Why DMX May Have Been Def Jam’s Most Important Artist

On episode 42 of Ambrosia For Heads' What's The Headline podcast, we celebrate the life, legacy and legend of DMX:  0:00​ Intro 1:02​ The times we met DMX and stood in his presence 14:30​ Why DMX wanted to be a fireman when he was growing up 16:05​ The life lessons DMX learned from dogs 21:15​ DMX’s start in Hip-Hop was as a beatboxer, not a rapper 22:35​ DMX toiled for nearly 10 years before he got his big break 30:45​ DMX’s jaw was wired shut when he auditioned for Def Jam 32:06​ Puff Daddy passed on signing DMX to Bad Boy 33:35​ Irv Gotti’s impact on DMX’s career 36:46​ DMX makes history with his first 2 albums 38:35​ DMX made Flesh of my Flesh, Blood of My Blood in 30 days for a million dollar bet 41:05​ Why DMX punched Def Jam’s Chris Lighty in the face 43:07​ DMX solidified Def Jam’s place in music before its sale 45:55​ DMX did not want to do Ruff Ryders Anthem 49:33​ Why DMX, Jay-Z and Ja Rule’s Murder Inc. album did not happen 58:20​ The brotherhood between Swizz Beatz and DMX 1:03:05​ Standout songs from DMX 1:08:25​ DMX’s sonic connection to EPMD 1:13:20​ DMX the movie star 1:15:51​ The cypher between DMX, Big Pun, Canibus, John Forte, Mic Geronimo and Mos Def 1:17:49​ DMX tore down the stage at Woodstock ’99 1:20:19​ DMX gives a fan the experience of a lifetime for her first concert 1:21:58​ DMX Verzuz Snoop gave X his flowers when he was still with us 1:24:55​ DMX’s heart stopped for 4 minutes in 2016 1:25:25​ Spiritual quotes from DMX 1:27:03​ The list of artists DMX says will be on his upcoming album