DMX: It's Dark And Hell Is Hot (1998). The Dark Man Cometh

<p>B. Cox and J. Owe review <strong>DMX</strong>&#39;s classic debut album <em>It&#39;s Dark And Hell It&#39;s Hot </em>as it turns 25. After spending years in the underground and paying his dues on the scene, the late Yonkers emcee burst onto the public scene in 1997 with a string of high profile and powerful feature verses for the likes of <strong>LL Cool J, the LOX and Ma$e</strong>. Signed to Def Jam as a part of their &#34;revival&#34;, he sought to bring a street edge back to hip-hop, which was trending fully into the commercial and corporate era.</p><p>Produced mostly by <strong>Dame Grease</strong>, but assited by the likes of <strong>Irv Gotti, PK, Swizz Beatz and Waah</strong>, the album featured dark and menacing production that was also featured anthem worthy music. Lyrically, DMX provided us a glimpse into his soul; crafting a perfect kaleidoscope of his world: street and hardcore songs, party anthems, dark and menacing tracks, candid and introspective moments as well as the occasional dose of spirituality-which would be his hallmark. While not described as lyrically adept, this combination as well his superior flow, voice and command of his audience&#39;s emotions is what made him an instant success. It featured the likes of his Yonkers compatriots The LOX, Kasino, Ma$e, Faith Evans and Ruff Ryders emcee Drag-On.</p><p>The album feature four singles: &#34;Get At Me Dog&#34;,&#34;Stop Being Greedy&#34;, &#34;Ruff Ryders Anthem&#34; and &#34;How It&#39;s Going Down&#34; with all of them having the rare distinction of charting in the Billboard Top 100. The album was certified four times platinum and began an 18-month period where he stood on top of hip-hop as the biggest and most successful star in the game.</p><p><strong><u>Visit The Vault Classic Music Reviews Online</u></strong></p><p><a href="http://www.vaultclassicpod.com/" rel="nofollow">www.vaultclassicpod.com</a></p><p><strong>Buy Exclusive The Vault Podcast Merchandise!</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.vaultclassicpod.com/store" rel="nofollo