DMX - Transparent Pain
Like everyone else on the planet, hearing the news of DMX’s passing was sad, yet not totally unexpected. Being a successful entertainer, your entire life becomes social media content day in and day out. For the past week, prayers have been posted publicly with optimism for a full recovery, unfortunately it was just not to be. When Fusion and Co. reached out and asked if I planned on writing anything on the subject, I quickly responded no. Not for any other reason than thinking what could I possibly say that isn't being said as we speak. Its seemingly impossible to grow up in Hip Hop, especially during that era, and not be a fan of X, an artist that was fully transparent from day one. The uncanny ability to mix pain, pleasure, and prayer into a clear masterpiece all in a matter of three and a half minutes at a time, is nothing short of artistic genius. Diving deeper into the subject and past all the initial RIPs, lies an incredible teachable moment.
My entire timeline at the moment is all DMX, but what really stands out are those that are sharing intimate stories of how this individual effected their lives. I started noticing stories from a variety of age, race, sex, and professional backgrounds, all posting a picture of them with DMX. Most of these posts are over a decade old, and a glimpse into the early life of many who went on to be very successful at their respected careers, however at that moment in time, they were nothing more than a fan. And X took the time to pass on that positive energy to a complete stranger, even if it was no more than a second to do so. What really stood out was, that looking at all these picture’s people are posting, it’s a haunting look at one person over a period of time who clearly was going through turbulent times. Each picture was a snap shot of one man’s life playing out before us like a tragic movie.
Great musicians over time have used this artform to share with the world their demons. The fact we all have them is what makes us resonate to them and feel like we have a bond with a certain artist. We feel that we have the same struggle, that they are speaking directly to us, and can ultimately show us the way past it. Unfortunately, the greater the pain, the greater the battle. Addiction is one of the toughest battles I have ever seen anyone have to face. I know it all too well, sipping my 3rd, 4th, and probably 5th drink while I write this, all the while telling myself I have it under control. I believe many of you reading this right now has someone in your life battling it in one way or another, if it’s not you personally. The ugly part is the denial. Pretending it doesn’t exist, lying to yourself in the mirror. It takes a level of courage not many have been able to achieve, to face the truth, let alone share it with anyone close. Now imagine sharing this with the world. Pouring it out on every song and every performance. We watched this play out with X. Ayo, I'm slippin, I'm falling, I can't get up. Every record was a window into his struggle and even ending the song with a prayer hoping it got better.
I believe great artists and even greater individuals as a whole, who have the ability to speak honestly to the masses and let their lives be an open book despite criticism, ridicule, and social media public opinion, are owed a debt. A debt of gratitude that goes past posting a pic and an RIP. We owe it them to try and live our lives a little bit better. To try and be a better person and pay it forward. Pass the positive energy on to someone else who may need it. If a superstar can stop and make a stranger's day just a little bit brighter, knowing the dark inside them wants to be let out, then why can't we. DMX gave us the blueprint on how to be vulnerable. Only with self-reflection and honesty can we provide a greater service to the world around us. And for that, we Thank you Earl “DMX” Simmons.
“Be careful of the ones that always wanna get you high/ Cause when the time comes, that one'll let you die.”
By; ScottyJewlz