Earl Simmons, known by his stage name DMX, was an American rapper, songwriter, and actor. He began rapping in the early 1990s and released his debut album It's Dark and Hell Is Hot in 1998, to both critical acclaim and commercial success, selling 251,000 copies within its first week of release. DMX released his best-selling album, ... And Then There Was X, in 1999, which included the hit single "Party Up ". His 2003 singles "Where the Hood At?" and "X Gon' Give It to Ya" were also commercially successful. He was the first artist to debut an album at No. 1 five times in a row on the Billboard 200 charts. Overall, DMX has sold over 74 million records worldwide.
Barry Adrian Reese, better known by his stage name Cassidy, is an American rapper from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is perhaps best known for his singles "Hotel", "Get No Better", "I'm a Hustla", "B-Boy Stance" and "My Drink n My 2 Step".
Kasseem Daoud Dean, known professionally as Swizz Beatz, is an American record producer, rapper, businessman, and art collector from New York City. Born and raised in the Bronx, Dean embarked on his musical career as a DJ. At the age of 18, he gained recognition in the hip hop industry through his family's record label, Ruff Ryders Entertainment, as well as his friendship and work with rapper DMX. Working with DMX, not only as his producer, but as his DJ and hype man as well, helped Dean gain prominence as a high-profile producer.
Full Surface is a record label founded in 2001, by American hip hop recording artist and record producer Kasseem "Swizz Beatz" Dean. With the help of his protégé, Cassidy, who was the 1st artist signed, the label was established. The label used to operate through Sony's J and through Universal's Interscope, Motown and Universal Motown. However, the label also had released material through joint ventures with other companies outside the Sony BMG group. It operates as a subsidiary of Warner and is distributed by Atlantic.
Mashonda Dean, nèe Tifrere, is an American singer from Boston, Massachusetts. Dean appeared on several songs from hip hop artists in the 2000s. In 2004, she married record producer Swizz Beatz, and was once signed to his label Full Surface, under the aegis of J Records. Dean released her debut studio album January Joy in 2005. In 2011, Dean was a part of the first season of VH1's reality show Love & Hip Hop: New York.
Grand Champ is the fifth studio album by American rapper DMX. It was released on September 16, 2003, by Ruff Ryders Entertainment and Def Jam Recordings. The album served as his final release on Def Jam Recordings. The production on the album was handled by multiple producers including Swizz Beatz, Dame Grease, Kanye West and No I.D. among others. The album also features guest appearances by 50 Cent, Cam’ron, Eve, Styles P, Monica and Jadakiss among others.
It's Dark and Hell Is Hot is the debut studio album by American rapper DMX. It was released on May 12, 1998, by Ruff Ryders and Def Jam. It was supported by four singles—"Get at Me Dog", "Stop Being Greedy", "Ruff Ryders Anthem" and "How's It Goin' Down", in order of release—and their accompanying music videos.
Year of the Dog... Again is the sixth album by American rapper DMX. It was released on August 1, 2006, by Ruff Ryders Entertainment, Sony Urban Music and Columbia Records. This became his first album to be released on Sony Urban Music and Columbia Records. The production on the album was mostly handled by Swizz Beatz, Scott Storch with additional production by others. The album also features guest appearances by Busta Rhymes, Styles P, Amerie and Jadakiss.
"We in Here" is a song by American hip hop recording artist DMX, released in June 2006 as the lead single from his sixth studio album, Year of the Dog... Again (2006). The song features vocals and production from longtime friend and collaborator American record producer Swizz Beatz. The song is also known as a diss track towards his old label Def Jam Recordings.
American rapper and producer Swizz Beatz has released two studio albums, one compilation album, one mixtape, thirty-nine singles, three promotional singles and thirty-three music videos.
"Ruff Ryders' Anthem" is a song by American rapper DMX, released on May 5, 1998 as the third single from his debut studio album It's Dark and Hell Is Hot (1998). In 2008, it ranked at number 79 on VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of Hip Hop. In the US, the song had originally peaked at number 93 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, before reaching a new peak of number 16 following DMX's death in April 2021.
"Where the Hood At?" is a song by American rapper DMX, released as the lead single from his 2003 studio album Grand Champ. AllMusic stated "The anthemic lead single, 'Where the Hood At,' is precisely modeled after previous DMX rallying calls like 'Ruff Ryder Anthem,' 'What's My Name?,' and 'Who We Be.'"
"Who's Real" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Jadakiss, released June 16, 2009 as the fourth single from his third studio album The Last Kiss. The song features guest appearances from fellow American rappers OJ Da Juiceman and Swizz Beatz, the latter of whom produced the track.
"Start It Up" is the third single from Lloyd Banks' third album H.F.M. 2 . The song features Swizz Beatz, Kanye West, Ryan Leslie & Fabolous, it was produced by Cardiak. The song was released as a digital download on November 2, 2010.
Shante Scott Franklin, better known by his stage name Currensy is an American rapper, songwriter, entrepreneur, and record executive. He was one of the original members of Young Money Entertainment, a label founded by fellow New Orleans rapper Lil Wayne. In 2011, Franklin founded the label Jet Life Recordings.
Ruff Ryders: Past, Present, Future is the fifth compilation album from American hip hop record label Ruff Ryders Entertainment, released on November 21, 2011.
Undisputed is the seventh studio album by American rapper DMX and the last to be released during his lifetime. It was released on September 11, 2012 on Seven Arts Music.
"Get It on the Floor" is a song by American hip hop recording artist DMX, released as the second single from his fifth album Grand Champ (2003). The song features vocals and production from longtime collaborator, American record producer Swizz Beatz. The song peaked at No. 57 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, No. 43 on the German Singles Chart and No. 34 on the UK Singles Chart.
Ruff Ryders is a hip hop collective and record label founded by Joaquin "Waah" Dean, Darin "Dee" Dean and Chivon Dean, uncles and aunt of producer Swizz Beatz. It operated as a subsidiary of Universal, and distributed by Fontana Distribution.
"Murder to Excellence" is a song by American rappers Kanye West and Jay Z, from their collaborative album Watch the Throne (2011). It samples "La La La" by Indiggo Twins and "Celie Shaves Mr./Scarification" by Quincy Jones. The song features additional vocals from Kid Cudi. The song was nominated for Impact Track at the 2012 Bet Hip Hop Awards.
