| Undisputed | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | September 11, 2012 | |||
| Recorded | November 2009–January 2012 | |||
| Studio |
| |||
| Length | 54:41 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Producer |
| |||
| DMX chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from Undisputed | ||||
| ||||
Undisputed is the seventh studio album by American rapper DMX, his first studio album in six years since Year of the Dog... Again (2006) and the last to be released during his lifetime. It was released on September 11, 2012, on Seven Arts Music. [1]
On October 11, 2011, DMX performed at the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards. He stated that he has been working "nonstop, every day" on the new album, and plans to release it before December 2012. [2] During a performance at New York City's Santos Party House on December 25, 2011, DMX stated that the new album will be entitled Undisputed and would be released on March 26, 2012. This was later confirmed by DMX via his official Twitter account, where he also confirmed that its first single is scheduled for release in January 2012. A video for a new track entitled "Last Hope" was released via the Internet on September 24, 2011. This was later released on his The Weigh In EP and omitted from the final release of Undisputed.
Seven Arts Entertainment Inc. recently purchased by David Michery music assets, which included some of DMX's music. DMX's had announced that Undisputed will be released on March 27, 2012. [3] However it was later revealed that DMX did not plan to release the album on that date, and that date was one forced upon him by the record label. The release date for the album was set for June 26, 2012. However, DMX announced in Detroit, Michigan on June 9, 2012, that due to the record label, the date will be pushed back again. [4] It was then scheduled for release on August 28, 2012. Later, an official press release from the label pushed the back date to September 11, 2012. He donated the album's first week sales to the victims of the September 11 attacks. The album features only one male guest appearance by rapper Machine Gun Kelly. The album was also supposed to feature Sean Kingston, Tyrese Gibson and Busta Rhymes, but none of these artists were featured in the final cut. [5]
On May 15, 2012, DMX and Dame Grease released a pre-album EP which would be free for download, called The Weigh-In featuring artists such as Snoop Dogg, Big Stan, and Tyrese. It also featured production from West Coast rapper and producer Dr. Dre. [6] Promoting his album, DMX announced the Undisputed Tour, with 15 concerts, across the United States throughout June and early July 2012. [7]
On January 6, 2012, DMX performed live the first single of the album, "I Don't Dance" featuring MGK in Long Beach. [8] It was released on iTunes on April 7, 2012. [9] DMX shot a video for the song, also featuring MGK. He also released a behind-the-scenes video. [10] The official video premiered on MTV Jams on June 23, 2012, and was later uploaded to his YouTube account. Xzibit made a cameo appearance.[ citation needed ] DMX released the second single, "Head Up", on September 4, 2012. [11]
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [12] |
| RapReviews | 6/10 [13] |
| The Versed |  [14] |
| XXL | [15] |
Upon its release, Undisputed received generally mixed reviews from music critics. Christopher Minaya of XXL said, "X provides more bark than bite this go-around, as he often leaves listeners yearning for more lyrically while the selection of beats is open to discussion as many are up to snuff at best. Peaking so early in his career was a gift to his legacy but a curse to his longevity. As a result, fans understandably expect another "Party Up (Up In Here)," yet "I Don't Dance" is simply not that. Undisputed exhibits little of X's impressive illustration but renews the high level of passion and energy he excels at relaying to listeners. X has been staying out of trouble, making it to shows and has improved his raps since The Weigh In, a trend one can only wish continues." [16] In a mixed review Ken Capobianco writing for the Boston Globe stated, "on his comeback after years of career self-destruction, he doesn’t come close to recapturing the intensity and glorious contradictions of his best work. Despite some excellent beats from some of his Ruff Ryder heyday producers including Swizz Beatz, the MC struggles to tap into the menacing, confrontational bark that made him a star." [17]
