERED&#93; | date=July 7, 2017 | access-date=December 22, 2022 | archive-date=December 22, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222130255/https://randomrapradio.com/2017/07/07/dj-stretch-armstrong-show-feat-bobbito-1990-1991-feat-percee-p-dmx-freestyle-remastered/ | url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[The Source (magazine)|The Source]]'' praised DMX in its ''Unsigned Hype'' column that highlighted unsigned hip-hop artists.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2021/04/dmxs-legacy-in-12-songs.html | title=DMX's legacy in 12 songs | first=Troy L. | last=Smith | work=[[Cleveland.com]] | date=April 9, 2021 | access-date=January 7, 2024 | archive-date=April 11, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411153115/https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2021/04/dmxs-legacy-in-12-songs.html | url-status=live }}</ref> In 1991, DMX signed a management deal with the then-unknown record label [[Ruff Ryders Entertainment]]. Later that year, [[Columbia Records]] signed DMX to its subsidiary labels Chaos Records and [[Ruffhouse Records]], which released his major debut single "Born Loser" in 1993.<ref name=yahoodmx>{{Cite news | title=Rapper DMX is dead at 50, family confirms | url=https://news.yahoo.com/rapper-dmx-dead-50-family-162500096.html | last=Pendleton | first=Tonya | work=[[Yahoo!]] | date=April 9, 2021 | access-date=April 9, 2021 | archive-date=April 11, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411100717/https://news.yahoo.com/rapper-dmx-dead-50-family-162500096.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Failing to meet commercial projections and not reaching any music charts, he was then terminated from his contract with Ruffhouse and became an independent artist.<ref name=earl/> In January 1994, [[Death Row Records]] attempted to sign the rapper in a joint venture with Ruff Ryders, although this never materialized.<ref name=earl/>

===1996–1997: Building hype and signing to Def Jam===
After two years of struggling in the industry, his friend and associate, [[Irv Gotti]], became the president of A&R at [[Def Jam Recordings]]. After showcasing for then-president [[Lyor Cohen]], DMX was signed to Def Jam Recordings in May 1997.<ref name="earl" />

===1998–2000: Debut album and commercial success===
DMX recorded tracks from April 1997 to January 1998 for his debut album. During this time, his guest appearances on [[Mase]]'s singles "[[24 Hrs. to Live]]" and "Take What's Yours", [[The Lox]]'s single "[[Money, Power & Respect (song)|Money, Power & Respect]]", and Def Jam labelmate [[LL Cool J]]'s single "[[4, 3, 2, 1 (LL Cool J song)|4, 3, 2, 1]]" created a strong buzz for his upcoming album.<ref name="allmusic"/> In February 1998, he released his debut major-label single "[[Get at Me Dog]]" on [[Def Jam Recordings]]. The single received an [[RIAA certification]] of gold.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last1=Vozick-Levinson |first1=Simon |last2=Buford |first2=Jayson |last3=Hoard |first3=Christian |last4=Ihaza |first4=Jeff |last5=Leight |first5=Elias |last6=Reeves |first6=Mosi |last7=Sheffield |first7=Rob |last8=Vozick-Levinson |first8=Simon |title=DMX: 16 Essential Songs |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/dmx-best-songs-1149785/ |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |date=April 9, 2021 |access-date=April 9, 2021 |archive-date=April 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413134003/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/dmx-best-songs-1149785/ |url-status=live }}</ref> His first major-label album ''[[It's Dark and Hell Is Hot]]'', which included the single "[[Ruff Ryders' Anthem]]", was then released in May 1998. The album debuted at number one on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] chart in the U.S. and sold over six million copies.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Brown |first1=Preezy |title=DMX's 'It's Dark And Hell Is Hot' Tracklist, Ranked |url=https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/dmx-its-dark-and-hell-is-hot-tracklist-ranked-587279/ |work=[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]] |date=May 23, 2018 |access-date=April 9, 2021 |archive-date=April 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210409162401/https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/dmx-its-dark-and-hell-is-hot-tracklist-ranked-587279/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In December 1998, he released his album ''[[Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood]]''. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and went multi-platinum.<ref name=yahoodmx/> DMX became the only rapper alive to have his first two consecutive number-one Billboard 200 albums within a one-year period (seven months by calculation) and the first since [[Tupac Shakur]];<ref name=":0">{{Cite magazine |last=Grein |first=Paul |date=2023-07-10 |title=Here's the First Rap Album to Top the Billboard 200 in Each Calendar Year (Complete List) |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/first-rap-album-number-one-billboard-200-year-complete-list-1235368726/ |access-date=2023-10-16 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US |archive-date=October 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231016173110/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/first-rap-album-number-one-billboard-200-year-complete-list-1235368726/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=McIntyre |first=Hugh |title=DMX Was A Pioneer Among Rappers On The Albums Chart |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2021/04/09/dmx-was-a-pioneer-among-rappers-on-the-albums-chart/ |access-date=2023-10-16 |website=Forbes |language=en |archive-date=October 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023025412/https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2021/04/09/dmx-was-a-pioneer-among-rappers-on-the-albums-chart/ |url-status=live }}</ref> DMX's record would later be surpassed two different times in 2020 by [[YoungBoy Never Broke Again]], who made the number one position with two albums in six months (a month down by proxy, making it the fastest) and also had three number one albums in ten months between 2019 and 2020, also beating another ''Billboard'' record by DMX involving a quantity of number one rap albums within a year.<ref name=":0" />

