DMX, the legendary rapper from Yonkers, New York, was known for his aggressive delivery and gritty street lyrics But he was also no stranger to hip-hop beef and feuds during his prolific career Here’s a look at some of DMX’s biggest beefs and rivalries over the years.
DMX vs Ja Rule
One of DMX’s most famous beefs was with fellow New York rapper Ja Rule. Many accused Ja Rule of copying DMX’s distinctive growling and barking vocal style after Ja emerged on the scene in 1999 with his hit album Venni Vetti Vecci, one year after DMX’s smash debut It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot.
DMX himself said in a 2005 interview, “I had never had beef… If I had beef with Ja Rule, man, there wouldn’t be a Ja Rule.” He felt Ja Rule had bitten his style and had gotten too big for his boots after DMX had shown him kindness early in his career. Many detected subliminal disses between the two on various songs over the years. However, they officially squashed their beef at the 2009 VH1 Hip Hop Honors.
DMX vs Jay-Z
Two future legends of rap, DMX and Jay-Z were both signed to Def Jam in the late 1990s But they engaged in a notorious battle back in the day before they got famous Their teams of Ruff Ryders and Damon Dash’s Original Flavor faced off in an epic battle in the Bronx, of which few recordings exist.
Though their relationship was initially cordial, DMX later accused Jay-Z of getting him removed from Def Jam after Jay became the label’s president. He felt Jay had a conflict of interest in promoting his own music over DMX’s. However, their beef never got too heated, and they collaborated a number of times over the years.
DMX vs Kurupt
In the early 2000s, West Coast rapper Kurupt shocked everyone when he publicly accused DMX of sleeping with his fiancee Foxy Brown. Kurupt attacked DMX on the diss track “It’s a Setup”, saying “Only X I know is Xzibit or RBX.” DMX denied Kurupt’s claims, and the controversy eventually passed without much corroboration. The two later made amends and reconciled.
DMX vs Xavier Simmons
One of DMX’s most painful beefs was with his own son, Xavier Simmons. Their relationship completely broke down during an appearance on Iyanla Vanzant’s show Iyanla: Fix My Life in 2013. Xavier accused his father of being toxic, while DMX said he had only shown unconditional love. Their televised confrontation ended with DMX saying he’d see his son at his funeral. They were never able to fully reconcile.
DMX vs Onyx and K-Solo
Two other rappers DMX apparently had beef with were Onyx and K-Solo. Though details are scarce, Onyx appeared to fire shots at DMX on their track “Slam Harder”, while K-Solo also released a diss track aimed at the gravelly-voiced rapper. However, neither feud gained much momentum or public attention. DMX did not retaliate strongly against either, and they remained low-profile feuds.
DMX’s Legal Troubles
In addition to his beefs with other rappers, DMX suffered from extensive legal troubles and addiction issues throughout his career. He was arrested multiple times on charges of drug possession, animal cruelty, tax evasion, and more. DMX struggled with substance abuse issues including cocaine and prescription pills. Though not a direct beef, his inner demons and clashes with the law caused him extensive issues.
What Fueled DMX’s Beefs?
Several factors likely fueled the fiery rapper’s many feuds. His distinctive and aggressive musical style led some to accuse him of being copied or disrespected. DMX also had an outsized, competitive personality that did not back down from beefs easily.
His drug addiction and mental health issues contributed to turbulence in his personal and professional relationships. DMX felt betrayed when fellow rappers he’d shown grace to earlier in their careers surpassed him in fame. As DMX’s star waned due to legal issues, he took these changing dynamics poorly.
Sadly, despite flashes of reconciliation and reform, the provinces DMX came from made resolving beefs and inner turmoil complex. His inability to escape old grudges and habits kept many of these feuds alive across decades. Still, DMX’s legacy as one of rap’s most fiery battlers and dynamic live performers lives on. His unforgettable growl and gritty lyrics influenced generations of rappers, even those he sparred with.
Why Rappers Feared DMX..
FAQ
What happened between DMX and JA rule?
Now, DMX had dissed Ja once before but seemed to move beyond any silly feuds or problems with him, but in 2002, things changed. Ja was riding a high of success, feeling himself and his newfound stardom, and X apparently felt slighted by Ja in a club one night.
Did Jay-Z clear DMX debt?
When Jay-Z took over Def Jam, he let DMX go to Sony and cleared his $12 million debt. A power move rarely mentioned but deeply impactful.
Were Jay-Z and DMX friends?
While they’re currently on good terms, DMX and Jay-Z weren’t always so cordial with each other. Despite their previous working relationship, DMX wasn’t pleased with Jay’s actions while serving as president as Def Jam. According to the label’s founders, there was a simple explanation for the tension.
Did Jay-Z go to DMX funeral?
The star-studded audience included Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, Fabolous, Bobby Shmurda, ABoogie, ASAP Ferg, Busta Rhymes and more, but the only member outside of DMX’s biological or musical family that took the stage was Nas, his one-time co-star—dressed, like Swizz Beatz and Busta Rhymes, in full army fatigues and …
What happened between DMX & Ja Rule?
DMX, Jay Z and Ja Rule made one of the most hip-hop iconic groups of all time, ‘Murder Inc’. However, the group was short-lived as the reported constant feuds between heavyweight rappers Jay Z and DMX made it impossible to go on. Here’s a look at the past beef between the incredibly talented hip-hop artists and where it all went wrong.
What is Drake and DMX’s beef?
Keep reading for an explanation of the known facts surrounding Drake and DMX’s beef. Drake and DMX’s beef started when the latter slammed him during a 2012 interview. During a 2012 appearance on The Breakfast Club, DMX took a few pretty harsh shots at Drake, who was just beginning to turn into the massive star that he is today.
Why did DMX end ‘Murder Inc’?
DMX’s beef with Ja Rule and Jay Z led to the end of their group, Murder Inc (Getty Images) DMX, Jay Z and Ja Rule made one of the most hip-hop iconic groups of all time, ‘Murder Inc’. However, the group was short-lived as the reported constant feuds between heavyweight rappers Jay Z and DMX made it impossible to go on.
Did DMX copy Ja Rule’s ‘gruff’ style?
After the breakup of Murder Inc, DMX was vocal about slamming Ja Rule and accused him of copying his signature ‘gruff’ style of delivery, among other issues.
Is Drake ready to spill the beans about DMX’s beef?
With that being said, it appears as though Drake may finally be ready to spill the beans regarding his problems with the “X Gon’ Give It to Ya” rapper in a forthcoming episode of the Drink Champs podcast. Keep reading for an explanation of the known facts surrounding Drake and DMX’s beef.
Did Kurupt still send detonating disses to DMX?
While the Death Row vs. Bad Boy feud lives in infamy, immortalized in films, books, and documentaries, Kurupt was still sending detonating disses to DMX, Ja Rule, Irv Gotti, 50 Cent, and others on 1999’s Streetz Iz A Mutha hidden bonus cut, “Calling Out Names.”