Pete T of RapReviews said, "the at-times triumphant return Undisputed wears many hats and dons most of them admirably. Here you'll find his trademark street anthems replete with horns and barking, desolate monologues toward a silent God, and endless exploration of a chronically conflicted character. He doesn't break much new ground, nor does he lend the sense that he's forcibly trying to reclaim past glory. Upon hearing the opener "What They Don't Know," an archetypal Swizz Beatz jam that stands among the best the duo ever concocted, it's almost impossible not to proclaim the return of the dog." [13] Huffington Post labeled DMX as past his prime, but also said "The production on Undisputed is respectable with Swizz Beatz, J.R. Rotem, Dame Grease and Tronzilla laying down the tracks, but their efforts don't help the overall quality. Surprisingly, the most enjoyable songs aren't the hardcore ones. Instead, it's the R&B-flavored "Cold World" and "No Love"." [18]
Rap Radar named it the fifth most disappointing album of 2012. [19] Colton S. of TheVersed stated, "Overall, Undisputed, is an admirable effort from one of hip hop’s most esteemed, important, and interesting artists. As strange as it sounds, DMX is at his best here when he holds himself back a little and opens up about his personal struggles. Unfortunately, he only does that on a small handful tracks. Throughout the rest of the project we get some interesting, yet technically deficient religious songs, and some misguided attempts at some of the high-energy party anthems he became famous for." [14]
Undisputed debuted at number 19 on the US Billboard 200, selling 17,000 copies, [20] while making it to number two in Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. [21]
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Lookin' Without Seein'" (Intro) |
| Elite | 0:50 |
| 2. | "What They Don't Know" |
| Swizz Beatz | 3:42 |
| 3. | "Cold World" (featuring Andreena Mill) |
|
| 4:04 |
| 4. | "I Don't Dance" (featuring MGK) |
| Rotem | 3:27 |
| 5. | "Sucka for Love" (featuring Dani Stevenson) |
| Deezle | 4:10 |
| 6. | "I Get Scared" (featuring Rachel Taylor) |
| Dame Grease | 3:54 |
| 7. | "Slippin' Again" |
| Bird | 3:47 |
| 8. | "Prayer" (Skit) | Simmons | X | 1:42 |
| 9. | "I'm Back" |
| Bird | 2:33 |
| 10. | "Have You Eva" |
| Dame Grease | 3:44 |
| 11. | "Get Your Money Up" | Simmons | Snaggs | 2:21 |
| 12. | "Head Up" |
| Tronzilla | 4:31 |
| 13. | "Frankenstein" |
|
| 2:34 |
| 14. | "Ya'll Don't Really Know" |
| Swizz Beatz | 2:38 |
| 15. | "I Got Your Back" (featuring Kashmir) |
|
| 3:15 |
| 16. | "No Love" (featuring Andreena Mill) |
|
| 3:20 |
| 17. | "Already" |
| Divine Bars | 3:59 |
| Total length: | 54:41 | |||
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18. | "Fire" (featuring Kashmir) |
| Dame Grease | 3:13 |
| 19. | "Fuck U Bitch" | Simmons | Elite | 2:59 |
| 20. | "Love That Bitch" |
| Divine Bars | 3:20 |
Notes
Sample credits
Credits for Undisputed adapted from Allmusic. [22]
| Chart (2012) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard 200 [23] | 19 |
| US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard) [24] | 2 |
Earl Simmons, known professionally as DMX, was an American rapper and actor. He is regarded as one of the most important figures of 2000s hip hop. His music is characterized by his "aggressive" rapping style, with his lyrical content varying from hardcore themes to prayers.
Barry Adrian Reese, better known by his stage name Cassidy, is an American rapper from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He first garnered attention for his freestyles and competitions as a battle rapper in the late 1990s, soon forming the Philadelphia-based hip hop collective Larsiny Family by the end of the decade. American record producer Swizz Beatz discovered the group in 2000 and signed Cassidy to his newly-established label Full Surface Records, an imprint of Ruff Ryders Entertainment through a joint venture with J Records. He adopted a commercially-oriented approach for his debut singles "Hotel" and "Get No Better" ; the latter peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 while both preceded the release of his debut studio album Split Personality (2004).