He released his third album ''[[... And Then There Was X]]'', on December 21, 1999.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://genius.com/albums/Dmx/And-then-there-was-x | title=...And Then There Was X | publisher=[[Genius (website)|Genius]] | access-date=January 7, 2024 | archive-date=April 11, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411153115/https://genius.com/albums/Dmx/And-then-there-was-x | url-status=live }}</ref> It was his third album to debut at number one on the Billboard 200. Its most popular single, "[[Party Up (Up in Here)]]", became his first top ten hit on the [[rhythm and blues|R&B]] charts, and was nominated for a [[Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance]] at the [[2001 Grammy Awards]].<ref name="grammyawards" /> The album was certified six-times Platinum, and was also nominated for [[Best Rap Album]] at the 2001 Grammy Awards.<ref name="allmusic" /><ref name="grammyawards" /> In 2000, DMX also made a cameo appearance in the [[Sum 41]] music video for "[[Makes No Difference]]".<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.thebiglead.com/posts/dmx-rode-an-atv-in-sum-41-s-video-for-makes-no-difference-01f2vy1p5fah | title=DMX Rode an ATV in Sum 41's Video for 'Makes No Difference' | first=Ryan | last=Phillips | work=[[The Big Lead]] | date=April 9, 2021 | access-date=April 10, 2021 | archive-date=April 10, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410043805/https://www.thebiglead.com/posts/dmx-rode-an-atv-in-sum-41-s-video-for-makes-no-difference-01f2vy1p5fah | url-status=live }}</ref>

In late 2000, he joined other Hip Hop and Nu Metal artists on the [[Anger Management Tour]]. Appearing alongside [[Limp Bizkit]], [[Godsmack]] and Sinnistar for the second half of the tour from November 24 to December 19, 2000.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Limp Bizkit Add Anger Management Tour Dates |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/em6xds/limp-bizkit-add-anger-management-tour-dates |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505171953/https://www.mtv.com/news/em6xds/limp-bizkit-add-anger-management-tour-dates |archive-date=May 5, 2023 |access-date=2024-04-08 |website=MTV |language=en}}</ref>

===2001–2004: Return to music===
After improving his legal situation, DMX returned to the studio to complete his fourth album, ''[[The Great Depression (DMX album)|The Great Depression]]''. With its release on October 23, 2001, it was his fourth album to debut at number one on the Billboard 200, featuring the singles "Who We Be", "We Right Here", and "I Miss You". Despite the album's triple platinum certification, its commercial and critical success was lower than his previous album.<ref name="allmusic"/> His fifth album, ''[[Grand Champ]]'', released in September 2003, once again debuted at number one on the ''Billboard'' 200, becoming his final album in his lifetime to do so. It sold over four million in the U.S., including the singles "Where the Hood At?" and "Get It on the Floor". After its release, he informed the public that he planned to retire, intending for ''Grand Champ'' to be his final album.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://kiss951.com/2021/04/09/dmx-prayer-tracks-released-as-he-nears-the-end-of-his-life/ | title=DMX: 'Prayer' EP Released As He Remains on Life Support | access-date=April 10, 2021 | archive-date=April 10, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410041244/https://kiss951.com/2021/04/09/dmx-prayer-tracks-released-as-he-nears-the-end-of-his-life/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

