The Definition of X: The Pick of the Litter [Clean]

Performer: DMX
Engineer: Chris Theis; Dragan "Chach" Cacinovic; Justice Johnson; Adam Gazzola; Rich Keller
Producer: DJ Scratch; Swizz Beatz; DJ Shok; Melvin "Hip" Armstead; Irv Gotti; DJ Scratch; Swizz Beatz; DJ Shok; Shatek King; Black Key
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: Personnel: Clifford Branch (keyboards); Lovey Ford, Schamika Grant (background vocals). Audio Mixers: Dragan "Chach" Cacinovic; Rich Keller; Tony Smalios. Recording information: Allen Flyers, New York, NY; Chaton Studios, Phoenix, AZ; Chung King, New York, NY; Enterprise studios, Burbank, CA; Hit Factory, New York, NY; New Horizon Sounds Studio, Inc., Capital Heights, MD; Power House Studios, New York, NY; Powerhouse Studios, Yonkers, NY; Quad Studios, New York, NY; Soundstracks Studios, New York, NY; The Hit Factory Criteria, Miami, FL. Photographer: Mark Mann. Nearly a decade after he hit the scene hard with his debut, IT'S DARK AND HELL IS HOT, and went on to conquer the hip-hop industry and become one of the highest-selling artists of all-time, the Yonkers native known as DMX brings 18 of his hottest recordings together on one CD for THE DEFINITION OF X: PICK OF THE LITTER. This greatest-hits collection features the tracks that achieved anthem status, including the street bangers as well as the radio joints. From the timeless energy of "Ruff Ryders' Anthem" and "Get At Me Dog" to the R&B-infused intensity of "What These Bitches Want" to the high-volume vigor of "What's My Name" and "We Right Here," THE DEFINITION OF X is truly the definitive DMX collection. Sheek Louch, Jay-Z, Swizz Beatz, the Lox, and Sisqo are also featured. DMX's first five albums, from 1998's It's Dark and Hell Is Hot through 2003's Grand Champ, debuted at the top of the Billboard album chart. Though none of the releases is an undeniable classic, the accomplishment is lost in all the drama of DMX's life. It's also remarkable that, during these years, the MC racked up enough charting singles that a thorough compilation of them would bleed over to a second disc. This is, after all, one of the most unique artists in music -- rap or otherwise -- and much of the uniqueness comes down to an intensity level (with incisive, highly mechanized productions to match) that did not make many concessions to the mainstream. His first compilation, The Definition of X: Pick of the Litter, contains all but five of the charting singles predating Year of the Dog...Again, sticking to necessary material for the casual fan: the rallying calls ("Ruff Ryders' Anthem," "Get at Me Dog," "What's My Name"), the venomous rants ("What These Bitches Want," "We Right Here"), and even a couple choice album cuts that stood no chance on radio (like "Blackout," with Jay-Z and the LOX). The title of this disc is wholly appropriate. Those hungry for more can get more than they could possibly need with any one of the first three albums. [A clean edition of the album was also released.] ~ Andy Kellman

Like pop stars in the days of yore, late-1990s hip-hop icon DMX has made his mark both as a recording artist and as an actor. His charisma and intensity serve him as well on screen as they do on record, and he has appeared in such popular films as ROMEO MUST DIE and EXIT WOUNDS. Musically, the artist formerly known as Earl Simmons employs rough-edged lyrics and a spitfire delivery that make him seem like a sonic force of nature. Like any hardcore rapper worth his salt, DMX has had his brushes with the law, but he's never let legal difficulties stand in the way of his career.

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