Kasseem Daoud Dean, known professionally as Swizz Beatz, is an American record producer, rapper, disc jockey (DJ), and songwriter. Born and raised in the Bronx borough of New York City, Dean initially embarked on his musical career as a DJ. At the age of eighteen, he gained recognition in the music industry through his family's record label Ruff Ryders Entertainment; as well as his close affiliation with the label's flagship artist, Yonkers-based rapper DMX. Working with DMX as his producer, DJ, and hype man helped Dean gain prominence as a high-profile personality in hip hop in the following years.
It's Dark and Hell Is Hot is the debut album by American rapper DMX. It was released on May 19, 1998, by Def Jam Recordings and Ruff Ryders Entertainment. 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.
Money, Power & Respect is the debut album by hip hop group The Lox. It was released on January 13, 1998, through Bad Boy Records and featured production from the Hitmen, Dame Grease and Swizz Beatz. The album found huge success, peaking at number three on the US Billboard 200 and number one on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, and spawned two charting singles, "Money, Power & Respect" and "If You Think I'm Jiggy". In 2008, the title track was ranked number 53 on Vh1's 100 Greatest Songs of Hip Hop.
Year of the Dog... Again is the sixth studio album by American rapper DMX. It was released on August 1, 2006 by Ruff Ryders Entertainment, Sony Urban Music and Columbia Records. The album was mostly produced by Swizz Beatz, Scott Storch, with additional production by others. It features guest appearances from Busta Rhymes, Styles P, Amerie, and Jadakiss.
"Money, Cash, Hoes" is a song by American rapper Jay-Z as the third single from his third album Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life (1998). It was released on December 18, 1998. While the album version features a guest verse from rapper DMX, the remix features fellow rappers and Roc-A-Fella Records artists Memphis Bleek and Beanie Sigel with production by Swizz Beatz. Its beat features a sample of "Theme of Thief" from the 1989 Sega game "Golden Axe". Producer Swizz Beatz stated that the glissando sounds were made by him sliding his hand across a keyboard, originally as a joke. The remix version is featured on the soundtrack to the movie The Corruptor. The music video for the remix version of the track is intertwined with clips from The Corruptor as well. In the end of the track, Pain in Da Ass talks, recreating dialogue from the film Goodfellas.
"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, the song was ranked at number 79 on VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of Hip Hop. In the US, upon the song's initial release it 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.
Only on the Left Side is the tenth solo studio album by American rapper Daz Dillinger. It was released on August 12, 2008, through D.P.G. Recordz/Fontana Distribution, while had been initially scheduled for an April or May release. Production was handled by Ivan Johnson, Soopafly, Lil' Ronnie, Salam Wreck, Swizz Beatz, and Daz himself, who also served as executive producer. It features guest appearances from Keak da Sneak, Krayzie Bone, Kurupt, Manish Man, Nicole Wray, Obie Trice, Snoop Dogg, Soopafly, Swizz Beatz, Tyrese and Big Von. The album peaked at number 38 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, number 17 on the Top Rap Albums and number 46 on the Independent Albums charts in the United States with 2,132 copies sold in its first week. It was preceded by the only single "Dip Drop Stop Dip".
"Fancy" is a song by Canadian rapper Drake, from his debut album, Thank Me Later. The song features vocals from American rapper T.I. and producer Swizz Beatz, the latter of whom also co-produced the track alongside Noah "40" Shebib. The song was released to US radio stations on August 3, 2010, as the album's fourth official single, however promotion of the track ended earlier than expected due to Drake's uncertainty towards the song's planned music video and promotion.