===2005–2011: ''Year of the Dog... Again'' and ''The Definition of X''===
[[File:Academy Awards afterparty CUN DMX.jpg|thumbnail|left|upright|DMX in February 2007]]
After conflict with Def Jam, and in exchange for signing [[Nas]] (his ''[[Belly (film)|Belly]]'' co-star) to the label in a de facto trade, DMX signed to Columbia Records, Def Jam's former parent company, in January 2006, returning to the label since 1992. He recorded his sixth album, ''[[Year of the Dog... Again]]'', while switching between the two labels, which caused numerous delays.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Reid |first=Shaheem |title=DMX Signs With Columbia, Will Release Long-Delayed LP This Spring |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1520736/dmx-signs-with-columbia-will-release-long-delayed-lp-this-spring/ |work=[[MTV News]] |date=January 13, 2006 |access-date=April 10, 2021 |archive-date=April 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410041241/http://www.mtv.com/news/1520736/dmx-signs-with-columbia-will-release-long-delayed-lp-this-spring/ }}</ref> It was released on August 1, 2006, and debuted at number two on the ''Billboard'' 200.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/57583/now-22-edges-out-dmxs-dog-at-no-1 |title='NOW 22' Edges Out DMX's 'Dog' At No. 1 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=August 9, 2006 |access-date=April 10, 2021 |archive-date=April 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410041425/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/57583/now-22-edges-out-dmxs-dog-at-no-1 |url-status=live }}</ref> He released two more singles, "[[Lord Give Me a Sign]]" and "[[We in Here]]". The album received mixed reviews from critics.{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}} On June 12, 2007, Def Jam released his greatest hits album, ''[[The Definition of X: The Pick of the Litter]]''.<ref name="allmusic"/>

In 2009, DMX claimed he would pursue preaching in Jersey City, New Jersey as well as continue to produce music. He completed a [[Gospel music]] album prior to his incarceration. According to MTV, he had semi-retired to study the Bible in an effort to give messages behind the pulpit.<ref>{{Cite news | first=Shaheem | last=Reid | url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1502925/mase-advises-dmx-to-rap-again-wait-for-the-lords-call/ | title=Mase Advises DMX To Rap Again, Wait For The Lord's Call | work=[[MTV News]] | date=May 25, 2005 | access-date=April 10, 2021 | archive-date=April 10, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410041243/http://www.mtv.com/news/1502925/mase-advises-dmx-to-rap-again-wait-for-the-lords-call/ }}</ref> Def Jam released another compilation album in 2010 titled ''[[The Best of DMX]]'', which features hit singles including "[[Where the Hood At?]]" and "[[X Gon' Give It To Ya]]".<ref>{{cite web | url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-best-of-dmx/350700346e | title=''The Best of DMX'' | publisher=[[iTunes]] | access-date=April 10, 2021 | archive-date=April 10, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410041242/https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-best-of-dmx/350700346e }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003102JEG |title=Best of Dmx: Dmx: Music |publisher=[[Amazon (company)|Amazon]] |access-date=August 30, 2017 |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107202845/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003102JEG |url-status=live }}</ref>

