What Happened Between Jay-Z and DMX? Are Jay-Z and DMX Friends?
by Ruksana
Updated Dec 30, 2023
What Happened Between Jay-Z and DMX?
In the early 1990s, Jay-Z and DMX, two prominent rappers, had a rocky relationship that originated from a rap battle in the Bronx. Despite collaborating on the track "Money, Cash, H*es" in 1998 and forming the supergroup Murder Inc., their competitive spirit led to a feud.
Their rivalry intensified during their commercial peak in the late 1990s and early 2000s. A significant moment in their feud occurred during a rap battle at a pool hall, where tensions escalated, and both sides started pulling out guns. This incident marked the beginning of their longstanding and publicized rivalry.
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Are Jay-Z and DMX Friends?
Jay-Z and DMX were not friends, and their relationship was marked by rivalry and competition. Despite collaborating on music and forming Murder Inc. together, their feud began with a draw in a Bronx rap battle in the early 1990s. The rivalry continued during their commercial peaks in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Record executive Dame Dash, who co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records with Jay-Z, revealed in an interview how he might have played a part in the legendary battle between Jay-Z and DMX. The competitive spirit and animosity between their groups eventually led to a tense moment at a pool hall, further fueling their longstanding feud.
Who is Jay-Z?
Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Corey Carter, is an American rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur. Born on December 4, 1969, in Brooklyn, New York City, he grew up in Marcy Houses, a public housing project. Despite facing challenges in his early life, including involvement in selling crack cocaine, Jay-Z found his passion for music.
He co-founded the record label Roc-A-Fella Records in 1994 and released his debut studio album, "Reasonable Doubt," in 1996. Jay-Z went on to achieve critical acclaim and commercial success with numerous albums, including "The Blueprint," "The Black Album," and "4:44." He is known for his influence in the hip-hop industry, business ventures, and philanthropy.
Full Name
Shawn Corey Carter
Date of Birth
December 4, 1969
Age
54
Birthplace
Brooklyn, New York City
Occupation
Rapper, Record Producer, Entrepreneur
Years Active
1986–present
Spouse
Beyoncé (married in 2008)
Children
3, including Blue Ivy
Awards
24 Grammy Awards
Business Ventures
Roc Nation, Rocawear, 40/40 Club, Tidal
Net Worth (2023)
US$2.5 billion
Jay-Z Early Life
Born on December 4, 1969, in Brooklyn, New York City, Jay-Z's early life was marked by challenges. Raised in Marcy Houses, a public housing project, he faced the absence of his father and was raised by his mother, Gloria Carter. In 1982, at the age of 12, Jay-Z claimed in his lyrics that he shot his older brother in the shoulder for stealing his jewelry.
Despite attending several high schools in Brooklyn and Trenton, New Jersey, Jay-Z dropped out during his sophomore year. His involvement in selling crack cocaine and encounters with violence during this period shaped his early life.
Jay-Z Career
Jay-Z's musical career began in the late 1980s, and he co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records in 1994. Despite facing challenges securing a major label deal, he released his debut album, "Reasonable Doubt," in 1996, gaining critical praise. Subsequent albums like "Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life" and "The Blueprint" solidified his commercial success.
Jay-Z's career included collaborations, business ventures, and notable achievements, such as being the first hip-hop billionaire in 2019. Despite announcing retirement in 2003, he returned with successful albums like "4:44" and joint projects like "Everything Is Love" with Beyoncé. His impact on the music industry and business world has established him as a influential figure.
Who is DMX?
DMX, whose real name is Earl Simmons, was an influential American rapper and actor born on December 18, 1970, in Mount Vernon, New York. He passed away on April 9, 2021, in White Plains, New York, at the age of 50. Known professionally as DMX, he earned a reputation as one of the key figures in 2000s hip hop.
His music was characterized by an aggressive rapping style, encompassing themes ranging from hardcore subjects to prayers. DMX began his rap journey in the early 1990s and achieved significant success with his debut album, "It's Dark and Hell Is Hot," released in 1998. He became the first artist to debut an album at No.1 five times in a row on the Billboard 200 charts, showcasing his immense impact on the rap scene. Throughout his career, DMX sold over 74 million records worldwide and made notable contributions to both music and film.
Birth Name
Earl Simmons
Born
December 18, 1970, Mount Vernon, NY, U.S.
Died
April 9, 2021, White Plains, NY, U.S.
Occupations
Rapper, Songwriter, Actor
Years Active
1985–2021
Spouse
Tashera Simmons (m. 1999; div. 2014)
Children
17
Genres
Hip Hop, Hardcore Hip Hop, Christian Hip Hop
Labels
Def Jam, Ruff Ryders, Columbia, Bloodline, Cleopatra
Website
dmx.store
DMX Early Life
Earl Simmons, aka DMX, was born on December 18, 1970, in Mount Vernon, New York. His parents, Arnett Simmons and Joe Barker, were 19 and 18 years old, respectively. Raised as a Jehovah's Witness, DMX faced challenges early in life, suffering from physical violence from his mother and being diagnosed with bronchial asthma.
His troubled childhood led to expulsion from middle school at the age of ten, and he spent time in a group home. After disassociating from his religious upbringing, DMX began a tumultuous journey that included periods of homelessness, carjacking, and other struggles.
DMX Career
DMX's career kicked off in 1985 when he started beatboxing for a local rapper named Ready Ron. After a prison stint, he delved into writing his own lyrics and developed a unique style. In 1991, he signed with Ruff Ryders Entertainment and Columbia Records, releasing his debut single "Born Loser" in 1993. His major breakthrough came with the release of "It's Dark and Hell Is Hot" in 1998, which debuted at No.1 on the Billboard 200.
DMX continued his success with consecutive No.1 albums, including "...And Then There Was X" (1999). His career saw ups and downs, marked by legal issues, label changes, and personal challenges. Despite these hurdles, DMX's impact on hip hop remained profound, making him a legendary figure in the genre.
What Happened Between Jay-Z and DMX: FAQs
The rivalry between Jay-Z and DMX originated from a Bronx rap battle in the early 1990s, escalating due to their competitive spirit.
Tensions escalated during a rap battle at a pool hall, leading to a dangerous situation where both sides pulled out guns.
No, Jay-Z and DMX were not friends; their relationship was marked by rivalry and competition, starting with a Bronx rap battle.
Jay-Z was born in Brooklyn, New York City.
DMX, was passed away on April 9, 2021.