Lace Up is the debut studio album by American rapper Machine Gun Kelly. It was released on October 9, 2012, by Bad Boy Records and Interscope Records. Puff Daddy, who served as the executive producer on the album, enlisted the guest appearances from Cassie, DMX, Planet VI and Avenged Sevenfold; as well as the production that was provided by Alex da Kid, JP Did This 1 and J.R. Rotem, among others. The album was supported by four singles: "Wild Boy" featuring Waka Flocka Flame, "Invincible" featuring Ester Dean, and "Hold On " featuring Young Jeezy, along with a promotional single, "Stereo" featuring Alex Fitts.
Student of the Game is the sixth studio album by American hip hop recording artist N.O.R.E.. The album was released on April 16, 2013, under Militainment Business, Conglomerate and E1 Music. The album features guest appearances from French Montana, 2 Chainz, Lil Wayne, Pusha T, Pharrell, Pete Rock, Havoc, Jeremih, Mick Jones, Large Professor, Swizz Beatz, Raekwon, Tech N9ne, Busta Rhymes and Scarface among others.
Welcome to: Our House is the second and final studio album by hip hop supergroup Slaughterhouse, consisting of Crooked I, Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz and Royce da 5'9". The album was released on August 28, 2012 via Shady Records and Interscope Records. This would also be their only major label album before disbanding on April 26, 2018.
H.F.M. 2 is the third studio album by American rapper Lloyd Banks, released on November 22, 2010 through G-Unit Records and EMI.
Redemption of the Beast is the sixth compilation album by American rapper DMX. It was released by Seven Arts Music on January 13, 2015. It is composed of unreleased DMX songs, however the album was not authorized by DMX to be released.
Ruff Ryders Entertainment is an American hip hop record label and management company founded by siblings and record executives Joaquin "Waah", Darin "Dee" and Chivon Dean. It operated as a subsidiary of Universal, and distributed by Interscope Records, with Def Jam Recordings serving as the distributor for DMX albums. The label went on to launch the careers of several successful artists such as DMX, Drag-On and the Deans' nephew, Swizz Beatz, among others. The Ruff Ryders namesake also referred to a loose-knit hip hop collective composed of the core signees of the label. The collective's de facto leader was the label’s flagship artist DMX. Ruff Ryders and its main studio Powerhouse Studios are headquartered at 33 South Broadway in Yonkers, New York.
Poison is the second studio album by American rapper and producer Swizz Beatz, released on November 2, 2018 by Epic Records. It is Beatz' first album as a lead artist since his 2007 album One Man Band Man. Poison features collaborations with Nas, Lil Wayne, Kendrick Lamar, and Young Thug, among others. The music video for the song "Pistol on My Side (P.O.M.S.)", featuring Lil Wayne and keyboards by Alicia Keys, was released on September 14, 2018. The single "25 Soldiers" was released on October 3, 2018.
The Lost Tapes 2 is a compilation album by American rapper Nas, released on July 19, 2019 by Mass Appeal Records and Def Jam Recordings. It is the sequel to the compilation album The Lost Tapes, released in 2002. The Lost Tapes 2 features unreleased tracks from Nas’ last four studio albums: Hip Hop Is Dead (2006), Untitled (2008), Life Is Good (2012) and the album scrapped in favor of Nasir (2018). It includes production from producers such as RZA, Swizz Beatz, Pharrell Williams, Kanye West, No I.D., Pete Rock and The Alchemist, among others.
Exodus is the eighth and final studio album by American rapper DMX. It was released on May 28, 2021, through Def Jam Recordings. It is DMX's first studio album in nine years since Undisputed (2012), and is also his only posthumous project released. The album's track "Bath Salts" featuring Jay-Z and Nas was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Song.
"Kant Nobody" is a song by American rapper Lil Wayne, released on February 23, 2023. The song, which features sampled vocals from late fellow American rapper DMX, was produced by Swizz Beatz and Avenue Beatz. It was included on Lil Wayne's first greatest hits album I Am Music.