===2011–2013: ''Undisputed''===
On October 11, 2011, DMX performed at the 2011 [[BET Hip Hop Awards]]. He stated that he has been working "nonstop, every day" on his seventh album, which was titled ''[[Undisputed (DMX album)|Undisputed]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine | url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/468570/dmx-working-nonstop-on-new-album-calls-current-hip-hop-too-corny | title=DMX Working 'Nonstop' on New Album, Calls Current Hip-Hop 'Too Corny' | first=Jason | last=Lipshutz | magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] | date=August 2, 2011 | access-date=April 10, 2021 | archive-date=April 10, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410041241/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/468570/dmx-working-nonstop-on-new-album-calls-current-hip-hop-too-corny | url-status=live }}</ref> A video for a new track titled "Last Hope" was released via the Internet on September 24, 2011, and was later included on ''[[The Weigh In]]'' EP released digitally on May 5, 2012. In late February 2012, [[Seven Arts Pictures]] acquired the catalog of DMX's music and signed DMX to a two-album deal.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://sec.report/Document/0001213900-14-006623/ | publisher=[[United States Securities and Exchange Commission]] | title=FORM 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013 | access-date=April 11, 2021 | archive-date=April 11, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411051559/https://sec.report/Document/0001213900-14-006623/ }}</ref> During a performance at New York's [[Santos Party House]] on December 25, 2011, DMX stated that the new album would be titled ''Undisputed'' and would be released on March 26, 2012. After numerous delays,<ref>{{cite news |last=Horowitz |first=Steven J. |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.18150/title.dmx-undisputed-tracklist-production-credits |title=DMX Enlists Busta Rhymes, Tyrese & Jennifer Hudson For "Undisputed" |work=[[HipHopDX]] |date=January 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224112113/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.18150/title.dmx-enlists-busta-rhymes-tyrese-jennifer-hudson-for-undisputed |archive-date=February 24, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine | url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/504439/dmx-tears-up-nyc-talks-album-delay-and-fresh-start | title=DMX Tears Up NYC, Talks Album Delay and Fresh Start – The Juice | magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] | first=Jason | last=Lipshutz | date=February 24, 2012 | access-date=April 10, 2021 | archive-date=April 10, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410043804/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/504439/dmx-tears-up-nyc-talks-album-delay-and-fresh-start | url-status=live }}</ref> the album was eventually released on September 11, 2012, and featured production from [[Swizz Beatz]] and [[J.R. Rotem]] with a guest appearance by [[Machine Gun Kelly (musician)|MGK]].

