DMX: ‘The Industry’

DMX performing his spoken-word rap piece titled “The Industry” on Def Poetry Jam back in 2006.

Was DMX Talking about the Cabal? The Epstein files? Hollywood? The Elite?

In this raw, intense delivery, DMX unleashes a passionate critique of the music industry, exposing how record labels exploit artists by profiting from their talents while draining their very souls and humanity. He draws on biblical imagery and personal frustration to highlight the manipulative traps, broken promises, and dehumanizing pressures that come with fame and contracts.

Known for iconic tracks like “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem,” DMX channels his real-life struggles—including battles with addiction, repeated legal issues, and the systemic demands of the industry—into this stripped-down performance that feels both prophetic and deeply personal. The video clip attached to the post captures this memorable moment, which has resonated for years and amassed millions of views across platforms like YouTube.

Its lasting impact stems from how accurately it foreshadows ongoing conversations in hip-hop about unfair contracts, mental health challenges faced by artists, and the need for better protections and support.

DMX Death

Tragically, these themes hit even harder in light of DMX’s death in 2021 from complications related to a drug overdose, making the piece a poignant reminder of the human cost behind the glamour of the music business.

Rapper DMX, born Earl Simmons, tragically died on April 9, 2021, at age 50 following a drug overdose that triggered a fatal chain of events. On April 2, he suffered a cocaine-induced heart attack at his home, leading to cardiac arrest and prolonged lack of blood circulation to the brain, resulting in cerebral hypoxia and brain death. He was hospitalized in critical condition, placed on life support, and remained in a vegetative state until his family decided to remove support a week later.

Official reports from the Westchester County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed acute cocaine intoxication as the underlying cause, amid DMX’s long-publicized battle with crack cocaine addiction that began in his teens and included multiple rehab stints and prior overdoses. This heartbreaking loss highlighted the devastating consequences of substance abuse, even for a hip-hop icon known for his raw energy and resilience.

DMX (Earl Simmons) was a Christian—he became a born-again believer around 1998, openly expressed his faith in Jesus through prayers on nearly every album, led Bible studies, and aspired to become a pastor while serving as a deacon.

Despite his struggles with addiction and a turbulent life, he consistently described a deep personal relationship with God and read the Bible daily.

Jim Carrey Sacrificed His Career For Saying This