Throwback Thursday: "What They Really Want" — DMX ft. Sisqo

Honestly, the album version was better. But this track could knock a club down back in the day. If you're age 30-40 and black, don't front like you weren't on that "I'ma be a n***a for life!" shit at the time. I know I was.

And yeah, the video is...aesthetically pleasing.

One-Man House Party

Jay Pharoah is quickly climbing up my list of "If you could spend a night at the bar with one person.." celebs. I've posted a lengthier play of his Will Smith impression, which is one of his best, but he absolutely kills the other three impressions here, too.

Throwback Thursday: "N****s Die 4 Me" -- Drag-On ft. DMX

This track was a banger back in 2000, at the peak of the Ruff Ryder dynasty. Everyone thought Drag-On would be the next big act, but then he quickly...flamed out.

(Pun very much intended.)

Yuletide X

I know this is old by now. It sucks having a job where I'm too busy to get stuff like this posted in a timely fashion. On the other hand, in today's economy, simply having a job is a godsend.

Credit due to TJ, who sent this to me earlier this week when it blew up. The only way this clip could have been better, would have been if it had ended with X shouting "Merry FUCKING Christmas!" over gunshots.

Throwback Thursday: "Money, Power, Respect" -- The LOX ft. Lil' Kim & DMX

For most folks outside of Yonkers, this song was their introduction to one Mr. Earl Simmons. The track was the second single off The LOX's debut album, and they showed love to their friend from around the way by putting him on their song. D caught the world's ear with his verse and unconventional flow, and a star was born.

Throwback Thursday: "Whatcha Gonna Do?" -- Jayo Felony ft. Method Man & DMX

Slick 1998 track that hit right about the time X was blowing up. Interesting how his career and Jayo's went in decidedly different directions afterwards.

DMX vs. Google

I can't...

Throwback Thursday: "24 Hours to Live" -- Mase ft. The LOX, Black Rob, & DMX

It's not often you get a large, six-emcee-collab track; it's even rarer that the subject matter of the track is something very topical and thought-provoking. Rarest, though, is the six-emcee-collab, thought-provoking track that gets turned into a cinematic music video. For all of the criticism Bad Boy took in the late nineties/early aughts, they hit a home run with this one.

Throwback Freestyle

A little extra Throwback action for you on this Thursday: Here's Big Pun, DMX, John Forte, Mic Geronimo, Canibus, and Mos Def setting it off in a restaurant booth back in the day.

Throwback Thursday: "Ryde or Die" -- Ruff Ryders

People tend to forget the days when this was this illest clique around. And this cut was a sick posse track that showcased their trademark bravado.

Small sidenote: Drag-On blew up after this video...then just as quickly disappeared.

Throwback Thursday: "Slippin" -- DMX

This may be my favorite DMX track. The title and message carry an ironic weight now, though, because X has lost a few battles with his crack addiction in the 12 years since this was released.

Throwback Thursday: "How's It Goin' Down" -- DMX

I miss this DMX. Sure, the track is one of his more "commercial" songs. But he still brought his knack for humor and street-life storytelling to the track, and his tale has an authentic feel. It may be hard for today's generations of hip-hop fans to picture D as a masterful artist capable of infusing emotion into every bar he spits, but he truly was that at one point in time. *sigh* Crack's a hell of a drug.

Two quick sidenotes:

(1.) Someone once pointed out that the best part of this song is the very end, where he essentially kisses off shorty by laughing in her face.
(2.) Keep an eye out at the 3:47 mark, when a young Eve makes one of her first on camera appearances of her career (albeit as eye candy/scenery, not as an emcee).

Throwback Thursday: "Grand Finale" -- DMX, Nas, Method Man, & Ja Rule

"And god'll throw a beam of lightnin down 'cuz he feel us"

This is a sick posse cut from the Belly soundtrack (1998). Each emcee brings his trademark power to the track, and Irv Gotti mixes in some great clips from the movie itself.

Aaliyah: "Miss You"

I hadn't seen this in a few years, and watching it took me back. This may be the one and only instance of a music video surpassing the song it features in raw emotion and overwhelming sentiment. The depth and breadth of star power who turn out (sports stars, hip-hop stars, R&B stars, movie stars, TV personalities, you name it) is, quite simply, amazing. DMX's opening words, and the mournful silence that almost swallows them, are powerful and commanding; the unspoken—and only briefly displayed—sadness of Timbaland is moving; and Missy Elliot's resolute-in-knowing-a-friend-is-in-a-better-place determination to celebrate her girl's life—instead of crying for her death—is heartwarming.

Rest in peace, Aaliyah.

DMX fighting in MMA

Yea, let's hope he doesn't get killed. What do I know? With the amount of time he's spent in jail and prison, X might be ready for this.

DMX out of jail, now rollerskating

If you haven't heard, DMX was released from Arizona jail a couple days ago.

So what is the Dark Man up to these days?

Rollerskating.

I guess that's what rehabbed thugs do.

$5K Reward for info on DMX

For all you snitches out there looking to make a quick buck, Arizona police are offerin 5 g's for info leading to the arrest of DMX, who was due in court last Friday morning.

via hiphopdx

DMX sharing his feelings with the judge

Yesterday DMX was denied bail by a Miami judge, so he advised the judge that ... actually, I can't understand what he's saying (no surprise there) but the judge didn't appreciate it.

DMX vs. Judge