===2013–2021: Def Jam reunion and ''Exodus''===
In 2013, DMX announced he had begun working on his eighth studio album. He collaborated with producers Swizz Beatz<ref>{{cite news |last=Tardio |first=Andres |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.25793/title.dmx-swizz-beatz-collaborating-on-new-dmx-album |title=DMX & Swizz Beatz Collaborating On New DMX Album | work=[[HipHopDX]] |date=October 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223174035/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.25793/title.dmx-swizz-beatz-collaborating-on-new-dmx-album |archive-date=February 23, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Dame Grease]]. In December, after regaining his passport, he embarked on a world tour with performances in Bulgaria and Kosovo.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/dmx-announces-us-tour-dates-209992/ | title=DMX Announces U.S. Tour Dates | work=[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]] | first=Iyana | last=Robertson | date=February 23, 2014 | access-date=April 10, 2021 | archive-date=April 10, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410043804/https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/dmx-announces-us-tour-dates-209992/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=DMX arrives to Bulgaria and will be a guest of Hotel Vega Sofia. |url=https://www.hotelvegasofia.bg/en/news/news7.html |work=Hotel Vega Sofia |date=November 11, 2013 |access-date=April 10, 2021 |archive-date=April 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410041245/https://www.hotelvegasofia.bg/en/news/news7.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On January 7, 2015, Seven Arts Music announced that DMX would be releasing ''[[Redemption of the Beast]]'' the following week; however, close personal friend and recurring collaborator producer/rapper/entrepreneur Swizz Beatz and DMX's management confirmed that this was false.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/dmx-is-dropping-an-album-next-week-update-dmx-and-swizz-beatz-say-it-s-unauthorized-news.13484.html |title=DMX Is Dropping An Album Next Week [Update: DMX & Swizz Beatz Say It's Unauthorized] |first=Trevor |last=Smith |publisher=Hotnewhiphop.com |date=January 7, 2015 |access-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-date=April 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411051558/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/dmx-is-dropping-an-album-next-week-update-dmx-and-swizz-beatz-say-it-s-unauthorized-news.13484.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.32044/title.dmx-redemption-of-the-beast-album-legitimate-seven-arts-entertainment-ceo-says | title=DMX "REDEMPTION OF THE BEAST" ALBUM LEGITIMATE, SEVEN ARTS ENTERTAINMENT CEO SAYS | first=Jay | last=Balfour | work=[[HipHopDX]] | date=January 8, 2015 | access-date=January 7, 2024 | archive-date=April 11, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411051600/https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.32044/title.dmx-redemption-of-the-beast-album-legitimate-seven-arts-entertainment-ceo-says | url-status=live }}</ref> On January 13, 2015, Seven Arts Music released ''Redemption of the Beast'', without acquiring a legal artist contract. On January 15, 2015, it was announced by DMX's brother/manager Montana that DMX was no longer signed to Seven Arts Music and that they would be taking legal action against Seven Arts Music for the unauthorized release of ''Redemption of the Beast''.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://allhiphop.com/news/dmx-to-pursue-legal-action-against-company-releasing-redemption-of-the-beast-seven-arts-entertainment/ | title=DMX To Pursue Legal Action Against Company Releasing 'Redemption Of The Beast' | work=[[AllHipHop]] | date=January 16, 2015 | access-date=April 10, 2021 | archive-date=April 10, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410064015/https://allhiphop.com/news/dmx-to-pursue-legal-action-against-company-releasing-redemption-of-the-beast-seven-arts-entertainment/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Rohn |first=Jake |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.32126/title.dmxs-team-pursues-legal-action-over-redemption-of-the-beast | title=DMX's Team Pursues Legal Action Over "Redemption Of The Beast" | work=[[HipHopDX]] |date=January 15, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150313073256/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.32126/title.dmxs-team-pursues-legal-action-over-redemption-of-the-beast |archive-date=March 13, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Long-time collaborator Swizz Beatz stated that two of the collaborators on the album would be [[Kanye West]] and [[Dr. Dre]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.complex.com/pigeons-and-planes/2016/05/dmx-has-a-new-album-on-the-way-featuring-kanye-west-and-dr-dre | title=DMX Has A New Album On the Way Featuring Kanye West and Dr. Dre | work=[[Complex Networks]] | date=March 15, 2016 | access-date=January 7, 2024 | archive-date=April 11, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411051558/https://www.complex.com/pigeons-and-planes/2016/05/dmx-has-a-new-album-on-the-way-featuring-kanye-west-and-dr-dre | url-status=live }}</ref> His 2003 song "X Gon' Give It to Ya" was featured in the 2016 film ''[[Deadpool (film)|Deadpool]]'' and in its trailers. On June 28, 2016, DMX released a new song titled "Blood Red" and produced by Divine Bars.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://thesource.com/2016/06/28/listen-to-dmxs-new-single-blood-red/ | title=LISTEN TO DMX'S NEW SINGLE "BLOOD RED" | first=ROCKO | last=RATHON | work=[[The Source (magazine)|The Source]] | date=June 28, 2016 | access-date=January 7, 2024 | archive-date=April 11, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411051608/https://thesource.com/2016/06/28/listen-to-dmxs-new-single-blood-red/ | url-status=live }}</ref> On January 11, 2017, DMX released a new song produced by Swizz Beats titled "Bain Iz Back".<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.spin.com/2017/01/new-music-dmx-feat-swizz-beatz-bane-iz-back/ | title=New Music: DMX Feat. Swizz Beatz – "Bane Iz Back" | first=Taylor | last=Berman | work=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]] | date=January 11, 2017 | access-date=January 7, 2024 | archive-date=April 11, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411051557/https://www.spin.com/2017/01/new-music-dmx-feat-swizz-beatz-bane-iz-back/ | url-status=live }}</ref> On September 20, 2019, DMX signed a new record deal with [[Def Jam Recordings]], reuniting with the label for the first time since his 2003 album ''[[Grand Champ]]''.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.complex.com/music/2019/09/dmx-signs-new-deal-def-jam | title=DMX Reportedly Signs New Deal With Def Jam | first=TARA C. | last=MAHADEVAN | work=[[Complex Networks]] | date=September 20, 2019 | access-date=September 29, 2019 | archive-date=April 13, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413073544/https://www.complex.com/music/2019/09/dmx-signs-new-deal-def-jam | url-status=live }}</ref> He joined fellow labelmate, LL Cool J, in the reunion with the label.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-09-22 |title=Props to the Old School: LL Cool J and DMX Reportedly Sign New Deals With Def Jam Records |url=https://www.theroot.com/props-to-the-old-school-ll-cool-j-and-dmx-reportedly-s-1838336009 |access-date=2023-10-16 |website=The Root |language=en |archive-date=October 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023025413/https://www.theroot.com/props-to-the-old-school-ll-cool-j-and-dmx-reportedly-s-1838336009 |url-status=live }}</ref>

DMX's eighth and posthumous studio album, ''[[Exodus (DMX album)|Exodus]]'', was released through Def Jam on May 28, 2021.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/9573402/dmx-exodus-album-tracklist/|title=DMX's Posthumous Album 'Exodus' to Feature Jay-Z, Nas & Bono: Full Tracklist Revealed|date=May 15, 2021|first=Mitchell|last=Peters|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=May 16, 2021|archive-date=May 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524195205/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/9573402/dmx-exodus-album-tracklist|url-status=live}}</ref>