Earl Simmons, better known to the world as rapper DMX, passed away on April 9th, 2021. He was only fifty years old.
I will not claim to be the most knowledgeable about the “rap game”, but DMX was a part of my youth. When Ruff Ryders’ Anthem came out, all of the kids on the playground would chant it on the dodgeball court after nailing an opponent. Imitating DMX’s trademark barks and growls was a common occurrence out in the field or on Counter-Strike servers in my young life.
As I grew older, I came to understand more of the lyrics to DMX’s songs, but more importantly, they made great workout songs. The intro to the album, It’s Dark and Hell is Hot, still gets me pumped and is a gym day staple. Just check out this imposing entrance by Mike Tyson with the song blaring in the background.
The Takeaway
Some may link DMX’s passing with having taken the COVID vaccine, but this is doubtful. No, this is not an endorsement of the vaccine, and I would still suggest against subjecting oneself to scientific experimentation, with a mere donut as compensation. The reality is that DMX was a troubled individual with a past of drug addiction.
According to an interview with Billboard, DMX was introduced to crack cocaine at the age of fourteen, after smoking a joint laced with the substance. Over his lifetime, he had tried to overcome substance abuse, but relapses and years of drug use likely took their toll on the rapper.
The lesson to be learned here is that addiction is a beast. Not every addiction is to substances, and not every addiction will literally end one’s life, but addictions, more often than not, will reduce the quality of one’s life. This can be addiction to sex, porn, hate-reading/watching political news, gaming, et. al..
While it may sound weak or gh3y, if you are dealing with an addiction, you should seek help. Strive to resolve the problem on your own, but having the support of others can make the task easier. Just make sure that those that you seek help from can be trusted, and won’t screw you over like DMX’s mentor. Destructive addictions and habits must be squelched before they take over and destroy one’s life. Destructive company must be kept at a distance.
DMX’s music takes me back to a simpler time in my life, and continues to motivate me in the gym. The man is gone, but his music will live on, as will the memes.