Throwback Thursday: DMX – “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem”
As the world continues to pray for DMX, who suffered a heart attack six days ago and is still in a coma, there is no better time to honor this hip-hop legend.
“Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” was the third single from the rapper’s debut album, It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot. Produced and co-written by Swizz Beatz, DMX supposedly rejected it at first, saying that it sounded too much like a rock song — and in a way, he was right. And whether or not it was intended, DMX maintained a kind of appeal that is unique to rock stars — moderately successful singles, but hugely successful albums and live shows.
Given how much of a classic it has become, it’s hard to grasp that “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” only peaked at No. 93 on the Billboard Hot 100. But as I have mentioned in other posts, the charts don’t always tell the full story.
Join me in celebrating DMX and this iconic song!
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