E.A.R.L.: The Autobiography of DMX

by Smokey D. Fontaine and Earl Simmons

Book Overview

Raised in the ghetto, abandoned as a child, addicted to drugs and women all his life but still able to produce four consecutive #1 hip-hop albums in a row...this is the life and times of the darkest and most dangerously introspective hip-hop artist ever--at the height of his career and completely uncensored

His real name is Earl Simmons. As a child he placed higher on tests than his fellow students, and liked to spend mornings...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060934034
• ISBN13: 9780060934033
• Release Date: October 2003
• Publisher: It Books
• Length: 346 Pages
• Weight: 1.08 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Yep Yep!

DMX spits fire in all his raps! This is one of the realist ni & ^ & 's in the industry. He could do it all. He could rap act and write. One love to DMX for life

A story of the complexities of the American experience....

This book is a story that demonstrates the complexity of the human experience. It provides an insightful and attention-grabbing look into the innerworkings of the American urban experience, highlighting the impact of poverty, unemployment, hopelessness, failure and also perseverence, vision, triumph and success.I decided to read this book because I saw an interview with DMX that revealed an interesting person who was a loyal and devoted husband and father, a man with depth and a unique message to tell.While I think the substance of this book is definitely of 5 star calibre, the overall delivery (particularly the language), does not reflect the highly articulate personality that I saw when DMX was interviewed. On the one hand I can understand that the "keep it real" language was used in order to engage readers that may not normally read on a regular basis, I feel like this strategy has some shortcomings. DMX's story deserves to be heard by many and I feel that some readers may be turned off by the language in the book. In the middle of the book, I was tempted to discontinue reading, having reached the point of saturation with regard to the same old four letter words, hyphenated expletives, etc. However, I continued through and was rewarded by the poetic, powerful and thought-provoking ending of the book.So, that said, I say read this book and digest the fruits of this satisfying life story (and the accompanying lyrics). I hope that more such stories get told and if you are left feeling angry about some of the things that are done to DMX (and that he does as well) and frustrated by the shortfalls of the American experience/dream for many young Americans, suggest the book to a friend.I hope you find this commentary useful ;).....

E.A.R.L.- Ever Always Real Life

This book was one of the best books that I have ever read, and I am a very avid reader. Most autobiographies read like television documentaries and tend to leave out a lot of stuff. DMX keeps it as raw as could be. Starting out talking about how he constantly still has nightmares,Earl takes us on a journey through Yonkers where he grew up without a father and a mother who didn't care. Growing up people always referred to him as Crazy Earl and problem child, and he made it true for them. Resorting to robbing and stealing, Earl began his incarceration at the age of 10. Going from groups homes to the hole, he found lyrics to help ease all of the pain that he suffered. The only solace in his life came when he found his wife, Tashera, and then he was shown unconditional love. She stuck by his side through his drug addiction and was there for him when he got beaten up so badly his jaws were wired shut for four months. This book is a must read for young boys who think that they want to live a street life. This could also be an eye-opener for a lot of adults who don't understand rappers and "hoodlems. Most of these people don't chose this lifestyle, it chooses them and they have to live with it. In the words of DMX, "To live is to suffer, but to survive, well, that's to find meaning in the suffering".

Autobiography of X: Get at it DOG!!!

Just finished the book and man is it deep. X is one of a kind. It's his soul expressed to us in a book. I went back and started watching his old videos and noticed that the book mirrored some of them (Slippin). The guy is off the chain. Brings back memories of when i first heard 'Get At Me Dog' but what makes it great is learning how long and what it took for him to get there. You gotta pickup this book.

For true DMX fans

Have you ever wondered about the rage, passion, and intensity of DMX, well this book will answer all your questions and more. I read this book cover to cover in one day--then I read it again! This book is full of ups and downs, slips and falls, and enough sruggle to make you look at your own life and try and find answers to the questions that have always been in the back of your mind. Read this book you will not be disappointed.